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ISS-64 crew takes the final preflight preparation stage

The full 64th long-term International Space Station Expedition crew will take joint training at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) as part of the preflight preparations for the launch scheduled for early October 2020. The ISS-64 crew includes Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and NASA astronaut Kathleen Rubins. Backup crew are Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Novitskiy, Pyotr Dubrov and NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei.

On July 20, 2020, before diving at the hydrolab cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov (having one spaceflight), Sergey Kud-Sverchkov (no spaceflights so far) have tested out the Orlan spacesuits. Next week, further hydrolab systems testing is planned with ISS-64 crewmembers taking part and performing typical spacewalking activities and specific tasks included in the extravehicular activity program.

According to the training schedule, Sergey Ryzhikov, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov will practice scientific experiments related to human in space research and space exploration technologies, as well as medical and biological experiments. The cosmonauts will attend lectures on Soyuz MS spacecraft systems as well as the Russian ISS segment.

Ryzhikov and Kud-Sverchkov will also take final test of the inflight meal. Roscosmos cosmonauts and NASA astronaut will test out the flight clothes they will wear while staying at the station.

NASA astronaut Kathleen Rubins is also busy with lectures, practical sessions and consultations on studying the Russian ISS segment, Soyuz MS spacecraft, its structure and layout, as well as communication and direction measurement system.