National Aeronautics and Space Administration

International Space Station

EXPEDITION 61began in October 2019 and ends in February 2020. This expedition will include research investigations focused on biology, Earth science, human research, physical sciences and 

technology development, providing the foundation for continuing human spaceflight beyond low-Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars. 

THE CREW:

During Expedition 61, crew members will make improvements to the Alpha 

Magnetic Spectrometer in an effort to extend its life and support its mission 

of looking for evidence of dark matter, they will provide input on how a vest 

designed to protect vital organs from radiation fits as they perform daily tasks, 

they will operate an exploration rover on Earth from space to test for future Lunar 

or Martian exploration and will work to understand cotton root systems to enable 

the development of cotton cultivars more robust in the face of drought and pests.

THE SCIENCE:

What are some 

investigations 

the crew is 

operating?

Born: Caribou, Maine

Interests: Skiing, hiking, running cycling, soccer and 

SCUBA diving

Spaceflights: First flight

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2OIErqd

Twitter: @Astro_Jessica

Jessica Meir (NASA) – Flight Engineer

[MISSION SUMMARY]

Born: Morgantown, West Virginia

Interests: Distance running, swimming, weightlifting 

and reading space and military history

Spaceflights: Exp. 60

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2Su7ESF

Twitter: @AstroDrewMorgan

Andrew Morgan (NASA) – Flight Engineer

Born: Paternò, Italy

Interests: Weight training, swimming, biking and running

Spaceflights: Exp. 36/37, Exp. 60

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2SuquJe

Twitter: @Astro_luca

Luca Parmitano (ESA) – Commander 

Born: Nevinnomyssk, Russia

Spaceflights: Exp. 25/26, Exp. 47/48 

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2UHhCCR

Oleg Skripochka (Roscosmos) – Flight Engineer

Born: Schelkovo, Russia

Spaceflights: Exp. 23/24, Exp. 39/40, Exp. 60

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2SLK4kq

Alexander Skvortsov (Roscosmos) – Flight Engineer

Born: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Interests: Backpacking, rock climbing, paddling and 

sailing

Spaceflights: Exp. 59/60

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2QCRHbX

Twitter: @Astro_Christina

Christina Koch (NASA) – Flight Engineer 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Houston, Texas 77058

www.nasa.gov

NP-2019-09-005-JSC

International

Space Station

Mission

Summary

■ AMS-02

Stars, planets and the molecules that make them are only about five 

percent of the total mass in the universe — the rest is either dark matter 

or dark energy, but no one has ever seen this material or been able 

to study it. What’s more, the big bang theory holds that the universe 

should be made of equal parts matter and antimatter, but scientists 

have never detected naturally occurring antimatter. The Alpha Magnetic 

Spectrometer - 02 (AMS-02) looks for evidence of these mysterious 

substances, along with very high-energy radiation coming from distant 

stars that could harm crew members traveling to Mars. 

AstroRad Vest

Comfort and Human Factors AstroRad Radiation Garment Evaluation 

(CHARGE) (AstroRad Vest) tests a special vest designed to protect 

astronauts from radiation caused by unpredictable solar particle events 

(SPEs). Astronauts will provide input on the garment as they wear it while 

performing daily tasks, including how easy it is to put on, how it fits and 

feels, and the range of motion it allows. Garment developers can use this 

input to improve design, and use of the vest may protect crew members 

on missions to the Moon and Mars.

ANALOG-1

Space is such a harsh place for humans and machines that future 

exploration of the solar system may likely involve sending robotic 

explorers to “test the waters” on uncharted planets before sending 

humans. The Investigation of the Use of an Advanced Human-Robotic 

Interface in Enhancing the Performance of Teleoperated Robotic Field 

Geology (ANALOG-1) technology project investigates how an astronaut on 

the space station can operate an exploration rover on a Moon-like terrain 

on Earth, collect rock/soil samples, and remotely investigate them – an 

analog scenario for future lunar or Martian exploration. 

Targeting Improved Cotton through Orbital Cultivation

It is estimated that more than 25 million tons of cotton are produced 

around the world each year. While the economic and personal benefits 

of cotton are well understood, the environmental impacts of cotton 

production are significant. It is estimated that producing one kilogram 

of cotton requires thousands of liters of water. Additionally, the intensive 

use of agricultural chemicals in cotton farming and production can have 

health impacts on workers and surrounding ecosystems. This experiment 

will improve the understanding of cotton root systems and associated 

gene expression that may enable the development of cotton cultivars to 

be more robust in the face of drought and pests.

AzTechSat-1

Inter-satellite communication is critical to human space exploration. The 

AzTechSat-1 primary focus is to conduct inter-satellite communication 

demonstrations between AzTechSat-1 and the Globalstar Satellite 

Constellation. These demonstrations will further mature this capability 

with potential applications for deep space SmallSat missions. 

AzTechSat-1 will accomplish this primary focus area by using two 

onboard communication systems - Globalstar STINGR modem and 

an UHF/VHF amateur band radio. The Globalstar STINGR modem has 

an embedded L-Band radio and a GPS, through which the modem's 

crosslink communication is a patch antenna. This is the first international 

collaboration program between NASA and the Mexican Space Agency. 

The Expedition 61 patch represents an exciting and dynamic time aboard the International Space 

Station as it constantly advances towards a limitless future in space. The overall patch view is 

from an approaching vehicle in pursuit of the space station. The sun is the most prominent, central 

element in the patch as the source of energy and life for the Earth, the station and our entire solar 

system. As the present focus of human spaceflight, the space station is centered in the emblem 

while barely eclipsing the sun with its tiny shadow, reminding of us that human exploration is a 

small part of our quest to understand the universe. Fifteen of the sun’s rays represent the 15 original 

partner members of the space station program, while the 16th ray represents an open invitation 

for continued collaboration with new partners. The four yellow rays form the cardinal directions of 

a compass, symbolizing the innate human drive to explore. The advancing terminator represents 

the dawn of a new day on Earth. The name ring appears to float through space and has no single 

orientation, emphasizing the variety of viewpoints assembled in an international crew unified under 

one mission. Nine rays extend beyond the name ring to represent the nine human missions that have 

braved exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, thus encouraging us to drive boundlessly out into our 

solar system. 

THE MISSION PATCH: