National Aeronautics and Space Administration

International Space Station

EXPEDITION 60began in June 2019 and ends in October 2019. This expedition will include researchinvestigations 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. 

Soyuz MS-12 Launch: March 14, 2019

THE CREW:

Soyuz MS-13 Launch: July 20, 2019

During Expedition 60, researchers will 3D print organ-like tissues 

in microgravity, examine the physical interactions of liquid, rocks 

and microorganisms, evaluate the creation of novel silica forms and 

structures, and analyze the spreading and penetration of a liquid on 

a porous surface.

THE SCIENCE:

What are some 

investigations 

the crew is 

operating?

Born: Schelkovo, Russia

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

Landing: February 2020

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

Aleksandr Skvortsov (Roscosmos) – Flight Engineer

[MISSION SUMMARY]

Born: Morgantown, West Virginia

Interests: Distance running, swimming, weight-lifting 

and reading space and military history

Spaceflights: First flight

Landing: Spring 2020 

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

Twitter: @AstroDrewMorgan

Drew Morgan (NASA) – Flight Engineer

Born: Paternò, Italy

Interests: Weight-training, swimming, biking and running

Spaceflights: Exp. 36/37

Landing: February 2020

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

Twitter: @Astro_luca

Luca Parmitano (ESA) – Flight Engineer

Born: Belleville, Kansas

Interests: Exercising, flying, snow skiing and scuba

Spaceflights: Soyuz MS-10, Exp. 59

Landing: September 2019 

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2Qz3qZ1

Twitter: @AstroHague

Nick Hague (NASA) – Flight Engineer

Born: Rybinsk, Russia

Spaceflights: Exp. 47/48, Soyuz MS-10, Exp. 59

Landing: September 2019

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

Alexey Ovchinin (Roscosmos) – Commander

Born: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Interests: Backpacking, rock climbing, paddling and 

sailing

Spaceflights: Exp. 59 

Landing: February 2020

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-2019-06-001-JSC

International

Space Station

Mission

Summary

■ BioFabrication Facility (BFF)

Using 3D biological printers to produce usable human organs has long

been a dream of scientists and doctors around the globe; however,

printing the tiny, complex structures found inside human organs – such

as capillary structures – has proven difficult to accomplish in Earth’s

gravity environment. To overcome this challenge, Techshot designed their

BioFabrication Facility (BFF) to print organ-like tissues in microgravity.

Microgravity may provide an additional solution to printing complex organ

structures, as minimal gravity removes the need for scaffolding structures

to support complex tissue shapes. Techshot intends to use the BFF as a

platform for researchers to print organ-like tissues in microgravity, acting

as a stepping stone in a long-term plan to manufacture whole human

organs in space using refined biological 3D printing techniques.

Biorock

Microbes are able to weather down a rock from which they can extract

ions. This natural process enables biomining, in which useful metals are

extracted from rock ores. Already a common practice on Earth, biomining

may eventually take place on the Moon, Mars and asteroids as we

expand our understanding and exploration of the solar system. Biorock

is expected to help gain additional insight into the physical interactions

of liquids, rocks, and microorganisms under microgravity conditions for

novel acquisition of materials in space. In addition, data from Biorock

can be used to inform the development of life support systems involving

microbial components on long-duration spaceflight missions.

Goodyear Tire

Pushing the Limits of Silica Fillers for Tire Applications (Goodyear Tire) 

evaluates creation of novel silica forms and structures, or morphologies,

using traditional techniques to form silica fillers in microgravity. The

space environment may yield results not possible in ground-based

environments. Better understanding of silica morphology and the

relationship between silica structure and properties may improve

the silica design process and rubber formulation, as well as tire

manufacturing and performance on the ground. Recent experiments in 

microgravity have generated novel mixtures of solids and liquids with the 

potential to improve silica morphologies and deliver better performance 

in the tire industry. A breakthrough in research on the effect of silica 

morphology on rubber compound properties may lead to significant 

improvements in fuel efficiency, creating transportation cost savings and 

helping to protect the environment.

Inertial Spreading

Inertial Spreading and Imbibition of a Liquid Drop through a Porous 

Surface (Inertial Spreading) observes a drop of water spreading over and 

through a sponge-like metal object. When water touches a sponge-like 

material such as dry soil, it penetrates microscopic holes too small to see; 

widening these holes makes the water disappear too quickly. Microgravity 

slows down this process, allowing use of larger holes for more detailed 

observations to create a benchmark for computer simulations. This 

investigation may support development of new technology based on 

wicking and capillary fluid motion that could ultimately support use of 

essential resources available on the Moon, Mars or asteroids, known 

as In-situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). A better understanding of the 

dynamics of coexisting liquid, gas, and porous solids has potential 

applications in flood control, irrigation, fuel cells, oil and gas exploration, 

and pharmaceutical production on Earth.

THE MISSION PATCH:

The Moon landing is one of the most extraordinary feats of humankind, an embodiment of ingenuity and

desire for exploration. The patch of Expedition 60 commemorates the 50th anniversary of that landing:

a constellation of three stars with the Moon superimposed forms the letter “L,” the Latin symbol for 50.

The Moon is depicted as a waxing crescent, as it was on July 20, 1969.

The familiar silhouette of the International Space Station is visible, flying across the night sky. Stars,

numerous and bright as seen from the space station, form the shape of an eagle in the same pose as

on the iconic patch of the Apollo 11 mission. The sunrise represents the fact that we are still in the early

stages of humanity’s exploration of space. 

The hexagonal shape of the patch represents the space station's cupola, with the six points of the 

hexagon symbolizing the six crewmembers of Expedition 60. The names and nationalities are not

present, as on the original Apollo 11 mission patch, to highlight that space missions – then, now, and in

the future – are for Earth and all humankind.