National Aeronautics and Space Administration

International Space Station

EXPEDITION 69 began in March 2023. 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 69, crew members will conduct experiments studying how particular 

materials burn in microgravity to keep spacecraft safe, test a new tool for deep-space 

immune monitoring in orbit, continue work with 3D-cultured cardiac muscle tissue to 

assess human cardiac function in microgravity, and test samples for microorganisms from 

outside of the space station. 

THE SCIENCE:

What are some investigations 

the crew is operating?

Born: Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia

Spaceflights: Expedition 68

Bio: http://bit.ly/3Ziuyi8

Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos) 

Flight Engineer

[MISSION SUMMARY]

Born: Sverdlovsk, Russia

Spaceflights: Expedition 56/57, 68

Bio: http://bit.ly/3ZHMHpF

Sergey Prokopyev (Roscosmos) 

Commander

Born: Kostanay, Kazakhstan

Spaceflights: Expedition 68

Bio: http://bit.ly/3UbG9i4

Dmitri Petelin (Roscosmos) 

Flight Engineer

Born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Spaceflights: Expedition 68

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/3YkF8FK

Twitter: @Astro_Woody

Instagram: @Astro.Woody

Warren “Woody” Hoburg (NASA) 

Flight Engineer

Born: Cohasset, Massachusetts

Spaceflights: STS-126, STS-132, STS-133, 

Expedition 68

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/3RJzCKp

Stephen Bowen (NASA) 

Flight Engineer

Born: Los Angeles, California

Spaceflights: Expedition 68 

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/3TyAhyw

Frank Rubio (NASA) 

Flight Engineer

Born: Umm Ghafa, Abu Dhabi

Spaceflights: Expedition 68 

Bio: https://bit.ly/3M1qVu8

Twitter: @Astro_Alneyadi

Instagram: @Astro_Alneyadi

Sultan Alneyadi (United Arab Emirates) 

Flight Engineer
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Houston, Texas 77058

www.nasa.gov

NP-2023-03-018-JSC

International

Space Station

Mission

Summary

■ Solid Fuel Ignition and Suppression Test 

Gravity influences flames on Earth, but in microgravity aboard the space 

station, fire acts differently and can behave in unexpected ways. Some 

evidence suggests that fires may be more hazardous in reduced gravity, 

a safety concern for future space missions. The Solid Fuel Ignition and 

Extinction - Material Ignition and Suppression Test (SoFIE – MIST) study 

focuses on understanding the flammability of materials that could be 

used in future space missions. The equipment and procedures to detect 

and suppress a fire and to clean up afterward are also essential for 

crew safety. What we learn also could provide better understanding of 

fire safety and improve methods for testing material for homes, offices, 

aircraft, and other uses on Earth.

Immunity Assay

Studies have shown that microgravity weakens the immune system. 

Monitoring and maintaining human health are vital prerequisites for 

mission success. Immunity Assay aims to develop a new research tool to 

study the impact of spaceflight stressors, like microgravity and radiation, 

on cellular immune functions. Researchers are doing this by developing a 

new way to monitor health and immune functions in a blood sample. The 

outcome of this investigation could provide a handy tool for direct immune 

system monitoring on the space station, as well as on Earth. 

Engineered Heart Tissues-2

This ISS National Lab-sponsored study continues work with 3D-cultured 

cardiac muscle tissue to assess human cardiac function in microgravity. 

Previous work with 3D cultures in space detected changes at the cellular 

and tissue level that could provide early indication of the development of 

cardiac disease. Engineered Heart Tissues-2 tests whether new therapies 

prevent these negative effects from occurring. A small magnet embedded 

into a flexible post is attached to each cardiac tissue. The contractile 

motion of the tissues moves the magnet. A sensor records real-time 

contractile function of the tissues by tracking the magnet’s movement.

External Microorganisms Study

Scientists need to identify the microorganisms that may be transported 

with crew members during deep space exploration. That way researchers 

can better know what contaminants might be brought along, and which 

are native to the other planetary bodies. The ISS External Microorganisms 

study takes on this challenge by having astronauts collect samples from 

outside the space station to examine whether a spacecraft releases 

microorganisms and, if so, how many and how far they may travel. 

Results could inform preparations for future human exploration missions 

to the Moon and Mars.

Student-Built Ball Clamp Monopod

Manufactured by students, the High Schools United with NASA to Create 

Hardware (HUNCH) Ball Clamp Monopod is attempting to address 

astronaut comments on the difficulty of positioning video or still cameras 

in the middle of a module. NASA’s HUNCH program enables students 

to fabricate real-world products for NASA as they apply their science, 

technology, engineering, and mathematics skills. The project is composed 

of an aluminum monopod fitted with a camera shoe and ball clamp so it 

can be attached to a standard space station handrail. This serves as a 

pivoting platform for photography and video. Students from Dade Middle 

School, Cy-Woods High School, and Conroe High School in the Houston, 

Texas, area worked to manufacture and produce the hardware and will be 

given pictures and videos of the hardware evaluation.

The Expedition 69 patch reflects the mission of the International Space Station to enable long-term 

exploration of space, for the benefit of Earth. The unique mosaic design is inspired by the vintage, 

Art Deco stained glass window in Star City, Russia that provides a stylistic portrayal of the beauty of 

space exploration. The number “69” forms a circle to symbolize the international partnerships and 

collaboration that make the space station program possible. The Earth is the central element inside 

the “6,” as our home planet and the primary beneficiary of research onboard space station. The star 

shining from Earth, spanning multiple continents, represents the ground teams around the world who 

support every aspect of this expedition and ensure our safe return home. The space station itself 

signifies the contributions of thousands of people over the past several decades, whose vision and 

sustained efforts have made this miracle of a laboratory an unparalleled success. Looking towards 

the future, the next big steps in human space exploration are reflected in the Moon and Mars. The sun 

around Mars is symbolic of the human imagination, curiosity, and ingenuity that draws us to explore. 

The two white stars in the sky are taken directly from the Star City mural. The larger star represents 

the family and friends whose love and support makes this endeavor possible. The smaller star 

represents the explorers who came before us and helped pave the way to the stars.

Credits: NASA

THE MISSION PATCH: