National Aeronautics and Space Administration

International Space Station

EXPEDITION 53 began in September 2017 and ends in December 2017. This expeditionincludes astrophysics, technology demonstrations, cellular biology and 

 biotechnology. Three spacewalks are tentatively planned during Expedition 53.

Soyuz MS-06 September 2017 • February 2018

THE CREW:

Soyuz MS-05 Launch: July 2017 • Landing: December 2017

During Expedition 53, researchers will study the cosmic ray particles, 

demonstrate the benefits of manufacturing fiber optic filaments in 

microgravity, investigate targeted therapies to improve muscle atrophy 

and explore the abilities of a new drug to accelerate bone repair. 

THE SCIENCE:

What are 

some of the 

investigations 

the crew is 

operating?

Born: Inglewood, California 

Interests: camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and scuba 

diving

Spaceflights: STS-119, Exps. 31/32

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2vA7vWu

Twitter: @AstroAcaba

Joseph Acaba (NASA) – Flight Engineer

[MISSION SUMMARY]

Born: Yershichi, Smolensk Region, Russia

Interests: badminton, basketball, downhill skiing, 

carting

Spaceflights: Exps. 35/36

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

Aleksandr Misurkin (Roscomos) – Flight Engineer

Born: Falls Church, Virginia

Interests: exercise, camping, windsurfing and reading

Spaceflights: Expedition 53 will be his first spaceflight.

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2vzY0a8

Twitter: @Astro_Sabot

Mark T. Vande Hei (NASA) – Flight Engineer

Born: Fort Knox, Kentucky

Interests: travel, music, photography,weight training, sports,

scuba diving, motorcycling, and flying warbirds

Spaceflights: STS-129

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2rq5Ssm 

Twitter: @AstroKomrade

Randolph Bresnik (NASA) – Commander

Born: Moscow, Soviet Union

Interests: Numismatics, playing the guitar, tourism, 

sport games

Spaceflights: Exps. 37/38

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

Twitter: @Ryazanskiy_ISS 

Sergey Ryazanskiy (Roscosmos) – Flight Engineer

Born: Milan, Italy

Interests: scuba diving, piloting aircraft, assembling 

computer hardware, electronic equipment and computer 

software

Spaceflights: STS-120, Exps. 26/27

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2rq0tlk

Paolo Nespoli (ESA) – Flight Engineer
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Houston, Texas 77058

www.nasa.gov

NP-2017-09-020-JSC

International

Space Station

Mission

Summary

 

The three-year mission will help the scientific community to build a 

stronger understanding of the fundamental structure of the universe.

■ Optical Fiber Production in Microgravity

Optical Fiber Production in Microgravity (Made in Space Fiber Optics), 

a U.S. National Lab investigation sponsored by the Center for the 

Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), demonstrates the benefits of 

manufacturing fiber optic filaments in a microgravity environment. 

This investigation will attempt to pull fiber optic wire from ZBLAN, a 

heavy metal fluoride glass commonly used to make fiber optic glass. 

When ZBLAN is solidified on Earth, its atomic structure tends to form 

into crystals. Research indicates that ZBLAN fiber pulled in microgravity 

may not crystalize as much, giving it better optical qualities than the 

silica used in most fiber optic wire. Results from this investigation could 

lead to the production of higher-quality fiber optic products both in 

space and on Earth. 

Rodent Research 6

Spaceflight has significant and rapid effects on the musculoskeletal 

system. Rodent Research 6, a National Lab investigation funded by 

CASIS, explores targeted therapies that could improve some of the 

detrimental side effects of extended spaceflight through the slowing or 

reversal of muscle atrophy. Mice living aboard the space station will be 

implanted with a drug delivery chip, which will release the treatment 

drug, then studied against Earth-based control groups. 

Results from this investigation could lead to the improved treatments 

for ailments related to prolonged immobilization, cancer and aging on 

Earth, as well as in space.

Synthetic Bone

The microgravity environment of space impacts bone cell growth and 

healing in a way that mimics the symptoms observed in osteoporosis. 

Synthetic Bone, a National Lab investigation funded by the CASIS, 

explores the abilities of Tetranite, a synthetic bone material capable 

of adhering bone to metal within minutes, to accelerate bone repair. 

Understanding how bone cells interact with Tetranite could provide 

insight into the post-fracture bone healing response and assist in the 

development of more effective treatments for patients with osteoporosis. 

The International Space Station is our launch pad into the future of human space exploration. 

Collectively, our world stands at the cusp of incredible developments as a spacefaring species. 

Onboard the space station we continue to evolve the technologies vital to the sustainment 

and longevity of humans in the harsh realities of living without gravity or the protection of our 

atmosphere. These self-sustaining or regenerative technologies continually developed aboard 

the space station not only improve life here on Earth, but they are essential to human beings 

existence beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO). The space station is the linchpin for this next great 

phase of development and is instrumental in expanding the use of space, not only as a worldclass science laboratory, but also as a destination for next-generation space vehicles. 

This journey beyond LEO is depicted in the Expedition 53 patch as we, the crew, will endeavor to 

accomplish the work that allows future missions to further explore our solar system. This journey 

will only be accomplished as an international team, represented by our multinational crew as 

well as by the many countries depicted on the globe. The myriad of stars represent the untold 

number of passionate and supremely dedicated people that endeavor across the planet daily to 

make the space station the amazing vehicle it is as well as prepare us for the next great steps 

forward in space exploration. 

THE MISSION PATCH: