National Aeronautics and Space Administration

International Space Station

EXPEDITION 58began in December 2018 and ended in March 2019. This expedition included  hundreds of science 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. 

Soyuz MS-11 Launch: Dec. 3, 2018 • Landing: June 2019

THE CREW:

Upcoming Expedition 59 Crew

Soyuz MS-12 Launch: March 2019 • Landing: Sept. 2019

During Expedition 58, researchers will test cryogenic fuel transfers, 

study how mixed gels form and release drugs in microgravity, 

analyze protein crystal formations to provide insight into Parkinson’s 

disease and carry out other experiments ranging from physics to 

biological studies. 

THE SCIENCE:

What are 

some of the 

investigations 

the crew 

operated?

Born: Türkmenabat, Turkmenistan

Spaceflights: Exp. 17, 30/31, 44/45

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2QviZ3S

Oleg Kononenko (Roscosmos) – Commander

[MISSION SUMMARY]

Born: Spokane, Washington

Interests: Weightlifting, rugby, golf, biking, 

high-intensity fitness training and running

Spaceflights: First flight 

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2s8ryrB

Twitter: @AstroAnnimal

Anne McClain (NASA) – Flight Engineer

Born: Saint-Lambert, Quebec

Interests: Mountaineering, cycling, skiing and sailing

Spaceflights: First flight 

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

Twitter: @Astro_DavidS

David Saint-Jacques (CSA) – Flight Engineer 

Born: Belleville, Kansas

Interests: Exercising, flying, snow skiing and scuba

Spaceflights: Soyuz MS-10 

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

Twitter: @AstroHague

Nick Hague (NASA) – Flight Engineer

Born: Rybinsk, Russia

Spaceflights: Exp. 47/48

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

Aleksey Ovchinin (Roscosmos) – Flight Engineer

Born: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Interests: Backpacking, rock climbing, paddling and 

sailing

Spaceflights: First flight 

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-2019-03-005-JSC

International

Space Station

Mission

Summary

■ Robotic Refueling Mission-3

Cryogenic liquids are cold substances with very low boiling points. 

They’re used to fuel rockets, propel spacecraft and cool spacecraft 

equipment. The Robotic Refueling Mission 3 (RRM3) will demonstrate 

technologies to store and transfer liquid methane, a type of cryogenic 

liquid, in space for the first time. The test will help NASA develop 

capabilities to service and refuel spacecraft in orbit set for longduration flights.

Wound Healing 

Hydrogels often are used for tissue regeneration purposes due to their 

high water content and how easily they can be customized. Hydrogel 

Formation and Drug Release in Microgravity Conditions takes 

advantage of reduced fluid motion in microgravity to more precisely 

study behavior of the gel and its potential as a wound-healing patch. 

CASIS Protein Crystal Growth-16

The CASIS PCG-16 investigation grows large crystals of an important 

protein, Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) in microgravity for analysis 

back on Earth. This protein is implicated in development of Parkinson’s 

disease, and defining its shape and morphology may help scientists 

better understand the pathology of the disease and develop treatment 

therapies. Crystals of LRRK2 grown in gravity are too small and too 

compact to study, making microgravity an essential part of this research.

Molecular Muscle

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Molecular Muscle investigation 

examines the molecular causes of muscle abnormalities from 

spaceflight in C. elgans, a roundworm and model organism. This 

study could give researchers a better understanding of why muscles 

deteriorate in microgravity so they can improve methods to help crew 

members maintain their strength in space. The research also could lead 

to new medical treatments for those who chronically suffer from muscle 

loss, such as the elderly. 

Thousands of people worldwide dedicate their lives to the human exploration of space. 

As one team, we strive to learn, discover and pioneer for the benefit of all mankind. 

The Expedition 58 patch is a crew tribute to those thousands who stand ready every 

day committed to supporting this mission. 

Central to the patch is the compass rose—a symbol of exploration past, present 

and future. 

The passing of the International Space Station from darkness into light suggests 

that we are only just peaking over the horizon, looking forward to advancing human 

understanding of our place in the universe. 

The crew of Expedition 58 are fortunate explorers ... never alone in their journey. 

Among the night lights on the Earth are glints of brightness – the global team and 

major control facilities that keep the space station on orbit and its inhabitants on track. 

And as the explorers from centuries past used stars to guide their way, so too does the 

crew of Expedition 58. The stars on the Expedition 58 patch are their families, one star 

for each member. They shine on as a beacon of strength and a guiding light home. 

THE MISSION PATCH: