National Aeronautics and Space Administration

International Space Station

EXPEDITION 63began in April 2020 and ends in October 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 63, scientists will collect standardized data from crew 

members to continue expanding our understanding of how human physiology 

responds to long-duration life in microgravity, and will test life support 

technologies that will be vital to our continued exploration of deep space. 

THE SCIENCE:

What are some 

investigations 

the crew is 

operating?

[MISSION SUMMARY]

Born: Irkutsk, Russia

Spaceflights: Exp. 29/30, Exp. 48/49

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2uy7DqK

Anatoly Ivanishin (Roscosmos)

Flight Engineer

Born: Salem, Massachusetts

Spaceflights: STS-127, Exp. 35/36

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/2NsLd0s

Instagram: @Astro_SEAL

Chris Cassidy (NASA) 

Commander

Born: Severoonezhsk, Russia

Spaceflights: First flight

Bio: https://go.nasa.gov/3e8efhq

Instagram: @ivan_mks63

Ivan Vagner (Roscosmos)

Flight Engineer
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Houston, Texas 77058

www.nasa.gov

NP-2020-04-009-JSC

International

Space Station

Mission

Summary

■ ACE-T-Ellipsoids

This investigation creates three-dimensional colloids, small particles 

suspended within a fluid medium, and uses temperature to control the 

density and behavior of the particles. Colloids can organize into various 

structures, called self-assembled colloidal structures, which could enable 

3D printing of replacement parts and repair of facilities on future longduration space voyages. This use requires controlling particle density 

and behavior, however, and by designing and assembling colloids in 

microgravity, ACE-T-Ellipsoids provides insight into how to do so.

Universal Waste Management System

Everyone “goes,” but space presents unique challenges for managing 

human waste. The Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) 

investigation demonstrates the long-term use of a compact toilet together 

with the Urine Transfer System (UTS). The UWMS allows simultaneous 

use of two toilets by providing automated control of flow into the Urine 

Processor Assembly (UPA) or storage containers. Automated offload of 

this backup storage saves time for crew members. The UWMS’s smaller 

footprint and improved technology support possible expansion of space 

station crew and future long-term, deep-space exploration missions. 

Spaceflight Standard Measures

This investigation collects a set of measurements – blood and saliva 

samples, skin samples, mood and sleep questionnaires, cognitive 

tests and more – from astronauts before, during, and after longduration missions. These measures create a consistent set of data 

across the duration of the International Space Station Program that 

helps characterize the risks of living in space and how humans 

adapt to those risks. Scientists can use the data to monitor the 

effectiveness of countermeasures and interpret astronaut health and 

performance outcomes, as well as to support future human research 

on planetary missions.

Space Organogenesis

The need for human organs for transplants far exceeds the supply, 

creating a need for artificial organs made using regenerative 

medicine technology. Cell cultures on Earth are two-dimensional, but 

microgravity may enable growth of cell cultures in three dimensions 

without using artificial structures. Development of Advanced 3D 

Organ Culture System Utilizing the Microgravity Environment (Space 

Organogenesis) demonstrates growth of 3D organ buds from human 

stem cells in microgravity and analyzes changes in gene expression 

in the cells. This experiment represents an important first step toward 

growing artificial organs.

The Expedition 63 patch represents an intersection of the past and the beginning of a new dawn 

in human space flight as we continue to inhabit the International Space Station, aim towards 

returning to the Moon and plan for the journey to Mars.

Thirteen illuminated stars along the top of the patch commemorate the Apollo 13 mission 

celebrating its 50th anniversary during Expedition 63. The swoosh in the shape of the number 

“63” orbiting around the Earth and Moon honors the Apollo Program and the future missions to 

go beyond low Earth orbit. 

The atom, shown overlaid on a vibrant sunrise, is the Expedition 63 crew’s call sign symbolizing 

the energy to revolve, or orbit around a nucleus or in their case, the Earth. The international crew 

will continue to carry out the important mission of collaboration in preserving the space station 

as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory.

THE MISSION PATCH: