In the last week of Expedition 73 aboard the International Space Station, crew members prepared for what lies ahead. From December 1 to 5, 2025, excitement mixed with reflection as they looked back on their time in orbit.
JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui has been sharing his stunning views of Japan from space. On December 4, he posted a video capturing the Japanese archipelago blanketed in snow. “Even from up here, it looks really cold,” he noted. This moment reminds us of how interconnected our worlds are, even from orbit.
The crew’s research this week included a significant study known as CIPHER. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Jonny Kim collected blood samples, tested cognitive functions, and monitored exercise activity. These tests are crucial for understanding how spaceflight affects astronaut health. The samples will go into a freezer for later analysis, helping scientists learn more about long-term space travel.
They also experimented with the Astrobee robots, which help astronauts conduct research more effectively. These flying assistants allow crew members to gather data without constantly being on the go. According to a study by NASA, optimizing how astronauts work in space can enhance mission outcomes.
Meanwhile, astronauts put effort into maintaining the station’s systems. Newcomer Chris Williams received orientation on the hardware and procedures from Mike Fincke and Yui. Knowing how to navigate the station is essential, as it ensures safety and efficiency.
Oleg Platonov from Roscosmos spent time checking the inventory of clothing and other supplies in the Russian segment. Keeping track of resources is vital in space, where every item counts. Additionally, Mike Fincke changed out cameras inside a microgravity glovebox to improve our understanding of how liquids behave in space.
The Expedition 73 crew also worked on the Enhanced European Exploration Device (E4D). This piece of equipment is designed to keep astronauts active and healthy during their missions. Research shows that muscle and bone density can decline rapidly in microgravity. Exercising with the E4D will help combat these effects.
As of December 5, there were 10 crew members on board, including astronauts from NASA, JAXA, and Roscosmos. Together, they represent a global effort in space exploration. The ISS has been continuously crewed for over 25 years, a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration.
This week’s activities underlined the importance of work being done on the ISS. From scientific research to routine maintenance, every task contributes to our understanding of living and working in space.
