Sweet Surprises in Space: Astronauts Discover Delicious Treats Aboard the Cygnus Supply Ship – Highlights from the ISS Mission (Sept. 15-19, 2025)

The Expedition 73 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) received a special delivery this week. Northrop Grumman’s first Cygnus XL cargo craft arrived with a lot of supplies and new science equipment—plus care packages from home.

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim shared his excitement about the treats included in the cargo. In a recent social media post, he wrote, “The best part of cargo vehicles docking to the ISS is the care packages our loved ones send.” Kim, along with crewmates Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Kimiya Yui, celebrated with goodies like gummy bears, Reese’s, and Korean BBQ pork. “Thanks to everyone at NASA for packing these with love,” he added.

The Expedition 73 team is busy with significant research. For instance, Jonny Kim and Kimiya Yui are studying bioprinted liver tissues in microgravity. This groundbreaking research could lead to better organ manufacturing techniques, which might help not just astronauts, but also patients on Earth. NASA emphasizes that understanding these processes can improve long-term health for astronauts and offer new treatments for various conditions back home.

Meanwhile, Zena Cardman is working on preserving bone stem cell samples. This research aims to prevent bone loss for astronauts during space missions and could hold valuable insights for treating bone diseases on Earth. Additionally, Mike Fincke is continuing a study on producing nutrients from yeast and yogurt, potentially vital for long-duration space missions.

While conducting research, the crew also focused on maintaining the ISS. Cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky spent time transferring fluids and unloading supplies from the newly arrived Russian Progress 93 resupply ship. The teamwork displayed was crucial for keeping the space station operational.

This week marked a notable point: seven astronauts are currently living and working aboard the ISS. The crew includes Expedition 73 commander Sergey Ryzhikov, fellow cosmonauts, and NASA astronauts, who all contribute to various missions and research. The ISS has been continuously staffed for nearly 25 years now, showcasing human resilience and cooperation in space.

As the crew tackles their tasks, they also engage with the public. Recently, Jonny Kim and Zena Cardman spoke at the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York, sharing their unique experiences in space. “It’s such an honor to be here,” Cardman reflected on the years of preparation it took to reach this point.

The impact of missions like Expedition 73 extends beyond space exploration. As research progresses, findings could aid in areas like healthcare and living conditions on Earth. It’s a reminder of how interconnected our pursuits are, both in space and on the ground.

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