Robotics and artificial intelligence were back on the research schedule Wednesday for the Expedition 74 crew to inspire college students and explore boosting crew efficiency. Earth observations and life support maintenance also rounded out the day for the orbital residents aboard the International Space Station.
Advanced Tech Research on Station as Crew-12 Announces Launch Opportunities Robotics and artificial intelligence were back on the research schedule Wednesday for the Expedition 74 crew to inspire college students and explore boosting crew efficiency.
Earth observations and life support maintenance also rounded out the day for the orbital residents aboard the International Space Station. Several teams of college students from the Asia-Pacific region competed to see whose code could best command the Astrobee robotic free-flyers during a “treasure” hunt aboard the Kibo laboratory module. The challenge was to maneuver the Astrobee and properly identify and locate hidden items throughout the Kibo lab. NASA Flight Engineer Chris Williams monitored the Kibo robotics challenge ensuring the toaster-sized, cube-shaped robots were correctly configured and operated safely. The ultimate objective of the robotics challenge is to inspire students to study science, technology, engineering, and math subjects. Station Commander Sergey Kud-Sverchkov of Roscosmos worked in the Zvezda service module and studied using artificial intelligence to boost crew efficiency aboard the orbital outpost. He tested AI-assisted tools to convert speech-to-text and improve data handling and communications between the crew and ground controllers. Researchers seek to use the new technology to speed up and increase the accuracy of crew documentation benefitting operations aboard spacecraft. The commander also checked out a variety of cameras throughout the station’s Roscosmos segment and synchronized them to Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT, to accurately timestamp imagery. Kud-Sverchkov then moved on and serviced plumbing and ventilation systems in the Nauka and Zarya modules. Roscosmos Flight Engineer Sergei Mikaev pointed a camera out a station window and programmed it to automatically photograph landmarks across eastern Europe at the beginning of his shift. Afterward, Mikaev uninstalled the Earth observation equipment and downloaded the imagery data for analysis on the ground. During the second half of his shift, he checked out computer software supporting physics research hardware then answered a questionnaire to help researchers improve communications between international crews and mission controllers from around the world. The earliest opportunity for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 launch to the space station is 6 a.m. EST, Feb. 11, from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Next opportunities are 5:38 a.m. Feb. 12 & 5:15 a.m. Feb. 13. NASA continues working toward potential launch windows for two important crewed missions this February: Artemis II and Crew-12. We will make any decisions on the best launch opportunity for each mission closer to flight. Learn more about station activities by following the space station blog, @space_station on X, as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.January 28, 2026CategoriesCommercial CrewExpedition 74Humans in SpaceInternational Space Station ISS Research More from International Space StationPrevious PostCrew Studies Robotics and Virtual Reality Advancing Space TechJanuary 27, 2026Next PostNASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 Begins Quarantine for Space Station MissionJanuary 28, 2026
Expedition 74 Humans In Space International Space Station (ISS) ISS Research
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Key Takeaways From Georgia Tech 71-65 Loss To Virginia TechThe Yellow Jackets drop its sixth game in conference play
Read more »
Three Takeaways from Virginia Tech Men's Basketball's 71-65 Victory Over Georgia TechThe Hokies captured a six-point win inside Cassell Coliseum.
Read more »
Everything From Virginia Tech Head Coach Mike Young After Georgia Tech WinVirginia Tech head coach Mike Young spoke to the media after the Hokies' victory over Georgia Tech.
Read more »
Virginia Tech Men's Basketball Fends Off Late Surge to Defeat Georgia Tech 71-65The Hokies' last field goal came with 6:58 to play in the contest.
Read more »
Discovery in China reveals early humans developed advanced stone tool techResearchers say tools from the Xigou site reveal unexpected innovation, including early composite implements dating back up to 160,000 years.
Read more »
The Good, The Bad & Ugly From Georgia Tech 71-65 Loss To Virginia TechWhat stood out the most on Tuesday night after a tough loss on the road?
Read more »