The logistics of living in orbit: managing the 75th long-duration mission

Entertainment · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Maintaining a human presence in space is a marathon of constant maintenance and scientific advancement. Expedition 75 serves as a high-stakes laboratory where astronauts must balance cutting-edge research—like bioprinting human tissue—with the grueling physical labor of repairing a massive orbiting structure.

Expedition 75 began on July 26, 2026, with the undocking of Soyuz MS-28 and the assumption of command by NASA astronaut Jessica Meir. The mission is scheduled to conclude on April 1, 2027. This long-duration stay is not merely a period of observation; it is a continuous cycle of system upgrades and scientific exploration. The crew is tasked with maintaining the International Space Station's (ISS) complex infrastructure while conducting research in fields ranging from physics and materials science to human physiology and biology.

A significant portion of the expedition involves Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), or spacewalks. Between August and September 2026, the crew completed four distinct spacewalks. These missions were highly specific: one focused on modifying the 3B power channel for an iROSA installation, another on removing a data transmission antenna, a third on installing a spare space-to-ground antenna, and a final one on replacing a retroreflector on the Harmony module to improve navigation for visiting spacecraft.

The mission also serves as a testing ground for next-generation technologies. To oversee the wellbeing of the team, the members are investigating artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and techniques for manufacturing within space, moving past conventional science. These advancements, alongside bioprinting human tissue, represent the frontier of how humanity intends to sustain long-term presence in deep space. The complexity of these operations is underscored by the logistical handovers, such as the arrival of SpaceX Crew-13 on October 1, 2026, which required a coordinated transition of command and personnel.

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