Houston We Have a Podcast Space Cargo
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Feb 14, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Carrie Boyer, a cargo mission manager at NASA Johnson Space Center, and Jennifer Wahlberg, a payload processing manager at NASA Kennedy Space Center, share their insights on the complex logistics of sending cargo to the International Space Station. They reveal memorable payloads like the SLIM experiment and a bobtail squid study, discuss the roles of different spacecraft, and explore the meticulous process of manifesting and managing cargo. Both reflect on the rewarding experience of supporting scientists' work in space exploration.
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Cargo Packing Is High-Stakes Tetris
- Packing cargo for the ISS is like an extreme Tetris with time-sensitive constraints and limited launches.
- Teams must prioritize items by need, size, mass, and readiness to fit scarce vehicle space.
Memorable Experiments: SLIM And Squid
- Carrie recalled the SLIM experiment that was messy but fun for the crew to run on orbit.
- Jennifer highlighted bobtail squid research on SpaceX 22 exploring stress and microbes for astronaut health.
Cargo Covers Everything On Station
- Cargo includes everything from food and clothing to large ORUs and specialized science equipment.
- Missions carry pressurized and unpressurized items, servicing both crew needs and long-term research.