The seven-member Expedition 74 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) completed a mix of scientific research, routine maintenance, and preparations for upcoming cargo transfers this week, from December 8-12, 2025. The crew, consisting of NASA, JAXA, and Roscosmos astronauts, continued a diverse workload that highlights the ISS’s enduring importance as a platform for both exploration and applied science.
Orbital Observations and Crew Perspective
Astronaut Kimiya Yui of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) shared striking images of Earth from orbit, capturing what he described as “skies of blue and clouds of white.” This observation underscores a fundamental reality of space travel: the constant, breathtaking perspective shift that comes with seeing our planet from above.
The ability to witness Earth’s beauty firsthand serves as a potent reminder of the interconnectedness of our world.
Scientific Advancements
This week’s research focused on several key areas:
- Stem Cell Research: NASA astronaut Zena Cardman studied stem cell behavior in microgravity, potentially advancing future medical treatments for organ and tissue repair. This is critical, as understanding how cells respond to space environments is essential for long-duration missions and eventual deep-space exploration.
- Vestibular Adaptation: Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev participated in a virtual reality experiment designed to study how the human vestibular system adapts to weightlessness. The results could inform countermeasures to mitigate the disorientation astronauts often experience when returning to Earth.
- Carbon Dioxide Removal System: JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui tested a new CO2 removal system, a vital step toward developing self-sufficient life support technologies for future lunar and Martian habitats.
Station Maintenance and Logistics
Maintaining the ISS requires constant attention. The crew spent time on:
- Waste Management: NASA astronaut Mike Fincke serviced the station’s restrooms, replacing plumbing components in the Tranquility node. Basic sanitation is essential for long-duration spaceflight, though often overlooked in public discussions.
- Cargo Transfer Preparations: Astronauts Chris Williams, Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Kimiya Yui prepped the HTV-X1 cargo ship for its January departure, loading refuse and science equipment for return to Earth. This demonstrates the logistical complexity of sustaining a permanent human presence in orbit.
Crew Insights
NASA astronaut Chris Williams spoke about his lifelong dream of space exploration, emphasizing that the wonder of space travel never faded for him. His experience highlights the psychological and emotional factors driving human ambition in space.
Current ISS Status
As of December 12, 2025, the ISS hosts seven crew members from NASA, JAXA, and Roscosmos. The station is currently supported by two crew spacecraft (SpaceX Dragon “Endeavour” and Roscosmos Soyuz MS-28) and four cargo vehicles (Progress MS-31, Progress MS-32, Cygnus XL “William C. McCool”, and HTV-X1).
The ISS remains a critical testbed for technologies and research that will shape future space missions. The ongoing work of Expedition 74 underscores the station’s unique role in both scientific advancement and the long-term viability of human space exploration.
