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Science takes root aboard space station

Soaring high above the Earth, the Expedition 16 crew was busy with science and maintenance aboard the International Space Station on Thursday.

In addition to regular station upkeep, the crew worked to set up a variety of experiments focusing on the effects on plant growth of the zero gravity environment of space. These included an experiment studying the formation of roots in weightlessness.

Image above: Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson KC5ZTD works inside the Destiny Laboratory. Photo credit: NASA TV

Flight Engineer Leopold Eyharts, FX0STD, the crew’s newest member, spent time familiarizing himself with his new home aboard the orbital outpost. He took a break from his work to talk via ham radio with students at the Robespierre School in Rueil-Malmaison, France.

The crew members completed their daily physical exercise routines to counteract the effects of long-term exposure to weightlessness in space