Table 1.
Description of ISS locations and associated metadata, from which surface swabs were collected
| Location number | Location description | ISS module | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Port panel next to cupola | Node 3 | |
| 2 | Waste and hygiene compartment | Node 3 “F4” | |
| 3 | Advanced resistive exercise device (ARED) foot platform | Node 3 | |
| 4 | Dining table | Node 1 | |
| 5 | Overhead 4 | Node 1 | |
| 6 | Permanent multipurpose module (PMM) Port 1 | PMM | |
| 7 | Lab 3 overhead | LAB | |
| 8 | Port crew quarters, bump out exterior aft wall | Node 2 | |
| Environmental parameters | Flight 1 (F1) | Flight 2 (F2) | Flight3 (F3) |
| Sampling date | March 4th 2015 | May 15th 2015 | May 6th 2016 |
| Vehicle (ascent/descent) | SpX-5/TMA-14A | SpX-6/SpX-6 | SpX-8/SpX-8 |
| Crewmember who performed sampling | T. Virts | T. Virts | J.Williams |
Nodes are US modules that connect the elements of the ISS
Node 1, called Unity, was the first US-built element that was launched and connects the US and Russian Segments. Node 1 has 6 ports that provide berthing connections to other modules, ISS infrastructure, and visiting cargo. The module has 4 racks. Some of which are used for stowage to return the cargo back to Earth (ISS_5). Additionally, the dining table (ISS_4) is also located in Node 1
Node 2, called Harmony, connects the US, European, and Japanese laboratories. The module provides docking and berthing ports for Japanese and US vehicles. Node 2 provides crew quarters (ISS_8) for 4 crew members as well as vital functional resources for the operation of the connected elements
Node 3, called Tranquility, is attached to the port side of Node 1 and provides accommodation for life support and exercise equipment. The cupola (ISS_1) is berthed on its nadir (Earth facing) port and provides through multiple windows observation of operations outside the ISS such as robotic activities, the approach of visiting vehicles, and extravehicular activities. Additionally, Node 3 accommodates critical equipment, air revitalization, oxygen, carbon dioxide removal, water recovery system, the waste and hygienic compartment (bathroom; ISS_2), and exercising equipment such as a treadmill (ARED) and a weight-lifting device (ISS_3)
The US laboratory module, called Destiny, is the primary research facility for US payloads. The module hosts 24 equipment racks for accommodation and control of ISS systems and scientific research in physical and biological sciences (ISS_7)
The Permanent Multipurpose Module, called PMM, hosts up to 16 stowage racks (ISS_6) containing equipment, experiments, and supplies, and its additional storage space for bags in the aft endcone