The Expedition 38 crew said farewell to an unpiloted Russian cargo craft Monday morning while making preparations for the arrival of the next space freighter, which is set to make an expedited 6-hour journey to the International Space Station Wednesday.
The ISS Progress 52 cargo ship undocked from the Pirs docking compartment 11:21 a.m. EST, and backed away to a safe distance from the orbital complex to begin several days of tests to study thermal effects of space on its attitude control system.

The six station residents are busy with international research that can only be conducted in space while still providing Earth-bound benefits. Expedition 38 is also preparing for supplies to be delivered in February on a Russian resupply ship and a private SpaceX cargo craft.