NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 18 April 2005

SpaceRef note: This NASA Headquarters internal status report, as presented here, contains additional, original material produced by SpaceRef.com (copyright © 2005) to enhance access to related status reports and NASA activities.

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Day 2 of joint Exp.10/Exp.11 operations. Week 26 of Increment 10. Day 187 days in space (185 aboard ISS) for Expedition 10, with 7 days to go. Also: Day 2341 since first ISS launch (FGB/Zarya), and 1628 days of cumulative crew time aboard ISS.

After wake-up at the regular time (2:00am EDT), both crews went to work on a busy schedule of ISS-10-to-ISS-11 handovers.

In the Soyuz TMA-6’s Orbital Module, CDR-11 Sergei Krikalev installed the LKT local temperature sensor commutator (TA251M1B) of the BITS2-12 onboard telemetry system and its read-only memory (ROM) unit (PZU TA765B), both kept in SM stowage from TMA-4.

Assisted by FE-10 Sharipov as part of handover ops, Krikalev also set up the Laptop 3 configuration and connections for the continued testing of the Russian satellite navigation system (ASN-M) in the Service Module (SM).

FE-11 Dr. Phillips prepared and worked a proficiency training session on the ADUM (Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Microgravity) experiment, using the ADUM OPE (On-board Proficiency Enhancer) in preparation for his cardiac (Scan A) ultrasound scanning session scheduled for 4/21 (Thursday). [John used the ADUM OPE compact disk on the HRF PC/laptop, focusing on cardiac, thoracic & bone scanning, plus data acquisition (probe positioning) and principles of remote guidance, ultrasound, and anatomy, leaving the HRF PC connected to the rack after conclusion of the training run.]

After reconfiguring the EGE-2 laptop, Salizhan Sharipov had his final session with the European “Neurocog” experiment. Activities featured virtual rotation in free floating and fixed position “corridor” passages while recording EEG (electroencephalography). The session was supported by tagup with ground specialists. [Salizhan was equipped with the “Halley” head electrodes. After doing the virtual turns/corridor episodes in fixed state (subject strapped down) and free-floating in zero-G called for by the Neurokog protocol, he downloaded the EEG data to a PCMCIA memory card for subsequent return to Earth, and dismantled the equipment.]

VC8 guest cosmonaut Roberto Vittori conducted a number of experiments in his very crammed “Eneide” science program. Of the 23 experiments and PAO & “symbolic” events, Vittori runs nine experiments unassisted, while Krikalev and Sharipov participate in 14 experiments.

Except for the HPA investigation, which will be conducted on the US segment (USOS), the VC8 “Eneide” package will is being performed on the Russian segment (RS), divided between the SM and the DC1 docking module:

• HPA (Hand Posture Analysis);
• CRISP-2 (Crickets in Space ) — micro-G effects on neuron proliferation in insects, using the KUBIK-AMBER incubator;
• BEANS (Space Bean Germination) – in AES (Agrospace Experiment Suite) container;
• SEEDLINGS (Growing Plants under Micro-G) – in AES container;
• FRTL-5 (Effects of Space Environment on Fischer Rat Thyroid Cells)
• – in AQUARIUS-B incubator;
• MICROSPACE (Effects of Space Environment on Microbes) – in three identical kits;
• VINO (Vines in Space) – effects of space exposure on grapevines from Tuscany vineyards (“Wine from Space”);
• NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) – analysis of saliva samples;
• VSV (Visceral Receptor Input to Subjective Vertical Perception) – using the VSV container with SVA (subjective vertical analyzer) and Chibis suit with Gamma-1M equipment;
• ETD (three-dimensional Eye Tracking Device) – vestibulo-ocularmotor
• orientation in zero-G, i.e., orientation of Listing’s plane, the coordinate system used for describing eye movements in the head;
• FTS (Tasting Food from the Lazio Region of Italy) – for possible addition to regular ISS crew food rations;
• MOP-1 (Vestibular Adaptation to Gravitation Changes) – motion perception questionnaire;
• Eneide (Demonstration of Flight Navigation) – measurement and assessment of signal levels of the GPS and EGNOS navigation satellites in low Earth orbit;
• LAZIO (Study of Charged Particle Radiation on the ISS Orbit) – using the AST spectrometer, EGLE magnetometer, MEB main electronics box, etc.;
• EST (Electronics Space Test) – functionality test on a specific piece of electronic hardware in space;
• E-NOSE (Quality-of-Air Monitoring using an “Electronic Nose”);
• HBM (Heart Rhythm Monitoring);
• SPQR (Specular Point-like Quick Reference) — ground-based laser imaging system with special optics and image processing to try to detect external damage to a spacecraft in orbit from the ground;
• ASIA (Algorithm Study, Investigation & Analysis) — with an electronics board for evaluating radiation effects on computers;
• GOAL (Garments from New Fabrics for Orbital Analysis);
• BOP (Bone Proteomoics) – study of the effect of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) on human osteoblast physiology in micro-G, in BOP launch &return containers;
• ESD (Electrostatic Attraction in zero-G) – educational video for schools;
• ARISS-4 (Ham Radio sessions with College and High School students).

Today, Vittori worked on CRISP-2 (taking video and closing the containers), AES (setup and start), LAZIO (photo imagery of himself and the experiment which has suffered a partial failure, with troubleshooting underway), EST (activation and start time logging), NGF (saliva sampling on Roberto), HBM (first session for Roberto), and MOP (filling in questionnaire).

In the DC1, Salizhan took photo imagery of the BIO-10 Mezhkletochnoe vzaimodeistvie (“Intercellular Interaction”) payload before and during deactivation of its bio sample cultivation process in the Russian Cryogem-03M glove box by Sergei.

Later, the FE installed the Biotechnology (BTKh) Luch-2 experiment in the Cryogem-03M.

Sharipov also worked on the ASU toilet facilities in the Soyuz-215/ 9S Orbital Module (BO), replacing the receptacle with a new unit (used briefly during the SM ASU failure on 3/17).

Later, as another handover demo for the E-11 crew, Sharipov conducted the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh environment control & life support system, including its ASU toilet system, and then prepared the regular IMS (inventory management system) delta file for export/import to the IMS databases. In addition, he performed the periodic routine checkup of the IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS (Russian segment) hatchways and FGB-to-Node tunnel.

Observed by CDR-10 Chiao, Phillips assisted the ground in a “zero” calibration of the MCA (major constituents analyzer) by opening and closing the manual oxygen valve (HVO2).

Another handover task between Leroy and John was a 1-hr. review of the current version of the DOUG (Dynamic Operational Ubiquitous Graphics) software, to be followed by an operational run on the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) tomorrow. [Used during Robotics/SSRMS operations, DOUG is a software program on the MSS RWS (mobile service system robotics workstation) laptops that provides a graphical birdseye-view image of the external station configuration and the SSRMS arm, showing its real-time location and configuration on a laptop during its operation.]

Krikalev updated the onboard RODF (Russian operations data file) books with new procedures delivered on 10S on CDs and replacement pages, including a new VC8 book with log sheets.

Sharipov worked on the SM docking & internal transfer system (SSVP), replacing two old extension cables in its accessory storage cases with new yellow striped cables and stowing the old ones as potential spares.

Both Chiao and Sharipov again spent time on prepacking equipment for return on STS-114/Discovery.

The E10 crew conducted an abbreviated physical exercise program on TVIS treadmill, RED exerciser, and VELO cycle with bungee cord load trainer. They also performed the weekly maintenance on the TVIS treadmill, primarily checking the condition of the SPDs (subject positioning devices) and recording time & date values.

Chiao then transferred the daily TVIS and RED exercise data files to the MEC (medical equipment computer) for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM (heart rate monitor) data, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium.

Working off the voluntary Russian task list, Salizhan performed the regular daily inspection of the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) zero-G greenhouse experiment, including filling its water canister as required.

Researchers on the ground again conducted the European/Russian VC8 laser-beam experiment SPQR (Specular Point-like Quick Reference), today during a 5-min “window” at 9:22am. [SPQR, installed at SM window #3 along with its Nikon D1X camera, tests a ground-based imaging system, using special optics and image processing, to determine the feasibility of detecting external damage to a spacecraft in orbit from the ground. It uses a pyramidal corner reflector (CCR, Cube Corner Reflector) at the SM window, to reflect a laser beam emitted by a ground station back to the ground. The crew was advised not to look out the portholes during the sessions, the times of which were uplinked, and there are no CEO targets scheduled during the brief sessions. The SPQR Hazard Report indicates that the laser power at the ISS remains well below the threshold for injury.]

Early in the morning, at 3:55am, both crews downlinked congratulatory greetings to Yuri Pavlovich Semenov, President and General Designer of Rocket Space Corporation (RSC) Energia, on the occasion of his 70th anniversary today. [Semenov, who originally joined Sergei P. Korolev’s pioneering team as an engineer, has been a guiding and driving force in almost all projects of the Soviet and Russian Space Programs, from the early work on manned lunar landings with the N-1 vehicle to Soyuz, Progress, the Buran shuttle, the ISS as well as spacecraft programs like EPAS, Interkosmos, Mir-NASA, Mir-Shuttle and others. New projects he has been involved in lately include the “Clipper” (Russia’s proposed 6-seater manned shuttle), Parom transportation, manned Mars expedition studies, etc. The design and construction of the ISS’ “Zvezda” Service Module, from which these birthday messages originated this morning, are credited to him as engineering leader.]

At 9:10am EDT, the five crewmembers participated in a live interactive TV news conference with U.S. and Russian media assembled at NASA Centers and TsUP/Moscow, via U.S. assets (Ku-band with S/G2) from the Lab module. [Of the 30 minutes time slot, 15 min were for U.S. media and 15 min. for Russian media.]

At ~1:36pm, FEVC8 Roberto Vittori supported an audio-only PAO event, being interviewed by the Italian RAI broadcasting company (Vittorio Argento).

Later, Roberto also downlinked, with Salizhan acting as operator, a TV conference with the Italian Ministry of Defense, talking with the leadership of the Joint Forces Operations Center (COI, Centro Operativo Interforze) in Rom.

Earlier, at 4:47am, as part of the ARISS-4 (Amateur Radio International Space Station #4) program, Vittori participated in a 10-min. exchange via the ARISS ham radio system in the SM with students of two Italian schools, ITIS “Guglielmo Marconi” in Civitavecchia and ITI “Einaudi-Mattei” in Palmanova.

Working off his discretionary “job jar” task list, Roberto also used his Nikon D1X digital camera for shooting pictures of his home country, for which two overflight opportunities were uplinked.

The Elektron continues to operate nominally in 64-amp mode. Due to the currently reduced insolation (solar input) on the P6 photovoltaics, this high consumption requires careful power level management in the USOS, ready to provide a third SNT (voltage & current stabilizer/transformer) to the RS as required. [The software “masking” of the Elektron’s O2 and H2 gas analyzers, which was briefly employed by TsUP/Moscow to avoid start-up transient issues, was removed yesterday morning per agreements with the Safety community.]

The SSC-10 (Station Support Computer 10) A31p laptop, intended for relaying Soyuz docking video, failed yesterday and was quickly replaced with SSC-9. Troubleshooting will be conducted as time permits. [Its failure results in a loss of redundancy for SSC “clients” on the OpsLAN (Operations Local Area Network). There are currently five functioning clients on the LAN (SSC 1 & 3 in the SM, SSC 4, 9, & 7 in the Lab, and none in the Node).]

During Flight Day 2 (FD2) of the Soyuz 10S free-flight phase, the crew reported failure of the backup air purification fan in the Orbital Module (BO). The primary fan is fully operational, and a redundant air purification/circulation system is also available in the 10S’ Descent Module (SA).

The CDRA (carbon dioxide removal assembly) in the U.S. Lab; it is continuing to operate nominally in Dual-Bed mode. The CCAA (common cabin air assembly) air conditioner in the Lab is available to keep a temperature of 24 degC in the cabin on crew request.

Expedition 10 Flight Timelines:

Soyuz 9S (Expedition 10+1; Leroy Chiao, Salizhan Sharipov, Roberto Vittori):

• Undocking from FGB — 4/24 (Sun.), 2:38pm EDT (undock command);
• Sep Burn #1 (manual) — 2:44pm;
• Deorbiting Burn — 5:18pm (4 min 23 sec, delta-V 115.2 m/s);
• Module Sep — 5:43pm;
• Atmospheric Entry — 5:46pm;
• Landing in darkness — 4/24 (Sun.) 6:09pm EDT; 3:09am (4/25) local
• Kustanai/Kazakhstan;
• Sunrise at Kustanai landing site — 5:16am. [Note: Kazakhstan remains on
• Standard Time; thus: local time = GMT+5].

Return to Flight:

• LF-1 (STS-114)/Increment 11 SORR (Stage Operations Readiness Review) — 4/22 (Fri) at JSC;
• LF1 (STS-114)/Discovery launch windows (all times EDT), for FD3 docking:
• 5/15: 3:45 – 3:55pm;
• 5/16: 2:22 – 2:32pm;
• 5/17: 1:59 – 2:07pm;
• 5/18: 1:34 – 1:44pm;
• 5/19: 1:12 – 1:22pm;
• etc.

Note: For the May/June launch period, the daily 10-minute planar launch window (i.e., in ISS orbit plane) starts an average 23 minutes earlier each day, extends into early June and closes due to current constraints of Daylight Launch (6/7) or ET umbilical photo opportunity (6/3). Figures are approximate. There are additional opportunities for docking on FD4 (Flight Day 4), not planned. If STS-114 launches on 5/15, docking will be on 5/17 and undocking on 5/25.

Other Upcoming Main Events:

• Progress M-53 (18P) launch – 6/10;
• ULF1.1 (STS-121) launch — NET 7/12;
• Progress M-54 (19P) launch — 8/24;
• Soyuz TMA-7 (11S) launch — 9/27.

CEO photography can be viewed and studied at the websites:

• http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov
• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov
• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Study/AstronautPhotography/

See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at:

• http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/

To view the latest photos taken by the expedition 10 crew visit:

• http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-10/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.

Expedition 10 Flight Crew Plans can be found at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/timelines/

Previous NASA ISS On-orbit Status Reports can be found here. Previous NASA Space Station Status Reports can be found here. Previous NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports can be found here. A collection of all of these reports and other materials relating to Return to Flight for the Space Shuttle fleet can be found here.

ISS Altitude History

Apogee height — Mean Altitude — Perigee height

For more on ISS orbit and worldwide ISS naked-eye visibility dates/times, see http://www.hq.nasa.gov/osf/station/viewing/issvis.html. In addition, information on International Space Station sighting opportunities can be found at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/ on NASA’s Human Spaceflight website. The current location of the International Space Station can be found at http://science.nasa.gov/temp/StationLoc.html at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Additional satellite tracking resources can be found at http://www.spaceref.com/iss/tracking.html.