NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 23 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 7 of joint Exp.10/Exp.11 operations. Day 192 in space for Exp. 10 (190 aboard ISS), with 2 days to go.

After wake-up at the regular time (2:00am EDT), both crews continued their busy schedule of ISS-10-to-ISS-11 handovers (Russian acronym: RPS), which continue to go well. [As of last night, several more hours were run up of dedicated handover and functional handover (walk-throughs on specific tasks with departing crewmembers), with Krikalev now racking up 9h 35m functional, 2h 15m dedicated, and Phillips 11h 55m functional, 5h 5m dedicated.]

Salizhan Sharipov continued diet logging for the last day of his final run of the BIOPSY experiment, which looks at effects of prolonged space flight on human skeletal muscles. Similarly to the Renal (kidney stone prevention) experiment in the past, nutrition consumption (i.e., all food & fluid intake) is being recorded over 48 hrs. three times a day, using the IMS BCR (inventory management system/bar code reader). Last time done: 1/9/05. [One of the human systems most affected by extended stays in space is the neuromuscular system. Past space missions have shown weightlessness can cause deterioration of muscle fiber, nerves and physical strength. BIOPSY investigates the reductions in limb muscle size, force and power at the cellular level that are induced by microgravity. This research will determine how long it takes for micro-G to affect skeletal muscles, so predictions can be made regarding muscle changes that may occur on a roundtrip flight to Mars. To help establish the cellular effects of weightlessness, biopsies are taken from the calf muscle (gastronemius) and foot-flexing muscle (soleus) 45 days before launch, and again immediately upon return to Earth. MRI (magnetic resonance imagery) also is taken of the calf muscle 90 and 30 days before launch, and again one and 21 days after return to Earth.]

CDR-11 Sergei Krikalev connected the payload Laptop 3 (LT3) for subsequent downloading and saving of data for testing the newly installed ASN-M satellite navigation system, to be used for ATV (automated transfer vehicle) proximity operations. Supported by tagup with ground specialists, Sergei afterwards logged the application and turned LT3 off.

In the Soyuz TMA-5/9S Orbital Module (OM), FE-11 Sharipov dismantled and removed the LKT local temperature sensor commutator (TA251M1B) of the BITS2-12 onboard telemetry system and its read-only memory (ROM) unit (PZU TA765B), now no longer required (OM will be jettisoned tomorrow evening). The units were stowed for return on the Shuttle and possible recycling.

At ~8:25am EDT, John Phillips and the ADUM (Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Micro-G) ground team held the usual post-session analysis to discuss John’s experiences with the OPE (On-board Proficiency Enhancer) and the successful ultrasound A-scans performed on CDR Chiao on 4/21, the last for Exp. 10. [Conducting these scans repeatedly has the purpose of increasing the proficiency of crewmembers. The ground compares the scans to evaluate the crew’s learning curves and to see if procedures need to be adjusted. ADUM has to date excellently demonstrated the capability of non-medical personnel to downlink diagnostic information (ultrasound images) for evaluation by medical specialists on the ground.]

FE-11 Phillips worked a “get-ahead” task on the US Airlock (A/L), preparing it for LF-1/STS-114 by disconnecting a 35-ft. VAJ (vacuum access jumper) hose from the A/L PCA (pressure control assembly) as well as the return line of the depress pump from the feedthrough fixture in the A/L hatch, temporarily capping it. [Currently, Orbiter Discovery has a slight deficit in N2 (nitrogen) margin for LF-1 because of the STS-based EVAs. Normally all the gas pumped from the Shuttle for the pre-EVA depress to 10.2 psi (for prebreathing) is dumped overboard. By using the depress pump of the ISS instead, an estimated 40 lbs of N2 can be saved, which would provide enough additional margin to support N2 transfer plus the MPLM (Multipurpose Logistics Module) Raffaello’s repressurization prior to closeout. However, for using the ISS depress pump in the A/L crewlock compartment, a 70+ft hose to the Orbiter will have to be installed. John’s two tasks today prepared for this configuration.]

In light of the US CCAA (common cabin air assembly) air conditioner working fulltime and the commensurate need for CWCs (contingency water containers) for the resulting condensate water from the Lab collection tank, Chiao and Phillips conducted a joint audit of available containers, which also served as IMS (inventory management system) update and functional handover “lesson”.

John did the routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh environment control & life support system, today including the weekly inspection of the BRPK air/liquid condensate separator apparatus, while Sergei prepared the regular IMS (inventory management system) delta file for export/import to the IMS databases.

Krikalev also completed the now-daily routine checkup of the IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS hatchways and FGB-to-Node tunnel. [With five inhabitants in the station, proper IMV (intermodular ventilation) is of prime importance.]

VC8 guest cosmonaut Roberto Vittori meanwhile continued his busy schedule of experiments of the “Eneide” science program. [Today, Vittori worked on EST/Electronic Space Test (closeout ops), CRISP-2/Crickets in Space (open KUBIK-AMBER for air exchange), LAZIO (masked exp, photo imagery, PCMCIA card replacement, closeout ops), AGROSPACE/Beans-Seedlings (photo imagery, data download to ground), MOP/Motion Perception (filling out questionnaire), ETD/Eye Tracking Device (exp. by VC & CDR-11, closeout ops), ENE/Eneide (data copy to memory card, closeout ops), ASIA/Algorithm Study, Investigation & Analysis of electronic card sensitivity (hardware disassembly, transfer to Soyuz), and E-NOSE/Electronic “Nose” (closeout ops, data transfer to laptop).]

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

At 11:55am, Roberto conducted his daily 10-min tagup with ESA Ops personnel via audio/S-band.

Krikalev used the ART (automatic temperature recorder) to conduct a temperature check on the BIO-12 “Regeneration” experiment, which studies how zero gravity impacts structural and functional recovery of damaged organs and tissues in Planaria (water flatworms).

Sergei also deinstalled kits #4 & #7 of the BTKh-12 “Bioekologiya” payload, replacing the ART, and stowed them in the Soyuz. In addition, Salizhan Sharipov transferred the kit with the BIO-2 “Biorisk” containers, which he had retrieved from the DC1 exterior during EVA, to 9S for return to the ground.

Preparatory for the upcoming use of the periodic microbial air sampling run with the Russian MedOps SZM-MO-21/”Ecosfera” experiment, Sharipov initiated the charging of the Ecosphere battery. [The MO-21 equipment, consisting of an air sampler set, a charger, power supply unit, and incubation tray for Petri dishes, determines microbial contamination of the ISS atmosphere, specifically the total bacterial and fungal microflora counts and microflora composition according to morphologic criteria of microorganism colonies.]

Krikalev connected the EGE-2 laptop to the BSR-TM Regul interface unit (part of the Russian radio control & communications system) and the BITS2-12 onboard data/telemetry system, which is used for automated downlinking of time-critical payload data such as ROKVISS and ASN-M.

To support a cabin dust analysis conducted by TsUP/Moscow, Salizhan removed one of the PF dust filter cartridges in the SM (“the most contaminated one”) and bagged it for return. [A new filter was installed in its place.]

The four Expedition crew members conducted an abbreviated physical exercise program on TVIS, CEVIS, RED exerciser, and VELO cycle with bungee cord load trainer.

At ~2:17, Roberto Vittori supported a live TV downlink/exchange with university students, the Mayor, other local authorities and the general public of the city of Terni/Italy, assembled in an event focusing on space and the “Eneide” mission under the title, “Qui Stazione Spaziale, Terni rispondi…Un tele incontro con Roberto Vittori dalla Stazione Spaziale”.

Yesterday, the crew experienced problems with the onboard file server (FS) and had to reload the software into the FS computer. Four SSCs (Station Support Computers) were recovered, and the ground also restored the FS and the crew’s e-mail service.

Elektron Status: Last evening, the crew performed a nitrogen (N2) pressure check on the Liquid Unit #5 (BZh-5) installed in the Elektron. This included re-pressurizing the BZh, opening and closing valves, waiting and recording N2 pressure. The BZh was able to hold pressure at this time. The current plan is to resume Elektron activities after Soyuz undock. An O2 repressurization of the cabin atmosphere by ~10 mmHg from 17P storage was performed yesterday to prevent ppO2 from dropping below the Flight Rule limit.

SKV Status: Troubleshooting of the Russian SKV air conditioners, specifically the suspected SRKV condensate water processing system, has been postponed to no earlier than 4/27.

Weekly Science Update (Expedition Ten — 25th):

GASMAP: Nothing new.

Human Research Facility/Workstation (HRF WS): Continuing.

Advanced Ultrasound (ADUM): John and Leroy were thanked for the successful Scan A session this week. “Performing remote guidance of cardiac areas with S-band only is a first for space research and the team is looking forward to viewing the files you captured during this time. Additionally, the Joint Operations timeframe is an exceptionally busy time, yet you managed to multi-task your scheduled activities very well.”

In-Space Soldering Investigation (ISSI): Operations are complete. –>For a descriptive article on ISSI background & early surprising results, see AIAA’s “Aerospace America” Magazine, March 2005 issue (page 24)

Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS): SAMS remains in nominal operations.

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS): MAMS remains in nominal operations.

Protein Crystal Growth-Single Locker Thermal Enclosure System (PCG-STES): PCG-STES is performing nominally.

Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-3 (BCAT-3): BCAT-3 Slow Growth Sample Module will be left undisturbed in its current location by the E11 crew. In order for the samples to potentially grow crystals that can be photographed during Increment 12 operations, the Sample Module must be left undisturbed.

Materials ISS Experiment (MISSE): In progress. Deployed outside on the U.S. Airlock. Nominal and collecting data.

Cellular Biotechnology Support Systems-Fluid Dynamics Investigation (CBOSS-FDI): All done for Increment 10.

Dust and Aerosol Measurement Feasibility Test (DAFT): Nothing new.

Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM): Nothing new.

Serial Network Flow Monitor (SNFM): All done for Increment 10.

Fluid Merging Viscosity Measurement (FMVM): Nothing new. Will roll over to Increment 11.

Space Experiment Module (SEM): The final SEM photo activity for the students may take place during Increment 11.

Effects of Prolonged Space Flight on Human Skeletal Muscle (BIOPSY): This week the crew completes their last in-flight diet logging session.

Miscible Fluids in Microgravity (MFMG): Nothing new. Will roll over to Increment 11.

Educational Payload Operations (EPO): Nothing new. Will roll over to Increment 11.

Crew Earth Observations (CEO): As of 4/18, total CEO image count now stands at 16,744. In terms of camera times, a relatively high percentage (23.2%) of CEO photos were taken at the times of the ground’s target request. A nice comparative set of ISS CEO photos documenting the dynamic event of the seasonal breakup of ice in the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan, will be published on NASA’s Earth Observatory website this weekend.

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 11 crew visit:

• http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-11/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.

Expedition 11 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.

Expedition 10 Flight Timelines (all times EDT, except where noted):

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

• Undocking from FGB — 4/24 (Sun.), 2:38pm EDT (to be confirmed by State
• Commission ~3.5 hrs. before undock);
• Sep Burn #1 (manual) — 2:44pm;
• Deorbiting Burn — 5:16pm (4 min 23 sec, delta-V 115.2 m/s);
• Daily Orbit 1 (DO1) begin – 5:30am
• Module Sep — 5:41pm;
• Atmospheric Entry — 5:44pm;
• Landing in darkness — 4/24 (Sun.) 6:08pm EDT; 4:08am (4/25) local Kustanai/Kazakhstan;
• Sunrise at Kustanai landing site — 6:16am. [Note: Kazakhstan time is GMT+6h].
• Landing point for this descent profile is at ~87 km SW from Arkalyk City.

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:
• 5/22: 1:03 – 1:08pm;
• 5/23: 12:36 – 12:46pm;
• 5/24: 12:15 – 12:20pm
• 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.

Other Upcoming Main Events:

• Progress M-52 (17P) undock — 6/16.
• Progress M-53 (18P) launch — 6/17;
• ULF1.1 (STS-121) launch — NET 7/12;
• Progress M-54 (19P) launch — 8/24;
• Soyuz TMA-7 (11S) launch — 9/27.

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.