NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 8 October 2005

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All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.   Saturday and Day 6 of joint Exp.11/Exp.12 operations.  Week 24 of Increment 11.  Day 177 days in space (175 aboard ISS) for Expedition 11, with 2 days to go.  Also: Day 2514 since first ISS launch (FGB/Zarya), and 1802 days of permanent crew occupancy aboard ISS.

After wake-up at a shifted 3:30am EDT, both crews again worked a busy schedule of ISS11-to-ISS12 handovers, which proceeded briskly as planned.   [Most scheduled activities were done jointly to serve as handover demos for the “new” crewmembers (“functional” as opposed to “dedicated” handovers).]

For CDR Sergei Krikalev, it was time to complete the first 1.5-hr. part of his final training session in the “Chibis” ODNT suit as standard preparation of cosmonauts for returning into gravity (the second part is scheduled for tomorrow).  Since it was outside an RGS (Russian ground site) comm window, with no telemetry downlink, his vital body readings were again obtained with the Tensoplus sphygmomanometer.  A tagup/calldown with ground specialists via US S-band supported the run, which was assisted by Phillips.   [The below-the-waist reduced-pressure device ODNT (US: LBNP) in the “Chibis” garment provides gravity-simulating stress to the body’s cardiovascular/circulatory system for reestablishing the body’s orthostatic tolerance (e.g., the Gauer-Henry reflex) after the six-month stay in zero-G.  Salizhan’s ODNT protocol today consisted of first imbibing 150-200 milliliters of water or juice, followed by a sequence of progressive regimes of reduced (“negative”) pressure, set at -15, -25, -35 and -40 mmHg for five minutes each, then at -20, -30, and -40 mmHg, 10 minutes in each mode, and at -30 mmHg for 5 min, while shifting from foot to foot at 10-12 steps per minute. The body’s circulatory system interprets the pressure differential between upper and lower body as a gravity-like force pulling the blood (and other liquids) down.]

In the Soyuz TMA-6/10S Orbital Module (OM), Krikalev 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.

The Exp. 11 crew and SFP-VC9 Gregory Olsen had three hours set aside to conduct the Soyuz descent training exercise, standard procedure for each crew returning on a Soyuz.  The exercise, which strictly forbids any command activation (except for switching the InPU display), was supported by a tagup and discussions with a ground instructor at TsUP/Moscow via S-band.   [The training session included a review of the pertinent ODF (operational data files), specifically the books on Soyuz Insertion & Descent Procedures, Emergency Descents, and Off-Nominal Situation Procedures, and it featured special emphasis on nominal operations with the Neptune-ME cockpit console.  During descent, Krikalev, as Soyuz CDR, will occupy the middle couch, with Olsen in the right seat and Phillips in the Descent Module’s left Kazbek couch.  Pending the final State Commission decision at about 3.5h before undocking, 10S return is currently expected for 10/10 (Monday), with undocking command at 5:40pm EDT and landing ~51 km from Arkhalyk/Kazakhstan on Daily Orbit 2 (DO2) on 10/11 (Tuesday) at 7:09am local Kustanai time (GMT+6h), or 9:09pm EDT on 10/10, 38 minutes before local sunrise.]

Sergei transferred return equipment to the Soyuz and stowed it in the Descent Module.  Cargo intended for disposal will be stowed in the Orbital Module.

Valery Tokarev took two photos of the FGB nadir port’s passive docking assembly (SSVP StA), used for the Soyuz TMA-6 linkup, and of the DC-1 docking compartment’s docking cone, used for Soyuz TMA-7, a standard practice after Russian dockings.  These images will be used to refine current understanding of docking conditions.   [The objective is to take photo imagery of the scratch or scuff mark left by the head of the docking probe on the internal surface of the drogue (docking cone) ring, now rotated out of the passageway.  As other cosmonauts before him, Tokarev used the Kodak 760 digital still camera to take two pictures each with the hatch closed down and downlinked them later via OCA.]

In preparation for the return on 10/10 and as part of handover ops, FE-12 Tokarev and CDR Krikalev retrieved the Motorola-9505 Iridium satellite phone from its location in the Soyuz TMA-6 descent module (DM) and initiated the monthly recharging of its lithium-ion battery, a 30-min. process.  The charging was monitored every 10-15 minutes as it took place, and upon completion Valery returned the phone inside its SSSP Iridium kit and stowed it back in the DMs operational data files (ODF) container.   [The satphone accompanies returning ISS crews on Soyuz reentry and landing for contingency communications with SAR (Search-and-Rescue) personnel after touchdown.  The Russian-developed procedure for the monthly recharging has been approved jointly by Safety officials with an NCR (Non-Compliance Report) valid for the particular satphone in question, i.e., for the remainder of this Increment, which no longer requires double-containing the phone in two CTBs (crew transfer bags) for recharging its lithium-ion battery.  During the procedure, the phone is left in its fluoroplastic bag with open flap.]

CDR-12 McArthur conducted the periodic potable water microbial sampling for in-flight chemistry/microbiology analysis, using jointly approved Russian sampling procedures with the U.S. WS&A (water sampler & archiver) for collection and the WMK (water microbiology kit) for treatment/processing within 6 hours of the collection (done at ~11:30am EDT).  Sample analysis also included processing water samples in the MWAK (microbial water analysis kit) for inflight coliform bacteria (Escherichia coli) detection, at ~8:15am.   [Results will be available after a two-day incubation period, in case of the MWAK after 4-6 days of incubation.]

Sergei Krikalev transferred a BIO-2 “Biorisk” container with two exposed trays to the Soyuz TMA-6 for return to Earth and set up two new trays in the ASU toilet compartment for exposure.

FE-12 Tokarev conducted the periodic (currently daily) checkout/verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various Russian segment (RS) hatchways, including the SM-to-Soyuz tunnel, and the FGB-to-Node passageway.   [This checkup is especially important when the ventilation/circulation system has to cope with a large crew on board.]

Assisted by Krikalev, SFP (Spaceflight Participant) Gregory Olsen did close-out work on the special demo/commercial called SCN (Space Cup Noodles) for Japanese industry, which involves carefully scripted scenes involving consuming ball-shaped noodles in weightlessness.  The scenes, some of them a repeat of earlier less-than-perfect takes on sponsor demand, were filmed by Sergei with the Japanese Sony HVR-Z1J high-definition camcorder.

Olsen also filled out the daily log/questionnaires for his experiments MOP (Motion Perception/Vestibular Adaptation to Gravity Changes), and LBP (MYSCUL, low back pain muscle investigation).  The data from his VC-9 experiments and video/photographing were again transferred from FlashCard memory to the removable hard disk drive of the RSE1 laptop.

Valery performed the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh environment control & life support system, including the ASU toilet system and also prepared the regular daily IMS (Inventory Management System) “delta”/update file for automated export/import to the three IMS databases (MCC-H, TsUP, Baikonur).

Phillips, McArthur and Tokarev completed the regular 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on the TVIS, RED resistive machine and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer.  For McArthur and Tokarev, these were the second exercise sessions.  Krikalev performed his exercise today as part of the earlier LBNP (ODNT) workout in the Chibis suit.

Afterwards, Bill transferred their exercise data files to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM (heart rate monitor) data of the RED workouts, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week).   [For the E12 entries, special procedures were used to establish their accounts.  Their data transfers will become regular after the installation of new, personalized software on the MEC on 10/14, during which MEC will be upgraded from the IBM 760XD to an A31p ThinkPad.]

At ~3:55pm EDT, the two crews will conduct their traditional Changing-of-Command ceremony at, as Exp. 11 (Sergei Krikalev, John Phillips) turns ISS operations over to Exp. 12 (William McArthur, Valery Tokarev). The brief ceremony will be transmitted to the ground via Ku- & S-band for broadcast on NASA TV.  With this, stewardship of the space station is officially transferred to the new crew.  As usual, the form of the traditional event, which celebrates and commemorates the transition between station crews, is at the crew’s discretion.   [Krikalev and Tokarev also will sign the usual formal Russian statements certifying RS handover/acceptance as specified in the RPS (handover) book, proper transfer of emergency procedures documents, and a list of cargo items stowed on Progress-354/19P for deorbit.]

At ~5:20pm, John Phillips will have his weekly PFC (private family conference) via S-band/audio and Ku-band/NetMeeting video.

A backup Remote Power Controller (RPC-14) in a Node RPC module (RPCM) failed yesterday, removing operational and redundant heater power from the Node WVS WETA (Wireless Video System External Transceiver Assembly), located outside at the Node P12 camera position.  The R&R (removal & replacement) of the RPCM will be added to the R&R of the prime RPCM (N1RS1_A) in the Node, which failed in September 2002 for one of the two heaters.  The R&R is scheduled for 10/14.   [The remaining heater will maintain operational temperature for all nominal attitudes, and is sufficient to support 10S undock.  The 10/14 R&R will restore full functionality to WETA, which will support the U.S. EVA-4 on 11/7 by having nominal helmet cameras during the EVA and take close-out EVA imagery.]

Still carried by Krikalev’s Russian “time available” task list for today was processing of condensate from a U.S. CWC (collapsible water container), to be used in the Elektron.  Also on his task List for today was to search for two “misplaced” kits of the BTKh-12 BIOEKOLOGIYA (Bioecology) payload, for return to Earth.

Weekly Science Update (Expedition Eleven — 24th)

Human Research Facility/Gas Analyzer System for Metabolic Analysis Physiology (HRF GASMAP):  The Science Officer was thanked for his efforts with performing the Gas Delivery System (GDS) reconfiguration activity on Thursday.  In doing so, the Pulmonary Function System (PFS) is ready to go for the initial checkout next week.

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

Advanced Ultrasound (ADUM): Continuing.

Renal Stone (RS):  Continuing.

Foot/Ground Reaction Forces during Space Flight (FOOT):   Complete for this Increment.

Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS):  The SAMS ICU (Interface Control Unit) laptop was successfully booted on 10/7 by John Phillips and is nominal.  SAMS RTS (Remote Triaxial Sensor) Drawer 1 has booted, and the ground is receiving good data.

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

Protein Crystal Growth-Single Locker Thermal Enclosure System (PCG-STES):   Complete and returned to the PI.

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.  New MISSE-5 “suitcase” deployed and unfolded during EVA outside on the U.S. Airlock.  MISSE was powered off for 11S docking via ground command on 10/2.  Powered back on during the 3:34am EDT pass on 10/3.

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

Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM):   Complete.

Serial Network Flow Monitor (SNFM): Complete.

Fluid Merging Viscosity Measurement (FMVM):  Nothing new.

Space Experiment Module (SEM): Nothing new.  Experimenters and kids are working to get the next two satchels on ULF1.1.

Miscible Fluids in Microgravity (MFMG):  MFMG payload operations are finished.

Educational Payload Operations (EPO):  Complete.

Crew Earth Observations (CEO):  Continuing.

No CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets uplinked today.

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 12 crew visit:

• http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-12/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.

Expedition 12 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 11 Flight Timelines:

• Soyuz 10S (Expedition 11+1; Sergei Krikalev, John Phillips, Gregory Olsen):
• Undocking from FGB — 10/10 (Mon., Columbus Day), 5:40pm EDT (undock command);
• Sep Burn #1 (manual) —  5:46pm;
• Deorbiting Burn —  8:18:46 pm (4 min 23 sec; delta-V 115.2 m/s);
• Module separation – 8:43pm;
• Atmospheric entry – 8:46pm;
• Max-G load – 8:53pm;
• Parachute open command – 8:55pm;
• Landing before dawn — 10/10 (Mon.)  9:09pm EDT;  7:09am (on 10/11) local Arkhalyk/Kazakhstan;
• Sunrise at Kustanai landing site — 7:47am local.  [Note: Kazakhstan remains on Standard Time; thus: local time = GMT+5].

Other Upcoming Events (all times EDT):

• 10/18/05 — ISS Reboost
• 10/27/05 – EVA-04 Dry Run
• 11/07/05 — EVA-4 (U.S.)
• 11/18/05 — Soyuz TMA-7/11S relocation (from DC-1 to FGB nadir port)
• 12/20/05 – Progress M-54/19P undocking & reentry
• 12/21/05 – Progress M-55/20P launch
• 12/23/05 — Progress M-55/20P docking
• 01/09/06 — 100 days for Expedition 12.

 

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.