NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 28 October 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. 

A large portion of today’s crew day was made up by medical experiments.

FE Tokarev set up the equipment for another NOA (Nitric Oxide Analyzer) session in the DC-1 docking compartment and then conducted the weekly test.   [Purpose of the new ESA VC9 payload ESANO1, consisting of the “Platon” analyzer and its power supply, is to monitor expired nitric oxide (NO) to detect signs of airway inflammation and indications of venous gas emboli (bubbles) that may be caused by inhalation of pollutants on the ISS and increased risk of decompression sickness.  The experiment sessions are being conducted once a week, with two NO measurements in the exhaled air (after rinsing out with Rodnik water) taken in each session through a bacterial filter.  Today’s measurement ops were recorded in the Platon log and supported by ground specialist tagup via S-band.  To prevent skewing measurements, Bill and Valery have been requested to avoid food items containing nitrites and nitrates (such as in processed meat, assorted vegetables, stewed cabbage, etc.) from their diet for 24 hours before the weekly experiment.]

CDR McArthur worked on the HRF-1 (Human Research Facility 1), performing two familiarization and checkout tests with the USND (Ultrasound) equipment, with Tokarev taking digital photographs of Bill during the scanning for documentary purposes.

Valery had two hours set aside for unstowing and setting up the equipment for the BTC-10 “Cardiocog” experiment, then performing his second session of the procedure.   [Originally part of Pedro Duque’s VC5 “Cervantes” science program, CARDIOCOG studies changes in the human cardiovascular system in micro-G, expressed in the peripheral arteries, and the vegetative regulation of arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR).  For the experiment, Valery had to take systolic & diastolic blood pressure measurements and heart rate data manually, using the Tensoplus sphygmomanometer, the Portapress BP  equipment (which he checked out first) and storing the data on the French EGE-2 laptop.  The experiment also includes a 5-minute cognitive stress test with a numbers table, with the results called out for recording.  Results were later downlinked via Russian BSR telemetry and the EGE2 restored to nominal config.]

FE Tokarev performed Part 2 of his first onboard “Profilaktika” (MBI-8) preventive health maintenance fitness test series which was deferred on 10/25 to make time for Elektron troubleshooting.  For today’s run, he used the resistive NS-01 load trainer, keeping a log and supported by tag-up with medical support personnel at TsUP/Moscow.   [Today’s Russian fitness test consists of four types of exercise, viz., neck stretching (back/forward), simultaneous upper arm flexing, trunk extension, and trunk flexes.  Each type of exercise requires a series of 15 motions repeated two times.  Load levels are selected by the ground and do not change from test to test.  Total duration of the test is ~13 min.  Gas analysis using the TEEM-100M gas analyzer and subjective evaluation of physical exertion levels were also performed as a part of this test.  The lactate blood test was done twice at the end of the session, using the ACCUSPORT analyzer and REFLOTRON-4 accessories.  Results were entered on a log sheet.  TEEM and ECG (electrocardiograph) data were transferred to the Laptop 3, also on a tape cassette (Cardiocassette-2000), and prepared for later downlink via Regul-Packet comm.  Results were also called down to specialists standing by at TsUP.]

The Russian FE also took his first physical test with the cardiological experiment “Study of the Bioelectric Activity of the Heart at Rest” (PZEh MO-1), with the CDR assisting as CMO (Crew Medical Officer).  [During the 30-min. test, the crew tagged up with ground specialists on a Russian ground site (RGS) pass on Daily Orbit 1 (~12:10pm EDT) via VHF and downlinked data from the Gamma-1M ECG (electrocardiograph) for about 5-6 minutes.]

McArthur collected the periodic reading of the cabin air’s current CO2 concentrations in the SM and Lab, using the U.S. CDMK (Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Kit, #1015), for calldown, along with its battery status, taken after pump start-up, for use in trending analyses.

Bill also performed the weekly spot check on the two new CSA-CP (Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion Products) units from Progress 19 by measuring the state of their decontamination (by “outgassing”) and comparing them with the active (prime and backup) CSA-CPs.

For his first MedOps WinSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool) session, CDR McArthur logged in on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) and performed the exercise on the laptop-based psychological WinSCAT experiment.   [WinSCAT is a time-constrained questionnaire test of cognitive abilities, routinely performed by astronauts aboard the ISS every 30 days before or after the PHS (periodic health status) test or on special CDR’s, crewmembers or flight surgeons request.]

The crew undertook a review & training session for an upcoming major troubleshooting and IFM (in-flight maintenance) on the U.S. TCCS (Trace Contaminant Control Subsystem).  The actual IFM is scheduled on Monday (10/31).   [Today’s training, with hands-on practice, had the objective to provide the crew a review of the skills needed to troubleshoot the TCCS, enabling them to obtain repeatable air flow measurements using the Velocicalc instrument, identify sources of ultrasonic noise generated by air flow , and mate & demate Hydraflow-type fluid connectors/couplings.]

Time again for the monthly recharging of the Motorola-9505 Iridium satellite phone.  Valery retrieved it from its location in the Soyuz TMA-7/11S descent module (BO) and initiated the 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 Tokarev returned the phone inside its SSSP Iridium kit and stowed it back in the BO’s 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.  During the procedure, the phone is left in its fluoroplastic bag with open flap.]

The FE also performed the periodic replenishing of the Elektron’s water supply for electrolysis, his first, filling the KOV thermal loops’ EDV container with purified (deionized) water from the BKO multifiltration/purification column unit, following carefully written instructions.   [The procedure is specially designed to prevent air bubbles larger than ~20 mm from getting into the new BZh-8 Liquid Unit where they could cause Elektron shutdown.  In the procedure, the EDV water is carefully drawn from the BKO and the air/liquid separator unit (GZhS) while the crewmember checks for any air bubbles in the EDV (and, if visible, estimates their number, with up to 10 bubbles of less than 20 mm diameter permitted).  Elektron water is also supplied from USOS condensate in a CWC (collapsible water container) that is checked for its contents of air bubbles and is rejected if the estimated total air bubble volume is more than 30 cubic centimeters (1 cm air bubble is about 0.5 ccm).]

Bill McArthur completed the regular bi-monthly restart of the OCA comm router SSC (Station Support Computer) laptop. 

The FE collected and stowed the two FMK (formaldehyde monitoring kit) monitors, deployed by him on 10/26 in the Lab (below CEVIS) and SM (most forward handrail).

McArthur also filled out the regular weekly FFQ (food frequency questionnaire), his first, which keeps a log of his nutritional intake over time on special MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) software.   [On the MEC, Bill is using his personalized file that reflects the food flown for his Increment.  The FFQ records amounts consumed during the past week of such food items as beverages, cereals, grains, eggs, breads, snacks, sweets, fruit, beans, soup, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, chicken, sauces & spreads, and vitamins.  IBMP/Moscow (Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian: IMBP – Institute of Medico-Biological Problems) recommended average daily caloric value of the crew’s food intake is 2200-2300 cal.  If larger quantities of juices and fruits are taken into account, the value can go to 2400-2500 cal.] 

The CDR conducted the weekly audit/inventory of the available CWCs (collapsible water containers) and their contents, to keep track of onboard water supplies.   [Updated “cue cards” based on Bill’s water calldowns are sent up every other week.]

In further preparation for the EVA-4 on 11/7, McArthur worked on the Nikon F5 digital still camera, configuring it for the spacewalk by equipping it with the 28mm lens, readying its action finder and mounting assembly, and securing the thermal blankets protecting the gear.  The camera was then stowed in the Airlock’s crewlock compartment.

Tokarev did the daily routine maintenance of the Service Module (SM)’s Environment Control & Life Support System (SOZh), including its toilet system (ASU), and later updated/edited the computerized IMS (Inventory Management System) “delta” file for automated export/import to the three IMS databases (MCC-H, TsUP, Baikonur)..

Early in the morning, at ~4:40am EDT, Valery conducted the weekly IMS tagup with specialists at TsUP/Moscow, discussing open issues concerning identification of equipment and storage locations for the IMS databases via S-band.   [Today’s topics included the kind of air filter installed on 10/25, and bags with underwear missing in the IMS.  The crew was urged again to work consistently with the IMS, as ground specialists literally have no other reliable data regarding consumables (besides predictions).]

The CDR completed his regular 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on the CEVIS cycle ergometer, TVIS treadmill, and RED resistive machine.  Valery’s exercise was accounted for by his MBI-8 “Profilaktika” workout with the resistive load trainer this morning.

Afterwards, Bill transferred the exercise data files to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM (heart rate monitor) data of the workouts on CEVIS and RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week).

McArthur also performed the periodic (once per month) routine inspection of the RED (resistive exercise device) with canister cords and accessory straps as well as the canister bolts for re-tightening if required. 

At ~10:10am, the crew held a video/teleconference with the ground on Ku-band and S-band; later tonight, at ~5:15pm, Valery will also have a PFC (Private Family Conference)

At ~11:35am, Bill and Valery had their first standard weekly teleconference with the JSC Astronaut Office (Kent Rominger), via S-band S/G (space-to-ground).

Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets, in the current LVLH attitude no longer limited by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, were Patagonian Glaciers, South American (a sluggish cyclonic storm is obscuring the western side of the Patagonian ranges, but the eastern side should have been clear.  Looking to the left of track for small glaciers on the upper slopes and among the peaks of the mountains.  Overlapping frames are desired to facilitate geolocation of features), and Internal Waves, Northern New Zealand (clearing was occurring over much of Australia and New Zealand, providing an opportunity for internal wave photography.  Looking to the left of track for internal wave patterns along the northern coastline of North Island. The sunglint point was to the north of the island).

To date, over 177,000 of CEO images have been taken in the first five years of the ISS.

 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.

ISS Orbit  (as of this morning, 6:41am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 346.6 km
• Apogee height — 347.9 km
• Perigee height — 345.3 km
• Period — 91.47 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0001903
• Solar Beta Angle — 38.3 deg (magnitude decreasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.74
• Mean altitude gain in last 24 hours — 50 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 39665

Upcoming Events (all dates Eastern):

• 10/28/05 — Very Special Day at NASA Headquarters: visit by Col. (ret.) Eileen Collins, CDR/STS-114 (see below).
• 10/28/05 — EVA-4 Delta-SORR @ JSC (Stage Operations Readiness Review)
• 11/02/05 – 5th Anniversary of permanent ISS occupancy
• 11/07/05 — EVA-4 (U.S.; hatch open ~9:30am; hatch closing ~3pm EDT)
• 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.