NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 11 January 2006

SpaceRef note: This NASA Headquarters internal status report, as presented here, contains additional, original material produced by SpaceRef.com (copyright © 2006) to enhance access to related status reports and NASA activities.

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.

After wakeup at 1:00am EST, FE Valery Tokarev s regular morning inspection today included the routine inspection of DC-1 circuit breakers and fuses.  [The monthly checkup in the Pirs Docking Compartment looks at AZS circuit breakers on the BVP Amp Switch Panel (they should all be On) and the LEDs (light-emitting diodes) of 14 fuses in Fuse Panels BPP-30 & BPP-36.]

CDR/SO McArthur and FE Tokarev performed their fifth periodic (monthly) Russian biomedical assessment PZEh-MO-7 (calf volume measurement) and PZEh-MO-8 (body mass measurement), using the specially designed mass measurement device (IM), later disassembling it for stowage.  [Calf measurements (left leg only) are taken with the IZOG device, a custom-sewn fabric cuff that fits over the calf, using the knee and lower foot as fixed reference points, to provide a rough index of deconditioning in zero-G and effectiveness of countermeasures. For determining body mass in zero-G, where things are weightless but not massless, the Russian IM “scales” measure the inertial forces that arise during the oscillatory motion of a mass driven by two helical metering springs with known spring constants. By measuring the time period of each oscillation of the unknown mass (the crewmember) and comparing it to the period of a known mass, the crewmember s mass is calculated by the computer and displayed.]

The FE completed Part 1 of his third onboard Profilaktika (MBI-8, Countermeasures ) preventive health maintenance fitness test series, starting with the VELO stationary cycle ergometer.  [Valery will do two additional parts of the test, one with the NS-1 Load Trainer tomorrow, the other with the TVIS treadmill on 1/13. Test procedure for MBI-8 is identical to the Russian MO-5 assessment, but in addition to the nominal procedure it uses the TEEM-100M gas analyzer with breathing mask and a subjective evaluation of physical exertion levels during the 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.]

At ~7:50am EST, Tokarev tagged up with ground specialists to discuss his recent audit of lighting fixtures in the Russian segment (RS).

After supporting the activation of the CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly) air conditioner in the U.S. Airlock, CDR McArthur removed discarded equipment from the Airlock for disposal.

Valery Tokarev meanwhile conducted the periodic microbial air sampling run for the Russian MedOps SZM-MO-21 experiment Ecosphera.  [The 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.]

Working jointly with ground engineers, the FE powered up the Elektron oxygen generator, with the usual nitrogen (N2) purge of the BZh Liquid Unit. The electrolysis machine had been in hiatus since 12/28/05 to allow use of the remaining Progress O2 before 19P undocking on 3/3/06.

Tokarev initiated and conducted final preparations for his first experiment session with the newly delivered German/Russian TEKh-20 Plasma Crystal-3 (PK-3) payload, scheduled for tomorrow.  [Right after wake-up, Valery activated the turbopump in the Service Module’s Transfer Compartment (SM PkhO), tagged up with ground specialists and started the evacuation of the vacuum chamber (ZB) and lines in the SM Work Compartment (RO) for repeated leak checks during the day. After hardware calibration, testing and experiment configuring were completed, the turbopump was to be deactivated tonight before sleep time. The experiment is performed on plasma, i.e., fine particles charged and excited by HF (high frequency) radio power inside the evacuated work chamber. Main objective is to study dust plasma crystallization processes at a specified power of HF discharge, pressure, and a varied number of particles with subsequent reduction of HF discharge power, then to observe melting of the structures formed earlier. The experiment is conducted in automated mode.]

In support of tomorrow’s planned operation of the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) for visual MT (Mobile Transporter) inspection, Bill McArthur hooked up the UOP-DCP (utility outlet panel-to-display & control panel) bypass power cable at the Lab RWS (Robotics Work Station).

In the DC-1 Docking Compartment, FE Tokarev checked the readings of the radiation detector control panel of the Russian/European RBO-3 Matryoshka-R antroph-amorphous (human torso) “phantoms” located inside and outside the ISS.

McArthur transferred new IMAK (ISS Medical Accessory Kit) contents of extra medications delivered on Progress 20 to the U.S. medical kits, i.e., the AMP (ambulatory medical pack) and the ALSP (advanced life support pack).

The ground-commanded BCAT-3 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test) activity continued, taking time-lapse photography of BCAT sample 6 at the MWA (Maintenance Work Area) via EarthKAM camera and SSC-7 laptop. Later in the day, CDR/SO McArthur conducted a check of the alignment and focus of the camera on the sample and position of flash. The imaging is to continue for 21 days (until 1/26).

After the ground had opened the LNS (Lab Nitrogen System) valve for the following calibration session, the CDR set up the video equipment and began today’s FOOT experiment (Foot/Ground Reaction Forces during Space Flight), his first data collection session, by donning the specially instrumented LEMS (lower extremity monitoring suit) pants garment and performing electromyography (EMG) calibration (i.e., electric muscle currents recording) on the right arm and leg. With the N2 valve closed again, Bill conducted the data collection session during the course of the day, including special pedaling on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (a first). After ~8.5 hours of activity, the equipment was stowed again.  [The LEMS pants are black Lycra biking tights with 20 electrodes and shoes fitted with insoles that measure impact forces on the bottom of the foot for the 12-hr session. After the calibration, the CDR completed a typical on-orbit day while his reaction forces against the ISS structure were recorded passively on 14 channels to determine how much stress his legs and feet endure. This provides better understanding of the bone loss and muscle mass loss experienced by astronauts in zero-G (recent studies have shown that as much as 1.58% per month of bone mineral is lost from the proximal femur during 4- to 14-month flights and that greater than 20% of knee-extensor strength is lost in 60- to 80-day flights). The experiment, by the biomedical engineering department at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, was also conducted previously by John Phillips, Mike Foale and Ken Bowersox.]

The FE performed the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s environment control & life support system (SOZh), including its toilet system (ASU), and, from his discretionary job jar task list, also updated/edited the standard IMS (Inventory Management System) delta file , including locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).

Both crewmembers worked out in their regular 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on the TVIS treadmill, RED resistive exerciser and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer.  [Valery s daily protocol prescribes a strict four-day microcycle exercise with 1.5 hr on the treadmill in unmotorized mode and one hour on VELO plus load trainer (today: Day 2 of the first set).]

Afterwards, McArthur 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 RED, followed by their erasure.

As new standard early-morning task, Valery checked the operation of the Japanese experiment GCF-JAXA (Granada Crystallization Facility) in the Russian TBU incubator, maintained at 20 degC, including a temperature check on its ART (automatic temperature recorder).  [This daily monitoring/temp checking, carried on the Russian voluntary “time available” task list, will continue until 4/30.]

After two attempts this morning to activate the Elektron O2 generator, it was reactivated successfully at 8:21am EST. It is currently in 24 amp mode on the primary pump. Plan is to keep Elektron activated through 1/17.

At ~1:00pm EST, the crew is scheduled to set up the Sputnik-SM Kenwood D700 amateur radio station in the SM and to conduct, at 1:05pm, a 10-min. ham radio session with students at St. Albert the Great School in North Royalton, Ohio.

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.

Events Ahead (all dates Eastern; tentative):

• 02/02/06 — Russian EVA-15
• 03/03/06 — Progress M-54/19P undocking & reentry
• 03/22/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S launch (Exp. 13 + Marcus Pontes/Brazil)
• 03/24/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S docking (DC1)
• 04/01/06 — Soyuz TMA-7/11S undocking & return (Exp. 12 + Marcus Pontes)
• 04/06/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S relocation (DC1 to FGB nadir port)
• 04/09/06 — Progress M-55/20P undocking & reentry
• 04/10/06 — Progress M-56/21P launch
• 04/12/06 — Progress M-56/21P docking
• 06/28/06 — Progress M-57/22P launch
• 06/30/06 — Progress M-57/22P docking
• 09/12/06 — Progress M-56/21P undocking & reentry
• 09/13/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S launch
• 09/15/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S docking
• 09/23/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S undocking & reentry
• 09/28/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S relocation (DC1 to FGB nadir port)
• 10/18/06 — Progress M-58/23P launch
• 10/20/06 — Progress M-58/23P docking
• 12/19/06 — Progress M-57/22P undocking & reentry
• 12/20/06 — Progress M-59/24P launch
• 12/22/06 — Progress M-59/24P docking.

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.