NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 4 May 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.

Station reboost this morning was nominal, executed by eight Progress 21 DPO thrusters. Mean altitude increase: 2.5 km (1.6 mi.). [At ~5:25am EDT, ISS attitude control was successfully handed over to Russian MCS (Motion Control System), and at 5:30am thrusters maneuvered the station to earth-fixed LVLH (local vertical local horizontal) for the reboost, which took place exactly on time at 7:29:34am. Delta-V yield was 1.55 m/s (1.6 m/s predicted), and burn time was ~6 min 31 s. Attitude was then changed to LVLH TEA (Torque Equilibrium Attitude), and control authority returned to U.S. CMG (Control Moment Gyroscope) momentum management at ~8:05am. The Lab window shutter remained closed throughout the maneuver activity, until after 11:05am. Next reboost: 6/8.]

CDR Vinogradov prepared his second NOA (Nitric Oxide Analyzer) regular (non-EVA) weekly session in the “Pirs” Docking Compartment (DC1), and then conducted the procedure, afterwards dumping the measurements from the RSE1 laptop to the ground via the BSR-TM telemetry channel. [Purpose of the ESA VC9 payload ESANO1, consisting of the “Platon” analyzer and its power supply, is to monitor expired nitric oxide (NO) in the subject’s exhaled air 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 test 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 the measurements, Pavel had to prepare yesterday for the session by excluding food items containing nitrites and nitrates (such as in processed meat, assorted vegetables, stewed cabbage, etc.) from his diet for 24 hours before the weekly experiment.]

After activation of the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox), Science Officer Williams conducted the first run of the PFMI (Pore Formation & Migration Investigation) of Increment 13. [Jeff installed the PFMI-14 SAA (Sample Ampoule Assembly) in the thermal chamber and kicked off the experiment. PFMI throws light on the serious problem of defect generation during solidification of liquid materials, which on Earth shows itself in particle segregation driven by gravity (“freckle” effect) and in microgravity in pore or bubble formation of trapped gas due to lack of buoyancy. By directly observing and quantitatively recording/measuring bubble formation, mobility, and interactions aboard ISS, PFMI is helping to improve our understanding of such detrimental phenomena occurring during controlled directional solidification processing. Of 21 experiments initiated on board to date, 17 were successfully completed; the others were interrupted by various causes. The current plan for May is to re-process three samples to investigate other solidification phenomena.]

Pavel Vinogradov took his first health test with the cardiological experiment “Study of the Bioelectric Activity of the Heart at Rest” (PZEh MO-1), with the FE 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 3 (~12:00pm EDT) via VHF and downlinked data from the Gamma-1M ECG (electrocardiograph) for about 5-6 minutes.]

Jeff Williams broke out and set up the equipment for tomorrow’s planned “Urolux” biochemical urine test (PZE MO-9) and PHS (Periodic Health Status) assessment. [MO-9 is conducted regularly every 30 days (and also before and after EVAs) and is one of five nominal Russian medical tests adopted by NASA for US crewmembers for IMG (Integrated Medical Group) PHS evaluation as part of the “PHS/Without Blood Labs” exam. The analysis uses the sophisticated in-vitro diagnostic apparatus Urolux developed originally for the Mir program. The data are then entered in the Medical Equipment Computer (MEC)’s special IFEP software (In-Flight Examination Program).]

In the Orbital Module of the Soyuz TMA-8/12S spacecraft, the CDR performed the monthly cleaning of the screen/grid of its fan & air heater assembly (BVN), to assure adequate air ventilation.

The FE completed the routine daily maintenance of the environment control & life support system (SOZh) in the SM, including servicing toilet facility (ASU) systems, and later 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).

In preparation for the upcoming runs of the ESA/German commercial experiment “RokvISS”, Pavel performed time synchronization between the Russian payload server (BSPN) and the ISS “Wiener” power computer, after he set up the laptop with the exact time as per the station clock (which in turn is synchronized daily from RGS/Russian Ground Site), using a payload file transfer program called ShellForKE. Support was provided by a tagup with ground specialists. [RokvISS investigates the feasibility of robotic function and remote control in open space environment. Its REU (Robotic External Unit) arm, installed on the URM-D, is controlled by the CUP (Communication Unit for Payloads) via the OBC electronics, part of SM systems. RokvISS communicates directly with the GOSC (German Space Operations Center) ground station at Oberpfaffenhofen/Germany via independent S-band comm link.

Pavel Vladimirovich also performed the periodic (monthly) functional closure test of a spare emergency vacuum valve (AVK) for the Vozdukh CO2 removal system, in the spare parts kit. [The AVKs are critical because they close the Vozdukh’s vacuum access lines in the event of a malfunction in the regular vacuum valves (BVK) or a depressurization in the Vozdukh valve panel (BOA). Access to vacuum is required to vent carbon dioxide (CO2) during the regeneration of the absorbent cartridges (PP). During nominal operation, the AVK valves remain open.]

Jeff conducted the regular 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 his water calldowns are sent up every other week. The new card lists 16 water containers (~270 liters total) for the four types of water identified on board: technical water (for Elektron, flushing, hygiene), potable water (~180 liters), condensate water (for processing) and other (TCS fluid, EMU waste water). Current assumed rate of water use is 2.2 liters per person per day with Elektron (vs. 1.7 liters per person per day without Elektron). Total water currently on board is ~1250 liters, which would last ~284 days without resupply. Progress 21 delivered 420 l on 4/24 (2 Rodniks); 22P is expected to bring ~265 l, and ULF1.1 ~645 l. While there was some concern recently about leaking CWCs, the crew today reported all inspected CWCs to be dry.]

The CDR completed a 90-min. audit of RODF (Russian Operation Data Files) records, to assess status and validity of crew procedures documents for EVA from the DC1 docking compartment, Orlan (RSK) operations, depress/repress cue cards, and RODF CDs (compact disks).

Pavel also performed the routine task of taking two photos of the SM aft port’s docking cone, used for the recent Progress M-56/21P linkup, a standard practice after Russian dockings. These images are used to refine current understanding of docking conditions. The pictures were later downlinked via OCA assets. [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 crewmembers before him, the CDR used the Nikon D1X digital still camera to take two pictures each with the hatch closed down]

FE Williams performed the visual T+2d analysis of the Week 4 potable water samples, collected on 5/2 from the SRV-K hot tap and the EDV container of the water supply system (SVO-ZV) with the WMK (water monitoring kit). He then entered the microbiological data in the medical equipment computer. [The T+2 analysis uses incubated MCDs (microbial capture devices), SSK (surface sample kit) slides, and MAS (microbial air sampler) Petri dishes. T+5d analysis is not required. If Jeff’s analysis showed colony growth above specified limits, he was to take digital documentary images.]

Vinogradov collected the weekly cabin air readings with the Real-Time Harmful Contaminant Gas Analyzer (GANK-4M) system of the SM Pressure Control & Atmospheric Monitoring System (SOGS), which tests particularly for NH3 (ammonia) and HCl (hydrogen chloride).

Jeff conducted the daily atmospheric status check for ppO2 (Partial Pressure Oxygen) and ppCO2 (pp Carbon Dioxide), using the CSA-CP (Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion Products), CSA-O2 (CSA-Oxygen Sensor) and CDMK (CO2 Monitoring Kit).

Both crewmembers worked out in their regular 2.5-hr. physical exercise program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the TVIS treadmill (FE, CDR), RED resistive exerciser (FE) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR). [Pavel Vinogradov’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 1 of the first set).]

Afterwards, Jeff 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 on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week).

At ~10:41am EDT, both crewmembers participated in an interactive televised PAO/educational event at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD, where team leads of regional NASA Explorer Schools were gathered for NASA HQ’s Space Day Educational Event, including Lockheed Martin winners of Space Day Design Challenges. [Questions to the crew were uplinked beforehand. “Pavel, what happens if you sneeze while on the ISS?”; “I hear that there is a lot of space junk floating around. Has any of it ever hit the ISS and what was its effect on the station?”; “An astronaut once said that living on the Mir Space Station was like living in a cave. How does living on the ISS compare to Mir?”; “What is one piece of unexpected knowledge you gained on this expedition?”]

Starting 5/1 and running through today, TsUP/Moscow has several amateur radio sessions suggested for Pavel Vladimirovich (Call Name R3K/0) with radio amateurs in Anadyr/Siberia (known to “insiders” for its blue-eyed Siberian Huskies).

At ~4:20pm EDT, the crew has a communications pass scheduled over NASA VHF (very high frequency) sites at White Sands (4:20pm) and Wallops Island (4:24pm) for the periodic VHF1 emergency comm check, talking with Houston/Capcom, MSFC/PAYCOM (Payload Operation & Integration Center Communicator) and Moscow/Glavni (TsUP Capcom) in the normal fashion via VHF radio from a handheld microphone and any of the U.S. segment ATUs (audio terminal units). [The test is to verify signal reception and link integrity, and to ensure minimum required link margin during emergency and special events (such as a Soyuz relocation). Last time done: 3/16/06.]

Pavel still had the roll-over task to search for “missing” Russian equipment items on his discretionary “time available” task list (which now includes locating a DVD disk required for an upcoming task on the A31p laptop RS1).

Update on MEC: Yesterday’s planned upgrade of the MEC from an old IBM 760XD model (#6050) to a new ThinkPad A31p platform had to be aborted because, as it turned out, the A31p did not have an operating system on its hard disk drive (HDD) so the software could not be loaded. Ground specialists have identified three HDDs onboard that have the proper configuration for the MEC upgrade. The installation of one of these in the A31p and the MEC software upgrade will be scheduled for a future date.

Update on CULT: The CULT questionnaire filled out yesterday by Pavel Vinogradov for the first time is not a Russian experiment but a study conducted currently by Russia for ESA. The multi-Increment investigation, which eventually will involve 12 subjects, is dedicated to the study of cultural aspects and leadership styles of on-board crews as a function of mission duration, including interactions within multinational crews. The questionnaire is contained on a PCMCIA memory card, to be used for all subjects and sessions.

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 Yangtze River Delta (the Yangtze river delta is highly dynamic due to upstream changes to the Yangtze river. The upstream changes includes the building of dams, the most famous being the Three Gorges dam. The upstream changes result in subsidence in the delta due to lower sedimentation rates. Currently the subsidence rate is approximately 10-50 mm per year. Looking for changes in the delta shape or in land use patterns in and along the delta region), Ganges River Delta (the Ganges river delta is another dynamic delta. The entire region is very low, just meters above sea level. The delta is also susceptible to river floods, tidal surges due to the summer monsoons [June through October] and wave action. There has also been drastic environmental change due to forest land being converted to agriculture. The land use conversion, along with the natural action of the delta has led to increased erosion. Documenting the edges of the delta and land use along the delta), Lima, Peru (Lima is the largest city in Peru. It is typically shrouded in sea fog but is sunny December through April. Being the first week in May it may still be clear. The crew was asked to you use the 400 mm lens for this target rather than the 400 with the doubler [800 mm] because investigators want to get as much of the city in one view as possible, and to use a window other than the science window if possible [the scratch pane on the science window has been degraded and typically the 400 mm and 800 mm images are a touch soft when the science window is used]. During the pass over Lima after the scheduled shift to LVLH, nadir views for this site were requested), and Internal waves, W Azores, Atlantic (the ground does not have many images of internal waves in this area due to clouds. The odds on this pass were that the crew saw some clouds but might have been able to detect possible internal waves between the clouds).

To date, more than 186,000 of CEO images have been taken in the first five years of the ISS, almost one third of the total number of images taken from orbit by astronauts.

CEO photography can be viewed and studied at the websites:

• http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/station/CEO.html
• 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 13 crew visit:

• http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-13/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.

Expedition 13 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, 10:10am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 344.5 km
• Apogee height — 350.6 km
• Perigee height — 338.4 km
• Period — 91.43 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0009037
• Solar Beta Angle — 19.7 deg (magnitude decreasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.75
• Mean altitude gain in last 24 hours — 2500 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 42629

Significant Events Ahead (all dates subject to change):

• 05/20/06 — Progress M-56/21P loading complete; hatches closed
• 06/01/06 — Russian EVA-16
• 06/08/06 — ISS reboost
• 06/17/06 — Progress M-55/20P undocking (DC1) & reentry
• 06/18/06 — Progress M-57/22P launch
• 06/20/06 — Progress M-57/22P docking (DC1)
• 07/01/06 — NET STS-121/ULF1.1 launch
• 07/03-11/06 – NET STS-121/ULF1.1 docked mission w/ISS
• 07/??/06 — US EVA-5
• 08/28/07 — NET STS-115/12A launch
• 08/30-09/06 — NET STS-115/12A docked mission w/ISS
• 09/13/06 — Progress M-56/21P undocking (SM aft port) & reentry
• 09/14/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S launch (Expedition 14 + VC11)
• 09/16/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S docking (SM aft port)
• 09/24/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S undocking (FGB nadir port) & reentry
• 09/??/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S relocation (SM aft port to FGB nadir port)
• 10/18/06 — Progress M-58/23P launch
• 10/20/06 — Progress M-58/23P docking (SM aft port)
• 11/??/06 — Russian EVA-17
• 12/14/06 — NET STS-116/12A.1 launch
• 12/16-23/06 — NET STS-116/12A.1 docked mission w/ISS
• 12/19/06 — Progress M-57/22P undocking (DC1) & reentry
• 12/20/06 — Progress M-59/24P launch
• 12/22/06 — Progress M-59/24P docking (DC1)
• 01/22/07 — US EVA-6
• 01/26/07 — US EVA-7
• 01/31/07 — US EVA-8
• 02/06/07 — Progress M-59/24P undocking (DC1) & reentry
• 02/07/07 — Progress M-60/25P launch
• 02/09/07 — Progress M-60/25P docking (DC1)
• 02/22/07 — NET STS-117/13A launch
• 02/24-03/03/07 — NET STS-117/13A docked mission w/ISS
• 03/08/07 — Progress M-58/23P undocking (SM aft port) & reentry
• 03/09/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S launch (Expedition 15 + VC12)
• 03/11/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S docking (SM aft port)
• 03/19/07 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S undocking (FGB nadir port)
• 03/22/07 — NET STS-117/13A launch
• ??/??/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S relocation (SM aft port to FGB nadir port)
• 06/11/07 — NET STS-118/13A.1.

(NET = no earlier than)

 
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.