NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 11 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. 

Before breakfast, FE/SO Williams deployed two acoustic dosimeters on Pavel and himself, to be worn for 24 hours (with a microphone on the shirt collar).  A third dosimeter was deployed in the Lab for a 24-hr. static data take (last time done: 1/4/05).   [Tonight, after about 15 hours of measurements, dosimeter data will be recorded and the hardware power-cycled, for another data take tomorrow morning after 8.5-hr. sleep.  At that point, the crew will deploy the dosimeters statically in the station for the duration of the day, record measurements tomorrow night and stow the instruments.  Acoustic data must be taken twice per Increment, each time for the duration of the 16-hour crew workday.]

In preparation for the upcoming runs of the ESA/German commercial experiment “RokvISS”, CDR Vinogradov performed another time synchronization between the Russian payload server (BSPN) and the ISS “Wiener” power laptop, after setting 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.

The Science Officer conducted a ~30 min. familiarization review of the BSTC (Biotechnology Specimen Temperature Controller) in EXPRESS Rack 4, in preparation for tomorrow’s functional checkout of the facility. [For the functional check-out of the BSTC incubator, Jeff will connect the GSM (Gas Supply Module) to the BSTC before powering the incubator up, take a few parameter readings while it warms up, and then power it back down.  After the operations are complete, he will reconfigure some of the payload stowage.]

Then, working on the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) in the Lab, Williams removed the PFMI-14 SAA (Sample Ampoule Assembly) specimen of the PFMI (Pore Formation & Migration Investigation) experiment, which he had installed yesterday in the thermal chamber for untended operation. He also removed and stowed the last g-LIMIT (Glovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology) Bypass 8mm video tape, before deactivating the MSG facility.   [PFMI, using Succinonitrile crystals with added water, 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 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 this month is to re-process three samples to investigate other solidification phenomena.]

The FE also reviewed his upcoming work with the InSPACE experiment (Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions), a previously conducted investigation of materials science requiring the MSG.   [InSPACE obtains basic data on magnetorheological fluids, i.e., a new class of “smart materials” that can be used to improve or develop new brake systems, seat suspensions robotics, clutches, airplane landing gear, and vibration damper systems.  The dispersed particles are contained in Coil Assemblies (CAs) which subject them to electric fields of certain strength and frequencies.]

As part of his regular monthly fitness evaluation, CDR Vinogradov undertook his first session of the Russian MO-5 MedOps protocol of cardiovascular evaluation during graded exercises on the VELO cycle ergometer, assisted by the FE as CMO (crew medical officer).   [The assessment, supported by ground specialist tagup (VHF) and telemetry monitoring (today on Daily Orbit 2), uses the Gamma-1 ECG equipment with biomed harness, skin electrodes and a blood pressure and rheoplethysmograph cuff wired to the cycle ergometer’s instrumentation panels.  For the graded exercise, the subject works the pedals after a prescribed program at load settings of 125, 150, and 175 watts for three minutes each.]

Continuing the current round of the monthly preventive maintenance of Russian segment (RS) ventilation systems, Vinogradov worked in the FGB (Funktsionalnyi-Grusovoi Blok), cleaning the mesh screens of the FGB’s central ventilation fans (TsV1 & TsV2).

Later, Pavel 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).

Williams meanwhile 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).

As a standard procedure for each new Increment crew, Jeff completed an SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) proficiency training session.  After the FE had connected the UOP DCP (utility outlet panel/display & control panel) bypass power cable at the Lab Robotics Work Station (RWS) and ensured the Lab science window was covered for protection, he reviewed the computerized DOUG (dynamic operations ubiquitous graphics) model.  He then had ~90 minutes for performing the Robotics exercise, consisting mainly of maneuvering the arm to the viewing position for the Russian EVA-16 (on 6/1), surveying the EVA work area and then maneuvering to a Lab window clearance position (to facilitate ground control ops in support of EVA-16).   [The SSRMS maneuver to the EVA viewing position consisted of one Joint OCAS (operator commanded auto sequence), and the subsequent move to the final parking position used three Single joint maneuvers: Wrist Yaw, Shoulder Yaw, and Shoulder Roll.]

Pavel Vladimirovich performed the periodic (about twice a month) replenishing of the Elektron’s water supply for electrolysis, his third, filling the KOV thermal loops’ EDV container with water from an EDV containing water from the BKO multifiltration/purification column unit. [The 40-minute procedure is specially designed to prevent air bubbles larger than ~10 mm from getting into the BZh-8 Liquid Unit where they could cause Elektron shutdown.  In the procedure, the BKO water is carefully transferred with a pump (BP), located behind SM panel 420, from the EDV-1 through the air/liquid separator unit (GZhS) into the empty EDV-2 while the crewmember checks for any air bubbles accumulating in the GZhS (and, if visible, estimates their number, with no more than two 1 cm diameter bubbles permitted in EDV-2).  Elektron water is also supplied from U.S. 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).]

The CDR completed the routine daily maintenance of the SOZh environment control & life support system, which today included the regular weekly inspection of the air/liquid condensate separation and pumping unit (BRPK), and he 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).   [The BRPK is part of the condensate water processor (SRVK) that processes the condensate coming from the currently active air conditioner (SKV) for the Elektron.]

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 current card lists 16 water containers (~453 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 subsequently reported all inspected CWCs to be dry.]

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 CEVIS cycle ergometer (FE), TVIS treadmill (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 required for the MO-5 test.]

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 CEVIS and RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week).

The CDR had another search for “missing” Russian equipment items on his discretionary “time available” task list, a transformer for the SOZh’s water management system with cable and accessories that were delivered about three years ago on a Progress cargo ship but never used.

At 5:20am EDT, FE Williams set up the amateur radio equipment (Ericsson VHF transceiver, headset, power supply) in the FGB to conduct, at 5:35am, a 10-min. ham radio exchange with students at Yoneda-nishi Elementary School in Takasago, Japan.   [Yonedanishi ES in Takasago City, Hyogo prefecture, is located about 31 miles west of Osaka.  From it, students can see “Akashi Ohashi”, Japan’s longest bridge.  The ARISS (Amateur Radio on ISS) school contact was sponsored by the local PTA. Student questions were uplinked beforehand.  “How does Japan look from the ISS at night?”; “What do you do when you feel itchy while working outside?”; “What is the best space food for you?”; “Is there any difference in your dreams when you are in the universe and when you are on earth?”; “Why did you become an astronaut even though it is very dangerous?”]

At ~11:25am, the station maneuvered from “belly-down” LVLH (local vertical/local) attitude to sun-pointing XPOP TEA (x-axis perpendicular to orbit plane/torque equilibrium attitude), as called for by flight rules when the Solar Beta angle exceeds 11 deg (plus or minus).   [The failure of the US-21 matching units between the Service Module (SM) computer system and both Progress vehicles required the maneuver to be conducted using SM thrusters rather than the nominally-used Progress thrusters, controlled by the USTO (US Thrusters Only) controller.  Such attitude maneuvers have previously been conducted.  Investigation into the failures of the matching units by Russian specialists is underway.]

Update on ER1:  The troubleshooting on EXPRESS rack 1 for its small coolant leak is going well.   [Leak rate is ~3% (~11 oz.) per month.]

Update on Elektron:   The Elektron has a small leak internal to its BZh-8 Liquid Unit.  The electrolysis machine was deactivated for three days to isolate the leak to the vacuum line.  Since it is small and inside the BZh, the plan is to “feed” it through end-of-life of the Liquid Unit with inert nitrogen (N2) gas.  The Elektron is currently off and the vacuum line cannot be used during the vent line reconfiguration scheduled for the Russian EVA-16 on 6/1.  Thus, there are no plans to reactivate the Elektron until after the lines are reconfigured.  O2 from Progress 20 will be supplied to the station until after the EVA.

Update on Email Migration:  Yesterday’s E-mail migration to COM servers was completed successfully.  The crew and teams were congratulated this morning for the smooth transition on orbit.

Update on US-21 Matching Units:  The problem with the Matching Units (US-21) for 20P and 21P after the reboost has been preliminarily isolated to a software issue.  This is expected to be cleared up with the new software version (7.05).  The current software version will require operations measures to utilize Progress propulsion.

Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets, in the current LVLH attitude (until later today) no longer limited by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, were Western Pamirs (looking right of track for glaciers of the Western Pamirs, central Asia [Tajik Republic].  Ice fields here range from 19,000 to nearly 25,000 feet.  Looking for individual glaciers), African Dust Front (Dynamic Event: After crossing the African coast, looking east of track for a distinct dust front seen in satellite imagery.  The dust is moving west and southwestward from the Lake Chad area.  Lake Chad was probably not visible due to the dust), and Glacial features, North Libya (context or regional views of this target site are highly desirable. Specifically, investigators are looking to document the meandering river traces which will give information about ancient sub-ice features in northern Africa).

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, 6:32am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 344.0 km
• Apogee height — 350.5 km
• Perigee height — 337.6 km
• Period — 91.42 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0009563
• Solar Beta Angle — -11.0 deg (magnitude increasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.75
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 100 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 42736

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 with 21P for phasing (6:51pm EDT, delta-V 1.5 m/s)
• 06/19/06 — Progress M-55/20P undocking (DC1) & reentry
• 06/24/06 — Progress M-57/22P launch
• 06/26/06 — 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.