NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 16 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.  

With the Elektron still off (O2 represses being performed from Progress 20 stores), CDR Pavel Vinogradov serviced the Russian Harmful Impurities Removal System (BMP), starting the “bake-out” cycle to vacuum on absorbent bed #2 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system. Before sleep time today, the bake-out will be terminated, and Elektron will be turned on again tomorrow.   [Regeneration of each of the two cartridges takes about 12 hours and is conducted only during crew awake periods.  The BMP currently still uses the same vacuum vent valve for regeneration as the Elektron (the latter for venting hydrogen). Replacement of the Elektron’s external vent valve (at a different location) is scheduled for the next Russian EVA (#16) on 6/1.]

FE/SO Jeffrey Williams relocated the U.S. TEPC (Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter) radiation monitor, consisting of Detector and Spectrometer, from its place in the Lab starboard endcone to the Service Module (SM) at Panel 327, plugging it into the CHeCS (Crew Health Care Systems) power/data outlet on SM panel 450.

Then, working on the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) in the Lab, Williams removed the PFMI-15 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.]

Later, the SO engaged in a teleconference with the PD (Payload Developer) and staff of the SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites) experiment, discussing test objectives, hints, tips and reminders about setting up and running the first tests on Thursday (5/18).   [SPHERES will demonstrate the basics of formation flight and autonomous docking, using a beacon as reference for the first satellite, to fly formation with or dock to the beacon. Incremental tests include basic attitude control (performing a series of rotations), attitude-only tracking, attitude and range tracking, and docking with handheld beacon.  The payload consists of up to three self-contained 8-inch dia. free-floating satellites which perform the various algorithms (control sequences), commanded and observed by the crew members which provide feedback to shape algorithm development. Each satellite has 12 thrusters and a tank with CO2 for propellant.  The first tests will use only one satellite (plus two beacons – one mounted and one hand-held); a second satellite arrives on ULF1.1, the third on 12A.1.  Formation flight and autonomous docking are important enabling technologies for distributed architectures.]

Vinogradov prepared the ALTCRISS (Alteino Long Term monitoring of Cosmic Rays on the ISS) experiment by installing spacers (to correct the spectrometer’s tilt) and shielding tiles (LDM-ALC-101).  The task was supported by ground specialist tagup via S-band.   [ALTCRISS uses the ACT spectrometer originally employed by VC8 guest cosmonaut Roberto Vittori in the DC1 for the Italian LAZIO (Low Altitude Zone Ionization Observatory) experiment.  ACT is secured on SM panel #333.]

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).

Pavel performed the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s environment control & life support system (SOZh), including its toilet system (ASU), 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).

At the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer), the FE filled out the regular weekly FFQ (food frequency questionnaire), his fifth, which keeps a log of his nutritional intake over time on special MEC software.   [Jeffrey 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.]

Pavel worked briefly in the Soyuz TMA-8 crew return vehicle, activating its gas analyzer (GA).

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 (CDR) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE).   [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 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).

Both crewmembers had 4 hrs. set aside to review the preliminary EVA timeline and EVA tool procedures for the Orlan spacewalk on 6/1.   [EV hatch #1 of the DC1 Docking Compartment will be opened at ~6:40pm EDT, close to the end of the current night pass.  The subsequent spacewalk is estimated to last about 5 hrs 42 min (hatch closure: ~12:22am EDT).  The EVA timeline shows seven major objectives, in this order:

(1)  Maintenance & repair of the Elektron-VM H2 vent/exhaust system;

(2)  Removal of the platform with the “Biorisk-MSN” container;

(3)  Removal of the BKDO Contamination Monitoring Unit;

(4)  Changeout of the MBS (Mobile Base System) external TV camera on the U.S. segment (USOS);

(5)  Removal of the “Kromka” contamination “witness tablet”, and

(6) Removal of cable slack in the area of the PCE (Proximity Communications Equipment) WAL3 antenna.]

A new suggestion for the next “Saturday Science” program for Science Officer Williams was uplinked for his perusal, dealing with the SPHERES experiment (see above).   [Possible activities for 5/20 would be the second performance of the single-satellite ops, in which Jeff would set up the Work Area, dim GLAs (General Luminaire Assemblies), program and deploy the satellite, using the SSC (Station Support Computer) to command test execution.]

Still remaining on Pavel’s discretionary “time as available” task list is the search for “missing” Russian equipment items, specifically 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.

MCC-H flight controllers successfully performed a logical swap of the C&C MDMs (Command & Control Multiplexer/Demultiplexers) today in preparation for the 4B battery capacity test on Monday (5/22).  The swap was executed with no anomalies.  The MDM configuration is now C&C2 as prime, C&C1 as backup, and C&C 3 on standby. 

Propellant transfer to the FGB from Progress 21P is scheduled tomorrow (5/17).  Afterwards, TsUP will attempt to reconnect the US-21 matching units for 21P and 20P.   [If successful, the cargo ships will again be fully available for debris avoidance and boost maneuvers controlled from the SM Central Post computers.]

Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets, limited in the current XPOP attitude by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, which is available for only ~1/4 of each orbit when not facing forward (in ram), were Barringer Impact Crater (Barringer crater is better known as Meteor Crater.  This is one of the most famous structures in the cratering community because it was here that Eugene Shoemaker initiated the criteria for identifying structures as extraterrestrial rather than volcanic.  The crater should be left [NW] of track), Shortgrass Steppe, Colorado (the weather was predicted to be pretty good over this area of Colorado.  Using the 400 mm lens for detail and document the natural land cover as well as the land use in this dynamic region of the U.S.), and Mullan-Buffalo (investigators are collaborating with the University of Montana as well as local museums and historical societies to document the early transportation trails that crossed America.  Context views of this target area for now will aid in identification when using the longer lenses later.  Looking for river, railroad, and highway transportation systems.  New images from the ISS along the trails will be tools to facilitate discussions and enhance the learning process for students and educators).

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, 7:11am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 343.6 km
• Apogee height — 349.8 km
• Perigee height — 337.3 km
• Period — 91.41 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0009256
• Solar Beta Angle — -26.3 deg (magnitude increasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.75
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 80 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 42816

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.