Status Report

NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 22 June 2006

By SpaceRef Editor

June 27, 2006

Filed under ISS, ISS On-orbit status, NASA HQ/SpaceRef/NASA Watch, US

NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 22 June 2006 — http://images.spaceref.com/news/exp.13.jpg

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.

In the Service Module (SM), CDR Pavel Vinogradov performed his second session with the CARDIOCOG (BTC-10) experiment, using the RSE1 laptop plus a newly delivered BTC-10 hard drive (HD), ECG (Electrocardiogram) electrodes and a new finger cuff for the “Portapres” hardware for measuring blood pressure. [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, the vegetative regulation of arterial blood pressure and heart rate, and the interaction between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. For the experiment, Pavel had to take systolic & diastolic blood pressure measurements and heart rate data manually, using the “Tensoplus” sphygmomanometer and the “Portapres” blood pressure equipment, storing the data on the RSE1 laptop, an IBM ThinkPad A31p that replaced the old French EGE-2. The experiment also included a 5-minute cognitive stress test with a numbers table, with the results called out for recording. Results are later downlinked via OCA and the RSE1 restored to nominal config, including removal of the special auxiliary HD.]

Later in the day, Vinogradov also underwent his second Russian PFE (physical fitness evaluation) test MO-3, using the TVIS treadmill for workout and wearing the TVIS harness with HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) and HRM transmitter on a chest belt. [Identical to the Profilaktika (countermeasures) test for the treadmill in idling mode (i.e., with free choice of speed within a certain specified range), it calls for the use of the TEEM-100M gas analyzer, measurement of the lactate and creatine kinase levels in the subject’s blood, and a subjective evaluation of the physical exertion levels during the test. The recorded data were then downloaded from the personal memory card to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for subsequent U.S. OCA downlinking.]

FE/SO Jeffrey Williams performed the scheduled pre-ULF1.1 checkout operations of the Robotics/SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System). After yesterday’s review of the latest version of the laptop-based DOUG application (Dynamic Operational Ubiquitous Graphics), Jeff took the MSS through the prescribed checkout, divided into three parts. During the ULF1.1 docked period, he will support Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson on the ISS Robotics system, along with the SRMS (Shuttle RMS), both of which play a critical part in the ULF1.1 mission. Afterwards, the FE disconnected and removed the UOP DCP (utility outlet panel/display & control panel) bypass power cable at the Lab RWS (Robotics Work Station). [Today’s objective was to maneuver the SSRMS from the MBS PDGF-3 (Mobile Base System Power & Data Grapple Fixture #3) pre-grapple position to grapple MBS PDGF-1, followed by some ground-based diagnostic tests. Part 2 performed a DCP (Display & Control Panel) and RHC (Rotational Hand Controller) switch checkout for the Lab and Cupola RWS. In Part 3, Jeff released the MBS and maneuvered the SSRMS to the ULF1.1 docking configuration. The checkout required a temporary Flight Rule modification, discussed and approved by the IMMT (ISS Mission Management Team on 6/19): For ULF1.1, a checkout of both SSRMS LEEs (Latching End Effectors) would be called for. But to check out the LEE end A, currently sitting as the “base” on the Lab PDGF, the arm’s Tip LEE would have had to move to the MBS PDGF, becoming the new base. But due to the severed TUS2 (Trailing Umbilical System 2) cable, this would have left the SSRMS in “zero-fault tolerant” condition. For today’s session, all MSS components were properly checked out except for the LEE end A, whose checkout was waived.]

Vinogradov performed a health check of the SKV1 air conditioner, including its NOK1 condensate pump and the flush condensate line (MOK) between its BTA evaporator/condenser unit (heat exchanger) and the pump, to determine why SKV1 appears not to produce condensate. Afterwards the CDR tagged up with ground specialists at Energia.

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

In preparation for the two (possibly three) ULF1.1 EVAs from the U.S. Airlock, with its CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly) air conditioner running, Williams worked on the water servicing system of the EMU LCVGs (Extravehicular Mobility Unit/Liquid Cooling & Ventilation Garments), to remove any free air that may have been ingested since its last use. [The traditional procedure for “degassing” the feedwater system by first draining, then refilling it with a fully charged payload water reservoir (PWR) was replaced two years ago by a rather ingenious new procedure developed and checked out in 2004 on the KC-135 aircraft flying zero-G parabolas at JSC/Houston: Essentially, it involves the crewmember himself centrifuging the selected PWR by holding it away from the body and applying a slow rotation of ~15 rpm to himself, to separate air and water in the bag through centrifugal force, while simultaneously squeezing out the air by cinching down on bungee cords wrapped around the PWR.]

The crew also configured their headsets for the RPM (R-Bar Pitch Maneuver) during STS-121/Discovery’s rendezvous approach, which require special extension cords. [During the Orbiter’s pitch-over at ~600 ft distance, Jeff and Pavel will shoot photos from SM windows 6 and 8 with 400mm and 800 mm lenses, to be downlinked subsequently for inspection of tile acreage and door seal condition.]

The FE did more work on the IWIS (Internal Wireless Instrumentation System), changing the location of an accelerometer. [Ground engineers considered the place where he installed the sensor over the past weekend (from the “job jar” task list), as not suitable for validating ISS structural vibrations math models.]

Jeff was also requested to stow a “V-band” clamp device, used for CHeCS AAA (Crew Health Care Systems/Avionics Air Assembly) filter installation, at its location behind the AAA panel.

Both crewmembers participated in a teleconference with ground specialists via S-band, to discuss the ULF1.1 timeline.

The FE completed 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 Jeff’s water calldowns are sent up every other week. The current card lists 16 water containers (~180 liters total) for the four types of water identified on board: technical water (for Elektron, flushing, hygiene; one CWC was found leaking, #1040), potable water (~180 liters), condensate water (for processing) and other (ITCS contingency fluid, ITCS/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). Updated resupply rate for Expedition 12, as of 3/27, was 1.53 liters per person per day. Total water currently on board is ~1215 liters (including 420 l delivered by Progress 21), which would last ~276 days without resupply. 22P is expected to bring 130 l and ULF1.1 ~645 l.]

In the Russian segment (RS), Pavel deactivated and disassembled the TEKh-25 “Skorpio” payload hardware, consisting of the SKR-05 unit and SKR-DP3 passive dosimeter, for prepacking for ULF1.1 return. [Skorpio’s objective was to monitor environmental radiation parameters with dosimeters inside station compartments at various places and to characterize environmental conditions for conducting scientific and technical experiments. To operate, Skorpio required about 6 W of energy.]

Jeff did the periodic (once per month) routine inspection of the RED (Resistive Exercise Device) with canister cords, squat harness components, and accessory straps, and the canister bolts for re-tightening if required.

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 [today as part of his MO-3 assessment]), RED (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 4 of the first set).]

Afterwards, Jeff transferred the exercise data files to the MEC for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM data of the workouts on RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week).

The crew reported this morning that the missing instrument kit of the MultiMeter known as “Gnarlene” has been found.

Working off his discretionary “job jar” task list, the FE 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).

Still showing on Pavel’s “time permitting” discretionary task list for today was the search for some missing pieces of a complement of 26 CO2 filter units and six KL-152 TV cameras listed for return to Earth on ULF1.1.

Yesterday’s test transfer of OCA files from PCS (Portable Computer System) laptop to SSC (Station Support Computer) via CD-ROM by Jeff Williams went well and without issues. [The activity tested a contingency C&DH (Command & Data Handling) file transfer procedure which would be used for uplinking OpsLAN (Operations Local Area Network) files via S-band in case of a failure of the normally used Ku-band.]

Shuttle
Processing Status
News
Daily Mission
Return to Flight
ISS
Weekly Status
Weekly Science
Daily On-Orbit Status
Daily Crew Timeline
Soyuz | Progress
ISS News | ATV

At ~2:00pm EDT, the crew will downlink televised messages of greetings to two Russian PAO events: (1) to the participants in the first international computer gaming tournament “Permian Period – 2006”, hosted in the city of Perm on June 26-27 (competition categories: Counter Strike, Warcraft 3, Quake 4, and C&C: General’s Zero Hour); (2) to the President of the Chuvash Republic, Nikolai Vasilievich Fyodorov, on the occasion of the 14th Russian National Folklore Festival “Rodniki Rossii”, a national holiday in Chuvashia, in its picturesque capital city of Cheboksary. [The Republic of Chuvashia, home country of famed veteran cosmonaut Andrian Grigorievich Nikolayev (the world’s 3rd cosmonaut), is located in the central part of European Russia and one of the most densely populated regions in the Russian Federation, with a total population of 1.4 million people in an area of 6,950 square miles. Cheboksary (~600,000 pop.) is in the northern part of the region on the banks of the Volga River, about 400 miles from Moscow. The city has also become infamously known for originating much Internet scamming, including Nigerian style letters, dating scams, credit card phishing, and pyramid schemes (HYIPs), “masterminded” by middle class teenagers working in “crews” of 15-20 guys in a room.]

Progress M-57/22P Launch Status (see pictures below): This morning at 5:00am Moscow/DMT time (10:00pm EDT last night), the transporter with the Soyuz-U launch vehicle and the Progress M-57 spacecraft was transported from the Assembly & Testing Facility in Baikonur/Kazakhstan to Launch Pad 1 for final pre-launch processing. The Soyuz-U/22P system was erected on the launcher, and first launch day activities are underway. Liftoff is scheduled for Saturday, 6/24, at 11:08am EDT (9:08pm at Baikonur). [U.S. hardware requested to fly on 22P includes 40 U.S. food containers, clothing items, 2 IMAKs (ISS Medical Accessory Kits), 2 TVIS harnesses, 2 advanced EMU batteries, 2 LCVGs (Liquid Cooling & Ventilation Garments), 6 DST (Dual Sorbent Tube) assemblies and other water, surface & air sampling gear, new renal (kidney) stone experiment supplies, etc.]

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 Shoemaker Impact Crater, Australia (this 30 km-diameter feature lies left of track on a line of dark rocks in the vicinity of a dry lake in Australia’s desert west), Goat Paddock Impact Crater, Australia (looking left of track for this 5 km-diameter feature, which lies just east of an area of folded rocks), and Piccaninny Impact Crater, Australia (looking left for this 7 km-diameter crater, dated at less than 360 million years old. The crater lies within an area of red-colored rocks).

Note: During the next week or two, ISS daylight “awake” passes will be located primarily in the Southern Hemisphere where lighting has just passed its seasonal minimum (solstice, 6/21) and winter weather will further reduce the crew’s viewing opportunities. Station tracks for now are also paralleling the terminator and sun angles will remain low. There will probably be a number of days where no suitable CEO target will be available for daily uplink.

To date, more than 198,000 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:

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, 6:52am EDT [= epoch]):