NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 6 July 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.

STS-121/Discovery docked smoothly at the ISS/PMA-2 (Pressurized Mating Adapter-2) port on time at 10:52am EDT, and the station now once again hosts nine occupants.

On this busy day for both ISS and Shuttle crews, Pavel Vinogradov and Jeffrey Williams woke up at a shifted 3:38am EDT, the same time as the Shuttle crew. Sleep time tonight will be 7:08pm (except for Pavel, finishing off Sokol suit dry-out and stowage, after an additional 15 min.).

The CDR downlinked the standard report on water consumption and later ensured that the nadir-pointing Lab window was safely shuttered (as required whenever the Shuttle is within 3000 ft [915 m]).

Before the docking, FE/SO Williams performed final STTS communications configuration checks and connected the UOP DCP (utility outlet panel/display & control panel) bypass power cable at the Lab RWS (Robotics Work Station) for the Robotics/SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) video coverage of the docking and subsequent ULF1.1 transfer operations.

The FE also activated the IWIS (Internal Wireless Instrumentation System) hardware for measuring and recording structural dynamics during the docking. [IWIS was later turned off again, after recording for ~2 hrs, starting 20 min. prior to docking and covering both the docking and post-docking maneuver.]

In addition, Jeff supported the ground-commanded activation of the Lab’s CDRA (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly) and later completed the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh environment control & life support system.

In getting ready for the docking, the crew conducted final comm checks with their crew’s headsets for the RPM (Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver) and completed preparations for photo and video coverage of the docking from the ISS external and internal cameras.

The flawless docking by Shuttle CDR Steve Lindsey, piloting the Orbiter from the aft flight deck control stick, took place at 10:52am, about two minutes after local sunrise. The final Go for docking was given by MCC-H to the Discovery crew at 10:14am when the Orbiter was about 300 ft directly in front of the station. [Two minutes before linkup, the station was put in free drift, with CMGs temporarily disabled, to prevent control authority conflict between ISS and Shuttle. Attitude control was later returned to ISS CMG momentum management.]

Prior to final approach, the Discovery performed the scheduled RPM (Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver) at ~600 ft distance under the ISS, a 360-deg. backflip to allow digital imagery of its TPS (thermal protection system) from the ISS by Williams and Vinogradov, commencing at ~9:51am and ending at ~9:59am. [The ISS crew had about 100 seconds shooting time to film the Orbiter TPS, starting at 9:51am. Jeff operated the 800mm-lens DCS (digital camera system) and Pavel used the 400mm camera. After the docking, the images were downlinked for further analysis. Preliminary views did not indicate any signs of damage.]

After the docking and conclusion of the regular leak checks of the PMA-2 (Pressurized Mating Adapter 2), hatches were opened at 12:30pm.

As is standard practice, Vinogradov collected air samples with the Russian AK-1M sampler in the SM, FGB, and Lab before and during ISS/STS hatch opening.

After the standard safety briefing for the entire crew by CDR Vinogradov, high priority transfers began, specifically –

• new ODF (Operations Data Files), joint mission ops cue cards, checklists and procedures,
• Thomas Reiter’s IELK (Individual Equipment & Liner Kit, Russian: USIL) and Sokol suit, for placement in the Soyuz TMA-8 return vehicle (assisted by Pavel, who also checked out Thomas on the IELK and leak-checked the Sokol); with this action, Reiter officially became a member of Expedition 13.
• an ammonia detection kit from the middeck to the ISS; and
• a number of PBAs (Personal Breathing Apparatus units).

Jeff Williams supported Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson in grappling the OBSS for SRMS/SSRMS handover for Orbiter inspection.

Later, Jeff will prepare for to tomorrow’s transfer of MPLM (Multipurpose Logistics Module) Leonardo to the Node by connecting the cable for the Node CBCS (Centerline Berthing Camera System).

Williams will also check out Thomas Reiter on the EXPRESS Rack 1 (ER1) ITCS MTL (Internal Thermal Control System/Moderate Temperature Loop) as he shuts it down and disconnects QDs (Quick Disconnects).

The FE is to configure the ROOBA (Recharge Oxygen Orifice Bypass Assembly), installed by Bill McArthur in January this year, for an overnight leak check and subsequent checkout. [The ROOBA allows for unrestricted flow of Shuttle oxygen for all ISS users. This reduces ORCA (Oxygen Recharge Compressor Assembly) usage and eliminates the need for connecting the Orbiter ports or using ISS O2 for EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) purge operations during assembly mission EVAs.]

Both ISS 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). ULF1.1 delivered a new CEVIS in MPLM “Leonardo” and returns the old cycle. [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 2 of the first set).]

Afterwards, the FE transferred the exercise data files to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM data of the workouts on RED, followed by their

Meanwhile, on board Discovery (carrying CDR Steven Lindsey, PLT Mark Kelly, MSs Stephanie Wilson, Michael Fossum, Piers Sellers, Lisa Nowak, and E-13 FE Thomas Reiter, plus 28,120 lbs. of equipment & supplies in its cargo bay), Flight Day 3 (FD3) activities have focused on the rendezvous/approach phase, 360-deg RPM (Rbar Pitch Maneuver), docking at ISS/PMA-2; hatch opening; welcome ceremony; safety briefing; transfer of Reiter’s IELK (Individual Equipment & Liner Kit, Russian: USIL) and Sokol; unberthing OBSS (Orbiter Boom Sensor System); and transfer of critical middeck cargo.

Upcoming Mission Events Overview:

• FD4: Transfer MPLM “Leonardo”; prepare for EVA1, perform OBSS inspection; transfer cargo;
• FD5: Perform EVA1 from ISS “Quest” Airlock (6.5 hrs.); transfer cargo;
• FD6: Prepare for EVA2; check out EMUs #3 & #4; transfer logistics;
• FD7: Perform EVA2 from ISS Airlock (6.5 hrs.); transfer logistics;
• FD8: Prepare for EVA3 (if mission extended); transfer logistics;
• FD9: Perform EVA3 from ISS Airlock (6.5 hrs.) if supported by consumables; transfers;
• FD10: Reberth MPLM “Leonardo” and OBSS in cargo bay; perform external inspections; complete cargo transfers;
• FD11: Close hatches; undock from ISS; stop OBSS; perform external inspections;
• FD12: Stow Shuttle cabin; check out reentry systems;
• FD13: Prepare for deorbit and landing at KSC.

No CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets uplinked for today.

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, 6:37am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 341.3 km
• Apogee height– 348.5 km
• Perigee height — 334.2 km
• Period — 91.36 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0010628
• Solar Beta Angle — 2.2 deg (magnitude decreasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 100 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 43620

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern and subject to change):

• 07/06-14/06 — STS-121/ULF1.1 docked mission w/ISS (Landing 7/16)
• 08/03/06 — US EVA-5
• 08/28/07 — STS-115/12A launch (earliest)
• 08/30-09/06 — STS-115/12A docked mission w/ISS (earliest) – P3/P4 trusses
• 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
• 10/08/06 — 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)
• 11/22-23/06 — Russian EVA-17
• 12/14/06 — STS-116/12A.1 launch (earliest)
• 12/16-23/06 — STS-116/12A.1 docked mission w/ISS (earliest) – P5 truss
• 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 — STS-117/13A launch (earliest) – S3/S4 trusses
• 02/24-03/03/07 — STS-117/13A docked mission w/ISS (earliest)
• 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)
• ??/??/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S relocation (SM aft port to FGB nadir port)
• 06/11/07 — STS-118/13A.1 (earliest).

ISS Altitude History

Apogee height — Mean Altitude — Perigee height

For more on ISS orbit and worldwide ISS naked-eye visibility dates/times, see http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/ on NASA’s Human Spaceflight website. Additional satellite tracking resources can be found at http://www.spaceref.com/iss/tracking.html.