NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 28 August 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. Underway: Week 21 of Increment 13.

CDR Pavel Vinogradov, FE-1 Jeffrey Williams and FE-2 Thomas Reiter started the day by performing the periodic Russian biomedical tests PZEh-MO-7 (calf volume measurement) and PZEh-MO-8 (body mass measurement), using the IM mass measurement device. Vinogradov later broke it down for stowage. [Calf measurements (left leg only) are taken with the IZOG device, a custom-sewn fabric cuff that fits over the calf, using the knee and lower foot as fixed reference points, to provide a rough index of deconditioning in zero-G and effectiveness of countermeasures. For determining body mass in zero-G, where things are weightless but not massless, the Russian IM “scales” measure the inertial forces that arise during the oscillatory motion of a mass driven by two helical metering springs with known spring constants. By measuring the time period of each oscillation of the unknown mass (the crewmember) and comparing it to the period of a known mass, the crewmember’s mass is calculated by the computer and displayed.]

The CDR unpacked a new drive handle for the transfer hatch seal between the Service Module Transfer Tunnel (SM PrK) and the docking “vestibule” (SU), delivered on Soyuz TMA-8/12S and stowed it in the PrK, replacing an older handle which he moved to the Soyuz Orbital Compartment with other docking accessories.

FE-2 Reiter performed preventive maintenance in the FGB, cleaning the ventilation grilles of several interior panels.

Also in the FGB, Reiter also collected microbial samples from various surface areas on equipment and structures. Samples were obtained with cotton swabs, deposited in test tubes and prepared for return on 21S. [Sampled areas behind specific FGB panels included TCS (Thermal Control System) pipes, the BKS cable network, the module’s hull, a pump panel, GZhT gas/liquid heat exchanger inlets, and a visible surface stain.]

After setting up the video equipment and deactivating ALTEA (Anomalous Long-Term Effects on Astronauts) dosimeter mode, FE-1/SO Williams, assisted by Reiter during the data taking, donned the ALTEA helmet and performed the first CNSM (Central Nervous System Monitoring) session (with inoperable helmet fan, but with the option of using a portable fan for comfort if desired). [The ALTEA operations are being run in a degraded mode due to failure of the display in the helmet, but experimenters are still receiving usable data. Background: Purpose of ALTEA is to define and measure descriptors for the electrophysiological brain functioning and to follow their dynamics, correlating it with space environments. This involves CNSM measuring sessions by Jeff Williams wearing a helmet, plus long-term unmanned real-time particle flux dosimetry (DOSI mode) inside the ISS using six particle detectors (originally introduced on Mir). A specific focus of CNSM is on abnormal visual perceptions (such as the often reported phosphenes,- “light flashes”) and the impact of particles on brain functions in micro-G. For this, ALTEA employs a 32-channel EEG (Electroencephalograph) system, a visual stimulator and a pushbutton. These devices can be used separately or in any combination, permitting several different experiments: in physics, dosimetry, psychophysics, electrophysiology and cognitive neurophysiology.]

In the SM, CDR Vinogradov conducted maintenance on the Russian SRV-K2M condensate water processor, replacing three metal hoses with new spares. The old lines, along with their connectors, were discarded as trash. More hose replacements are planned for tomorrow. [SRV-K2M is connected to the two redundant BRPK air/liquid condensate separators of the SOZh Environmental Control & Life Support System.]

In addition, Vinogradov conducted the routine daily SOZh maintenance, including the ASU toilet facilities systems/replaceables and today also the weekly BRPK inspection.

In preparation for more noise/vibration reduction work in the Russian segment (RS), Pavel gathered and readied the necessary tools and equipment for the installation of new acoustic dampers on air duct fans VPO8 & VPO9 in the PkhO Transfer Compartment, scheduled for 8/31 (Thursday).

Another maintenance task for Vinogradov was further troubleshooting on the Russian BITS2-12 onboard telemetry measurement system after the replacement of one of its four ZU memory/recording devices (EA025M) on 8/25. Using the “Multimeter” scopemeter with appropriate probes, Pavel took voltage measurements on a BSK power switching unit of the BITS2-12, supported by ground specialist tagup. [BITS2-12 is the primary telemetry downlink path for both FGB and SM parameters. The system collects, records, and transmits measurement data concerning all RS (Russian segment) systems, science hardware and health status parameters of crewmembers to the ground. It provides ground specialists with insight in RS systems operations.]

A special troubleshooting task assigned to the CDR was to work on the Elektron BZh-8 Liquid Unit, to close and seal off the VN3 valve which was found (on 8/18) to be leaking. BZh was later pressurized with N2 to 1.1 kg/cm2. After purging water buffer tanks, the Elektron was successfully activated in 32 amp mode and was running in 28 amp mode earlier today.

Working on the IMS (Inventory Management System), Thomas Reiter updated/edited its standard “delta file”, including locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).

Pavel and Jeff performed the standard weekly maintenance on the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation & Stabilization) with SLD (Subject Loading Devices) contingency configuration, primarily inspecting the condition of the SLDs, SLD cables and SPDs (Subject Positioning Devices), plus recording time & date values.

All 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 (CDR, FE-1, FE-2), RED resistive exercise device (FE-1) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-2). The CDR’s 2.5-hr workout again was on TVIS/aerobic only (Day 3).

Afterwards, Jeffrey transferred the TVIS and RED 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).

Jeff and Thomas had another hour reserved between them for prepacking hardware to be returned on the Shuttle.

At 11:55am EDT, FE Williams set up the amateur radio equipment (Kenwood D-700 VHF transceiver, headset, power supply) in the SM to conduct, at 12:00pm, a 10-min. ham radio exchange with students at Northeast Middle School, Clarksville, TN. [Northeast Middle School opened in the fall of 1990 to relieve overcrowding in three existing middle schools and to accommodate the closing of another one. It is located in one of the fastest growing areas of Clarksville, TN, which is the fifth largest city in Tennessee. Questions to the crew were uplinked beforehand. “Do you get lonely when you are there and your family isn’t with you?”; “What would you do if you were outside making repairs and your line broke?”; “What is going through your mind when you are in space?”; “Is it difficult to use the restroom on the International Space Station?”; “What type of research will you be doing at the space station?]

On Pavel’s discretionary “time permitting” task list for today was the daily status check of the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) Lada-8 greenhouse experiment, including monitoring and recharging the water reservoir as required.

Propellants remaining in Progress 21 from last Thursday’s transfers are to be transferred today to the FGB high-pressure prop tanks by TsUP/Moscow.

Due to the STS-115/12A mission slips stemming from last Friday’s (8/25) lightning strike on Pad 39B as well as approaching Tropical Storm Ernesto impacts, ISS ground teams have implemented a 12A slip scenario for on-orbit crew task scheduling, which had been jointly prepared ahead of time. A decision on whether or not Atlantis will be rolled back to the VAB is expected during the day tomorrow. If no roll-back, earliest launch date would likely be 9/4 (Monday).

Update on CDRA: CDRA (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly) is operating in 2½ cycles daily, manually switched. Vozdukh is also running on Manual, set to maximum performance. Cabin CO2 is between 3.3 and 4.5 mm Hg. Inlet air temp for CDRA is 9 degF higher than expected, which has been seen since the starboard CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly) heat exchanger replacement. Further troubleshooting plans are in work.

No CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets uplinked today, until after STS-115/12A.

To date, over 250,000 of CEO images have been taken in the first six years of the ISS, about 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, 5:43am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 343.5 km
• Apogee height– 350.9 km
• Perigee height — 336.1 km
• Period — 91.41 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0010991
• Solar Beta Angle — 21.5 deg (magnitude decreasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.75
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 65 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 44455

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

• 08/31/06 — Pavel Vinogradov’s birthday
• 09/14/06? — Soyuz TMA-9/13S launch (Expedition 14 + VC11) — 12A slip impact TBD
• 09/15/06? — Progress M-56/21P undocking (SM aft port) & reentry — 12A slip impact TBD
• 09/16/06? — Soyuz TMA-9/13S docking (SM aft port) — 12A slip impact TBD
• 09/25/06? — Soyuz TMA-8/12S undocking (FGB nadir port) & land — 12A slip impact TBD
• 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)
• 11/22/06 — Russian EVA-17
• 12/14/06 — STS-116/12A.1 launch
• 12/16-23/06 — STS-116/12A.1 docked mission w/ISS – 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 – 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

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.