NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 3 March 2008
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Underway: Week 20 of Increment 16.
FE-1 Malenchenko updated software on the Russian RS1 laptop HDD (Hard Disk Drive). [After first connecting the A31p to the AGAT external monitor (temporarily disconnected from TP2 laptop), the FE-1 “ghosted” (cloned) its HDD with Vers. 07.05 file structure from a DVD, then updated the RS1 HDD new software from an USB memory stick, and created a copy of the load.]
Afterwards, Malenchenko conducted the periodic/long-term inspection of the pressure hull in the Service Module Working Compartment (SM RO), looking for any moisture, deposits, mold, corrosion and pitting behind panels 107, 109, 130, 134, 135, 138, 139, 452, also underneath the TVIS treadmill (where deposit was discovered earlier) and the cold plates (where SNT and STR lines are installed). [The inspection of the hull surface, which is coated with a primer and dark-green enamel, is done using cleaning napkins to wipe the area in question if required and reporting results to the ground. The hull inspection looks for changed color and cavities; if cavities are found, they are to be measured for depth after cleaning. Digital photographs of the shell before and after the removal of deposits will be made for documentation.]
In the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), FE-2 Eyharts activated the FSL ISPR (Fluid Science Laboratory/International Standard Payload Rack) for operation. [Activation was preceded by installation of gap closures to protect against inadvertent access to the free spaces in the FCE (Facility Core Element) drawer structure, and installation of a video bypass to allow correct VMU (Video Management Unit) function without installed EC (Experiment Container). Activation also included verification of functionality of the rack’s fire indicator system.]
Whitson and Eyharts performed the major 6-month IFM (In-flight Maintenance) job on the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation & Stabilization), first checking its operation, then turning its 20 amp power circuit breaker off and completing the required parts replacements after allowing it to cool down for about one hour. [The initial ops check consisted of Peggy listening to the roller noise and watching the belt movement with the belt running unmanned at ~10 mph, to compare it later to the speed characterization test at the end of the IFM. Afterwards, the CDR performed the 6-month maintenance, inspecting the roller bearings and replacing such parts as TVIS retainer plate fasteners, clamp rope assembly screw and gyroscope wire ropes.]
The CDR also relocated the IVCPDS/TEPC (Intravehicular Charged Particle Directional Spectrometer/Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter), the primary radiation measurement tool in the ISS, from the SM to the COL. [TEPC was installed on the COL1A3 panel and plugged in at the J01 outlet on the COL1AD1 panel. Dan Tani had relocated TEPC to the SM (panel 410) on 1/23/08 after it had been running in Node-2 since 12/24/07.]
Yuri Malenchenko continued his test program with the new KPT-2 BAR-RM payload equipment begun on 2/13, today taking more measurements with the AU-1 ultrasound analyzer in the FGB and later downlinking the data via BSR-TM channel. The data are being used for experimenting with ISS leak detection. [BAR-RM is designed to develop a procedure for detection of air leakage from ISS modules based on environmental data anomalies (temperature, humidity, ultrasound emissions) at possible leak locations. The payload, controlled from the RSK1 laptop, uses a remote infrared thermometer (Kelvin-Video), a thermohygrometer (Iva-6A), a heat-loss anemometer/thermometer (TTM-2), an ultrasound analyzer (AU-01), and a leak detector (UT2-03) to determine physical background signs of loss of ISS pressure integrity which could be indicative of leaks in the working compartments of the station. Measurements are taken in specific zones (13 in SM PkhO and 4 in DC1), both with lights & fans turned on and off.]
Leo Eyharts had ~20 min set aside for taking situational video/photography of the Columbus module at its current status, for historic documentation.
Whitson undertook the monthly FDS PEP (Fire Detection & Suppression/Portable Emergency Provisions) safety inspection/audit. [The IMS (Inventory Management System)-supported inspection involves verification that PFEs (portable fire extinguishers), PBAs (portable breathing apparatus), QDMAs (quick-don mask assemblies) and EHTKs (extension hose/tee kits) are free of damage to ensure their functionality, and to track shelf life/life cycles on the hardware (QDMA harness inspection was not required this time). In the USOS, there are a total of 5 PFEs and 7 PBAs, plus 7 QDMAs and 4 EHTKs.]
FE-1 Malenchenko completed the routine maintenance of the SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the SM, including ASU toilet facilities systems/replaceables. [Regular daily SOZh maintenance consists of replacement of the KTO & KBO solid waste containers, replacement of an EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine container, replacement of the KOV EDV for the Elektron-intended water, and processing U.S. condensate water as it becomes available in a filled CWC (Contingency Water Container) from the Lab humidifier.]
The FE-1 also conducted the daily IMS maintenance, updating/editing its standard “delta file” including stowage locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).
In addition, working off his voluntary “time permitting” task list, Yuri –
- Conducted the regular daily checkup on the Japanese experiment GCF-JAXA (Granada Crystallization Facility) in the Russian TBU incubator, maintained at +20 degC, including a temperature check on its ART (automatic temperature recorder), and
- Performed the daily monitoring, picture-taking and downloading for the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 ("Plants-2") experiment which researches growth and development of plants (peas) under spaceflight conditions in the Lada-12 greenhouse from IBMP (Institute of Bio-Medical Problems, Russian: IMBP).
FE-2 Eyharts had an hour reserved on his regular schedule for preparing end-of-increment/departure cleanup and prepacking.
The crewmembers completed their regular 2.5-hr. physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (CDR), TVIS treadmill (FE-2), RED resistive exercise device (CDR, FE-1, FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).
Peggy then transferred the crew’s exercise data file to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) laptop for downlinking, 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).
Russian Prop Transfer: Tonight during Daily Orbits DO14/15/1/2 (~5:30pm-10:35pm EST) TsUP/Moscow will be transferring propellants from the Progress M-63/28P cargo ship’s BG1,2 refueling tanks to the SM’s ODU (Integrated Propulsion System) BG2 tank, while pumping out N2 using the K2 compressor. No crew involvement required.
RPC Trip Update: RPC-3 (Remote Power Controller 3) that tripped on 2/24 in RPCM (RPC Module) LA2B_G was successfully closed on 2/29, as reported, after which the MTL RFCA (Moderate Temperature Loop Rack Flow Control Assembly) valve in Node-1 was commanded to the correct flow position to support the US Airlock depress pump for the 1J/A EVAs. Early this morning, RPC-3 tripped again; no further troubleshooting is planned before Flight 1J/A..
U.S. Condensate Water Processing: Currently, Lab/CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly) condensate cannot be processed in the RS (Russian Segment), and teams are considering a water dump for lack of sufficient CWC (Contingency Water Container) stowage room. there. However, RSC-Energia will try a new process tomorrow of using the SKV condensate pump to transfer US water which could then be processed in the RS for the Elektron.
OGS Performance: The U.S. Oxygen Generation System continues to run nominally since activation on 2/28 and will be deactivated on 2/5 (Wednesday).
RSK1 Laptop Failure Update: After the recent unsuccessful attempts by Yuri to load the Russian RSK1 laptop with an ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) docking simulation application, RSC-Energia plans to uplink the CBT (Computer-based Training) package, modified for the previous software version (1.2), on 3/6 (Thursday) via U.S. OCA assets.
COL Condensate Processing: Troubleshooting is underway at ESA on COL hardware & procedures for processing condensate.
No CEO photo targets uplinked for today.
CEO photography can be viewed and studied at this “Gateway” website:
http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov (as of 3/1/08, this database contained 757,605 views of the Earth from space, with 314,000 from the ISS alone).
ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:42am EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 342.1 km
Apogee height — 343.7 km
Perigee height — 340.4 km
Period — 91.38 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0002442
Solar Beta Angle — -33.3 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 137 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 53186
Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
03/08/08 — ATV-1 “Jules Verne” launch/Ariane V (Kourou, French Guyana) (~10:59pm EST);
03/09/08 — Change of US Standard Time to Daylight Saving Time (at 2:00am)
03/11/08 — STS-123/Endeavour/1J/A launch/1J/A, w/SLP-SPDM, JEM ELM-PS (JLP) – 2:28am EDT, for a record 16+1+2 mission duration, incl. 5 EVAs;
03/12/08??– ATV CAM (Collision Avoidance Maneuver) demo
03/12/08 — STS-123/Endeavour/1J/A docking – ~11:27pm EDT
03/18/08?? — ATV1 parking orbit (loiter)
03/24/08 — STS-123/Endeavour/1J/A undocking — ~7:55pm
03/26/08 — STS-123/Endeavour/1J/A deorbit – ~7:33pm; landing (KSC) — ~8:35pm.
03/29/08?? — ATV1 Demo Day 1
03/31/08?? — ATV1 Demo Day 2
04/03/08 — ATV1 Demo Day 3 (docking)
04/07/08 — Progress M-63/28P undocking (DC1) & reentry
04/08/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S launch
04/10/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S docking (DC1)
04/19/08 — Soyuz TMA-11/15S undocking/landing (FGB nadir port)
05/10/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S relocation (from DC1 to FGB nadir port)
05/14/08 — Progress M-64/29P launch
05/16/08 — Progress M-64/29P docking (DC1)
05/25/08 — STS-124/Discovery/1J launch – JEM PM “Kibo”, racks, RMS
05/27/08 — STS-124/Discovery/1J docking
06/05/08 — STS-124/Discovery/1J undocking
08/07/08 — ATV1 undocking
08/12/08 — Progress M-65/30P launch
08/14/08 — Progress M-65/30P docking (SM aft port)
08/28/08 — STS-125/Atlantis Hubble Space Telescope Service Mission 4 (SM4)
09/09/08 — Progress M-64/29P undocking (from DC1)
09/10/08 — Progress M-66/31P launch
09/12/08 — Progress M-66/31P docking (DC1)
10/01/08 — NASA 50 Years
10/11/08 — Progress M-65/30P undocking (from SM aft port)
10/12/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S launch
10/14/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S docking (SM aft port)
10/16/08 — STS-126/Discovery/ULF2 launch – MPLM Leonardo, LMC
10/18/08 — STS-126/Discovery/ULF2 docking
10/23/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S undocking (FGB nadir)
11/03/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S relocation (from SM aft to FGB nadir)
11/20/08 — ISS 10 Years
11/26/08 — Progress M-67/32P launch
11/28/08 — Progress M-67/32P docking (SM aft port)
12/04/08 — STS-119/Discovery/15A launch – S6 truss segment
12/06/08 — STS-119/Discovery/15A docking
12/15/08 — STS-119/Discovery/15A undocking
1QTR CY09 — STS-127/2J/A launch – JEM EF, ELM-ES, ICC-VLD
2QTR CY09 — STS-128/17A – MPLM, last crew rotation
05/??/09 — Six-person crew on ISS (following Soyuz 18S-2 docking)
3QTR CY09 — STS-129/ULF3 – ELC1, ELC2
4QTR CY09 — STS-130/19A – MPLM
1QTR CY10 – STS-131/ULF4
2QTR CY10 — STS-132/20A – Node-3 + Cupola
3QTR CY10 – STS-133/ULF5.
