NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 4 March 2008
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.
Using the currently nonfunctional SKV-1 air conditioner setup, FE-1 Malenchenko worked with a wrench to hook up hoses and adapters, to connect it with an EDV container with U.S. Lab condensate water, then started its condensate evacuation pump (NOK-1) via laptop for transferring the condensate over to the SRV-K2M Condensate Water Processor, to prepare it for electrolysis in the Elektron oxygen generator. [SKV-2 meanwhile continues to operate. The activities were monitored by TsUP-Moscow.]
CDR Whitson continued her work with the InSPACE-2 (Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions) experiment in the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox), conducting two more runs (#41 & #42) to complete the test series for the low frequencies at different current levels for the MR (magnetorheological) fluid, exchanging video tapes after each run, then removing the vial assembly and finally powering the MSG down. [InSPACE, which is non-automated and has no ground-commanding capabilities (except for the MSG video drawer), obtains basic data on MR fluids, i.e., a new class of "smart materials" that can be used to improve or develop new brake systems, seat suspensions robotics, clutches, airplane landing gear, engine mounts, and vibration damper systems (e.g., the Dong Ting Lake Bridge in China is equipped with MR motion dampers to counteract gusts of wind). The colloidal (dispersed) particles are contained in Helmholtz coils (CAs/Coil Assemblies) in the MSG that subject them to electric fields at certain strength and frequencies. The desired strong dipolar interaction between the small colloidal particles can be achieved in micro-G simply with an external magnetic field being turned on and off. On the ground, the flow properties (rheology) of many materials, especially those making up consumer products like detergents, fabric softeners, toothpaste and paints, are similarly controlled, though not by magnetic fields but by adding a polymer. It now appears, for example, that new formulations of fabric softeners may perform better in space than on earth.]
Peggy Whitson and Leo Eyharts completed the regular prelaunch checkout of the Robotics complex (for which they had prepared themselves on 2/29), taking the MSS/SSRMS (Mobile Service System/Space Station Remote Manipulator System) through a series of joint-and-end effector maneuvers. [Steps of the checkout included grappling the MBS PDGF-3 (Mobile Base System Power & Data Grapple Fixture 3), grappling & ungrappling the Node-2 PDGF, then moving the robotarm to the 1J/A start position and finally performing a checkout of the Cupola & Lab RWS (Robotics Workstations).]
FE-1 Malenchenko performed the periodic checkout/verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS (Russian segment) hatch openings (8) in the Service Module (SM), FGB and DC1 (Docking Compartment).
Afterwards, the FE-1 conducted the periodic/long-term inspection of the pressure hull in the DC1, taking detailed digital NIKON D2X photographs of portions of the shell behind service panel 301 to check for the presence of contamination, atmospheric condensate, micro-flora and corrosion. [Any contamination was to be cleaned off with napkins, and the best quality photos were to be downlinked later via OCA.]
Whitson worked in the U.S. Airlock in preparation for the five 1J/A EVAs, first starting the recharge process on EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) batteries in the BSA (Battery Stowage Assembly), then checking out three PGTs (Pistol Grip Tools) and two SAFER (Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue) units. [The PGT batteries used for the checkout are to be recharged tomorrow. The two checked-out SAFERs are #1006 & #1007.]
Peggy also conducted the periodic (every two weeks) inspection of the RED (Resistive Exercise Device) canister bolts for re-tightening if required, followed by the monthly inspection of canister cords and RED accessories.
Yuri had two hours set aside for the periodic RS (Russian Segment) window inspection & photography, today in the SM and DC1, using a tool kit with ruler, adhesive tape, 90-deg equilateral triangle & measuring tape, the NIKON D2 X digital camera with 28-70 mm lens, a flash attachment, and sketches of the windows under scrutiny (#2 & #13 in SM, plus window VL1 in DC1) with previous detected flaws marked and flaw tables. [Purpose of the activity is to assess the condition of the window panes for deterioration as compared to the data from previous increments (appearance of new cavities, scratches, discolorations, or spots reducing transparency, or an increase in the size of old flaws), plus photography. Then images and data tables were stored on the RSK1 laptop for subsequent downlink via OCA.]
Malenchenko later switched the Regul Packet communications channel from Regul Set 1 to Set 2 to support tonight’s ground-commanded propellant transfer activities. [Regul provides for two-way voice communication, digital command/program information as well as telemetry transmission via RGS (Russian Groundsites). It also has the capability to receive and transmit range, radial velocity, and time-referenced information. It is the nominal uplink path for all Russian commands and is the only subsystem that operates using the Command Radio Link (KRL). Operating at a low data rate, it is equivalent to the U.S. S-band system. There is no Russian equivalent of the U.S. high data rate Ku-band system, based on the TDRS satellites.]
The FE-1 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.]
Yuri also conducted the daily IMS (Inventory Management System) 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, Malenchenko 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
FE-2 Eyharts again had an hour reserved on his schedule for preparing end-of-increment/departure cleanup and prepacking.
In the SM, Leo set up the video equipment for filming his subsequent workout on the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation & Stabilization) for biomechanical evaluation of his performance and assessment of the hardware status by ground engineers. [He is scheduled for a similar video-recorded workout on the RED tomorrow. Peggy’s and Yuri’s exercise videos were filmed earlier in the Increment.]
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, FE-2), TVIS treadmill (FE-1, FE-2), RED resistive exercise device (CDR) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).
Afterwards, Peggy 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).
The crewmembers had their standard periodic PMC (Private Medical Conference) via S- & Ku-band audio/video.
At ~10:40am EST (4:40pm in France), Leo Eyharts supported two live PAO TV downlinks for ESA, one with France 2 Public Television (Laurent Delahousse) for ~6 min., the other with the Cite de l’Espace Space Museum in Toulouse (former ESA astronaut and current French minister Claudie Haignere & Museum Director Jean-Luc Modenc with several students) for ~14 min.
At ~3:15pm, the crew will have their 13th weekly tagup with the Lead Flight Director at JSC/MCC-H via S-band/audio. [S/G-2 (Space-to-Ground 2) phone patch via SSC-10 (Station Support Computer 10)].
FSL Anomalies: After Leo Eyharts successfully completed yesterday’s FSL (Fluid Science Laboratory) activities in the Columbus moduke and Col-CC/Oberpfaffenhofen established TCS (Thermal Control System) flow to the rack, it was observed that the mass flow rate into the rack was 6 kg/hrs less than the nominal flow rate. Additionally, when Col-CC powered up the rack auxiliary power, no power draw was evident. When ground controllers re-attempted commanding the FSL rack to ON, a short current draw was observed which then returned to zero. FSL was powered off last night, and ground teams went to work determining a forward plan.
Russian Prop Transfer: After last night’s transfer of fuel (UDMH, unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine) from Progress M-63/28P’s refueling tanks to the SM’s ODU (Integrated Propulsion System) BG2 tank, TsUP-Moscow is scheduled tonight to perform transfer of oxidizer (N2O4, nitrogen tetroxide) to the SM’s BO2 tank during Daily Orbits DO15/16/1/2 (5:50pm-11:00pm EST), pumping out N2 (nitrogen) using the K2 compressor. No crew involvement required.
Weekend Voluntary Science: Three optional activities for the voluntary “Saturday Science” program for next weekend (3/8-3/9) were suggested to Peggy for her choice. Selection is required by tonight. [The choices are: (1) SWAB (Surface, Water and Air Biocharacterization) collections of air & surface samples; (2) InSPACE-2 – three experiment runs; and (3) EPO – Careers Demo (Identify all the different steps crewmembers have taken to get to where they are today; identify all the different NASA careers that work together to prepare an astronaut for spaceflight (Objective: to motivate students to strive for a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to someday work for NASA).]
CEO photo targets uplinked for today were Chaing Mai, Thailand (this sprawling metropolitan area is the economic and cultural center of northern Thailand. Because this target has not been successfully acquired in the past, the ground team requested short lens, contextual views of the region to help locate it in the future. The crew had an excellent nadir pass over this target in early afternoon sun. As ISS approached from the NW, the crew was to look for urban areas in the complex of ridges and valleys), Lake Eyre, Australia (this large, mostly dry lakebed is a landmark feature of south central Australia. Just below sea level, the drainage of about one-seventh of the continent centers here and the presence or lack of water is indicative of variation in precipitation patterns observed over the eastern half of the continent. On this mid-afternoon pass, shooting primarily nadir and left of track for contextual views of water drainage pattern), and Oasis Impact Crater (this feature in eastern Libya is about 18km in diameter. Unlike numerous other circular features in the Sahara desert, it is actually an impact site nearly 120 million years old. ISS approach was from the NW in early afternoon. With a near nadir pass, trying for long lens views with great detail).
CEO photography can be 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, 7:08am EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 341.0 km
Apogee height — 343.5 km
Perigee height — 340.5 km
Period — 91.37 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0002241
Solar Beta Angle — -28.5 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 116 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 53201
Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
03/08/08 — ATV-1 “Jules Verne” launch/Ariane V (Kourou, French Guyana) (11:04pm 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 – ~7:16am
04/10/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S docking (DC1) – ~8:43am
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.
