NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 18 November 2008

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Flight Day 5 (FD5) of STS-126/ULF-2. ISS crew work cycle today: Wake 8:56am EST; sleep 12:26am (until 8:56am tomorrow morning, i.e. steadying out for now).

Mission ULF-2’s EVA-1 began at 1:09pm EST (41 min ahead of schedule), performed by Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper (EV1) & Stephen Bowen (EV2).EV1 & EV2 started their “campout” (nachalo desaturatsiy = desaturation start) last night at ~11:20pm in the U.S. Airlock (A/L) with hatch closure and depressurization of the CL (Crewlock) from 14.7 to 10.2 psi, followed by mask prebreathe at ~11:20pm-12:25am. This morning, following the usual hygiene break/with mask prebreathe for the two spacewalkers at ~9:30am-10:40am after spending the night on 10.2 psi, the A/L hatch was closed again for EVA preps in 10.2 psi, followed by EMU purge and prebreathe in the EMUs, assisted by Chamitoff & Ferguson. Afterwards, with CL depressurization and EV1/EV2 egress, the spacewalk began at 1:09pm.

[For the Campout, METOX (Metal Oxide) canisters were installed in the A/L for CO2 control. EVA-1 is expected to last about 6h 30m, i.e., until ~7:40pm, supported by the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Maneuvering System), operated by FE-2-18 Magnus & MS1 Pettit.
EVA-1 objectives (with nominal times) are:

• Transfer NTA (Nitrogen Tank Assembly) from ESP-3 (External Stowage Platform 3) to Shuttle PLB (Payload Bay) & install under LMC (Lightweight MPESS Carrier) — ~2:15 pm
• Transfer FHRC (Flex Hose Rotary Coupler) from PLB/LMC & install on ESP-3 — ~4:00 pm (FHRC is a prepositioned spare remaining on ESP-3 until needed)
• Remove 5 covers of Japanese EFBM (Exposed Facility Berthing Mechanism) for EFBM checkout on FD8 — ~4:26pm)
• Clean up starboard SARJ (Solar Alpha Rotary Joint) for subsequent repair activities — ~4:40 pm
• EVA-1 Ingress — ~7:35pm).]

After the spacewalkers’ return on board, post-EVA activities by MS3 Stefanyshyn-Piper, MS2 Bowen, FE-2 Chamitoff & CDR Ferguson in the A/L will consist of —

• Recharging the EMU/spacesuits with water from PWR (Payload Water Reservoir),
• Reconnecting the LTAs (Lower Torso Assemblies) to the EMUs
• Initiating METOX (Metal Oxide) canister regeneration,
• Capping the UIA (Umbilical Interface Assembly,
• Initiating battery charging in the A/L BSA (Battery Stowage Assembly),
• Taking photographs of the EMU gloves for downlink and inspection, and
• Returning the VCA1 (Video Camera Assembly 1) with its drag-thru cable from Node-2 back to the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) for re-installation at its regular endcone/aft side location.

Before morning inspection and breakfast, FE-1 Lonchakov terminated his third experiment session for the long-term Russian sleep study MBI-12/SONOKARD, by taking the recording device from his SONOKARD sports shirt pocket and later copying the measurements to the RSE-MED laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground. [SONOKARD objectives are stated to (1) study the feasibility of obtaining the maximum of data through computer processing of records obtained overnight, (2) systematically record the crewmember’s physiological functions during sleep, (3) study the feasibility of obtaining real-time crew health data. Investigators believe that contactless acquisition of cardiorespiratory data over the night period could serve as a basis for developing efficient criteria for evaluating and predicting adaptive capability of human body in long-duration space flight.]

Later, the FE-1 completed the standard post-delivery maintenance/checkout operations on the new Russian Orlan spacesuit MK-004 (delivered on Progress 30P) begun yesterday, along with its replaceable backpack components (BRTA-2 radio telemetry unit, BK-3M oxygen (O2) repress bottles, LP-9 LiOH cartridge, etc.). [Activities today included tests of the Orlan-BSS interface unit telemetry, Orlan communications, Orlan biomed parameters, installation of helmet lights removal & stowage of the LP-9 LiOH cartridge, and configuring suit and BSS for stowage in the DC1 Docking Compartment.]

Before supporting the spacewalkers for the EVA hygiene break, FE-2 Chamitoff conducted the standard test of the EVA cameras, then assisted with EVA preparations, such as EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) purging.

FE-2-18 Magnus closed the protective window shutters in the Kibo JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module). Later tonight, Sandra will perform final activation of the JEMRMS (Robotic Manipulator System) and Arm BUS Monitor in the JPM and maneuver its MA (Main Arm) to the EFBM checkout monitor position, then deactivate the BUS Arm Monitor and the RMS.

MPLM Cargo & Transfers: MPLM (Multi-Purpose Logistics Module) “Leonardo” delivered non-time-sensitive and unpowered items. Its “home improvement” cargo includes –

• Three RSRs (Resupply Stowage Racks),
• Six RSPs (Return Stowage Platforms),
• CIR (Combustion Integration Rack),
• ER6 (EXPRESS Rack 6),
• WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment) rack,
• CQ1 (Crew Quarters 1) rack
• CQ3 rack,
• WRS-1 (Water Recovery System 1) rack, and
• WRS-2 rack.

The two CQ racks will be transferred from the MPLM to Node-2 and the remaining racks to the U.S. Lab. One RSR will be relocated from Node-2 to “Leonardo” for return. After MPLM hatch opening and ingress last night, cargo transfers began at a brisk pace, getting ahead of timeline quickly with the transfers of the ARED (Advanced Resistive Exercise Device) and three ZSRs (Zero-G Stowage Racks) to the ISS, which were originally planned for today. The transfers and installation of the WRS1 (Water Recovery System 1), WRS2 and EXPRESS (EXpedite PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station) Rack #6 were therefore moved up to today. [Transfers are being performed by Pettit, Ferguson, Fincke & Magnus. Special handling constraints are in force for the WRS ORUs (Orbit Replaceable Units) of the Regenerable ECLSS (Environment Control & Life Support Systems), which are being installed today in the Lab by Fincke & Pettit at locations D4 (WRS1) & P4 (WRS2). Joining the already installed OGS (Oxygen Generator System) rack, they comprise seven (the first three installed during ULF-2, the other four stowed for later):

Yuri Lonchakov had ~90 min set aside for the periodic equipment servicing in the SM (Service Module)’s ASU toilet facility, changing out replaceable parts with new components, e.g., a filter insert (F-V), the pretreat container (E-K), and the E-K’s hose. All old parts were discarded as trash. [E-K contains five liters of pre-treat solution, i.e., a mix of H2SO4 (sulfuric acid), CrO3 (chromium oxide, for oxidation and purple color), and H2O (water). The pre-treat liquid is mixed with water in a dispenser (DKiV) and used for toilet flushing.]

The FE-1 used CWC (Contingency Water Container) #1069 with Lab CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly) condensate in the RS (Russian Segment) for the periodic (about twice a month) replenishing of the Elektron oxygen generator’s water supply for electrolysis, filling the KOV thermal loops’ EDV container. Once filled, the EDV was connected to the BPK transfer pump for processing. [The 40-minute procedure is specially designed to prevent air bubbles larger than ~10 mm from getting into the BZh Liquid Unit where they could cause Elektron shutdown.]

Collected condensate water from the Shuttle was transferred to the ISS by CDR Ferguson in a CWC.

Using the Velocicalc instrument, Gregory Chamitoff will be taking IMV (Intermodular Ventilation) flow measurements in the U.S. Lab at the Fwd Stbd outlet grille.

Lonchakov meanwhile conducts the periodic (currently daily) checkout/verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS hatchways, including the passageways PrK (SM Transfer Compartment)-PrK-RO (SM Working Compartment), PkhO (SM Transfer Tunnel)-RO, PkhO-DC1, PkhO-FGB PGO, FGB PGO-FGB GA, FGB GA-Node-1. [This checkup is especially important when the ventilation/circulation system has to cope with a larger crew on board, currently ten persons, and one of the two Russian SKV air conditioners off (SKV-1).]

Later, Yuri will collect the periodic readings of potentially harmful atmospheric contaminants in the SM, using the CMS (Countermeasure System), a component of the SKDS GANK-4M Real-Time Harmful Contaminant Gas Analyzer suite, today using preprogrammed microchips to measure for o-Xylol (1,2-Dimethylbenzol, C8H10) and Methyl-Mercaptan (Methanethiol, CH4S).

The FE-1 is also scheduled for another periodic 20-min. data collection and downlink on the long-term BIO-5 RASTENIYA-1 ("Plants-1") micro-gravity plant growth payload in the LADA/MIS (Module for the Investigation of Substrates) greenhouse. [RASTENIYA-1 researches growth and development of plants under spaceflight conditions in the LADA-14 greenhouse from IBMP (Institute of Bio-Medical Problems, Russian: IMBP). The payload hardware includes a module (MIS/Module for the Investigation of Substrates), the MIS control unit (BU), a nitrogen purge unit (BPA) and other accessories. During its operation, the experiment requires regular daily maintenance of the experiment involving monitoring of seedling growth, humidity measurements, moistening of the substrate if necessary, and photo/video recording. LADA consists of a wall-mounted growth chamber that provides long-term, ready access for crewmember interaction. It provides light and root zone control but relies on the cabin environmental control systems for humidity, gas composition, and temperature control. Cabin air is pulled into the leaf chamber, flows over the plants and vents through the light bank to provide both plant gas exchange and light bank cooling.]

In the SM, Lonchakov will be conducting the routine maintenance of the SOZh/ECLSS system, 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, and processing U.S. condensate water as it becomes available in a filled CWC from the Lab humidifier.]

Yuri is also timelined for 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).

The ISS crew completed their physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (CDR), TVIS treadmill (FE-1, FE-2), RED resistive exercise device (CDR, FE-2), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1). [For load reasons, no exercise is allowed during the 3-hr mounted EVA APFR (Articulated Portable Foot Restraint) ops which started at ~1:00pm.]

The ISS crew is scheduled for their periodic PMCs (Private Medical Conferences) via S- & Ku-band audio/video, Greg at ~2:30pm, Mike at ~3:00pm, and Yuri at ~4:05pm EST.

Sandy Magnus has ~2.5 hrs to herself for general orientation (station familiarization & acclimatization) as is customary for fresh crewmembers for the first two weeks after starting station residence, if she/he chooses to take it.

After their return aboard ISS, Bowen & Piper, plus EV3/Kimbrough (who will conduct EVA-2 with Piper) will fill out their questionnaires for the MOP (Motion Perception in Zero-G) study which tracks crewmembers’ vestibular adaptation to changes in micro-G, i.e., the SAS/Space Adaptation Syndrome, used also by SFPs (Spaceflight Participants). Shuttle crewmembers Ferguson, Boe, Pettit and Kimbrough meanwhile will be logging their responses to the questions of the MUSCLE-G (LBP/Low Back Pain) experiment.

ISS Crew Sleep Shift Planning: To synchronize the ISS crew’s timeline with STS-126/ULF-2 docking and subsequent docked activities, Mike’s, Yuri’s and Greg’s wake/sleep cycle has undergone a number of shifts which started on 11/14 and continued until yesterday. The early undock time (currently 10:40am for FD14) drives crew wakeup 2.5 hrs earlier, to 7:00am by FD14. The shift is completed by having set crew sleep 30 min earlier on FD4 and then moving it one hour earlier each day on FD12 and FD13. For the next five days, the wake/sleep shift schedule is as follows (all times EST):

STS-126 Mission Highlights:

• Focused Orbiter inspection on FD6 is not required.
• Generic face-to-face handover time between Chamitoff & Magnus will be ~12 hrs max; Gregory will remain on the ISS until the day before undocking and will be scheduled as an ISS crewmember.
• Endeavour is being powered by the SSPTS (Station-Shuttle Power Transfer System) from post-docking to just before undocking. During the mated mission when ISS solar arrays are feathered for attitude maneuvers and EVA operations, SSPTS may be powered off to maintain station power margin.
• 30 hrs are required for transfer ops to/from the Shuttle middeck and 105 hours for MPLM. With all the timelined activities and rack transfers scheduled, ULF2 will be a highly choreographed transfer mission. The Shuttle crew has been thoroughly trained on the details of the choreography. In addition, each day a transfer message will be uplinked, listing specific items that need to be transferred that day due to operations requiring the items.

No CEO photo targets uplinked for today.

CEO photography can be studied at this “Gateway” website:
http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov (as of 9/1/08, this database contained 770,668 views of the Earth from space, with 324,812 from the ISS alone).

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:31am EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 351.4 km
Apogee height — 354.3 km
Perigee height — 348.6 km
Period — 91.57 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0004232
Solar Beta Angle — 30.0 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
Mean altitude gain in the last 24 hours — 120 m (due to docked Shuttle)
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 57282

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
11/20/08 — ISS 10 Years
11/26/08 — Progress M-66/31P launch (nom.)
11/27/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF-2 undocking; 10:40am – Under Review
11/29/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF-2 landing; ~2:10pm – Under Review
11/30/08 — Progress M-66/31P docking (nom.) – DC1 Nadir
12/07/08 — Progress M-65/30P reentry (after 3 weeks autonomous flight for geophysical experiments)
12/18/08 — Russian EVA-21
02/09/09 — Progress M-66/31P undocking & deorbit
02/10/09 — Progress M-67/32P launch
02/12/09 — Progress M-67/32P docking
02/12/09 — STS-119/Endeavour/15A launch – S6 truss segment
02/14/09 — STS-119/Endeavour/15A docking
02/24/09 — STS-119/Endeavour/15A undocking
02/26/09 — STS-119/Endeavour/15A landing (nominal)
03/25/09 — Soyuz TMA-14/18S launch
03/27/09 — Soyuz TMA-14/18S docking (DC1)
04/05/09 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S undocking
04/07/09 — Progress M-67/32P undocking & deorbit
05/15/09 — STS-127/Endeavour/2J/A launch – JEM EF, ELM-ES, ICC-VLD
05/27/09 — Soyuz TMA-15/19S launch
Six-person crew on ISS
07/30/09 — STS-128/Atlantis/17A – MPLM (P), last crew rotation
10/15/09 — STS-129/Endeavour/ULF3 – ELC1, ELC2
12/10/09 — STS-130/Endeavour/20A – Node-3 + Cupola
02/11/10 — STS-131/Atlantis/19A – MPLM(P)
04/08/10 — STS-132/Endeavour/ULF4 – ICC-VLD, MRM1 (contingency)
05/31/10 — STS-133/Endeavour/ULF5 – ELC3, ELC4 (contingency).