NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 20 November 2008

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Flight Day 7 (FD7) of STS-126/ULF-2. ISS crew work cycle today: Wake 8:55am EST; sleep 12:25am; Shuttle crew: 12:55am (both until 8:55am tomorrow).

Mission ULF-2’s EVA-2 is underway, having begun at 12:58pm EST (47 min ahead of schedule). It is performed by Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper (EV1) & Shane Kimbrough (EV3). EV1 & EV3 began 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 (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) purge and prebreathe in the EMUs, assisted by CDR Ferguson. Afterwards, with CL depressurization and EV1/EV3 egress, EVA-1 began at 12:58pm.

[For the Campout, METOX (Metal Oxide) canisters were installed in the A/L for CO2 control. EVA-2 is expected to last about 6h 30m, i.e., until ~7:28pm, supported by the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Maneuvering System), operated by FE-2-18 Magnus & MS1 Pettit.

EVA-2 objectives (with nominal start times) are:

• CETA (Crew Equipment Translation Aid) Carts Relocation — ~(1:28pm) [move both carts from Stbd side of MT (Mobile Transporter) to Port side with SSRMS support, required prior to S6 installation on Flight 15A],
• Lubricating the SSRMS LEE (Latching End Effector) A Snares – (~3:18pm) [in preparation for grappling the Japanese HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle)],
• Stbd SARJ (Solar Alpha Rotary Joint) Cleaning & TBA (Trundle Bearing Assembly) R&R — ~(3:18pm) [re-install TBA-11 and Remove/Replace TBAs-8,- 9 & -12, plus possible get-aheads],
• Clean up – (~7:03pm), and
• EVA-2 Ingress – (~7:28pm).]

After the spacewalkers’ return on board tonight, post-EVA activities by MS3 Stefanyshyn-Piper, MS4 Kimbrough, 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.

Before breakfast, FE-2-18 Sandra Magnus performed her first session with the biomed experiment INTEGRATED IMMUNE (Validating Procedures for Monitoring Crew member Immune Function), collecting one wet saliva sample. [IMMUNE protocol requires the collection to occur first thing post-sleep, before eating, drinking and brushing teeth, and all samples are stored at ambient temperature. Along with NUTRITION (Nutritional Status Assessment), INTEGRATED IMMUNE samples & analyzes participant’s blood, urine, and saliva before, during and after flight for changes related to functions like bone metabolism, oxidative damage and immune function to develop and validate an immune monitoring strategy consistent with operational flight requirements and constraints. The strategy uses both long and short duration crewmembers as study subjects. The saliva is collected in two forms, dry and liquid. The dry samples are collected at intervals during the collection day using a specialized book that contains filter paper. The liquid saliva collections require that the crewmember soak a piece of cotton inside their mouth and place it in a salivette bag; there are four of the liquid collections during docked operations.]

FE-1 Lonchakov conducted the periodic/long-term inspection of the SM RO (Service Module Working Compartment)’s pressure hull and ring, looking for any moisture, deposits, mold, corrosion and pitting behind panels 130, 134, 135, 138, 139 and also underneath the TVIS treadmill (where deposit was discovered earlier) and the cold plates (where SNT and STR lines are installed). Last time done: 8/14. [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 (with chewing gum) after cleaning. Digital photographs of the shell before and after the removal of deposits were to be made for documentation.]

For tomorrow’s planned checkout of the Japanese EFBM (Exposed Facility Berthing Mechanism) in front of the Kibo JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module), FE-2-18 Magnus prepared the Scopemeter and the Current Probe instruments and checked out their operation, including the data record function of the Scopemeter. CDR Fincke meanwhile connected and attached the BCDU (Berthing Mechanism Control & Display Unit) in the JPM.

Afterwards, Sandy Magnus began with the installation of the TOCA (Total Organic Carbon Analyzer) in the US Lab, on the frontside of the OGS (Oxygen Generation System) Rack (pos. P1), tackling the first of three parts. [The 90-min Part 1 involves the installation of TOCA ORUs (Orbital Replacement Units), with steps such as removing TCO front cover and spare media kit, then installing a USB Drive, a waste water bag, a buffer container, gas liquid separator, EDV mount assembly & seat track brackets, TOCA mounting fixtures and a grounding strap. Part 2 will require two crewmembers for ~15 min, followed by Part 3, by one crewmember, for 15 min.]

As part of the upcoming WRS (Water Recovery System) activation during the ULF-2 docked period, Mike Fincke, with Sandy Magnus & Greg Chamitoff, prepared for UPA (Urine Pretreat Assembly) initiation by opening the manual valve of the RFTA (Recycle Filter Tank Assembly), then filled the newly installed RFTA and WSTA (Water Storage Tank Assembly) with EDV-pretreated urine and started the processing activity. [Approximately two EDV-U containers are required to fill an empty RFTA.]

The FE-1 will complete 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).]

Yuri is also to take the periodic readings with the Russian AOK GANK-4M Real-Time Harmful Contaminant Gas Analyzer system and calibrated the unit.

Gregory will be conducting another one of the periodic offloadings of the Lab CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly) dehumidifier’s condensate tank, filling a CWC (#1054) with the collected water slated for processing. Samples are not required.

Continuing the extended leak checking of the spare BZh Liquid Unit (#056) for the Elektron O2 generator, Lonchakov charged the unit once again with pressurized N2 from the BPA Nitrogen Purge Unit (#23) to 1 atm (1 kg/cm2). The last test pressurization to monitor for leakage was on 10/19. [Objective of the checkout of the BZh, which has been in stowage for almost 2 years, was to check for leakage and good water passage through the feed line inside of the BZh (from ZL1 connector to the buffer tank) and to check the response of the Electronics Unit’s micro switches (signaling “Buffer Tank is Empty” & “Buffer Tank is Full”. During Elektron operation, the inert gas locked up in the BZh has the purpose to prevent dangerous O2/H2 mixing. A leaking BZh cannot be used.]

MPLM (Multi-Purpose Logistics Module) cargo transfers by Pettit, Bowen, Ferguson, Boe, Magnus and Fincke are continuing at a brisk pace, remaining well ahead of schedule. [As of this morning, Middeck transfers were 33% complete, MPLM 39%, overall 37%. All MPLM racks have been transferred already. Today’s transfers included RFTA components, TOCA ORUs, RAMs (Radiation Area Monitors), GPS antennas & electrical connectors, plus various items brought back to “Leonardo” for return to Earth.]

After yesterday’s maintenance and data retrieval activities on the MATRYOSHKA-R (RBO-3-2) radiation instrumentation in the SM (panel 326), Lonchakov today will turn off the AST Spectrometer.

Afterwards, Yuri is to perform the periodic (monthly) functional closure test of the Vozdukh CO2 (carbon dioxide) removal system’s spare emergency vacuum valves (AVK), in the spare parts kit. [The AVKs are crucial because they close the Vozdukh’s vacuum access lines in the event of a malfunction in the regular vacuum valves (BVK) or a depressurization in the Vozdukh valve panel (BOA). Access to vacuum is required to vent CO2 during the regeneration of the absorbent cartridges (PP).]

The FE-1 is also scheduled to collect another set of KAV condensate water samples from a CWC (Contingency Water Container) with US condensate from the Lab CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly), after having pumped it over to the usual EDV container, filling two empty drink bags for return on the Shuttle.

For added crew safety during activation of the Regen-ECLLS racks, Mike Fincke is to deploy “ECLSS Keepout Zone Cue Cards”. [In the Lab, one Regen Keepout Zone Cue Card each will be placed at location LAB1P1 (for OGS), LAB1D4 (for WRS-1) and LAB1P4 (for WRS-2).]

Gregory Chamitoff, looking forward to his return on Endeavour on 11/29 (or 11/30), and Sandy Magnus, who has replaced him ISS FE-2, had another period set aside for standard joint “handover” activities, to be continued through the docked period ahead. The handover again included a 15-min familiarization of Sandy with the CMS (Countermeasure System)/Physical Exercise equipment, today focusing on the RED (Resistive Exercise Device) in Node-1, as well as a review of sample transfer procedures from the newly arrived GLACIER to MELFI (Minus Eighty degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS). [GLACIER (General Laboratory Active Cryogenic ISS Experiment Refrigerator) units are ultra-cold freezers that will store samples as low as -185 degrees C. The GLACIER provides a double middeck locker-sized ER (EXPRESS Rack)-compatible freezer/refrigerator for a variety of experiments that require temperatures ranging from +4 degC (39 degF) to -185 degC (-301 degF). GLACIER is part of the Cold Stowage Fleet of hardware which includes the MELFI and the MERLIN (Microgravity Experiment Research Locker/Incubator).]

In the SM, Lonchakov will conduct 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).

Sandy Magnus spent some time on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer), formatting and initializing her personal PCMCIA memory card for the TVIS treadmill.

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 (FE-1, FE-2), RED (CDR, FE-2), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).

At ~10:26am, Lonchakov supported a Russian PAO TV downlink with two a messages of greetings & congratulations: (1) to Academician Boris Yevgenevich Paton on his 90th birthday (“…We know you as a person who applied enormous engineering talent in practical cosmonautics. Developed by you were welding in space and other technologies, as well as different large-scale structures that have been tested and used on Salyut and Mir orbital stations…”), and (2) to the Russian Federation of Cosmonautics for its 30th Anniversary, with its President, Veteran-Cosmonaut Vladimir Vasilievich Kovalyenok (“…Founded in 1978, Russia’s Federation of Cosmonautics traveled a road of glory and became the largest Russian public space-oriented organization, combining 310 regional and local space rocket industry organizations of Russia with approximately 300,000 Federation members working under its umbrella…”).

DC1 KURS Failure: Yesterday, Set 1 of the KURS automated rendezvous & docking system of the DC1 Docking Compartment failed in a test and is unavailable for the Progress 31P docking on 11/30 at the DC1 nadir port. RSC-Energia is working a Go Forward plan to use the FGB KURS unit instead.

WRM Update: An updated WRM (Water Recovery Management) “cue card” was uplinked yesterday for the crew’s reference, updated with the latest water audit. [The new card (18-0006E) lists 23 CWCs (~722.5 L total) for the four types of water identified on board: technical water (135.2 L, for Elektron electrolysis), potable water (537.4 L, incl. 174.6 L currently off-limit because of Wautersia bacteria), condensate water (10.7 L), waste/EMU dump and other (39.2 L). Wautersia bacteria are typical water-borne microorganisms that have been seen previously in ISS water sources. These isolates pose no threat to human health.]

ISS Reboost: A reboost of the ISS by the Shuttle is planned for tomorrow (FD8), at ~12:10pm, with parameters to be determined pending an update on the same-day conjunction (see next item).

Conjunction: The conjunction with the Cosmos satellite, Object 2421, is still being tracked for tomorrow.

STS-126 Mission Highlights:

• 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, 7:49am EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 351.7 km
Apogee height — 354.3 km
Perigee height — 349.1 km
Period — 91.57 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0003904
Solar Beta Angle — 25.5 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
Mean altitude gain in the last 24 hours — 333 m (Shuttle mnvr, EVA-1)
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) – 57313.

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):

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).