NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 24 November 2008

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Flight Day 11 (FD11) 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). Underway: Week 5 of Increment 18.

Mission Extension: The IMMT (ISS Mission Management Team) and the Shuttle Program this morning approved an extension of the ULF-2 flight by one day (i.e., undocking on Friday, 11/28) to provide additional time for the WRS (Water Recovery System) and TOCA (Total Organic Carbon Analyzer) troubleshooting activities and increase the chances of returning adequate distillate samples to the ground (or return the UPA if required). Thus, MPLM “Leonardo” closeout & transfer to the Shuttle cargo bay will also slip a day. [The extension will not interfere with the Progress 31P docking , scheduled for 11/30.]

Mission ULF-2’s EVA-4 is underway, having begun at 1:24pm EST (34 min behind schedule). The spacewalk is being performed by Steve Bowen (EV2) & Shane Kimbrough (EV3). [EV2 & EV3 began their “campout” 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 ~8:35am-9:45am 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 Chris Ferguson and Sandra Magnus. Afterwards, with CL depressurization and EV2/EV3 egress, EVA-4 began at 1:24pm, with Eric Boe providing IVA (Intravehicular Activity) assist.]

EVA-4 is expected to last about 6:30h (i.e., until ~7:54pm EST). Spacewalk objectives are –-
– for EV2/Bowen:

• Remove MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) covers 11,10,7,6) on P3 truss,
• At Stbd SARJ (Solar Alpha Rotary Joint), clean & lube under covers 17/18; install TBA (Trundle Bearing Assembly)-3; install cover;
• EFBM (External Facility Berthing Mechanism) structural latch contingency;
• Install EFBM covers;
• Install 2 JEM (Japanese Experiment Module) GPS antennas (prep. for Japanese HTV arrival);
• Clean up JEM.

– for EV3/Kimbrough:

• Remove P3 MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) covers 14 & 15;
• Port SARJ lube (Part 1);
• Install ETVCG at CP 7 ;
• Port SARJ, lube (Part 2);
• Install P3 MLI covers ;
• Get aheads : Infrared imagery of S1 Radiator & P1 Radiator.

The NOAX (Non-Oxide Adhesive Experimental) caulk applicator from the Shuttle, using Braycote-601 lubricant for the trundle bearings, was approved for use on EVA-4. [The gun was left in the A/L for use if needed, with no modification to reduce Braycote flow from its nozzle.]

After the spacewalkers’ return on board tonight, post-EVA activities by MS3 Kimbrough, MS2 Bowen & FE-2-18 Magnus & 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
• 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,
• Downlinking EVA photography and the radiator infrared imagery.

Before breakfast, FE-2 Chamitoff & FE-2-18 Sandra Magnus continued their session with the biomed experiment INTEGRATED IMMUNE (Validating Procedures for Monitoring Crew member Immune Function), collecting a liquid 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.]

Fincke & Chamitoff are continuing troubleshooting activities on the WRS (Water Recovery System), today removing two more vibration isolators from the DA (Distillation Assembly) and installing two additional fasteners for hard mounting the DA on the WRS rack instead. [After Mike Fincke & Don Pettit removed the first set of isolators yesterday and loaded pre-treated urine into the UPA (Urine Processing Assembly), the UPA ran nominally for 2:58h before shutting down again. Suspect is the rack isolation/dampening supports which probably cause an imbalance to the centrifuge, having never been tested before in zero-gravity (another Lesson Learned?). The crew is now removing additional vibration dampeners from the UPA mounting and will then reattempt UPA processing.]

Afterwards, the WSTA will again be filled with EDV-pretreated urine (to no more than 65%), and Fincke will start the processing operation. [For adequate sampling, a minimum of 61 lbs urine distillate is required, which takes at least 24 hrs to collect.]

For today’s troubleshooting of the new TOCA equipment, samples will be required from the WPA (Water Processor Assembly), collected in two bags. [During the TOCA analysis of waste water samples from the WPA yesterday, the first two replications of the water analysis cycle were completed, but the analysis terminated during the third replication. Subsequent troubleshooting by the crew showed no leak, which made gas bubbles the likely cause. A software modification was uploaded overnight to increase the speed of the liquid loop pump, which is expected to minimize the potential for gas bubbles in the system. Today, Fincke will re-prime the system, TOCA will process a sample, and the CDR will do a second inspection for leaks.]

Sandra Magnus will also be performing the visual “T+2 Day” microbial (bacterial & fungal) analysis and data recording of the MCDs (Microbial Capture Devices) with the first WPA sample (collected on 11/22).

Completion of routing & installing the PWD (Potable Water Dispenser) standoff hose will be attempted by Greg & Sandy later today, after the EVA-4, since it may involve temporary shutdown of the Lab ITCS LTL (Internal Thermal Control System/Low Temperature Loop) which is required for Airlock (A/L) operation, to support the necessary disconnecting of its obstructing supply & return QDs (Quick Disconnects). [The PWD Galley supply hose needs to be routed from the LAB1S7 rack location to the Aft Deck End Cone and from there to the Port Deck Standoff hose in the Lab1P4 Z-Panel. The two FEs have worked on removing the obstruction earlier by taking off a flange, then taped hose & flange to the front of the Z Panel on the rack until LTL shutdown allows completing the work.]

Mike Fincke, with Sandy Magnus, will perform a checkout of the new RSP (Respiratory Support Pack), inspecting it for any anomalies. Following successful checkout, the RSP #1002 will be swapped with RSP #1004 (location LAB1S4_D1).

In the FGB, FE-1 Lonchakov unstowed the KUBIK-2 thermostatic container/incubator equipment and pre-packed it for transfer to the MPLM (Multi-Purpose Logistics Module), then handed it over to the Shuttle crew for return to Earth.

Lonchakov conducted the regular status check and data collection on the long-term BIO-5 Rasteniya-1 ("Plants-1") experiment, copying data from its built-in control computer to a PCMCIA memory card for subsequent downlink to the ground via OCA. [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 Soyuz TMA-13/17S, docked at the FGB, Yuri ingressed the Descent Module (SA) and performed inspection & troubleshooting of the KhSA Cooler/Dryer, checking its V1 fan for unimpeded spinning.

Afterwards, the FE-1 completed the periodic (about twice a month) replenishing of the Elektron oxygen generator’s water supply for electrolysis, filling the KOV EDV container with water collected in CWC (Contingency Water Container) #1076 from the Lab CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly) dehumidifier. [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.]

A two-hour job for Lonchakov today will be the periodic survey/audit of available free stowage space in the FGB, DC1 Docking Compartment and SM PrK/PkhO (Service Module Transfer Tunnel/Transfer Compartment)) for cargo to be delivered by Progress 31P on 11/30.

Later, the FE-1 has three additional tasks on his schedule:

• 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],
• 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), and
• 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).]

In the Kibo JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module), FE-2 Chamitoff removed the AmiA (Antimicrobial Applicator) from the ITCS (Internal Thermal Control System), installed yesterday at the MTL (Moderate Temperature Loop) supply QD. [AmiA was used to introduce OPA (Ortho-Phthalaldehyde), an antimicrobial agent, into the JPM coolant. The applicator had to remain in the loop for at least 6 hrs. As usual, the MELFI (Minus-Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS) Brayton-cycle motor had to be powered down for the AmiA removal (which temporarily interrupts water flow to the MELFI).]

Afterwards, Gregory accessed the JPM ITCS and collected a coolant sample for analysis on the ground.

Due to the one-day slip of MPLM unberthing, the installation of the spare CPA (Controller Panel Assembly) at the Node-2 nadir CBM (Common Berthing Module) by Greg & Don Pettit, originally scheduled for today, will also be postponed one day.

Chamitoff and Magnus have more time reserved for standard joint “handover” activities, to be continued through the docked period ahead. Today’s handover includes a 15-min familiarization of Sandy with the CMS (Countermeasure System) TVIS treadmill in the SM.

After setting up the G1 camcorder with its VDS MPC (Video Distribution System/Multi-Purpose Converter) for transmitting external images, Sandy will be supporting the EFBM contingency task of EV2/Steve Bowen at about half way into the EVA-4 with the JEMRMS (JEM Robotic Manipulator System) by the usual activation/deactivation procedures in support of ground controllers at Tsukuba/Japan. [Involved systems are RLT (RMS Laptop), CCP (Camera Control Panel), RMS JMUs (Joint Motor Units) motors powered from EXT-2, RMS Monitors 1&2, Arm Bus, MDP (Management Data Processor), etc. The MA (Main Arm) will finally be parked at its regular stow position.]

CDR Fincke will support the EFBM activity by monitoring the external latch #1 retraction from the EFBM BCDU (Berthing Mechanism Control & Display Unit)’s LED monitor and later turning off the G1 camcorder and MPC equipment.

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, FE-2, FE-2-18), TVIS treadmill (FE-1), RED (CDR, FE-2), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).

Cargo Transfers: MPLM (Multi-Purpose Logistics Module) cargo transfers by Pettit, Boe, Chamitoff, Fincke and Piper (who is also transferring Middeck cargo and will configure MPLM racks for return cargo) are continuing at a brisk pace, remaining slightly ahead of schedule. [As of this morning, Middeck transfers were 63% complete, MPLM 91%, overall 84%.]

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, 8:57am EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 354.2 km
Apogee height — 358.8 km
Perigee height — 349.6 km
Period — 91.62 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0006641
Solar Beta Angle — 12.0 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
Mean altitude change in the last 24 hours – +400 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) – 57376.

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
11/26/08 — Progress M-66/31P launch
11/28/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF-2 undocking;
11/30/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF-2 landing;
11/30/08 — Progress M-66/31P docking – DC1 Nadir (~7:23am)
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).