NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 26 November 2008

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Flight Day 13 (FD13) of STS-126/ULF-2. ISS crew work cycle today: Wake 7:55am EST; sleep 10:25am; Shuttle crew: 10:55am (both until 6:55am tomorrow, i.e., one hour earlier).

Progress M-01M/31P (No. 401) launched on time this morning at Baikonur at 7:38 am EST. Ascent was nominal and the vehicle reached orbital insertion at 7:47:23am. All appendages (antennae & solar arrays) deployed nominally except for one of the KURS-A antennas (2ASF1-M-VKA) for narrow-field proximity ranging, range rate updates & angle measurements, which remained retracted until it was successfully deployed on DO3 (Daily Orbit 3) by direct ground commanding during RGS (Russian Groundsite) pass. [The 7288-kg mass cargo ship will deliver 2676 kg of various supplies to the ISS, including 28 kg oxygen, 21 kg air, 185 kg water, 296 kg food, 1120 kg propellant (for ISS needs), 321 kg US items, 171 kg sanitary & hygienic items, 19 kg fire-protection items, 133 kg medical items, 103 kg utilization/science payloads and various equipment. 31P is the first of an upgraded version of the cargo ship, equipped with a new state-of-the art digital computer system and more-compact radiotelemetry avionics. The new equipment allows automatic diagnostics for the comm paths between telemetry system & computer system elements and provides digital interfaces for integrating all the spacecraft systems into the ISS. It has 165 lbs less dry mass than previous Progress vehicles, allowing more cargo, and has 15 fewer parts. Note: Soyuz & Progress flights are supported by (currently) 11 RGS stations: five connected to TsUP-Moscow by fiber-optic land line, four by the “Primyorka” geostationary satellite, and two in autonomous mode. Real-time commanding is normally performed directly by the RGS sites, with voice link to/from TsUP. There is also a tracking ship, “Cosmonaut Posayev” (KVP 47), in the port of Kaliningrad.]

UPA Update: The UPA (Urine Processing Assembly) has been performing nominally. After its first flawless run for the planned 5 hrs, the UPA, which works with an advanced technique called Vapor Compression Distillation (VCD), was nominally shut down late on 11/24. This was followed by a 3-hr cool-down cycle and a reactivation for a second successful run of 4.25 hrs, with nominal shutdown. Yesterday, the UPA ran again for another 7 hrs, performing nominally. A fourth run was then completed overnight, the last planned run for the docked mission. [UPA startup was delayed briefly for this last run due to a sticky check valve in the MTL (Moderate Temperature Loop). After being fully seated, UPA ran fine.]

WPA Update: All WPA (Water Processing Assembly) operations to date have been nominal. The third WPA processing activity was initiated on 11/24 for a successful overnight run. Today, Sandra Magnus & Mike Fincke are offloading the processed water from the WPA to a CWC (Contingency Water Container, #1018), collecting a sample and then draining the accumulator. A fourth run (to process at least 13 lbs of distillate or condensate) will then be initiated by the ground, and another sample taken after its completion. If time allows, Sandy will subject the sample to inflight microbiology analysis using the MCDs (microbial capture devices) of the WMK (water microbiology kit).

TOCA Update: Yesterday, a software patch was uplinked to the TOCA (Total Organic Carbon Assembly). While working to initiate another run, Sandy Magnus found a small leak at the GLS (Gas/Liquid Separator). The GLS was removed & replaced (R&R’d) with one of three on-orbit spares, which fixed the leak. The failed GLS will be returned. It will be used by the crew to process WPA & PWD samples (can be deferred to post-undock). [Also being considered is an R&R of the TOCA oxidizer which may be faulty (based on its current reading during calibration on 11/21), but not before ULF-2 undocking due to crew time constraints. There are four spares onboard.]

PWD Update: Yesterday, Magnus first vented, then filled the PWB (Potable Water Bus). Sandy then activated the PWD (Potable Water Dispenser), flushed it with potable water, and followed with an ambient water flush. Samples are being obtained today for return on the Shuttle Middeck as well as for WMK analysis and TOCA processing.

SARJ Update: After the extensive cleaning & lubricating work on the ULF-2 spacewalks, the Stbd SARJ (Solar Alpha Rotary Joint) was rotated through 720 deg (two rotations) in Autotrack mode for the first time in over a year to measure mechanical resistance in the motor current. The rotation required significantly less energy than before, as indicated by the motor current which averaged 0.17A (amperes), with a peak of 0.35 A (pre-repair current draws: 0.7-0.9A; begin of service life: 0.15A). The Stbd SARJ also showed negligible vibration during rotation. It was returned to Directed Position later in the day. The Port SARJ, which also was lubricated, as a precautionary measure, and had performed well, was returned to Autotrack.

FE-2-18 Magnus continued her first session with the biomed experiment INTEGRATED IMMUNE (Validating Procedures for Monitoring Crew member Immune Function), today collecting dry saliva samples throughout the day (five 1-min collections). [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.]

In preparation for Progress M-01M/31P docking on 11/30 (Sunday), CDR Fincke & FE-1 Lonchakov completed the standard three-hour training course with the TORU teleoperator system which provides a manual backup mode to the Progress’ KURS automated rendezvous radar system. Afterwards, Mike & Yuri tagged up with a TORU instructor at TsUP/Moscow via S-band audio. [The drill included procedure review, rendezvous, docking data and rendezvous math modeling data review, fly-around, final approach, docking and off-nominal situations (e.g., video or comm loss). Three modes were simulated on the RSK1 laptop: two with 31P from stationkeeping range (~150 m) in sunlight (insolation), and 31P in final approach (from 50 m) in darkness (eclipse). The TORU teleoperator control system lets a SM-based crewmember perform the approach and docking of automated Progress vehicles in case of KURS failure. Receiving a video image of the approaching ISS, as seen from a Progress-mounted docking television camera (“Klest”), on a color monitor (“Simvol-Ts”, i.e. “symbol center”) which also displays an overlay of rendezvous data from the onboard digital computer, the CDR would steer the Progress to mechanical contact by means of two hand controllers, one for rotation (RUO), the other for translation (RUD), on adjustable armrests. The controller-generated commands are transmitted from the SM’s TORU control panel to the Progress via VHF radio. In addition to the Simvol-Ts color monitor, range, range rate (approach velocity) and relative angular position data are displayed on the “Klest-M” video monitor (VKU) which starts picking up signals from Progress when it is still approximately 8 km away. TORU is monitored in real time from TsUP over Russian ground sites (RGS) and via Ku-band from Houston, but its control cannot be taken over from the ground. On 11/30, Progress KURS will be activated at ~5:39am EST on Daily Orbit 1 (DO1), SM KURS two minutes later. S-band (UKV-2) radar will be switched on at a range of ~9 km, Progress headlight & video at ~8 km. Flyaround to the SM aft docking port (~400 m range, in sunlight) starts at 6:51am. Start of final approach: ~7:15 (DO2) in sunlight, contact: ~7:23am (in darkness).]

CDR Ferguson & MS1 Pettit meanwhile began the series of steps necessary to close out and lock up the MPLM (Multipurpose Logistics Module) for tomorrow’s transfer to the Endeavour cargo bay with MPLM egress, first removing the PFE (Portable Fire Extinguisher) and PBA (Portable Breathing Apparatus) from “Leonardo” and stowing them in Node-1 & Node-2.

Next, the MPLM was deactivated, all jumpers & ducting removed and thermal covers re-installed, followed by installation of the CBM (Common Berthing Mechanism) center disk cover to restore thermal & meteoroid debris protection to the Node-2 radial (nadir) port, using a modified approach to avoid damage to CBM CPA (Controller Panel Assembly) connectors.

After Chris and Don have closed hatches, FE-2 Chamitoff will depressurize the MPLM/Node-2 vestibule for a 30-min leak check.

Later in the day, FE-2-18 Magnus & MS4 Kimbrough will support the ground in demating the Node-2 CBM by removing CBM bolts and deploying latches.

At ~4:45pm, Pettit & Kimbrough will grapple the MPLM with the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Maneuvering System), then unberth it and transfer it to the Shuttle (~5:30pm) for re-berthing in its cargo bay.

FE-2 Chamitoff returned the VCA1 (Video Camera Assembly 1) to its place in the COL (Columbus Orbital Module) and installed it on the seat track at Port Endcone/Aft side.

CDR Ferguson configured the oxygen transfer gear between the Orbiter and ISS and initiated another transfer of O2 to the HPTs (High-Pressure Tanks) mounted on the U.S. Airlock (A/L). The transfer equipment will be torn down tomorrow.

Gregory & Sandy had more time reserved for standard joint “handover” activities, to be continued through the docked period ahead. Today this activity included a familiarization with DCB (Double Cold Bag) packing procedures preparatory to tomorrow’s transfer of critical samples to the Shuttle Middeck prior to hatch closure (~6:10pm).

MS3 Stefanyshyn-Piper & FE-2-18 Magnus have several hours set aside for restowing EVA tools in the A/L.

Meanwhile, the Shuttle crew is scheduled to transfer their EMU/spacesuits to the Shuttle, along with remaining Middeck equipment.

Mike Fincke spent some time in the Kibo JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module) to take documentary photography. [Objects of interest were a recently installed ZSR (Zero-G Stowage Rack) to confirm that there is no interference between it and heaters/harnesses in JPM, and the rear of a second ZSR plus stowage arrangement behind hard dummy panels.]

Later tonight, Yuri 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].

Also on Yuri’s schedule for today was the periodic (currently daily) checkout/verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS (Russian Segment) 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).]

Additionally, the FE-1 will complete the periodic 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).

Greg Chamitoff again had 1:15h to himself for the regular crew departure preparations, working on the standard end-of-increment cleanup preparatory to his return to Earth later this month. [It is usual for crewmembers to be granted reduced workdays for making their departure preparations, as their return date approaches.]

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

VolSci Look-ahead: For this weekend’s VolSci (Voluntary Science) program, Mike & Sandy were asked to consider two options at their choice: (1) a LOCAD-PTS (Lab-On-A-Chip Application Development – Portable Test System) surface sampling session in COL using Glucan LAL cartridges, targeting fungus on ISS surfaces; and (2), for Sandy (assisted by Mike), a session with the CCISS (Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Control on Return from ISS) experiment which studies the effects of long-duration spaceflight on crewmembers’ heart functions and their blood vessels that supply the brain.

ISS Crew Sleep Shift Planning: To synchronize the ISS crew’s timeline with STS-126/ULF-2 undocking, ISS crew wake/sleep cycle is again undergoing a number of shifts which started on 11/25. The early undock time (9:47am) drives crew wakeup 2.5 hrs earlier, to 7:00am by FD14. For the next six days, the wake/sleep shift schedule is as follows (all times EST):

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, 8:13am EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 354.4 km
Apogee height — 359.1 km
Perigee height — 349.7 km
Period — 91.63 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0007009
Solar Beta Angle — 3.7 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.71
Mean altitude gain in the last 24 hours – 250 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) – 57407.

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
11/28/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF-2 undocking (~9:47am);
11/30/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF-2 landing (KSC, ~1:18pm);
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).