NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 10 December 2008

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.

Before breakfast & first exercise, CDR Fincke, FE-1 Lonchakov & FE-2 Magnus completed a full session with the Russian medical assessment MO-9/Biochemical Urinalysis. Afterwards, the FE-1 closed out and stowed the Urolux hardware. [MO-9 is conducted every 30 days (and also before and after EVAs) and is one of five nominal Russian medical tests adopted by NASA for U.S. crewmembers for IMG PHS (Integrated Medical Group/Periodic Health Status) evaluation as part of the "PHS/Without Blood Labs" exam. The analysis uses the sophisticated in-vitro diagnostic apparatus Urolux developed originally for the Mir program. Afterwards, the data are entered in the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer)’s special IFEP software (In-Flight Examination Program).]

Later, Yuri undertook his first periodic (generally monthly) health test with the cardiological experiment PZEh MO-1 (“Study of the Bioelectric Activity of the Heart at Rest”) on the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System), with Mike assisting as CMO (Crew Medical Officer). [Equipment used were VPG/Temporal Pulsogram and ECG/Electrocardiogram Data Output Devices (USI). During the 30-min. test, the FE-1 tagged up with ground specialists on an RGS (Russian Groundsite) pass at ~5:16am EST via VHF for data downlink from the VPG and Gamma-1M ECG for about 5-6 minutes.]

Lonchakov also loaded new software (vers. 3.0) on the Russian BSMM (Multi-Channel Matching Unit) payload computer from a CD on the RSS1 laptop. After the software installation, communications between the BSMM computer and the RSS1 laptop were checked with the RSC-Energia PingMaster application. [BSMM is part of the OpsLAN (Operations Local Area Network), which also includes such items as the BSPN (Payload Server), OBC (Onboard Controller) for RokvISS, and GTS (Global Timing System).]

CDR Fincke performed a run with the MedOps experiment WinSCAT (Windows Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool), his first onboard session, by logging in on the MEC and conducting the psychological evaluation exercise on the laptop-based WinSCAT experiment. [WinSCAT is a monthly time-constrained questionnaire test of cognitive abilities, routinely performed by astronauts aboard the ISS every 30 days before or after the PHS (periodic health status) test or on special CDR’s, crewmembers or flight surgeons request.]

In the Kibo JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module), FE-2 Magnus supported Tsukuba flight controllers by configuring the CB (Clean Bench) subrack facility for inactivity and stowage. [Ground commanding of JPM payloads is done by JAXA’s SSIPC (Space Station Integration & Promotion Center) at Tsukuba/Japan. The CB, a subrack of the Saibo (“living cell”) Rack, provides a germ-free environment for life science and biotechnological experiments. It has a specially designed microscope that operates with bright-field, phase-contrast and fluorescence modes.]

It was Sandra’s turn today to prepare the MELFI (Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS) for future samples, by completing the fifth ICEPAC insertion into MELFI after ULF-2, today retrieving another two -32 degC ICEPAC belts and placing them into Dewar 1, Tray B/Section 3 & 4 for cooling down.

The crew conducted the regular fire drill/OBT (on-board training), a mandatory periodic one-hour exercise (including ground debrief conference). [Primary goal of this Russian-led interactive exercise is to maintain crew skills in responding to a fire and to provide the station residents with the most realistic emergency training possible. The drill is always conducted with the support of all MCCs (TsUP-Moscow, MCC-Houston, COL-CC, SSIPC/Tsukuba) in close coordination. It should be performed every 2.5 months, but not later than 1 month prior to end of Increment. OBT objectives are to (a) practice fire response procedures (FRPs) and all incorporated actions for the case of a software-detected fire to locate, extinguish, and verify extinguishing attempts; (b) browse through RS laptop and the Signal-VM fire detection system displays as well as the automated software (algorithms) response to the fire event; (c) practice crew communication necessary to perform emergency FRPs; (d) ensure familiarization with support equipment (CSA-CP compound specific analyzer-combustion products, PBAs portable breathing assemblies, PFE/OSP-4 portable fire extinguishers, and IPK-1M gas masks to be used for fire suppression). These exercises do not actually use any fire equipment but simulate such actions with comm channels, PBAs, CSA-CP and laptop displays to the maximum extent possible. The Emergency Procedures OBT concluded with a 15-min. debrief with Russian/U.S. ground specialists at ~1:50pm EST via S-band.]

Fincke retrieved and stowed the four passive FMK (Formaldehyde Monitoring Kit) sampling assemblies deployed by Magnus on 12/8 in the Lab (at P3, below CEVIS) and Service Module (SM, at the most forward handrail, on panel 307), to catch any atmospheric formaldehyde on a collector substrate for subsequent analysis on the ground. [Two monitors each are usually attached side by side, preferably in an orientation with their faces perpendicular to the direction of air flow.]

Sandy completed the routine daily servicing of the SM’s SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS). [Regular daily SOZh maintenance consists, among else, of checking the ASU toilet facilities, replacement of the KTO & KBO solid waste containers, replacement of EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine containers and performing US condensate processing (transfer from CWC to EDV containers) if condensate is available.]

As part of the SOZh servicing, the FE-2 conducted the periodic checkout/verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS hatchways, including the passageways SM PrK (Service Module Transfer Compartment)–RO (SM Working Compartment), PkhO (SM Transfer Tunnel)–RO, PkhO–DC1, PkhO–FGB PGO, FGB PGO–FGB GA, and FGB GA–Node-1.

Magnus also performed the regular daily IMS (Inventory Management System) maintenance task by updating/editing the IMS standard “delta file” including stowage locations for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).

Afterwards, Sandy completed the periodic status check on the running payloads CGBA-5 (Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus 5) and ENose (Electronic Nose), both located in the ER-2 (EXPRESS Rack 2).

The FE-2 also completed the visual “T+2 Day” microbial (bacterial & fungal) analysis of the potable water samples collected on 12/8 from the WRS (Water Recovery System) and processed on board with the MCDs (Microbial Capture Devices) and CDBs (Coliform Detection Bags). [WRS samplings are regularly conducted for 90 days, specifically every 4 days: WRS water hose (TOCA inflight analysis) & microbial bag sample (inflight bacterial visual enumeration plus archival for return on 15A), every 8 days: an archival water sample (return on 15A), and monthly: a TOCA bag sample from PWD (tested inflight). Coliform bacteria are the commonly-used bacterial indicator of sanitary quality of foods and water. They are defined as rod-shaped Gram-negative non-spore forming organisms that ferment Lactose with the production of acid and gas when incubated at 35-37 degC. Coliforms are abundant in the feces of warm-blooded animals, but can also be found in the aquatic environment, in soil and on vegetation. In most instances, coliforms themselves are not the cause of sickness, but they are easy to culture and their presence is used to indicate that other pathogenic organisms of fecal origin may be present.]

After repositioning and activating the MATRYOSHKA-R (RBO-3-2) radiation instrumentation in the SM (panel 326) yesterday, Yuri Lonchakov removed the newly installed PCMCIA (Portable Computer Memory Card International Adapter) ALC-957 card from the AST Spectrometer for a functions check, reviewing and archiving its files on the RSK-1 laptop and later inserting the memory card again in the AST for more recording. [RBO-3-2 is using the ESA/RSC-Energia experiment ALTCRISS (ALC/Alteino Long Term monitoring of Cosmic Rays on the ISS) with its AST Spectrometer and ALC equipment in the SM.]

Following up on the on-going X2 INTR4 software updates by the ground, Sandra Magnus unstowed the three Warning Books from Lab, SM and FGB and updated them, in Part 1, with replacement pages and P&I (pen & ink) changes for the new PVCU (Photovoltaic Controller Unit) MDM upgrades with PVCU R3 software. Part 2, for the INT R4 upgrading of INT MDMs, will follow at a later date. [See update note, below.]

Sandy also worked in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), unlocking the GEOFLOW FSL FCE (Fluid Science Laboratory/Facility Core Element), which had been locked for recent vehicle traffic such as 30P undocking and 31P docking for protection. [This task, yesterday shown on the discretionary “job jar” list, was today hard scheduled for the FE-2.]

In continuing preparations for the upcoming Russian Orlan EVA-21 on 12/22 (Monday), FE-1 Lonchakov & CDR Fincke conducted a four-hour review of familiarization material, watching a training video and studying the preliminary EVA timeline (details, see below). [More preparations will include MO-6 Hand Ergometry & Orlan equipment gathering tomorrow (12/11), Orlan and EVA tools/equipment configuring on 12/12, MO-5 Cardiovascular Evaluation on 12/16 & 12/16, Progress 31P preparations for contingency undocking on 12/17, etc.]

The station residents conducted their regular daily 2.5-hr. 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/MO-1, FE-2), RED (CDR, FE-1, FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).

Sandy again had an hour to herself for general orientation (station familiarization & acclimatization) as is standard daily rule for fresh crewmembers for the first two weeks after starting station residence, if she/he chooses to take it.

At ~3:30am EST, Yuri Lonchakov downlinked two PAO TV messages of greetings and congratulations, one to the Republic of Kazakhstan on its Independence Day (Kazakhstan proclaimed its independence from the former Soviet Union on December 16, 1991, and Nursultan Nazarbayev was democratically elected the first President of the country), the other to the Awards Department of the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Defense on its 30th anniversary.

At ~5:05am, Sandra Magnus powered up the SM’s amateur radio equipment (Kenwood VHF transceiver with manual frequency selection, headset, & power supply) and conducted, at 5:10am, a 10-min. ham radio session with Istituto Comprensivo “Marco Polo“ in Grado, Italy. [Grado is a little town on the northernmost coast of the Adriatic Sea, 80 km east of Venice, between the rivers Isonzo & Tagliamento. It has a remarkable history: it was under the Roman Empire, it defended the inhabitants against Attila in 452 AD; it became Austrian after the Treaty of Campo Formio in 1797 and again Italian after the 1st World War. Today, Grado has 8600 inhabitants and the economy is based on tourism and fishing industry. The “Marco Polo” is a secondary school but it includes also a primary school. 550 students attend the school. Questions to Sandy were uplinked beforehand. “How many spacesuits do you have onboard and what kind of spacesuits do you use for the extra-vehicle-activities?”; “How much time can you stay outside during an EVA?”; “Do you use spacesuits equipped with rockets to move around the ISS?”; “Were you instructed to repair all the station’s equipment?”; “How much time would it take to change the ISS’ orbit in order to avoid an impact with space debris?”; “What kind of experiments are you doing during this mission and what are they useful for?”; “How many experiments are you supervising every day?”; “Is every astronaut trained just for special tasks or can everybody do everything onboard?”; “What repair parts do you have on board?”; “For how much time does the ISS’ air supply last?”; “Do you think that you will participate in the assembling of another space station in the future?”.]

Working off his discretionary job list, Yuri conducted the frequent status check on the Russian BIO-5 Rasteniya-1 ("Plants-1") experiment, verifying proper operation of the BU Control Unit and MIS-LADA Module fans (testing their air flow by hand). [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).]

EVA-21 Timeline Preview (preliminary): The Orlan EVA-21 by Lonchakov (EV1) & Fincke (EV2) on 12/22 is scheduled to begin at ~7:15pm EST (DC1 EV hatch open), to last an estimated 6 hrs 10 min, i.e., concluding at approximately 1:25am. Russian attitude thrusters will be inhibited by TsUP ground commanding at specific times when the spacewalkers work on the SM RO (Working Compartment, l.d./large diameter) and SM AO (Assembly Compartment). Main objectives of the EVA are –

• Install a Langmuir Probe on the DC1 Docking Compartment;
• Install & connect the EXPOSE-R monobloc unit on the SM RO l.d.;
• Install & connect the IPI-SM monobloc unit of the IMPULSE experiment on the RO l.d.;
• Remove/return the BIORISK-MSN payload container #2 from the DC1;
• Conduct “SWG” Project timer operations;
• Remove fasteners (Aramide straps) near docking target and AR-VKA & 2AR-VKA antennas installation on DC1 (if time permits);
• Close MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) flap on SM FP-10 connector patch (if time permits);
• Re-install SKK #9 removable cassette container in nominal position (if time permits); and
• Monitor conditions ISS RS exterior and structure components (“Panorama-2008” DTO, if time permits).

Uncrewed Station Ops Preview: One of the contingencies associated with the Orlan EVA-21 could require uncrewed station operation for some time. Progress M-01M/31P will be prepared for ground-commanded contingency undocking. Most of the USOS (US Segment) preparations for this eventuality will be done by Mike Fincke & Sandy Magnus next week, such as transferring selected hardware to the RS (Russian Segment), setting up a PCS (Portable Computer System) laptop in the FGB as backup to the PCS in the RS, powering down ham/amateur radio equipment, reconfiguring some LAN software (NetMeeting, KFX), powering down the COL PWS (Columbus Orbital Laboratory Portable Workstation) laptop, and closing selected hatches. The IATCS (Internal Thermal Control System) will be configured as usual for uncrewed ops, some racks will be jumpered to the LTL (Low Temperature Loop) in case they need cooling, and some remaining hatches will be closed, before Sandy moves to the Soyuz Descent Module (SA) and closes the hatch between it and the Orbital Module (BO).

X2 INT R4 Software Transition: Starting yesterday and running through 12/12, MCC-Houston is executing procedures to transition several ISS MDMs (Multiplexer/Demultiplexer) computers to new software versions. No crew participation is required. Today’s transition involves the second of each pair of PVCU (Photovoltaic Controller Unit) MDMs from PVCA R2 to PVCA R3. This concludes the transition of all six PVCU MDMs.

Conjunction Update: One TCA (Time of Closest Approach) is currently being assessed for another conjunction with the Cosmos satellite, Object 2421, for tonight at 6:57pm EST. No DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) is needed, but specialists believe that this recurring object requires continued monitoring.

CEO (Crew Earth Observations) photo target uplinked for today was Pilcomayo River and megafan, Paraguay (crews have difficulty locating this large river that exits the Andes Mts. because it stops flowing, for unknown reasons, near the Andes. [Slight tectonic subsidence is the probable explanation since its flow has remained steady for decades]. The neighboring Bermejo River just south is more visible because its flow reaches the main Parana trunk river. Requested were oblique panoramas looking left to help orient future crew imaging of the Pilcomayo River and megafan. [By switching courses repeatedly and depositing its sediment over millions of years, this river has produced the largest megafan on Earth, occupying 220,000 sq.km, that is, all of western Paraguay).

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, 8:26am EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 353.6 km
Apogee height — 358.2 km
Perigee height — 349.0 km
Period — 91.61 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0006827
Solar Beta Angle — -62.7 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 27 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 57628.

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible!):
12/22/08 — Russian EVA-21 (hatch opening ~7:15pm)
02/09/09 — Progress M-01M/31P undocking & deorbit
02/10/09 — Progress 32P launch
02/12/09 — Progress 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 32P undocking & deorbit
05/12/09 — STS-125/Atlantis Hubble Space Telescope Service Mission 4 (SM4)
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
08/06/09 — STS-128/Atlantis/17A – MPLM (P), last crew rotation
08/XX/09 — Progress/MRM2 (Russian Mini Research Module, MIM2) on Soyuz
09/XX/09 — H-IIB (JAXA HTV-1)
11/12/09 — 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).