NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 30 April 2015

Station astronauts continued preparing for the next round of robotic refueling demonstrations while conducting various biomedical experiments and checkouts.
Expedition 43 commander Terry Virts worked with ground teams to prepare the airlock in the Japanese Experiment Module and extend the slide table carrying the new Robotic Refueling Mission-2 (RRM-2) hardware. Robotics controllers on the ground then used the Canadarm2 robotic arm to install the new task boards that will be used for the experiment. The objective of RRM-2 is to develop new technologies, tools and techniques that could eventually give satellite owners resources to diagnose problems on orbit and keep certain spacecraft instruments performing longer in space.

The crew is also engaging in the Cardio Ox experiment, the Space Aging study and the Body Measures experiment. More Rodent Research work took place, as the astronauts readied samples for return to Earth and checked out the rodents’ habitat.

Meanwhile, Russian ballistics specialists continue to work calculations to identify the most likely period for Progress 59’s entry back into the Earth’s atmosphere. The unmanned cargo craft experienced an unspecified problem shortly after separating from the third launch stage on April 28, resulting in the vehicle’s docking to the station being called off.

On-Orbit Status Report

Robotic Refueling Mission-2 (RRM-2): Virts worked with ground teams to configure the Japanese Experiment Module Airlock (JEMAL) and extend the JEMAL slide table to position the RRM for transfer. The Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) operators on the ground are currently using the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) to remove task board (TB)3 from the RRM On-Orbit Transfer Cage (ROTC) followed by a Mobile Transporter (MT) translation from Work Site (WS)7 to WS2 for TB3 installation. This is day 1 of at least 6 days of ground operations to transfer RRM-2.

Rodent Research-2 Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (RR-2 CASIS): Kelly set up equipment and the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) for fixative swap operations. He retrieved the test subject samples prepared 24 hours ago, removed the preserving fixative and replaced with fresh fixative. The primary objective of this research is to monitor the effects of the space environment on the musculoskeletal and neurological systems of mice as model organisms of human health and disease. Living in microgravity results in significant and rapid effects on the physiology of mice that mimic the process of aging and some diseases in humans on Earth, including muscle atrophy and the loss of bone mineral density. This project will help scientists to discover new molecular targets that can facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of muscle and bone-related diseases. Long-duration exposure to microgravity will also induce changes in gene expression, protein synthesis, metabolism, and eye structure/morphology that will be identifiable as a series of assessable biomarkers for tracking the onset and progression of disease.

Defining the Relation Between Biomarkers of Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress and Atherosclerosis Risk in Astronauts During and After Long-duration Spaceflight (Cardio Ox): Cristoforetti, with Virts as the Crew Medical Officer (CMO) and remote guidance from the ground, performed the return minus 14 day (R-14) ultrasound scans for Cardio Ox followed by blood pressure measurements and logging results. The objective of Cardio Ox is to determine whether biological markers of oxidative and inflammatory stress are elevated during and after space flight and whether this results in an increased, long-term risk of atherosclerosis in astronauts. Crew members provide blood and urine samples to assess biomarkers before launch, three sessions while in space, and again post-flight. Ultrasound scans of the carotid and brachial arteries will be obtained at the same time points, as well as through 5 years after landing as an indicator of cardiovascular health

Solution Crystallization Observation Facility (SCOF): Cristoforetti performed the third and final on board cable reconfiguration on the SCOF to support ground checkouts. This is in preparation for the Soret Facet cell2 experiment planned for May 12. The Soret effect in fluids is a thermodynamic phenomenon in which different particles respond in different ways to varying temperatures. The effect, studied by the Swiss chemist Charles Soret, has been difficult to examine in detail on Earth because of gravity. The Study on Soret effect (thermal diffusion process) for the mixed solution by the in-situ observation technique facilitated at SCOF (Soret-Facet) is the first investigation to verify Soret conditions in steady and changing conditions, and to compare the Soret effect in microgravity with results on the ground, an important measurement for calibrating future investigations.

European Physiological Module (EPM): Cristoforetti performed a software update of EPM laptop by reloading software using a ghost image and EPM Universal Serial Bus (USB) stick.

Space Aging: Cristoforetti retrieved the Space Aging sample #1 from the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF), placed it in a sample return bag and stowed in the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI). Space Aging is an investigation to study of the effects of space flight on the aging of the C. elegans roundworm, a model organism for a range of biological studies. Microgravity causes a number of physiological changes, like heart and bone deconditioning, involving mechanisms that are poorly understood and may affect the rate at which organisms and astronauts age. Space Aging will grow millimeter-long C. elegans roundworms in microgravity and compare their health and longevity with control specimens kept on Earth.

Nanoracks Module 24: Kelly answered questions regarding the NanoRacks module install that was performed on April 18. The ground is currently unable to “see” Module-24 or the USB drive that was installed. These answers will help troubleshooting efforts and assist in the development of future ops products.

Body Measures: Kelly, acting as an operator, assisted Virts in setting up equipment to collect his third and final calibration and body pose photographs and the circumference measurements in support of the Body Measures experiment. Currently, NASA does not have sufficient in-flight anthropometric data (body measurements) gathered to assess the impact of physical body shape and size changes on suit sizing. This study will involve collecting anthropometric data (body measurements) using digital still and video imagery and a tape measure to measure segmental length, height, depth, and circumference data for all body segments (i.e., chest, waist, hip, arms, legs, etc.) from astronauts for pre-, post-, and in-flight conditions.

S-Band String 1: Yesterday evening following a Loss of Signal (LOS), Ku-Band and S-Band did not lock up on Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) 171. Ku-Band was reacquired on the following pass on TDRS 41 but the S-Band outage persisted. Ground controllers were able to regain ISS telemetry. Ku-Band Contingency Command and Telemetry (CCT) mode was enabled over a Russian Ground Pass to allow ground controllers to use Ku-Band commanding to swap S-Band from String 1 to String 2. Once configured on String 2, good command link and telemetry link were established. Initial review of data from troubleshooting shows the Baseband Signal Processor (BSP)-1 is performing nominally and S-Band String 1 has been configured as a hot backup. The team is continuing to investigate.

Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Flush Water Pressure Relief T-Hose Installation: Virts installed a pressure relief hose on Dose Pump PY-3 and routed it through panel WHC-03 with the Urine Receptacle Hose. This configuration eliminates the need to remove WHC panels during Flush Tank Fills and replaces the pressure relief EDV with a smaller Post-Flight Analysis Bag as the depressurization “burp bag”. This activity coincides with a needed Flush Tank Fill that also serves as a leak check. Future fills take advantage of this simpler configuration which saves crew time.

False Fire Indication in Treadmill 2 (T2) Rack: Yesterday a smoke alarm annunciated in the T2 rack. At the time of the alarm, the crew was exercising on T2 and reported that the tread belt stopped moving immediately prior to the alarm. T2 was powered down and the crew was no-go for exercise. This morning Kelly performed troubleshooting and downloaded data for review. Engineering teams completed the review and observed no issues. Dust is the likely cause of the smoke alarm. T2 was powered on and the crew is go for exercise.

SpaceX (SpX)-6 Cargo Transfer Operations: The crew continued transferring cargo from the Dragon vehicle. As of last night’s crew report we are approximately 60% complete with SpX-6 cargo operations. No Dragon cargo operations were performed today.

Today’s Planned Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

HRF Urine Sample Collection
HRF – Sample MELFI Insertion
USND2 – Hardware Activation
ISS crew and ???? weekly conference
CARDOX – Preparation Steps and Hardware Setup
SCOF – Cable Reconfiguration
System Laptop Terminal (SLT) Reboot
TOCA – Buffer Container (BC) Changeout
Verification of ??-1 Flow Sensor Position
CARDOX – Experiment Ops
CARDOX – Scanning (operator)
Equipment search for condensate and water sampling
CARDOX – Blood Pressure Operations
CARDOX – Blood Pressure Operations
BODYM – Equipment Setup
UDOD. Experiment ops using DYKNANIYE-1 and SPRUT-2 sets.
BODYM – Experiment Measurements Ops
HRF Urine Sample Collection
UDOD. Photography of the Experiment Ops
HRF – Sample MELFI Insertion
Water Transfer and Bladder Compression of Progress 425 (AO) Rodnik ??1 tank
USND2 – Hardware Deactivation
BODYM – Experiment Measurements Ops
ESA Weekly Crew Conference
EPM Laptop Software Update – Part 1
Hardware prepack for return and disposal on ?? 715
Life On The Station Photo and Video
EPM Laptop Software Update – Part 2
IMS and Stowage Conference
WRS Maintenance
Rodent Research (RR) – Fixative Swap
HMS Defibrillator Inspection
S P AGING – Sample Retrieval
Crew Onboard Support Kit (????) Equipment Audit
SM Ventilation System Preventive Maintenance. Group ?
Hardware prepack for return and disposal on ?? 715
SP AGING – Sample Insertion into MELFI
WRS Maintenance
EML – Gas Valves Closing
WRS – Recycle Tank Fill
HRF Urine Sample Collection
JEM Airlock – Outer Hatch Opening
??? Maintenance
Slide Table Extension to JEF Side
RR-MELFI. Sample Relocation between Different MELFI Sections
HRF – Sample MELFI Insertion
HRF – Hardware Setup
MSG – Powerdown
Crew prep for departure
In Flight Maintenance (IFM) – Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) – Full Fill
Crew Departure Prep
Crew Onboard Support Kit (????) Equipment Audit
IMS Delta File Prep
Fundoscope – Preparation
Progress 425 Rodnik ??1 Water Tank 1 Bladder Compression – Closeout Ops
HRF Urine Sample Collection
PRODUTSENT. Removal of ???-? No.02 Thermostat
Fundoscope Prep
HRF – Sample MELFI Insertion
Fundoscope – Examination
Flight Director / ISS Crew Tagup
Fundoscope – Stowage
Crew conference with Astronaut Office
Completed Task List Items

None
Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

CardioOx/Ultrasound ops
Body Measures ops
Rapidscat commanding
RRM-2 Transfer [In Work]
Three-Day Look Ahead:

Friday, 05/01: USOS crew half day off, DRAGON Cargo Transfer, SSRMS RRM transfer
Saturday, 05/02: Crew off duty, housekeeping, TripleLux A closeout, Space Aging, SSRMS RRM transfer
Sunday, 05/03: Crew off duty, SSRMS RRM transfer
QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:

Component – Status
Elektron – On
Vozdukh – Manual
[???] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) – On
[???] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) – Off
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab – Operate
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 – Standby
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab – Shutdown
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 – Operate
Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) – Process
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) – Standby
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab – Off
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 – Full Up