XA/EVA Project Office Weekly Activity Report March 2, 2001
Orlan Suit Communication Check
A successful Orlan suit communication check of both hard-line and radio frequency (RF) audio communication was conducted on February 22, 2001. No interference was experienced during the RF or hard-line audio communication check. RF and hard-line communication between the EV crewmembers and between the EV crewmembers and the ground was verified. The Russian reported root cause of the previously experienced RF interference was attributed to specific characteristics of ground site 34 (Shelkovo). The February 22, 2001, checkout was conducted over ground sites 33 (Ulan Ude) and 26 (Petro Pavlosk Kamchatski), which are located in eastern Russia far from the east European interference. The Russians have not yet presented a definitive root cause for the complete lack of hard-line communication between the EV crew and between the EV crew with the ground that occurred during January’s checkout. However, some sort of misconfiguration is highly suspect. The Orlan expertise teams, who are in Russia for a Zvezda mini-TIM, were present at MCC-M for this Orlan communication check and will continue to work with Zvezda to get root cause.
Mobile Base Servicer (MBS) Technical Interchange Meeting (TIM)
EVA Project Office Integration & Operations personnel supported the MBS Technical Interchange Meeting at the Canadian Space Agency in Montreal, Quebec, February 20-22, 2001. The purpose of the TIM was to gather information regarding the EVA/extravehicular robotics (EVR) installation of the proposed MBS keep alive battery. The purpose of the keep-alive battery is to protect for a failure of the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) between umbilical mechanism assembly (UMA) power locations. The battery would keep the MSS system alive long enough to allow for EVA to plug in an extension cord. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) community is scarring the MBS, which is scheduled to launch in March 2002, on ISS-UF-2, for an EVA installation of the NASA provided battery. The International Space Station Program will be deciding in late March, if and when the battery will be built. CSA was very accommodating to EVA requirements and suggestions. The volumetric location and interfaces were defined, with some modifications made by EVA. VR lab and NBL tests will be completed, prior to Critical Design Review in late June, to better determine mass handling abilities and EVA worksites. Several suggestions have been incorporated to allow for EVA handling aides and robotic assistance.
Addition of 4 Bar Linkage for STS-102/5A.1
As a result of new information gathered during a photo survey of the port and starboard 4 bar linkage on 5A, it was determined that a Payload Retention Device (PRD) technique could be used to potentially fully lock down the port wing (similar technique was used on 4A). With available EVA time on 5A.1, the EVA Project Office and the Mission Operations Directorate decided to have the 5A.1 EVA2 crew implement the technique during their last NBL timeline run. The crew worked the new task flawlessly and within the allotted time. With ISS Program concurrence through the Vehicle Control Board (VCB), the 4 bar linkage task will be added as a get-ahead EVA task.
EMU Glove Heater Failure
The EVA Project Office is working with Hamilton Sundstrand personnel to resolve the failure on the 12-volt phase VI gloves. The glove heaters are producing too much heat. The heaters are bonding to the glove finger restraint, and the bladders are overheating creating bubbles in the bladders. This failure condition is not expected to be a problem for flight 5A.1 since 1) the power source for the glove heater has been reduced, and 2) a protocol has been established to limit the power-on duration of the glove heater. In addition, the on-orbit thermal environment during the 5A.1 mission is not expected to require the use of the EMU glove heater. The interim closure for this problem is in the signature cycle and is planned to be completed prior to L-2 Review.
Original signed by:
Michael J. Mankin
Acting Manager
Gregory J. Harbaugh
Manager
