NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 11 April 2016
Today: SpaceX (SpX)-8 Launch, Capture and Berth: SpX-8 launched successfully at 3:43 PM CDT Friday. Capture and berthing to the Node 2 nadir port occurred on Sunday at 6:24 AM CDT, and berthing occurred approximately 3 hours later.
This morning, the USOS crew ingressed the Dragon and began transferring Cargo Transfer Bags (CTBs), unpacking Double Cold Bags (DCBs) and transferring, installing and powering the Polars. They also re-stowed the Vestibule Outfitting Kit (VOK) and CBM Controller Panel Assembly (CPA) hardware.
SPHEROIDS Hardware Gather and Installation: Yesterday, Peake completed an overview of the European Space Agency (ESA) SPHEROIDS experiment. He then set up and activated the KUBIK located in the Columbus module to begin conditioning to receive samples. Today, he retrieved the SPHEROIDS hardware from Dragon and installed the containers into the KUBIK. During the two day experiment run, Peake will perform periodic temperature and power checks. The experiment investigates the effects of microgravity on endothelial cell function with respect to blood vessel formation, cellular proliferation, and programmed cell death. Results could help in the development of potential countermeasures to prevent cardiovascular deconditioning in astronauts and improve knowledge of endothelial functions on Earth.
Sally Ride Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School (EarthKAM): Ovchinin set up the investigation components and activated the Nikon camera in the Service Module to support a week-long imaging session of the EarthKAM experiment. EarthKAM is a Joint USOS Experiment (JUE) performed with both USOS and Russian crew members. The objective of EarthKAM is to integrate Earth images with inquiry-based learning to enhance curricula in support of national and state education standards; to provide students and educators the opportunity to participate in a space mission and to develop teamwork, communication, and problem solving skills; to engage teams of students, educators, and researchers in collaborative investigations using remotely-sensed data; and to incorporate the active use of Web-based tools and resources in support of the learning process.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) High Quality Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) Demonstration: Peake retrieved two sets of the PCG-Demo Bags for the JAXA PCG experiment that arrived on the SpX-8 and initiated the crystallization process. The PCG-Demo Bags were installed into the Stirling-Cycle Refrigerator (FROST) where the experiment will run for approximately 30 days at 4° Celsius. After experiment completion, the PCG-DEMO Bags will be removed from the FROST and stowed for return to Earth on SpX-8. The JAXA PCG-Demo investigation crystallizes proteins using the counter-diffusion technique and permeation method that minimizes impurities, forming high-quality crystals for use in medical studies and ecological applications.
Cell Mechanosensing 3 (CMS-3): Williams gathered and prepared samples to start incubation for the CMS-3 experiment using the Measurement Experiment Solution Exchanger. He then set up up the Fluorescence Microscope in the Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) to allow for ground commanded sample observation. CMS-3 is a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) investigation that identifies gravity sensors in skeletal muscle cells to develop countermeasures to muscle atrophy. Scientists believe that the lack of mechanical stress from gravity causes tension fluctuations in the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle cells which changes the expression of key proteins and genes and allows muscles to atrophy.
NanoRack Platforms-1 & 2 Module Install: Peake installed NanoRack Modules 28 (SyNRGE³) and 33 (Algal Growth and Remediation) experiments on NanoRack Platform 1. NanoRack Modules 20 and 22 were previously installed on NanoRack Platform 2. The NanoRack Platform is a multipurpose research facility that supports NanoRacks Modules by providing power and data transfer capabilities to operate investigations in microgravity.
NanoRacks Module 9: Peake started the first of two NanoRack Module 9 experiment sessions planned for this week. He reviewed on board training (OBT) materials for activation and deactivation of the mixture tubes, then after retrieving the hardware, Peake activated, deactivated, and shook the mixture tubes. Module-9 is a collection of student research projects utilizing the NanoRacks mix sticks. Student teams from across the United States design their own experiments using flight approved fluids and materials.
Rodent Research 3 (RR-3) Transfer Review: Kopra and Peake reviewed RR-3 Animal Transfer reference material and discussed operations with the payload developer in preparation for tomorrow’s transfer of the animals from the transporter to the habitat. RR-3 studies molecular and physical changes in the musculoskeletal system that happen in space. Results expand scientists’ understanding of muscle atrophy and bone loss in space, while testing an antibody that has been known to prevent muscle wasting in mice on Earth.
Skin-B: Peake completed a session today for the European Space Agency (ESA) Skin-B investigation. He took Corneometer measurements of the hydration level of the stratus coreum (outer layer of the skin), Tewameter measurements of the skin barrier function, and Visioscan measurements of skin surface topography. The Skin-B investigation aims to improve the understanding of skin aging which is greatly accelerated in space. The data will also be used to verify the results from previous testing for the Skincare investigation on the ISS.
Fine Motor Skills: Kopra completed a session of the Fine Motor Skills experiment. This investigation is the first fine motor skills study to measure long-term microgravity exposure, different phases of microgravity adaptation, and sensorimotor recovery after returning to Earth gravity.
Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Ops: Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the MSS and the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) and released the SpX-8 Dragon Flight Releasable Grapple Fixture (FRGF). The SSRMS was then walked off the Node 2 Power Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF) onto the Lab PDGF and maneuvered into position to survey the Dragon Trunk and the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) using the SSRMS Tip Latching End Effector (LEE) camera. Later, the SSRMS will be maneuvered to a translate configuration and the Mobile Transporter (MT) will be translated from Worksite #4 (WS4) to WS6.
Today’s Planned Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
CONSTANTA-2. Cassette removal from TBU-V and setup on panel 418 for 1-hour warmup / r/g 1910
EarthKAM. Battery Charge
FINEMOTR- Operator Assistance with the Experiment
CQ-LAPTOP – LAPTOP Power Off
Video Footage of Greetings / r/g 1913
Dragon Ingress
NANO- Familiarization
SpX Air Sampling using [АК-1М] sampler prior to Air Duct Installation / r/g 1920
Locker Stow Reconfig
CONSTANTA-2. Setup and Running Session 3. / r/g 1910
Filling (separation) of EDV (KOV) for Elektron or EDV-SV.
SKNB- Preparation and Hardware Gathering
Photos of Dragon Hatches
СОЖ Maintenance
Replacing ОКР-1 (00001580E) Fire Extinguisher (1) in SM near РО ПрК hatch.
Replacement of ОКР-1 Fire Extinguisher in MRM1 / r/g 1908
BIOCARD. Experiment Ops. / r/g 1907
DRAGON Transfers Ops
Setup and Activation of Crew Onboard Support Kit (КСПЭ) Equipment for MPEG2 TV Test coverage from SM
Test session via MPEG: telebridge ISS-Kremlin-Vostochny
Double Coldbag (DCB) Unpack
Dragon CTB Retrieve.
ABOUT GAGARIN FROM SPACE. Hardware Setup and Activation / r/g 1914
PAO Hardware Setup.
Crew Prep for PAO / r/g 1915
TV Conference with Orenburg State University / r/g 1915
NANO- Installation of Modules into the Rack
RWS Power Down
STEM CELL- Insertion of Bio-Dosimeters into MELFI
CMS3- Hardware Setup
PCG-4 AMB Module Activation and Stowage
DOSETRK Questionnaire
Double Coldbag (DCB) Unpack
Deactivation of Camcorder, Video Control Monitor [ВКУ] and Closing CP SSC Applications
SM Ventilation Subsystem Preventive Maintenance. Group В1
Replacing E-K pre-treat container and hose in [АСУ] / r/g 1909
Post-Replacement [АСУ] Activation
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain
BAR. Experiment Ops. / r/g 1911
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Part 2
CMS3- Sample Preparation Familiarization
SPHEROIDS – Hardware assembly and transfer to Columbus
SPHEROIDS- Container installation in KUBIK
Rodent Research Transfer Review
CALCIUM. Experiment Session 6. / r/g 1912
Rodent Research Crew Conference
NANO- Installation of Modules into the Rack
PLR – Hardware Transfer and Installation in the Rack
NAPOR-mini RSA. Cleaning Onboard Memory Storage БЗУ-М Vents / r/g 1906
Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR): Hardware Setup and Activation
PLR Hardware Removal and Relocation to Dragon
PCG_DEMO Sample Retrieval and Activation of Crystal Growth
EarthKAM Module Installation and Activation in SM
NANO – Experiment Session 1
Dragon Cargo Operations Conference
Dragon Vestibule Outfitting Kit (VOK) Restow
Onboard Training (OBT) – Dragon Ops Conference [Aborted]
EarthKAM. Battery Swap
Completed Task List Items
None
Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
Dragon ingress
SSRMS walkoff N2 to Lab
Dragon Trunk, BEAM survey
Nominal ground commanding
Three-Day Look Ahead:
Tuesday, 04/12: Rodent Research transfer, NanoRacks Module 51 start, CMS3 ops
Wednesday, 04/13: Ocular Health, NanoRacks Module 9 ops, N3 aft CBCS install/checkout
Thursday, 04/14: Lab KU power supply install, universal battery charger install/checkout, bone densitometer calibration, CMS3 ops
QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:
Component – Status
Elektron – On
Vozdukh – Manual
[СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) – On
[СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) – Off
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab – Override
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 – Operate
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab – Idle
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 – Warmup
