NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 19 May 2016

The crew was back at work today with more life science studies and human research. Cygnus cargo transfer work is ongoing as robotics controllers prepare for an external video survey.
Mice continue to be observed today for the Rodent Research-3 study. The astronauts are measuring their bone density to learn how microgravity affects muscles and bones and potentially helping crews in space and citizens on Earth stay healthier.

Astronaut Jeff Williams scanned his leg with an ultrasound today for the long-running Sprint study. The research is exploring new space exercise techniques that may minimize muscle and bone loss on long duration missions. The cosmonauts were collecting blood and saliva samples for analysis as they explore how living in space affects the human body.

Cargo transfers are over half way complete as the Cygnus commercial space freighter targets a mid-June departure from the Unity module. The Canadarm2 robotic arm will link up with the DEXTRE robotic hand tonight. Robotics controllers will then conduct a video scan of the external RapidScat system that monitors weather patterns on the Earth’s oceans.

On-Orbit Status Report

Rodent Research-3 (RR-3) Operations: The crew has completed operations on 15 rodents. They are scheduled to perform operations on 5 rodents today and 5 more tomorrow which will conclude this session of RR activities. The crew will perform bone densitometry measurements and then transfer the rodents to the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) for sample processing. This investigation studies the molecular and physical changes to the musculoskeletal system that occur in space. Results will 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.

Sprint Ultrasound 2 Operations: The crew set up a camera and video, configured Ultrasound 2, placed reference marks on the calf and thigh of the right leg, donned Sprint (Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Training Study) thigh and calf guides, and performed thigh and calf ultrasound scans with guidance from the Sprint ground team. Ultrasound scans are used to evaluate spaceflight-induced changes in the muscle volume. The Sprint investigation evaluates the use of high intensity, low volume exercise training to minimize loss of muscle, bone, and cardiovascular function in ISS crewmembers during long-duration missions.

Thermolab Deinstrumentation for Circadian Rhythms: Following completion of a 36-hour measurement, the crew removed the double sensors and the Thermolab Unit before cleaning and stowing the equipment for European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) Circadian Rhythm experiment. The objective of the experiment is to get a better understanding of alterations in circadian rhythms in humans during long-term space flights. Such knowledge will provide important insights into the adaptations of the human autonomic nervous system in space over time as well as significant practical implications by helping to improve physical exercise, rest and work shifts and ensuring adequate workplace illumination.

Habitability Human Factors Directed Observations: The crew recorded and submitted a walk-through video documenting observations of an area or activity providing insight related to human factors and habitability. The Habitability investigation collects observations about the relationship between crew members and their environment on the ISS. Observations will help spacecraft designers understand how much habitable volume is required, and whether a mission’s duration impacts how much space crew members need.

Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Status: Yesterday, 2 attempts to start the Distillation Assembly (DA) faulted out due to DA belt slippage. A subsequent attempt resulted in completion of a successful UPA process run. Another process run is now in progress.

Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Status: Following yesterday’s crew report of a loud noise during cable exercise, the ARED remains no-go for cable exercise but is go for bar exercise. Engineering teams met today and will recommend actions to restore full functionality.

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Later today Robotics ground controllers will use the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to unstow the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) and perform a video survey of the RapidScat payload.

Cygnus Cargo Transfer Status: The crew has completed approximately 26 hours of cargo transfer with approximately 21.5 hours remaining to be completed.

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

NEUROIMMUNITET. Saliva Sampling. Stress-Test (Session 1) r/g 2294
SPLANH. Preparation and Initiate EGEG Recording r/g 2288
CORRECTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Blood Sample / r/g 2294
USND2 Hardware Activation
NEUROIMMUNITET. Venous blood sample processing (smear) r/g 2294
CORRECTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Venous blood sample processing r/g 2294
CORRECTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Handover to USOS for MELFI Insertion / r/g 2294
RUEXP Blood Sample Insertion into MELFI
CORRECTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Closeout Ops / r/g 2294
SPRINT Ultrasound Scan Operations
Monitoring Progress 432 (Aft) ???-? exchange from the Laptop during the test / r/g 2272
SPRINT Assistance for the test
Rodent Research (RR) Node 2 Camcorder Settings Adjustment
CORRECTSIYA. Logging Liquid and Food (Medication) Intake / r/g 2291
Circadian Rhythms Thermolab Deinstrumentation
CIR Hardware Setup
Soyuz 719 IRIDIUM phone charge, setup, start charge
Rodent Research Animal transfer to MSG and back
High Definition (HD) Config JEM Setup
Rodent Research Rodent Dissection and Bone Densitometer Ops
Soyuz 719 IRIDIUM phone charge, battery charge status
Rodent Research Refrigerated Centrifuge Adjustment
Soyuz 719 IRIDIUM phone charge, terminate charge
Rodent Research (RR) Bone Densitometer Scan
Crew Prep for PAO/ r/g 2293
Rodent Research MELFI Sample Insertion
TV Session with Ivanovo Schoolchildren r/g 2293
Rodent Research (RR) Bone Densitometer Scan
Rodent Research MELFI Sample Insertion
Rodent Research Refrigerated Centrifuge Configuration
BRI data download to RSS1 laptop / r/g 2052
Rodent Research Rodent Dissection and Bone Densitometer Ops
Soyus 720 IRIDIUM phone charge, start charge
Monitoring Progress 432 (Aft) ???-? exchange on the Laptop during the test / r/g 2272
Soyuz 720 IRIDIUM phone charge, battery charge status
SPLANH. Termination of EGEG Recording and Closeout Ops r/g 2288
Soyuz 720 IRIDIUM Phone charge, terminate charge, teardown the setup, closeout ops
WRS. Recycle Tank Fill from EDV
Installation of METEOR flashcard drive
SPLANH. Photography of the Experiment Ops / r/g 2289
Rodent Research Closeout Ops
Rodent Research MELFI Sample Insertion
USND2 Hardware Deactivation
NEUROIMMUNITET. Psychological Testing / r/g 2294
Cygnus Cargo Operations
ESA Weekly Crew Conference
NEUROIMMUNITET. Hair Sample / r/g 2294
Circadian Rhythms, Data Downlink
Circadian Rhythms, Close-out Ops and Stowage
On-orbit hearing assessment using EARQ
Soyuz 720 Kazbek Fit Check
Rodent Research Animal transfer to MSG and back
??? Maintenance
CORRECTSIYA. Logging Liquid and Food (Medication) Intake / r/g 2291
Monitoring Progress 432 (Aft) ???-? exchange on the Laptop during the test r/g 2272
Rodent Research Rodent Dissection and Bone Densitometer Ops
Rodent Research (RR) Bone Densitometer Scan
OTKLIK. Sensor functional test and point of impact coordinate accuracy check r/g 2281
Rodent Research MELFI Sample Insertion
WRS, Recycle Tank Fill from EDV
Rodent Research (RR) Bone Densitometer Scan
IMS Delta File Prep
Food Frequency Questionnaire
Rodent Research MELFI Sample Insertion
PAO Hardware Setup
Rodent Research (RR) Bone Densitometer Scan
Crew Prep for PAO
Rodent Research MELFI Sample Insertion
PAO Event
Rodent Research Refrigerated Centrifuge Configuration
Rodent ResearchRodent Dissection and Bone Densitometer Ops
Cygnus Cargo Operations
Rodent Research Animal transfer to MSG and back
Rodent Research Closeout Ops
Cygnus Transfers Tagup
CORRECTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Experiment setup / r/g 2295
Monitoring Progress 432 (Aft) ???-? exchange on the Laptop during the test / r/g 2272
In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Full Fill
Rodent Research MELFI Sample Insertion
On-orbit hearing assessment using EARQ
Preparing for Troubleshooting FGB Power Supply System and ???? devices r/g 2279, 2280
On-orbit hearing assessment using EARQ
WHC Fill
Habitability P/L Overview Video, Subject
NEUROIMMUNITET. Saliva Test / r/g 2294
Flight Director / ISS Crew Tagup
Crew conference with Astronaut Office
Daily Planning Conference (S-band)
NEUROIMMUNITET. End of ECG Recording. Close-out Ops, Data Downlink / r/g 2294
CORRECTSIYA. Logging Liquid and Food (Medication) Intake / r/g 2291
NEUROIMMUNITET. Saliva Collection / r/g 2292
NEUROIMMUNITET. Starting 24-hr ECG Recording r/g 2292
NEUROIMMUNITET. Stress-Test (Session 2) / r/g 2294
Monitoring Progress 432 (Aft) ???-? exchange on the Laptop during the test / r/g 2272

Completed Task List Items
WHC EDV-Y R&R
EVA tool stow
CCE-Superbowl downlink msg [Active]

Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
RR ops
RapidScat survey
Nominal ground commanding

Three-Day Look Ahead:
Friday, 05/20: RR, Emergency book update, Cygnus cargo ops
Saturday, 05/21: Crew off duty
Sunday, 05/22: Crew off duty

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 – Standby
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 – Full Up