NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 18 January 2017
Following a successful pair of spacewalks, the Expedition 50 crew has switched gears and is moving full-speed ahead with advanced space research. The orbital residents checked out science gear and studied the impacts of living in space.
European astronaut Thomas Pesquet repressed the Japanese Kibo lab module airlock after a small satellite deployer shot a set of tiny satellites, or CubeSats, into Earth orbit on Monday. The variety of CubeSats will test new spacecraft deorbiting and propulsion technologies and be used for communication purposes.
Flight Engineer Peggy Whitson joined veteran cosmonauts Andrey Borisenko and Oleg Novitskiy for the ongoing Fluid Shifts study and collected blood, urine and saliva samples. The human research experiment seeks to investigate vision and eye damage some astronauts have reported after their space missions.
Commander Shane Kimbrough worked on combustion science gear troubleshooting a pair of devices that explore flames and high temperatures in space. Flight Engineer Sergey Ryzhikov worked inside a docked Soyuz spacecraft recharging computer batteries.
On-Orbit Status Report
Japanese Small Satellite Orbital Deployer-6 (J-SSOD6) Removal: Following the successful deployments on Monday, the crew repressed the JEM Airlock (JEMAL) then extended the Slide Table into the cabin to remove the deployers from the Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform (MPEP). The next use of the JEMAL is the High Definition Television External Facility-2 (HDTV-EF2), a high-definition television camera system, which is used for earth observation from the ISS and will be installed on the JEM-EF.
Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) Holder Removal: During the ELF troubleshooting on December 27, the ELF Sample Holder was unable to rotate. The crew removed then inspected the Sample Holder and inserted a new Sample Cartridge. The ELF cables were then reconnected and the Sample Holder reinstalled into the Work Volume. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA’s) ELF is located in Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR)-2. Once complete, this cartridge sample will provide science capability for ground teams to evaluate. The ELF is an experimental facility designed to levitate/melt/solidify materials by containerless processing techniques using the Electrostatic Levitation method. With this facility, thermophysical properties of high temperature melts can be measured, and solidification from deeply undercooled melts can be achieved.
Fluid Shifts Before, During and After Prolonged Space Flight and Their Association with Intracranial Pressure and Visual Impairment (Fluid Shifts): Two 49S crewmembers performed their final portions of the Flight Day 45 Day (FD45) Fluid Shifts operations in the Russian Service Module (SM). The subject donned the Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP/Chibis) device, while the operator, with ground support in Moscow, assisted in the medical monitoring. Additionally, while the subject was in the LBNP and experiencing the negative pressure (pulling the fluid feetward), the Crew Medical Officer performed Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and Tonometry measurements. Fluid Shifts is a joint NASA-Russian experiment that investigates the causes for severe and lasting physical changes to astronaut’s eyes. Because the headward fluid shift is a hypothesized contributor to these changes, reversing this fluid shift with a lower body negative pressure device is investigated as a possible intervention. Results from this study may help to develop preventative measures against lasting changes in vision and eye damage.
Combustion Integration Rack (CIR) Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA) Troubleshooting Part 3: Using the tools assembled yesterday, the crew successfully removed the MDCA from the CIR Combustion Chamber. The crew repaired the spring fastener that was preventing the removal and reinstalled the MDCA. Next week the crew will reconfigure the CIR to the Cool Flames Investigation (CFI). CFI provides new insight into the phenomenon where some types of fuels initially burn very hot, then appear to go out — but they continue burning at a much lower temperature, with no visible flames (cool flames). Understanding cool flame combustion helps scientists develop new engines and fuels that are more efficient and less harmful to the environment.
ARED Sensor Calibration: The crew performed a sensor calibration via the Station Support Computer (SSC) resident software. This activity calibrates the rotational sensors in the main arm and the load sensors for cable exercises to utilize the new ARED software load that was uplinked GMT 014.
Vacuum Access Port (VAP) Installation Procedure Review: Today, the crew reviewed procedures and gathered hardware to support installation of a VAP in Node 2 from the LAB Vent Relief Valve to provide vacuum access capability for Visiting Vehicles berthed to Node 2 Nadir after PMA3 is relocated to Node 2 Zenith. The installation of the VAP is scheduled for Thursday, GMT 019. The VAP Mod Kit consists of a Vacuum Access Port, Vacuum Hoses, and Vacuum Access Port Adapters to support vacuum through LAB Vent Relief Valve.
Columbus Return Grid Sensor Housing (RGSH) Internal Cleaning: The crew inspected and cleaned the Columbus RGSH, RGSH internal area and the Air Duct Debris Screen installed in the Port Cone. The RGSH was removed to acquire access to the internal sensors and brackets to allow cleaning using Vacuum Cleaner.
Improved Payload Ethernet Hub Gateway (iPEHG) Procedure Review: The crew reviewed procedures for installing an iPEHG into Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station (ExPRESS) Rack-7 (ER-7) on Friday. Following the review, the crew participated in a conference with the ExPRESS Rack Ops Lead to address any questions. The iPEHG is a component of the ISS’s Joint Station Local Area Network (JSL) and provides switched Ethernet full-duplex network data communication between International Standard Payload Racks (ISPR) devices, ExPRESS Rack devices, the JSL Edge Routers (ER), and a fiber optic High Rate Data Link (HRDL) Gateway to the High Rate Communications System (HRCS).
Solid State Lighting Assembly (SSLA) Installation: Today, the crew installed SSLAs into the Node 1 Overhead Port and Overhead Starboard locations. This was a Task List activity. The SSLAs were designed to replace General Luminaire Assemblies (GLAs) to improve visual acuity and to provide a crew health countermeasure for circadian rhythms, sleep, alertness and performance. To accomplish these goals, SSLAs are designed to operate in 3 modes with 3 distinct spectrum. The different spectrum provide control of the blue portion of the light which impacts melatonin production in humans which impacts sleep.
CLPA (Camera Light Pan Tilt Assembly) Install on Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS): Last Friday, the CLPA checkout was nominal on the Mobile Transporter Relay Assembly (MTRA), but a trip indication was observed when attempting to power on the light. Teams have resolved the camera can be installed on the SSRMS with the faulty light. Later this evening, the plan is to inspect the CLPA, inspect the MTRA, perform additional troubleshooting, and install the CLPA on the SSRMS end B. During the inspections, the 72-pin connector will be inspected by the SSRMS camera at close range for damage. If damage is seen to the connector, the CLPA will be reinstalled to the MTRA instead of the SSRMS end B.
Today’s Planned Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
Manufacturing Device Hardware Audit
SPHERES Battery Setup
XF305 Camcorder Setup
Electrostatic Levitation Furnace(ELF) Sample Holder removal
MATRYOSHKA-R. BUBBLE-dosimeter gathering and measurements.
FLUID SHIFTS. Comm configuration on RS
FLUID SHIFTS. Camcorder setup & switch on
Aerosol Samplers Battery Charge
FLUID SHIFTS. On RBS
JEM Airlock Press
Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Power On Preparation
Radi-N Detector Retrieval/Readout
Radiation Dosimetry Inside ISS-Neutrons Hardware Handover
MATRYOSHKA-R. Handover of BUBBLE-dosimeter detectors from USOS.
MATRYOSHKA-R. BUBBLE-dosimeter gathering and measurements.
FLUID SHIFTS. Don Chibis
FLUID SHIFTS. Assistance with Chibis & Gamma-1
JEM Airlock Leak Check
Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Scan – Subject
XF305 Camcorder Setup
JEM Airlock Slide Table (ST) Extension to JPM Side
JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (SSOD) #6 Four Deployers from Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform Removal
FLUID SHIFTS. Doff Chibis
FLUID SHIFTS. Assistance with Chibis & Gamma-1
Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Preparation
Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Scan
Analysis of SM Atmosphere for Freon Using Freon Leak Analyzer/Detector (???)
Air Conditioner [???1] Compressor R&R.
JEM Airlock Slide Table (ST) Retraction from JPM Side
Wireless leak detector ultrasonic sensor deployment
SPHERES Battery Swap
FLUID SHIFTS. Disconnect
PAO Preparation
FLUID SHIFTS. Disconnection & disassembly
Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config Columbus Setup
FLUID SHIFTS. Comm Reconfiguration to nominal on RS
Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) in Columbus
Aerosol Active Samplers Hardware Installation
Demate Telemetry Connector.
Air Conditioner [???1] Compressor R&R.
??? Maintenance
Habitability Human Factors Directed Observations
SPHERES Battery Swap
Columbus Return Grid Sensor Housing Internal Cleaning
Tightening Screw Clamps on MRM1/FGB Interface
Verification of ??-1 Flow Sensor Position
Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus MWA Prep
Inspection of the Columbus PPRA and CDA valves
Mating telemetry data connector.
Removal of Vacuum Cleaner from Columbus SUP
[???1] Compressor R&R, Closeout Ops.
Combustion Integrated Rack Doors Open
ESA Active Dosimeter mobile unit swap
Combustion Integrated Rack Front End Cap Open
SPHERES Battery Swap
Dose Tracker Data Entry Subject
Analysis of SM Atmosphere for Freon Using Freon Leak Analyzer/Detector (???)
iPEHG Review
iPEHG Conference
Node 2 Vacuum Access Port (VAP) Installation Big Picture Word (BPW) Review
Node 2 Vacuum Access Port (VAP) Gather
Combustion Integrated Rack Front End Cap Close
Combustion Integrated Rack Rack Doors Close
SPHERES Battery Stow
Completed Task List Items
HTV Cargo Ops
NOD1OP2-1 SSLA Installation
NOD1OS2-2 SSLA Installation
Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
New CLPA will be removed from the MTRA and installed on SSRMS Boom B
TRRJ Survey
Three-Day Look Ahead:
Thursday, 01/19: N2 VAP Install, Fluid Shifts, MAGVector, Story Time Heat Transfer Demo, SABL Removal, HRF2 Resupply
Friday, 01/20: ER-7 IPEHG Install, EXT MDM Checkout, CDRA Troubleshooting Cable Install, ELF Sample Install
Saturday, 01/21: Weekly Housekeeping, Crew Off Duty
QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:
Component – Status
Elektron – Off
Vozdukh – Manual
[???] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) – Off
[???] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) – On
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab – Standby
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 – Operate
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab – Operate
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 – Idle
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
