NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 23 January 2017
Mission controllers are preparing to release Japan’s Kounotori cargo ship from the International Space Station at the end of the week. Meanwhile, the Expedition 50 crew is getting ready for a new protein crystal experiment and reconfiguring combustion science gear.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is getting ready to complete its sixth cargo mission to the station. Overnight, robotics controllers maneuvered Canada’s 57.7-foot-long robotic arm holding an external pallet with discarded nickel-hydrogen batteries and installed them inside the Japanese cargo ship for disposal.
Next, the Canadarm2 will release Japan’s HTV-6 resupply ship from the Harmony module Friday for a fiery re-entry back in Earth’s atmosphere. The HTV-6 arrived Dec. 13 four days after its launch from the Tanegashima Space Center carrying crew supplies, new science experiments and lithium-ion batteries to upgrade the station’s power supply.
The California-based space company SpaceX is planning its tenth station cargo mission. The Dragon cargo craft will deliver a new experiment to study protein crystals to help scientists design better drugs to fight diseases. In advance of the Dragon delivery, Astronaut Peggy Whitson set up the Light Microscopy Module with new lenses today to get ready for the new experiment installation.
Commander Shane Kimbrough is getting the Combustion Integrated Rack ready for the Cool Flames Investigation (CFI). That study will observe how fuels burn at lower temperatures with no visible flames. CFI may engineers develop advanced engines and fuels and improve crew safety.
On-Orbit Status Report
Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI)-1 Autostop and Recovery: MELFI-1 went to Autostop mode Friday evening (during crew sleep). The Cold Stowage team performed troubleshooting including a rack reboot but remained in autostop. Failure signature had anomalous values on the 120 and 28 volt inputs, as well as failure statuses on multiple Motor Drive Electronics (MDE) status bits. This is similar to the power supply failures seen in previous Electronic Unit failures (Failures #2, 3 & 5). The decision was made to perform an Electronic Unit swap. The failed unit (S/N 15) was replaced by the MELFI 1 Spare (S/N 11). During the repair activity, the crew released a small amount of ITCS fluid when removing the return line QD from the UIP. The crew corrected the QD with the standard rotate and tap steps. They also noted significant moisture around the water connections at the Brayton motor QDs in the coldbox, however this is expected as the cold lines collect condensate. The crew commented on corrosion around one of the electrical connections in the coldbox area. Photos were taken for review. When installing the Spare EU in the Prime position, the crew was unable to seat the bottom right fastener (#2 in the procedure). The remaining 7 fasteners were connected and the EU is secure in the rack. The warmest temperatures seen per Dewar were: Dewar 1: -75C, Dewar 2: -73.9C, Dewar 3: -76.4C, Dewar 4: +3.5C, and ground teams do not anticipate any loss of science from this EU failure.
Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Biophysics 1 Configuration: Earlier today the crew configured the LMM for the Biophysics science runs in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR). The Advanced Colloids Experiment-Temperature-1 (ACE-T-1) Module was removed from the FIR then the LMM Control Base and LMM objective lenses were installed and configured inside the LMM Auxiliary Fluids Container (AFC). Finally the LMM Petri Base was installed into the AFC. LMM Biophysics 1 (The Effect of Macromolecular Transport of Microgravity Protein Crystallization) will launch on SpaceX-10. When installed, investigators will use the results from LMM Biophysics 1 to examine the movement of single protein molecules in microgravity. By studying the crystals of a higher quality that can be grown in microgravity, scientists will be able to better understand their structure and how they work.
Fluid Shifts Chibis Imaging Day 2: One of the 49S subjects performed their second portion of Chibis imaging. The subject donned the Chibis device, and while the crewmember was exposed to the negative pressure (pulling the fluid feetward), then with ground and onboard operator support they configured the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and the Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE) hardware, before completing a DPOAE test, OCT exam, and a Tonometry exam. The purpose of this investigation is to characterize the space flight-induced fluid shift, including intra- and extravascular shifts, intra- and extracellular shifts, changes in total body water and lower vs. upper body shifts. Noninvasive techniques are used to assess arterial and venous dimensions and flow parameters, ocular pressure and structure, and changes in intracranial pressure. Lower body negative pressure is being investigated for its ability to mitigate some of the effects of the space flight-induced fluid shift. Results from this investigation are expected to help define the causes of the ocular structure and vision changes associated with long duration space flight, and assist in the development of countermeasures.
Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA) Reconfiguration: After the successful removal of the MDCA from the Combustion Integration Rack (CIR) last week, the crew began the reconfiguration to the Cool Flames Investigation (CFI). Today, the crew removed the MDCA Chamber Insert Assembly (CIA) from the Combustion Chamber and restrained it to the MWA. The crew then disabled the ignitor pressure switch and replaced the MDCA internal components. The Combustion Chamber was then reinstalled in the CIR. Reconfiguration activities will continue tomorrow. 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.
Node 3 (N3) Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Research Valve Install: The crew removed the Air Selector Valve (ASV)-104 valve from the N3 CDRA and install a new CDRA Developmental Research Valve. This new Research Valve was developed to improve CDRA valve operational lifetime. The valve was delivered on HTV-6 and has the same interfaces, form, fit and function as the existing valve design. The removed ASV-104 valve will be stowed as an on-orbit spare.
Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Operations: Overnight, the Robotics Ground Controllers powered on the SSRMS and maneuvered it to grapple the H-II Transfer Vehicle 6 (HTV6) External Platform (EP) grappled by the Mobile Base System (MBS) Payload/Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) Accommodation (POA). After the POA released the EP, they maneuvered SSRMS to move and insert EP in the HTV6 Unpressurized Logistics Carrier (ULC) where it was latched and SSRMS was maneuvered to release the EP. Finally, SSRMS was maneuvered to perform a survey of the HTV6 Earth Sensor Assembly (ESA) unit B before grappling HTV6 Flight Releasable Grapple Fixture (FRGF) in preparation of HTV6 release and re-entry scheduled for Friday 27-January.
Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection: The crew conducted ITCS fluid sampling from the Lab Low Temperature Loop (LTL) sample port. This maintenance is performed periodically to monitor the quality of the water in the ITCS loops.
Today’s Planned Activities
All activities were compelted unless otherwise noted.
Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test
Fluid Shifts Ultrasound 2 HRF Rack 1 Setup Power On From Cargo Transfer Bag
Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) /Group Combustion Module (GCM) Component Activation
Regeneration of Micropurification unit (???) ?1cartridge (begin)
Combustion Integrated Rack Hardware Gather
FLUID SHIFTS. Comm configuration on RS
Fluid Shifts Ultrasound 2 Data Export Alternate
FLUID SHIFTS. Gathering and Connecting Equipment for TV coverage
Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Setup Alternate
FLUID SHIFTS. Connecting OCT Laptop to RS BRI and HRF PC to ???-26 (instead of RSE-MED).
Fluid Shifts RSOS Operations Historical Documentation Photography
Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus Session Review
Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Power On
ALGOMETRIA. Preparation and measurements in strain-gage – and thermoalgometry modes
Fluid Shifts CCFP Service Module Configuration
Fluid Shifts DPOAE Service Module Setup
Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Combustion Chamber (CC) pressure gauge check and Valve Operation part 1
FLUID SHIFTS. Operator Assistance with Chibis and Gamma-1.
Fluid Shifts Tonometry Service Module Setup
Search for missing ISS RS Hardware (FGB service hardware
Fluid Shifts Experiment Service Module Data Collection – Operator
Fluids Integrated Rack Rack Doors Open
FLUID SHIFTS. Crew Onboard Support System (????) Hardware Deactivation and Closing Applications on ?? SSC
Fluid Shifts CCFP DPOAE Service Module End
FLUID SHIFTS. Comm Reconfiguration to nominal on RS
LMM Biophysics Configuration
Fluid Shifts Tonometry Service Module Stow
Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Power Off
FLUID SHIFTS. Disconnecting Laptop OCT, HRF and connecting RSE-Med.
Removal of 800? (?103) and 800? (?102) units
Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Stow Alternate
Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Combustion Chamber (CC) pressure gauge check and Valve Operation part 2
Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus MWA Prep
Fluids Integrated Rack Rack Doors Close
Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) /Group Combustion Module (GCM) Component Deactivation
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) WSTA Fill
Recording of French Experiments Valorisation Message
ALGOMETRIA. Measurements in strain-gage algometry mode
Re-install 800? (?103) and 800? (?102) units at original locations
Combustion Integrated Rack Rack Doors Open
Node 3 Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Valve 104 Remove and Replace Part 1
Progress 433 (DC1) Stowage Ops with IMS Support
Combustion Integrated Rack Front End Cap Open
Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus Hardware Replacement
Intermodular TORU Test with Docked Progress 433
Exercise Data Downlink via OCA
Fluid Shifts OCT Laptop USOS Transfer
URISYS Hardware Setup
Progress 433 (DC1) Stowage Ops with IMS Support
Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Gathering
VEG-03 Wick Open
Health Maintenance System (HMS) Vision Test
Health Maintenance System (HMS) Vision Questionnaire
Node 3 Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Valve 104 Remove and Replace Part 2
Health Maintenance System (HMS) Vision Test
WIRELESS LEAK DETECTOR ULTRASONIC SENSOR DEPLOYMENT
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) WSTA Fill
CB/ISS CREW CONFERENCE
Health Maintenance System (HMS) Vision Questionnaire
Regeneration of ??? ?1 Absorption Cartridge (term)
ALGOMETRIA. Measurements in strain-gage – and thermoalgometry modes Closeout Ops
Completed Task List Items
AQUAPAD Label Modification [Completed Sunday]
ESA PAO Recorded Message “Rugby: 6 Nations” [Completed Sunday]
EVA Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue Swap [Completed Sunday]
Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows (WinSCAT) Test [Completed Saturday]
Manufacturing Device Print Removal, Clean and Stow [Completed Sunday]
NanoRacks Platform-1 Module-72 Deploy [Completed Sunday]
JPM1F6 ZSR Audit [Completed Saturday]
SOLAR SWITCH OFF – Crew Recorded Message [Completed Sunday]
PhotoTV Node 3 Camcorder cleaning[Completed Saturday]
MSG W203 Cable Exchange [Completed Saturday]
MELFI 1 Electronic Unit Swap [Completed Saturday]
ESA Active Dosimeter Area Monitoring [Completed Saturday]
Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) Reconfiguration [Completed Saturday]
Aerosol Samplers Charger Stow [Completed Saturday]
Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
Node 3 Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Mode Transition to Single MT
Lab MCA Zero Calibration
Activation of N3 AR Rack and leak checks.
Three-Day Look Ahead:
Tuesday, 01/24: Story Time Meniscus, COL CWSA R&R, Fluid Shifts, JEM ITCS Sample, NORS Transfer
Wednesday, 01/25: N3 MCA R&R, Fluid Shifts, N2/Lab ITCS Sample, Eye Exams
Thursday, 01/26: HTV5 (Depart/ROBOT OBTs, Final load, Hatch Closure, Vestibule Demate, CPA Install), Eye Exams, ARED Detent R&R
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 – Operate
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 – Standby
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab – Operate
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 – Idle
Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) – Process
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) – Process
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab – Off
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 – Full Up
