NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 13 December 2016

Ground controllers successfully installed the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Kounotori 6 H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV-6) to the International Space Station’s Earth-facing port of the Harmony module at 8:57 a.m. EST.
The spacecraft’s arrival supports the crew members’ research off the Earth to benefit the Earth. The cargo spacecraft began its trip on an H-IIB rocket at 8:26 a.m. EST (10:26 p.m. Japan time) on Friday, Dec. 9 from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan.

The early Tuesday morning cargo delivery includes more than 4.5 tons of supplies, water, spare parts and experiment hardware.

On-Orbit Staus Report

HII Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-6 Capture/Berthing: This morning, the crew captured HTV-6 at 4:37 am CST using the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). Following capture, Robotics Ground Controllers used the SSRMS to maneuver the HTV-6 into position to support the inspection of the HTV-6 Passive Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) and maneuver the HTV-6 to the N2 Nadir install position. Ground Controllers the completed the N2 nadir CBM capture and bolting to complete the HTV installation. Following installation, the crew pressurized the vestibule, performed vestibule outfitting, and ingressed the vehicle. The Robotic Ground Controllers have released the HTV6 and maneuvered the SSRMS to grapple the HTV6 External Platform (EP). Here, HTV Berthing Camera System (HBCS) was checked out on both strings and SSRMS is now providing power to the EP for heaters on 1 string (camera and batteries).

Lighting Effects: The crew performed a visual assessment tests in the Crew Quarters (CQs), using the newly installed Solid State Lighting Assemblies (SSLAs) and hope to better quantify and qualify how lighting can effect habitability of spacecraft. The light bulbs on the ISS are being replaced with a new system designed for improved crew health and wellness. The Testing Solid State Lighting Countermeasures to Improve Circadian Adaptation, Sleep, and Performance During High Fidelity Analog and Flight Studies for the International Space Station (Lighting Effects) investigation studies the impact of the change from fluorescent light bulbs to solid-state light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with adjustable intensity and color and aims to determine if the new lights can improve crew circadian rhythms, sleep, and cognitive performance. Results from this investigation also have major implications for people on Earth who use electric lights.

Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) Laptop Computer (MLC) Shell Swap: During Packed Bed Reactor Experiment (PBRE) operations, ground teams observed power and connectivity issues with the MLC. The crew performed a shell swap, removing the internal components and installing them in a backup laptop shell. Following the swap, ground teams observed connectivity issues, and the crew was instructed to verify connection to the power brick a power cycle which recovered the MLC. No loss of science was reported during the MLC recovery and PBRE proceeded to downlink files after the recovery. PBRE studies the behavior of gases and liquids when they flow simultaneously through a column filled with fixed porous media. The porous media or “packing” can be made of different shapes and materials and are used widely in chemical engineering as a means to enhance the contact between two immiscible fluid phases (e.g., liquid-gas, water-oil, etc.). Packed columns can serve as reactors, scrubbers, strippers, etc. in systems where efficient interphase contact is desired, both on Earth and in space.

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

RWS Setup Configure Hot Backup (LAB) and Main (Cupola) RWS for approach monitoring and HTV capture.
Robotic Workstation (RWS) High Definition (HD) Monitor Downlink
Personal CO2 Monitor iPad Application Restart
Portable Computer System (PCS) Command Verification
USOS Window Shutter Close
Closure of Window Shutters ##6, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 14.
HTV Approach Monitoring
??? ?2 Adsorbent Cartridge Regen (start)
Making a documentary about life onboard the ISS
CONTURE-2. Photography
PELIKAN. FSS Hardware Batteries Charging (start)
??-1 Sensors Deployment Monitoring
HTV Approach Monitoring
Vacuum Cleaning of ??1 and ??2 Air Ducts in MRM2
SSRMS HTV Grapple
Water Drain from EDV
Centerline Berthing Camera System (CBCS) Powerup on Node 2 Nadir
R&R of ??1 and ??2 Dust Filters and Cleaning of B1 and B2 Fan Screens in DC1 (???1??_?_4 bag 433-14 (00058352R). Dispose of the Removed Filters, Update IMS)
Habitability Human Factors Questionnaires – Subject
EDV (KOV) Degassing for Elektron or EDV-SV
Crew exchanges MSG MLC Shell as well as inserting current MSG hard drive. Lab Cam if available to view over the shoulder video.
PELIKAN. Observation and Photography with FSS Hardware.
??? Maintenance
Lighting Effects Visual Performance Tests Light Setting – Subject
Personal CO2 Monitor Power Cycle
Preparation for Storage Battery Current Converter ????-1? Functionality Test (Position ?302)
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain
ABOUT GAGARIN FROM SPACE. HAM Radio Session with Vologda College Students.
Vacuum Cleaning of the Vents of FGB Interior Panels (panels 201, 301, 401)
IMS Delta File Prep
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Part 2
KULONOVSKIY KRISTALL. Photography during the Experiment
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) WSTA Fill
HTV HARDWARE COMMAND PANEL (HCP) Inhibit and Stow
Remove Centerline Berthing Camera System (CBCS) from Node 2 Nadir Hatch
Video Recording for Russia Today
Node 2 to HTV Pressurization and Leak Check
Video Recording of Greetings
Node 2 Nadir to HTV Vestibule Outfitting Part 1
Robotic Workstation (RWS) Teardown
Photo TV Robotic Workstation Monitor Deactivation
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Fill Part 3
Making a documentary about life onboard the ISS
Meteor Shutter Open
Stow Syringes used in H2O Conductivity Test
Personal CO2 Monitor Power Cycle
??? ?2 Adsorbent Cartridge Regen (end)

Completed Task List Items
CAST Session 1
SSC13 Harddrive Swap
EMU Resize (In Work)

Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
PCBM Inspection
HTV-6 Install
N2 Nadir CBM Bolting

Three-Day Look Ahead:
Wednesday, 12/14: HTV Ingress/Safety Review, Finemotor, Aquapad, Microbial Monitoring System
Thursday, 12/15: HTV Cargo Ops, J-SSOD5 Install, Eye Exams, Neuromapping, Aquamembrane
Friday, 12/16: HMS Ultrasound, CUCU Cable Reroute, EVA Resize, EVA Tool Config

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) – Process
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab – Off
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 – Full Up