NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 24 January 2017

The Expedition 50 crew members explored a variety of space phenomena today to help researchers improve life for humans and stimulate children’s curiosity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Scientists are working to understand how fluids behave not just in spacecraft fuel tanks and containers but also inside an astronaut’s body. Microgravity creates a headward flow of fluids that increases pressure on the back of an astronaut’s eyes potentially causing damage and affecting vision.

NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and her Soyuz crewmates Oleg Novitskiy and Sergey Ryzhikov explored the effectiveness of a suit that may reverse these upward fluid shifts. Whitson and Novitskiy used a combination of eye exams and ultrasound artery scans on Ryzhikov today while he wore the Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) suit today. The LBNP may offset the microgravity-induced fluid shifts possibly reducing the risk of vision changes in space.

Commander Shane Kimbrough reached out to schoolchildren this morning reading a story book and videotaping a simple fluids experiment. The Story Time From Space series seeks to increase science literacy by engaging students and teachers.

On-Orbit Status Report

Story Time From Space Meniscus Demonstration: The crew narrated and recorded a video demonstration exploring how a fluid behaves in free fall (microgravity) and how acceleration compared to free fall will make fluid behave the same as it would on the ground (1-G environment). Story Time From Space combines science literacy outreach with simple demonstrations recorded aboard the ISS. Crew members read five science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related children’s books in orbit, and complete simple science concept experiments. Crew members videotape themselves reading the books and completing demonstrations. Video and data collected during the demonstrations are downlinked to the ground and posted in a video library with accompanying educational materials. Today’s demonstration was based on the children’s book Max Goes to the Space Station.

Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA) Hardware Reconfiguration Part 2: Today the crew successfully completed the MDCA reconfiguration to the Cool Flames Investigation (CFI) setup. The crew replaced the MDCA Needles, Igniters, Fiber Arm, and replace the fuel reservoirsThe crew then reinstalled the MDCA Chamber Insert Assembly (CIA) and reconnect Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL). . During the igniter exchange, a pin broke and remained in the receptacle. The crewmember was able to extract the stuck pin and continue with the remaining operations. The 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.

Fluid Shifts Chibis Imaging Day 2: The 48S subject performed their Chibis imaging part 2 session. The subject donned the Chibis device, and while the crewmember was exposed to the negative pressure (pulling the fluid feetward), Cerebral and Cochlear Fluid Pressure (CCFP), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE), and Tonometry exams were performed by an operator. During the DPOAE test, the crew had issues obtaining a good seal on the DPOAE probe tip in order to perform the test. After troubleshooting, the crew attached a backup and was able to proceed. Only one of the two DPOAE tests was able to be completed during the subject’s allowable time in Chibis. Additionally, during data transfer power supplied by a 28 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC inverter was lost. The loss of power resulted in the loss of the OCT data. Due to the change in 48S landing, this session was considered a bonus data collection, and the loss of one DPOAE test point and OCT data is considered no impact. A repeat of the R-45 Day Fluid Shifts activities will be scheduled within the necessary window. 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.

Condensate Water Separator Assembly (CWSA) Maintenance: During Columbus Desiccant Module inspection and replacement, executed in February of 2016, possible contamination was found on CWSA1 debris screen and residues on the CWSA1 cover. Earlier today, the crew inspected, took samples and cleaned-up contamination found on various locations of the CWSA1 in Columbus.

They also replaced the core of CWSA2. The following ORU(s) were removed and replaced during the activity: Condensate Filter, Inlet Debris Screen, Fan Sub-Assembly, Air Check Valve, and Electronic Unit. CWSA2 failed at the end of July 2016 when the underspeed protection stopped the motor automatically.

Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection: The crew conducted ITCS fluid sampling from the Japanese Pressurized Module (JPM) and Node 3 (N3) Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL) sample ports. These samples will be returned to the ground on SpX-10 for analysis. The return to ground samples are taken once a year to monitor the quality of the water in the ITCS loops.

Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) Nitrogen Transfer: Today the crew installed a NORS Nitrogen recharge tank into the Airlock manifold and initiating Nitrogen transfer to the Airlock tanks. This is the first time the NORS has been used to transfer Nitrogen.

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

Biochemical urine test
URISYS Hardware Stowage
High Definition Video Camera Assembly 1 Activation in High Definition Mode
Story Time from Space Meniscus Demonstration Setup
ALGOMETRIYA. Pressure and Thermal Mode Algometry preparation for and measurement session
CWSA sampling and cleaning.
Story Time From Space Historical Photo
Fluid Shifts Laptop RSOS Transfer
Initiate water transfer from CWC-I to ???
Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Setup Alternate
Progress 433 (DC1) Stowage and IMS Ops
Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Power On
Fluid Shifts CCFP Service Module Configuration
MELFI 3 Nitrogen Pressure Check
Terminate water transfer from CWC-I to ???
MELFI 2 Nitrogen Pressure Check
Fluid Shifts DPOAE Service Module Setup
MELFI 1 Nitrogen Pressure Check
Columbus CWSA2 ORU Removal and Replace.
FLUID SHIFTS. CHIBIS Setup
Fluid Shifts Tonometry Service Module Setup
Fluid Shifts Experiment Service Module Data Collection – Operator
FLUID SHIFTS. Gathering Data in SM, Subject
FLUID SHIFTS. Chibis Closeout Ops
Fluid Shifts CCFP DPOAE Service Module End
Story Time from Space Meniscus Experiment Photography and Stow
Fluid Shifts Tonometry Service Module Stow
Search for missing equipment in the RS (CTB with ???, ????, ????, ??? equipment)
Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Power Off
Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Stow Alternate
JEM Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection
Columbus CWSA2 Electronic Unit R&R
Airlock Flexible Ventilation Duct configured to exchange air with Node 1
Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) Nitrogen Transfer Initiation
Robot Startup
Life On The Station Photo and Video
Columbus CWSA1 Condensate Filter R&R
Node 3 Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL) Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection
Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus Hardware Replacement 2
Search for missing equipment on the RS (CTB with ???, ????, ????, ??? equipment)
Atmospheric Control System (ACS) Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) Nitrogen Transfer Initiation
ALGOMETRIYA. Pressure Algometry Measurement Ops
Columbus CWSA worksite and COL1D1 closeout.
Filling (separation) of ??? (???) for Elektron or ???-??
High Definition Video Camera Assembly 1 Switch to SD Mode
Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config Columbus Setup
PAO Preparation
??? maintenance
Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) in Columbus
Multi Omics FOS Preparation
INTERACTION-2. Experiment Ops
Combustion Integrated Rack Front End Cap Close
Combustion Integrated Rack Rack Doors Close
Combustion Integrated Rack Hardware Return
INTERACTION-2. Experiment Ops
Airlock Flexible Ventilation Duct return to nominal configuration in the crewlock.
ALGOMETRIYA. Pressure and Thermal Algometry Measurement Session. Closeout Ops

Completed Task List Items
None

Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
N1 MDM patch uplink
Sabatier Troubleshooting

Three-Day Look Ahead:
Wednesday, 01/25: N3 MCA R&R, Fluid Shifts, N2 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
Friday, 01/27: HTV Release and Departure, SPHERES Zero Robotics Run

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) – Standby
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) – Standby
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab – Full Up
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 – Off