NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 17 September 2018
The Expedition 56 crew members started the work week exploring a variety of life science and ensuring the upkeep of advanced space research gear. U.S. spacesuits were also being looked at today ahead of a series of planned spacewalks.
All space station crew members exercise daily to maintain their health while living in space. Today, Flight Engineer Ricky Arnold strapped himself into an exercise bike and wore sensors to measure aerobic capacity, or how much physical exertion an astronaut can sustain in space. This helps doctors understand the fitness requirements necessary to successfully conduct spacewalks or respond to emergencies in the weightless environment of space.
Arnold then switched roles from subject to scientist as he extracted DNA from microbe samples swabbed from inside the International Space Station. The DNA undergoes further sample preparation and is sequenced using the Biomolecule Sequencer and Genes in Space hardware onboard the station. The research is helping scientists understand how life adapts to microgravity providing insights to improve crew health.
Commander Drew Feustel and Flight Engineer Serena Auñón-Chancellor, both from NASA, worked on a variety of science gear Monday. Auñón-Chancellor restocked the Human Research Facility-2 with medical supplies and Feustel reconfigured a rack in the Kibo laboratory module for the new Life Sciences Glovebox.
The duo then joined astronaut Alexander Gerst of ESA (European Space Agency) for spacesuit checks during the afternoon. The three astronauts verified the functionality of the suit jetpacks, ensured the correct sizing of the suits and cleaned the Quest airlock where U.S. spacewalks are staged. These suits will be used on a series of future spacewalks to upgrade batteries on the space station’s truss structure.
On-Orbit Status Report
Microbial Tracking-2: Today a crewmember collected saliva samples for the Microbial Tracking-2 investigation and placed them inside a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI). MT-2 monitors the different types of microbes that are present on ISS over a 1-year period. After the samples return to Earth, a molecular analysis of the RNA and DNA is conducted to identify the specific microbes that are present on ISS in order to understand the microbial flora diversity on the ISS and how it changes over time.
Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST): Today Best experiment operations was performed to initiate DNA sequencing from samples collected today. The BEST investigation studies the use of sequencing for identification of unknown microbial organisms living on the ISS, and how humans, plants and microbes adapt to living on the ISS.
Atomization: The crew replaced the sample syringe and water trap for the Atomization investigation, allowing the ground team to initiate and complete an experiment run. The Atomization experiment investigates the disintegration processes of a low-speed water jet for various jet issue conditions in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) to validate the new atomization concept by observing the process using a high-speed camera. The knowledge gained can be applied to improve various engines utilizing spray combustion.
On-Orbit Fit Verification (OFV): Today the crew completed an OFV in support of the upcoming H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-7 Battery Remove and Replace (R&R) ExtraVehicular Activity (EVAs). During the OFV, the crew took body measurements and resized their Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) to ensure proper fit. Each EMU contains exchangeable components allowing each astronaut to adjust EMU fit to their individual preference.
ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: In preparation for the upcoming H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-7 Battery Remove and Replace (R&R) EVAs, the crew completed a plethora of Road-To-EVA task. In addition to initiating a Metal Oxide (MetOx) Canister regeneration cycle, they prepared the Equipment Lock for EVA and completed a checkout of the Simplified Aids for EVA Rescue (SAFERs).
Zero-G Stowage Rack (ZSR) Reconfiguration: H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-7 will bring the new Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) to ISS. To make room for this new hardware, the crew configured a ZSR in the Japanese Experimental Module (JEM) today by removing the insert that provides the doors and inside shelf structure. They also re-configured the lateral struts and installed extensions onto the ZSR seat track so LSG can be correctly positioned once installed.
Public Affairs Office (PAO) Educational Event: Today Ricky Arnold participated in a live downlink with the Liberty County School District (LCSD) in Hinesville, Georgia. LCSD is located in an impoverished area and today’s event provided students with an opportunity to see beyond their circumstances and look to the potential they have in the future.
Compressor-M Remove and Replace (R&R): There have been multiple issues recently with the Compressor-M during Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Recycle Tank Drain and Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill activities. Since this unit worked well past its expected lifetime, the crew R&Rd the unit today with the Compressor-N spare. A checkout of the Compressor was completed during a WSTA Fill session and the unit performed nominally.
Completed Task List Activities:
WHC KTO Replace [Completed GMT 258]
Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
Metox Regeneration Support
Two-Day Look Ahead:
Tuesday, 09/18:
Payloads
NASA/BCAT Camera Activity
NASA/Plant Habitat water refill
NASA/BEST sample stow, retrieve and experiment ops
NASA/CIR Hardware gather and bottle replace
NASA/VEGGIE firmware upgrade
NASA/FIR-LMM Hardware CTB audit
ESA/Pulmonary Function System PAM Removal
ESA/Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL) spare relocate and fastener photo
NASA/MSL gas bottle supply exchange
Systems
Tool Box Audit
EHDC Latch Adjust
QD Cap/Plug Audit
EVA H Bolt Clean Review
PAO Event
SSRMS Ops: LEE checkout and joint diagnostics
Wednesday, 09/19:
Payloads
NASA/Rodent Research Habitat Stow
NASA/Team Task Survey
NASA/Food Acceptability
NASA/CIR-ACME hardware replace
NASA/Zero-G Battery test
JAXA/ATOMIZATION syringe Replace 2
JAXA/ELF Cartridge install
ESA/Metabolic Space donning
Systems
WHC Closeout Panel Inspection
Today’s Planned Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
Microbial Tracking-2 Saliva Collection
SPLANH. Preparation and Initiation of EGEG Recording
Microbial Tracking-2 Sample MELFI Retrieval Insert
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Reminder for On-Orbit Fitcheck Verification (OFV)
Max Cycle Ergometer w/ Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Partial Set Up
Microbial Tracking-2 Saliva Stow
Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Power Up
Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) Hardware Gather
Compressor-M Removal
VIRUS DEFINITION FILE UPDATE ON AUXILIARY COMPUTER SYSTEM LAPTOPS
XF305 Camcorder Setup
Regeneration of Micropurification Unit (БМП) Ф1 Absorption Cartridge (begin)
Atomization syringe replacement 2
Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) MWA Preparation
DAN Experiment Ops.
DAN Assistance during science ops run
Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Subject
Compressor-N Installation
Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill
HRF Rack 2 Supply Kit Resupply
SPLANH. Termination of EGEG recording and concluding ops
Crew Departure Preparations for Return to Earth
EPO Gerst Flying Classroom 2 – Bouncing in a Tube Recording
Vacuum cleaning ventilation grille on FGB interior panels (201, 301, 401)
Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Partial Stow
Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER) Checkout
ISS HAM Service Module Pass
ИП-1 Sensors positioning check
RESPONSE Hardware status check
Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) MELFI Sample Retrieve
Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) Experiment 1
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Equipment Lock Preparation Part 1
Reconnecting SM KURS-P Cables from MRM2 Port Antenna Feeder to DC1 Port Antenna Feeder and photography of the mating place
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) On-orbit Fitcheck Verification Measurements
Still photo shooting of ТП228 thermic sensors mockups, which are installed on the external surface of MRM2
SM Ventilation Subsystem Preventive Maintenance. B2 Group
Reorient Node 3 PBA CTB 4199 in Node 3 Port Endcone
Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) MELFI Sample Retrieve and Insert
LSG ZSR Reconfiguration
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) On-orbit Fitcheck Verification
СОЖ maintenance
Atmosphere Revitalization System (ARS) Amine Swingbed (ASB) Exhaust Duct locate and reinstall
JPM1F5 Soft Dummy Panel Install
INSPECTING AND CLEANING NIKON CAMERA DIGITAL IMAGE SENSORS
Delta file prep
Metal Oxide (METOX) Regeneration Initiation
On-Orbit Hearing Assessment (O-OHA) with EarQ Software Setup and Test
Max Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Portable PFS Conclude
Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config LAB Setup
PAO Preparation
International Procedure Viewer Tablet Questionnaire
Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) – Lab
Exercise Data Downlink via OCA по r/g 0130
Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) Experiment 1 Sample Stop
