NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 2 February 2018 – Record Setting Spacewalk
Expedition 54 Commander Alexander Misurkin and Flight Engineer Anton Shkaplerov of the Russian space agency Roscosmos have completed a spacewalk lasting 8 hours and 13 minutes.
It is the longest Russian spacewalk, breaking the previous record of 8 hours and 7 minutes that Oleg Kotov and Sergei Ryazanskiy set Dec. 27, 2013, on a spacewalk during Expedition 38.
The two cosmonauts opened the hatch to the Pirs docking compartment to begin the spacewalk at 10:34 a.m. EST. They re-entered the airlock and closed the hatch at 6:47 p.m. EST.
During the record-breaking spacewalk, the duo installed a new electronics and telemetry box for the high gain antenna on the Zvezda service module to enhance communications between Russian flight controllers and the Russian modules. The antenna system appears to be working normally.
It was the 207th spacewalk in support of International Space Station assembly and maintenance, the fourth in Misurkin’s career, and the second for Shkaplerov. It is the fifth-longest spacewalk in human spaceflight history.
On-Orbit Status Report
Russian Extravehicular Activity (EVA) #44: Alexander Misurkin (as EV1) and Anton Shkaplerov (as EV2) performed RS EVA #44 with a Phased Elapsed Time (PET) of 8 hrs 13 min. During the EVA, the cosmonauts removed and replaced the [OHA] antenna high frequency receiver on Service Module (SM) aft.
Microbial Tracking-2: A 53S crewmember completed body and saliva sample collections in support of the Microbial Tracking-2 investigation. The Microbial Tracking series-2 continues the monitoring of the types of microbes that are present on the International Space Station (ISS). It seeks to catalog and characterize potential disease-causing microorganisms aboard the ISS. Crew samples from pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight times in addition to environmental samples from ISS surface and air locations will be collected to analyze any associations between the microbial content of the samples, as well as potential health effects.
NanoRacks DreamUp Xtronaut Crystal Growth (DreamXCG): To track the progression of the DreamXCG formation that was initiated yesterday, today the crew took photo and video images of each pouch to show any visible sugar crystal growth. This investigation teaches students about the effects of microgravity on crystal formations using near-identical flight kits flown and operated aboard the International Space Station (ISS). With access to crewmember videos and data on the same experiment, students are able compare crystal formations in space to those in their classrooms. The investigation aims to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields to the next generation of students.
Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) Configuration Operations: The crew continued to conduct CBEF configuration activities that began earlier this week by installing the mouse habitat unit interface to prepare the facility for the Mouse Stress Defense investigation arriving on SpaceX-14. The CBEF is a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) sub-rack facility located in the Saibo (living cell) Experiment Rack. The CBEF is used in various life science experiments, such as cultivating cells and plants in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) and consists of an incubator and control equipment for control and communications.
European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) Preparation for Plant Gravity Perception Operations: The experiment containers (ECs) on the EMCS rotors were replaced with new ECs to begin the 2nd of three Plant Gravity Perception experiment runs. The Plant Gravity Perception investigation germinates normal and mutated forms of thale cress, a model research plant, to study the plants’ gravity and light perception. Results provide new information about plants’ ability to detect gravity and how they adapt to an environment without it, which benefits efforts to grow plants for food on future missions. The EMCS is an experiment facility that is dedicated to studying plant biology in a reduced gravity environment. It supports the cultivation, stimulation, and crew-assisted operation of biological experiments under controlled conditions. The facility has performed multi-generation (seed-to-seed) experiments and studies the effects of gravity and light on early development and growth, signal perception and transduction in plant tropisms.
Advanced Colloids Experiment-Temperature-6 (ACE-T-6) Operations: After dispensing oil on the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Confocal test target last week to initiate the ACE-T6 science runs, this week the crew cleaned the oil inside of the LMM Auxiliary Fluids Container. The ACE-T-6 investigation studies the microscopic behavior of colloids in gels and creams, to provide new insight into fundamental interactions that can improve product shelf life. Colloids are suspensions of microscopic particles in a liquid, and they are found in products ranging from milk to fabric softener. Consumer products often use colloidal gels to distribute specialized ingredients, for instance droplets that soften fabrics, but the gels must serve two opposite purposes: they have to disperse the active ingredient so it can work, yet maintain an even distribution so the product does not spoil
Space Headaches: The crew completed the weekly questionnaire for the ESA Space Headaches investigation. The Space Headaches investigation collects information that may help in the development of methods to alleviate associated symptoms and improvement in the well-being and performance of crewmembers in space. Headaches during space flight can negatively affect mental and physical capacities of crewmembers that can influence performance during a space mission.
Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Pressurized Module (JPM) Rack Relocations: Today the crew swapped the Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station (ExPRESS) Rack-4 from JPM1F5 location and Zero-G Soft Rack (ZSR) from JPM1F6 location in preparation for Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) installation into the ZSR. LSG will be delivered on H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) 7.
Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Quarterly Maintenance: Today the crew performed ARED Quarterly maintenance. They inspected X-Rotation dashpots, cycled the main arm through the full range of motion, and greased the ARED Vibration Isolation System (VIS) rails and rollers and upper stop. This is nominal periodic maintenance performed to keep the system operating nominally.
Television Camera Interface Converter (TVCIC): The crew attempted to remove and replace the attachment bolts on the TVCIC #002 in preparation for installation on a future EVA. An inspection performed on the TVCIC in October 2017 identified noticeable wear on the bolt threads’ dry film lube indicating they are near their end of life. During the activity today, the new bolts could not be located and the original bolts were re-installed. Forward plan is under evaluation
Nitrogen/Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) Repress: Ground controllers initiated a nitrogen repress from the NORS system. The crew terminated the repress by closing the nitrogen isolation valve and then removed and prepared the N2 recharge tank for return to the ground. A leak check of the N2 System confirmed the repress was successful.
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: The crew performed a checkout on the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER). During the activity, they measured the SAFER regulator pressure under flow and no-flow conditions, performed a leak check, and measured the relief valve opening and reseating pressure of the SAFER.
Today’s Planned Activities
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
Biochemical Urine Test
Microbial Tracking-2 Reminder for Body Collection
Big Picture Word Review for JPM Rack Swap Activities
Preparation of MRM2 and Soyuz 734 Deactivation before RS EVA-44
Mouse Habitat Unit Interface Unit Installation
EVA COTS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU) Verify off
Removal of Air Duct ??-??? Hatch protective ring, Closure of ??-??? Hatch. Tagup with specialists
Television Camera Interface Converter (TVCIC) Stowage Gather
DC1 and ??? config for EVA
Microbial Tracking-2 Body Sample Collection
In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Television Camera Interface Converter (TVCIC) Fastener Remove and Replace
JPM Rack Swap Stowage Relocate
Microbial Tracking-2 Sample MELFI Insert
JPM Rack Swap
Orlan Systems Check Tagup with specialists
Environmental Health System (EHS) – Coliform Water Sample Analysis 44 +/- 4 hours post processing
Television Camera Interface Converter (TVCIC) Stowage Replace
??? ??? checkout
Orlan Interface Unit (???) Check in DC1. Tagup with specialists
JPM Rack Swap Assist
USOS Window Shutter Close
ISS Onboard System Configuration before EVA (part 1)
ISS HAM Radio Power Down in Columbus
MELFI 2 Ice Brick Insert 2
ISS HAM Radio Power Down in Service Module
Rodent Research MELFI Insert
JPM Rack Tend
Robotic Workstation (RWS) Setup
Atmosphere Control and Supply (ACS) Nitrogen Manual Valve Close
DC1 ??-3? Check
Comm config before EVA, reconfiguring ??? (C&W) panel
Orlan comm, and biomed parameter telemetry check. Tagup with specialists
Atmospheric Control System (ACS) Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System(NORS) Nitrogen Transfer Termination
Final Inspection of Orlan and ???. Tagup with specialists
European Modular Cultivation System Gas Valve Open
ISS Onboard System Configuration before EVA (part 2)
Air duct removal from DC1 (skip B3 fan removal)
Columbus Video Camera Assembly 1 Adjustment
Plant Gravity Perception/European Modular Cultivation System Experiment Container Replace
PGP Inspect Photo
JPM Rack Swap Stowage Restow
Donning Gear. Tagup with specialists
PRE-EVA airlock operations
A/L Operations for EVA – assistance
AC Vacuum Cleaner Debris Bag Remove and Replace
Countermeasures System (CMS) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Quarterly Maintenance
Health Maintenance System (HMS) ISS Food Intake Tracker (ISS FIT)
NanoRacks Rock Candy Imagery
Fluids Integrated Rack Rack Doors Open
EVA-44 Tasks
ACE Oil Cleanup and Dispense
STBD Crew Quarters (CQ) Intake Panel Velcro Evaluation
Fluids Integrated Rack Rack Doors Close
Manufacturing Device ABS Print Removal, Clean and Stow
Extravehicular Mobility Unit Helmet Cleaning Preparations.
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Bag Hinge Rivet Taping
EVA METOX canister taping
Extravehicular Mobility Unit Helmet Cleaning
Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER) Checkout
Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue GN2 Check
SPHERES USB Stow
Space Headaches – Weekly Questionnaire
On MCC GO ??-???, ???-?? (SM) Hatch Closure
Air duct disassembly in MRM2
MRM2-?? (SM) Hatch Closure
Soyuz 734 Crew Isolation in MRM2 for RS EVA-44
Post-EVA airlock operations
Post EVA Repress – assistance
ISS HAM Radio Power Up
BIORISK. TEST. Placing Exposure devices to rubberized bag and Biorisk adjusting platform to a bag after EVA-44
MRM2- ?? (SM) Hatch Opening
Reconfigure comm system for nominal ops, reconfigure C&W indication from ??? (EVA Support Panel) in DC1 and ???
RS ISS Reconfiguration for Nominal Ops
Assemble air ducts in DC1 after EVA
Post-EVA Orlan-MKS No.4 servicing
Post-EVA Orlan-MK No.6 servicing
Go ??-??? Hatch Opening, Installation of protective ring on ??-??? Hatch and air duct.
Soyuz 734 deactivation and MRM2 nominal reconfig and after RS EVA-44
RS reconfig for nominal ops after EVA
Completed Task List Activities
HMS FIT Screenshots
Ground Activities
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
NORS Repress
RS EVA #44 Support
Standard commanding
Three-Day Look Ahead:
Saturday, 02/03: Weekly Housekeeping, Crew Off Duty, EIISS, NR Rock Candy
Sunday, 02/04: USOS Crew Off Duty
Monday, 02/05: JEM A/L Valve Box Controller Install, NR Rock Candy, EIISS, MELFI EU Spare Install, ESA EPO Paxi, Transparent Alloys, RR-6
QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:
Component – Status
Elektron – On
Vozdukh – Manual
[???] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) – On
[???] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) – Off
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab – Operate
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 – Standby
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab – Idle
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 – Operate
Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) – Process
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) – Process
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab – Full Up
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 – Off
