NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 22 March 2017 – Orbital ATK CRS-7 Launch Postponed
The astronauts took a break from spacewalk preparations today and checked out an expandable module and worked on science freezers. The crew also continued its human research program exploring space nutrition and the effects of microgravity on metabolism and the immune system.c
Thomas Pesquet opened the hatches to the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) today for a status check. The European Space Agency astronaut sampled BEAM’s air and surfaces for microbes and installed impact sensors. He also used a digital camera with a fish-eye lens to capture 360-degree imagery of the inside of BEAM.
Veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson serviced three science freezers ensuring biological samples can be preserved for return on an upcoming SpaceX Dragon mission. She also brushed up on robotics skills necessary for Friday’s spacewalk.
Cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy logged his meals again today before collecting saliva samples for an immunity study. Flight Engineer Andrey Borisenko researched how living in space long term affects metabolism and a crew member’s psychophysiological state.
NASA, Orbital ATK and United Launch Alliance (ULA) have postponed Orbital ATK’s seventh commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. ULA discovered a new booster hydraulic issue during prelaunch testing. The ULA team is developing a plan to resolve the issue and a new launch date will be determined.
Orbital ATK has contracted with ULA for its Atlas V rocket for the launch service, which will lift off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Orbital ATK’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft is packed with 7,600 pounds of supplies and research for crew aboard the orbiting laboratory. The Atlas V and Cygnus remain secure.
On-Orbit Status Report
As mentioned at the IMMT this morning, the teams have been assessing their ability to support 2 EVAs and the PMA3 relocation prior to the arrival to OA-7. This was reviewed at the Inc 50 JOP this afternoon and there were no issues identified. Based on this and the IMMT Chair’s approval, we have baselined the following plan:
March 24 – EVA1 (EPIC MDM and SPDM LEE Lube) March 26 – PMA3 Relocation from N3 to N2 March 30 – EVA2 (EPIC MDM and Shields) April 2 – OA7 Capture/Berthing April 6 – EVA3 (ExPCA R&R)
The OA7 launch date is currently under review. Once OATK and ULA determine their launch date, then we will re-assess the Apr 2 OA7 capture/berth date and the Apr 6 EVA date as required.
