NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 22 May 2018 – Captain’s Log Now in the Daily Report

The Expedition 55 crew members had a full complement of work today as they conducted microgravity research, trained to capture a resupply ship and prepared for a June spacewalk.
Astronaut Norishige Kanai explored how living and working in space affects everything from fluid physics to the human body today. He first set up hardware to visualize how water atomizes in microgravity possibly improving the production of spray combustion engines. Next, he researched how spaceflight is impacting his brain structure and function, motor control, and multi-tasking abilities.

Later he joined fellow Flight Engineers Scott Tingle and Ricky Arnold to practice the robotics techniques necessary to capture the Orbital ATK Cygnus resupply ship. The trio trained on a computer to simulate the operation of the Canadarm2 when it reaches out and grapples Cygnus on Thursday.

The commercial space freighter is due to deliver over 7,400 pounds of crew supplies, station hardware and science experiments when it arrives Thursday at 5:20 a.m. EDT. NASA TV will broadcast live the approach, rendezvous and capture of Cygnus beginning at 3:45 a.m.

NASA Flight Engineer Drew Feustel worked on U.S. spacesuits today ahead of the next spacewalk planned for June 14. He scrubbed the spacesuit cooling loops, collected water samples and organized tools in the Quest airlock.

The veteran spacewalker has a total of eight spacewalks having worked in the vacuum of space for nearly 55 hours. He will partner with Arnold, who has four spacewalks for over 25 hours, June 14 to install high definition cameras on the Harmony module.

Captain’s Log – Week 12 on Station

The Captain’s log are published as they become available.

Crew: Captain Scott “Maker” Tingle, USN
ISS Location: Low Earth Orbit
Earth Date: 4 March 2018
Earth Time (GMT): 13:30

Wow, time has gone by extremely fast. The mid-deployment phase will be short-lived for me this time, as the new crew (Drew Feustel, Ricky Arnold, and Oleg Artemyev) will arrive on March 23rd, and then we have at least one spacewalk on the 29th, followed by a planned SpaceX Dragon cargo craft arrival on the 4th of April. It’s a little strange being up here with only two other crewmates. We are still very busy, but the overall work effort is half of what it was just a week ago. My crewmate, Nemo (Norishige Kanai), and I are trying to use the time to prepare for the upcoming very busy schedule, and we have been having some great success getting a ton of details taken care of.

Yesterday I had a funny event, though. I was controlling a robot named “Justin” who was located in Munich. The research and demonstration events were so interesting and fun that I offered them my lunch hour to do an additional protocol and have a longer debrief session. The ground team responded happily and accepted the offer – any extra time with crew onboard the International Space Station (ISS) is valuable to our programs. Halfway through the event, the team needed a few minutes to shut down and restart the robot, and I surmised that since I was skipping my break, this would be a good time to use the toilet. And I did, use the toilet. And literally 3 minutes later I returned, waited another 2 minutes for the robot systems to connect, and we began another great session controlling Justin from ISS with no loss to science. Later that same day, I was approached by the ground team in Houston (not the test team I was working with in Munich) and queried if something was wrong, and why did I have to take a toilet break while we were executing valuable science? They were concerned that I might have a medical issue, as taking a break in the middle of some very valuable science is not normal for us to do while on ISS. It’s nice to know that we have literally hundreds of highly-trained professionals looking out for us.

Unpacking, floating, and adjusting to #LifeInSpace. I loved my new work office, and this spectacular view of our home made it even better! Read my 3rd journal entry about my very first week on @Space_Station! https://t.co/D9SYdmmkRY pic.twitter.com/07rBLlyDRf

— Scott D. Tingle (@Astro_Maker) May 21, 2018

Captain’s Log – Unusual Attitude Recovery

Crew: Captain Scott “Maker” Tingle, USN
ISS Location: Low Earth Orbit
Earth Date: 25 February 2018
Earth Time (GMT): 21:00

While flying fast-moving jets, we practice the art of recovering from unusual attitudes. We close our eyes, and let the instructor put the jet in an unexpected attitude. Sometimes straight up, sometimes straight down, sometimes upside down, and sometimes anything in-between. The goal is to open our eyes, analyze the situation and make rapid and smooth corrections to power and attitude to effect a speedy recovery to straight and level flight without departing controlled flight, or having to endure high G’s, or experiencing big losses of altitude. Sometimes, when I crawl into my crew quarters on the space station, it is very dark – just like closing our eyes in the jet. And then, as I sleep, my body floats around and changes position. When I awake in total darkness, I have to figure out what attitude I am in relative to my crew quarters and then right myself. “Unusual Attitude Recovery” can be pretty funny. And sometimes, my heart can get pumping as I awake and realize I don’t know what my attitude is. I execute my procedures to figure out what my attitude is, and then correct it. At first, it used to take me a while to realize. But now, it is second nature – and it always brings a smile to my face.

On-Orbit Status Report

Advanced Combustion via Microgravity Experiments (ACME): The crew replaced the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) manifold bottles this morning. To prepare for the second part of the CLD Flames investigation the crew configured the ACME Chamber Insert, replaced the igniter tip, and replaced two ACME controllers. The ACME experiment series being performed in the CIR includes five independent studies of gaseous flames. The primary goals of ACME are to improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollutant production in routine fuel combustion activities on Earth. Its secondary goal is to improve spacecraft fire prevention through innovative research focused on materials flammability.

Kubik 6: The commissioning for ESA’s Kubik 6 facility continued today. The crew set up the Kubik 6 in the Columbus module, adjusted the sensor signal and calibrated the temperature sensors. They then installed the Foam Carriers in Kubik 6. Kubik is a small controlled-temperature incubator or cooler used to study biological samples in a microgravity environment. It is equipped with removable inserts designed for self-contained, automatic experiments using seeds, cells, and small animals.

Atomization: Today the crew set up and activated Atomization hardware in the Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR). 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.

Human Research Program (Biochemical Profile, Marrow, Vascular Echo, and Repository): 53S crewmembers collected urine samples for their Return minus 14-day session of the Biochem Profile, Marrow, Vascular Echo and Repository investigations. Collecting of blood samples has been delayed because of an issue with activating the Refrigerated Centrifuge (RC). The alternate centrifuge will be used. Troubleshooting plans are in work by the team. A 54S crewmember collected urine samples for his Flight Day 60 session of the Biochem Profile and Repository investigations.

The Biochemical Profile investigation tests blood and urine samples obtained from astronauts before, during, and after spaceflight. Specific proteins and chemicals in the samples are used as biomarkers, or indicators of health. Post-flight analysis yields a database of samples and test results; which scientists can use to study the effects of spaceflight on the body.
Marrow looks at the effect of microgravity on bone marrow. It is believed that microgravity, like long-duration bed rest on Earth, has a negative effect on the bone marrow and the blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow.
Vascular Echo examines changes in blood vessels and the heart while the crew members are in space, and then follow their recovery on return to Earth. The results could provide insight into potential countermeasures to help maintain crew member health, and quality of life for everyone.
Repository is a storage bank used to maintain biological specimens over extended periods of time and under well-controlled conditions. The repository supports scientific discovery that contributes to our fundamental knowledge in the area of human physiological changes and adaptation to a microgravity environment and provides unique opportunities to study longitudinal changes in human physiology spanning many missions.
NeuroMapping: A 53S crewmember set up the Neuromapping hardware today and performed his Flight Day 150 tests in “strapped in” and “free floating” body configurations. The NeuroMapping investigation studies whether long-duration spaceflight causes changes to brain structure and function, motor control, and multi-tasking abilities. It also measures how long it takes for the brain and body to recover from possible changes. Previous research and anecdotal evidence from astronauts suggests movement control and cognition can be affected in microgravity. The NeuroMapping investigation includes use of structural and functional magnetic resonance brain imaging (MRI and fMRI) to assess any changes that occur after spending months on the ISS.

OA-9 Robotics Onboard Training: Today the crew scheduled to capture OA-9 performed a second Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) session a reviewed their Cygnus Attached Phase procedures. ROBoT is an on-orbit version of the ground-based Dynamics Skills Trainer (DST) that simulates robotics operations with graphical feedback.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: Today the crew conducted Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) maintenance and EVA tool configurations in preparation for the upcoming US EVA #51 Node 2 EWC. Following the EMU Cooling Loop Scrubs, the crew took water samples from the cooling loops, performed and iodination of EMU Ion Filters, and tested the water samples for conductivity. The Node 2 EWC EVA is currently planned for June 14th.

Public Affairs (PAO) Live Event: Today Arnold and Tingle participated in a live PAO event with the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in San Fernando, California. The audience for this event consisted of student representatives from all grade levels and ages across Vaughn’s TK-12 span and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs.

Today’s Planned Activities
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

Marrow Breath And Ambient Air Sample Collection
HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Double Spin Collection and Configuration 1 [Aborted]
HRF Generic Urine Collection
HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Double Spin Configuration 2 [Aborted]
Installation of the Columbus Payload LAN Switch in Columbus
MORZE. Log Entry of Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake
HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Spin Conclude [Aborted]
Water Transfer from Progress 438 Rodnik H2O Tank 2 and Compression
XF305 Camcorder Setup
Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Component Deactivation for Atomization
Combustion Integrated Rack Hardware Gather
Activation of the Columbus Payload LAN Switch
Verification of ??-1 Flow Sensor Position
Atomization set up 2
ISS HAM Video Power Down
COSMOCARD. Closeout Ops
ISS HAM Service Module Pass
PILOT-T. Preparation for the experiment.
Combustion Integrated Rack Rack Doors Open
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Maintenance Scrub Initiation
PILOT-T. Experiment Ops and Data Downlink
Combustion Integrated Rack Front End Cap Open
ACME Chamber Insert Configuration
Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Component Activation for Atomization
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Loop Scrub Check
Crew departure return to earth prep
NeuroMapping Experiment Neurocognitive Test Subject
PILOT-T. Experiment Ops.
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Post Scrub Cooling Loop Water (H2O) Sample
HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Conclude And Stow [Aborted]
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Maintenance Iodination
LBNP Training (PRELIMINARY)
BIOS Setup of the European IP Communication Laptop
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Conductivity Test
Combustion Integrated Rack Front End Cap Close
Combustion Integrated Rack Rack Doors Close
Combustion Integrated Rack Hardware Return
RSK2 Laptop SW Version 5.0 Hard Drive Swap.
MORZE. Log Entry of Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake
Hardware prepack for return and disposal on Soyuz 737
EVA Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Scrub Deconfiguration
iPad 1020 Troubleshooting
Mouse Stress Defense Item Consolidation
PAO Preparation
Columbus Video Camera Assembly 1 Adjustment
Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config LAB Setup
Deck 1 cleanup for KUBIK activty
Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) – Lab
Collecting condensate water samples from ???-?2? before Gas-Liquid Mixture Filter (???) into Russian Samplers, initiate
KUBIK 6 Setup
CONTENT. Experiment Ops
Adjustment of KUBIK sensor signal to e-box
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tool Configuring
On-board Training (OBT) Cygnus Attached Phase Operations review.
KUBIK Temperature Measurement
On-board Training (OBT) Cygnus Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) Self study Session
Stow Syringes used in H2O Conductivity Test
HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Setup
On-board Training (OBT) Cygnus Attached Phase Operations review.
MORZE. Experiment setup
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain
MORZE. Log Entry of Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake
Reminder 1 Vascular Echo 24 Hour Blood Pressure

Completed Task List Activities
None

Ground Activities
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
EMU Loop Scrub
A/L IATCS LTL Flow Term
STP-H5 File Transfers

Three-Day Look Ahead:
Wednesday, 05/23: HRF Collect, MPCC, Cygnus OBT, SSK/MAS, EVA Tool cnfg, Mouse Closeout, Glovebox Closeout, CBEF, Vascular Echo
Thursday, 05/24: Cygnus Rndz/Berth, Cygnus Hatch Open, CIR Bottle, Dosimeter deploy, JEM MLT2, Vascular Echo
Friday, 05/25: Cygnus Cargo Ops, MSG VUE R&R, TangoLab card R&R, JEMAL Slide Table Reconfig, MVP module insertion, SOKOL leak check

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 – Operate
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 – Standby
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab – Operate
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 – Idle
Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) – Process
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) – Standby
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab – Full Up
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 – Off