NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 25 June 2018 – Preparing for the Next SpaceX Dragon Resupply Spacecraft
The Expedition 56 crew members are getting ready for the arrival next week of the 15th SpaceX Dragon mission to the International Space Station.
The space residents also explored how microgravity impacts health and physics today while setting up a variety of cubesats for deployment.
The Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX that will launch the Dragon space freighter into Earth orbit is due to lift off Friday at 5:41 a.m. EDT and take a three-day trip to the orbital laboratory. The commercial space freighter will be loaded with almost six thousand pounds of new science experiments, crew supplies and space station hardware.
NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold will be backed up by Commander Drew Feustel in the Cupola when he commands the Canadarm2 to grapple Dragon Monday at 7 a.m. The duo is reviewing procedures and training on a computer this week for the rendezvous and capture activities. Robotics controllers on the ground will then take over after the capture and remotely install Dragon a couple of hours later to the Harmony module where it will remain for 32 days. NASA TV will broadcast live the Dragon science briefings, launch, capture and installation activities.
Feustel started the workweek collecting and stowing biological samples for the Multi-Omics study that is observing how gut microbes may affect an astronaut’s immune system. He then worked on the Atomization experiment that is researching liquid spray processes to potentially improve the design of jet and rocket engines.
NASA astronaut Serena Auñón-Chancellor installed a cubesat deployer on a multi-purpose experiment platform that will soon be placed outside the Japanese Kibo laboratory module. It will deploy nine different cubesats to continue space research and demonstrate space applications.
On-Orbit Status Report
Predetermined Debris Avoidance Maneuver (PDAM) for Object #99999: Teams continue to track the ISS conjunction with object #99999 (Unknown Object) with a Time of Closest Approach (TCA) of 01:42 AM CDT tomorrow morning. While the latest tracking information on the object has dropped the Probability of Collision (PC) into the green threshold, it has not dropped enough to confidently lower levels of concern. As a result, teams continue to work towards a PDAM maneuver tonight with an estimated Time of Ignition (TIG) at 11:22 PM CT. Additional tracking information is expected later this afternoon. This maneuver, if executed, could affect the rendezvous of Progress 70P. Originally planned as a 2-orbit rendezvous, any trajectory changes may necessitate an alternative 34-orbit rendezvous of the vehicle. 70P is scheduled for launch on 9 July.
Lab Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Valve Remove and Replace: This morning the crew installed two new selector valves (valves 104 and 105) in the Lab CDRA. Once the valves were installed, the ground performed a nominal checkout and brought the Lab CDRA back on-line. Last week during a half cycle transition the Lab CDRA Air Selector Valve (ASV) 104 failed to reach its commanded position (position A). ETHOS attempted the standard troubleshooting activities, including multiple power cycles, however was not able to recover the valve functionality. Additionally, starting from January of this year, the Lab CDRA Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Selector Valve (CSV) 105 valve has also begun exhibiting end of life symptoms. Due to the ongoing issues with that valve, it was decided to R&R it at the same time as ASV 104.
NanoRacks Cubesat Deployer-14 (NRCSD-14): This morning, the crew installed the NRCSD-14 on the Multipurpose Experiment Platform (MPEP) in preparation for its deploy later this increment. A Triple Pack deployer plus an empty single deployer were installed on the MPEP attached to the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Airlock Slide Table. A total of 9 cubesats are scheduled for deployment: RainCube (Ka-Band for CubeSats), Radix (laser communications), CubeRRT (radio frequency interference), HaloSat (astrophysics), TEMPEST-D (weather), EnduroSat AD (space communications for education), EQUISat (LED visibility on ground & LiFePO4 batteries), MemSat (memristive memory) and RadSat-g (computer radiation protection).
Atomization: The crew replaced sample syringes for the Atomization investigation today. The Atomization experiment investigates the disintegration processes of a low-speed water jet for various jet issue conditions in the 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 and Repository): Over the weekend, a 55S crewmember completed their Flight Day 15 urine collection sessions for the Biochemical 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.
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.
Multi-Omics: This morning the crew collected samples in support of the JAXA Multi-Omics experiment. Various samples are collected and stowed in a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) throughout the crew’s on-orbit duration in addition to completion of questionnaire and ingestion of Fructooligosaccharide (FOS). The objective of Multi-Omics is to understand the gut ecosystem of astronauts in the space environment, especially focusing on the immune dysfunction, and to evaluate the impact of FOS in their diet.
Dragon On-Board Training (OBT): The crew spent the afternoon reviewing Dragon Robotics procedures and participated in a conference with ground specialists to cover the OBT plan in preparation for SpaceX-15 Dragon arrival. Using computer based training, the crew reviewed the Dragon mission profile, rendezvous crew procedures, and the crew interfaces for monitoring and commanding Dragon. Dragon launch is currently scheduled for June 29 with capture and berthing planned for July 2.
Umbilical Interface Unit (UIA) Remove and Replace (R&R) Preparation: This morning, the crew reviewed procedures and gathered the various hardware and tools needed for tomorrow’s UIA R&R activities. They also removed both Servicing and Cooling Umbilicals (SCUs) from the UIA and stowed each as appropriate; SCU S/N 1004 is scheduled for return on a future vehicle for teardown and possible refurbishment.
Cygnus Cargo Operations: Today the crew reported spending approximately 90 minutes on cargo operations over the weekend. Ground specialists estimate approximately 45 minutes of crew time remaining in Cygnus Cargo Message #3.
Today’s Planned Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer Installation Procedure Review
NanoRacks Cubesat Deployer Maintenance Work Area Preparation
NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer Hardware Gather
Cardiovascular evaluation during graded exercises on cycle ergometer (VELO).
In-Flight Maintenance Lab CDRA Valve Gather
JEM Airlock Slide Table (ST) Extension to JPM Side
NanoRacks CubeSat Quad Deployer Single Deployer Removal
NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer Installation on the MPEP
In-Flight Maintenance Lab CDRA Valves Remove and Replace – Part 1
Multi Omics Fecal Sample Operations
Multi Omics Fecal Sample MELFI Insertion
Multi Omics Fecal Stow
[Н2] Pump Removal from Spare БРП-М.
СОЖ maintenance
MATRYOSHKA-R. Set Up BUBBLE Dosimeters and Take Measurements. Prepare the Memory Card for Return.
In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Full Fill
STaARS Cryotube Kit MELFI Insertion #2
JEM Airlock Slide Table (ST) Retraction from JPM Side
Radi-N Detector Retrieval/Readout
XF305 Camcorder Setup
Atomization syringe replacement 2
Radiation Dosimetry Inside ISS-Neutrons Hardware Handover
MATRYOSHKA-R. Handover of BUBBLE-dosimeters from USOS
MATRYOSHKA-R. BUBBLE-Dosimeter Retrieval and Readout
Water Resource Management (WRM) Resupply Tank (RST) Pumping Init
In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Full Fill
Treadmill 2 (T2) Handover Video Review
T2 Crew Handover
Water Resource Management (WRM) Resupply Tank (RST) Pumping Terminate
Transfer Cygnus Cargo Operations
Combustion Integrated Rack Doors Open
Combustion Integrated Rack Front End Cap Open
ACME CABLE CHECK
Combustion Integrated Rack Front End Cap Close
Combustion Integrated Rack Doors Close
In-Flight Maintenance CDRA Valve Remove and Replace – Part 2
Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill
WORF Laptop Connect
EVA Bag Stow
In-flight Maintenance (IFM) Umbilical Interface Unit Remove and Replace
Installation of Version 5.0 SW on RSK1 Laptop.
Auxiliary Laptop Computer System Virus Definition File Update
On-board Training (OBT) Dragon Robotics Review
Preparation for [СНТ]-50МП and [СТ-25] R&R.
Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis
Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config LAB Setup
In-flight Maintenance (IFM) Umbilical Interface Unit Remove and Replace Gather
PAO Preparation
BD-2 Roller Position Check. Photograph the Position of BD-2 Roller with respect to External Roller (Raise BD-2 Curtain). Downlink images via OCA
Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) – Lab
Cygnus Cargo Operations Conference
Extravehicular Activities (EVA) Umbilical Interface Assembly (UIA) Biocide Filter Changeout
In-Flight Maintenance CDRA Valve Stow
On-Board Training (OBT) Dragon OBT Conference
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Servicing and Cooling Umbilical (SCU) Removal
On-board Training (OBT) Dragon Rendezvous Review
Wireless Compose SD Card Data Deletion
Exercise Data Downlink via OCA
Remove БД-2 to R&R [СНТ]-50МП and [СТ]-25. Cover БД-2 Recess.
On-board Training (OBT) Dragon Rendezvous Review
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Servicing and Cooling Umbilical (SCU) Check
Photo/TV CUCU Video Setup
COTS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU) Activation
Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record
Space Automated Bioproduct Lab, CO2 Incubator Removal
Space Automated Bioproduct Lab 3, Ice Brick Insertion
COTS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU) Crew Command Panel (CCP) Checkout
GEMATOKRIT. Hardware Setup
COTS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU) Crew Command Panel (CCP) Stow
Photo TV CUCU Video Deactivation
Completed Task List Activities:
ARED Cable Arm Rope Tension Check [Completed GMT 175]
Configure ROBoT for Dragon Capture Self Study [Completed GMT 175]
Orbital ATK-9 Cargo Environment Sensor (CES) Data Download [Completed GMT 175]
Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Filter Circuit Breaker Reset [Completed GMT 175]
STEM Conference Recorded Greeting [Completed GMT 175]
WHC KTO REPLACE [Completed GMT 175]
Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
Cubesat Deployer Installation
CUCU Checkout
Three-Day Look Ahead:
Tuesday, 06/26: UIA R&R, CAL Fiber Optic Troubleshooting, Dragon Robotics OBT, SUBSA Stow, MICS Sample Mixing, OA-9 Cargo Ops
Wednesday, 06/27: UIA R&R, Dragon Offset Grapple OBT, MISC Ops, ANGX Setup in MSG, Rodent Research 7 Prep, Cygnus Cargo Ops, Atomization Syringe Swap
Thursday, 06/28: Cygnus Cargo Ops, SPHERES Maintenance, UIA R&R, Airway Monitoring, UIA R&R Checkout, Sextant Ops, Veggie Hardware Consolidate
QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:
Component – Status
Elektron – On
Vozdukh – Manual
[СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) – Off
[СКВ] 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) – Process
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab – Warmup
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 – Off
