NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 27 January 2017 – JAXA HTV-6 Released, Will Perform Experiments
Expedition 50 Flight Engineer Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency) and Commander Shane Kimbrough of NASA commanded the International Space Station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm to release a Japanese cargo vehicle at 10:46 a.m. EST.
At the time of release, the station was flying 261 statute miles above the south Atlantic Ocean. Earlier, ground controllers used the robotic arm to unberth the cargo craft.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA’s) H-II Transport Vehicle-6 (HTV-6) arrived to the space station Dec. 13, after launching from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan Dec. 9.
The cargo ship will now move to a safe distance below and in front of the station for about a week’s worth of data gathering with a JAXA experiment designed to measure electromagnetic forces using a tether in low-Earth orbit. JAXA is scheduled to deorbit the craft on Feb. 5. Loaded with trash, the vehicle will burn up harmlessly over the Pacific Ocean.
On-Orbit Status Report
H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-6 Departure: This morning, the crew finished closing out the Node 2 vestibule by demating all umbilicals and depressurizing the vestibule between HTV-6 and Node 2 in preparation for the unberth. Commands were sent to the release Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) bolts prior to unberth. Robotic Flight Controllers then maneuvered HTV-6 to the release position utilizing the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). HTV-6 was released at 9:45 am CST. HTV-6 re-entry is scheduled for February 5, 2017. Note: The IMC Daily Summary Report of January 25, 2017 incorrectly reported that both the General Luminaire Assembly (GLA) and Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lights were removed from HTV prior to hatch closure. Only the two GLAs were removed.
Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) Zero Robotics (ZR) Challenge: Today, the crew executed the on-board portion of the SPHERES ZR Challenge. The crew configured the satellites and then executed student written algortithms. Live downlinked video was broadcasted to student teams on the ground representing the countries of Germany, Italy, Australia, Poland, UK, Romania, Greece, France, and the USA. The SPHERES Zero Robotics investigation establishes an opportunity for high school students to design research for the ISS. As part of a competition, students write algorithms for the SPHERES satellites to accomplish tasks relevant to future space missions. The algorithms are tested by the SPHERES team and the best designs are selected for the competition to operate the SPHERES satellites on board the ISS.
Human Research Program (HRP) Collections (Biochemical Profile, Repository, Marrow): A crewmember performed their Flight Day 60 (FD60) collections in support of the Biochemical Profile, Repository and Marrow experiments. Blood and urine samples were collected and placed in thje Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI). The Biochemical Profile experiment 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. This 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. The Marrow investigation looks at the effect of microgravity on the 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.
Veg-03: The crew performed nominal thinning and watering of the Chinese Cabbage plants in the Veggie facility. The overall goal of Veg-03 is to further demonstrate proof-of concept for the Veggie plant growth chamber and the planting pillows. Future long-duration missions into the solar system, finally culminating on Mars, will require a fresh food supply to supplement crew diets, which means growing crops in space. Previous investigations focused on improving productivity in controlled environments, but the limited quarters of the Space Shuttle and ISS made it difficult to conduct large-scale crop production tests. Veg-03 expands on previous validation tests of the new Veggie hardware, which crew members have used to successfully grow flowers and lettuce in space. Tests determine which types of microorganisms are present in space-grown cabbage, providing baseline data for future crop-growing efforts. Behavioral health surveys assess the impact of growing plants on crew morale and mood.
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Pressure Control and Pump Assembly (PCPA) Operations: Today, the crew demated the connection between the Fluid Control and Pump Assembly (FCPA) and PCPA at Quick Disconnect 27 (QD27), which is located on the PCPA. This will help to determine if the FCPA is the source of the high conductivity seen in the UPA distillate. Advanced Recycle Filter Tank Assembly (ARFTA) Serial Number (S/N) 2 is currently installed in the UPA. This ARFTA may contain more conductive fluid, so additional data trending is desired with ARFTA S/N 2 installed.
Sabatier Restart – Last month, the Sabatier system could not be restarted after being in Standby for an extended period of time. During the attempted restarts, the system showed little to no reaction occurring in the reactor and no water being produced. Yesterday, ground teams executed a procedure to warm up the reactor prior to a restart attempt and successfully restarted the Sabatier. The team believes that the higher temperature and additional duration of the heat soak allowed the reaction to kick off. Water continued to be produced overnight. Teams will continue monitoring Sabatier performance.
Today’s Planned ActivitiesH-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV)-6 Departure: This morning, the crew finished closing out the Node 2 vestibule by demating all umbilicals and depressurizing the vestibule between HTV-6 and Node 2 in preparation for the unberth. Commands were sent to the release Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) bolts prior to unberth. Robotic Flight Controllers then maneuvered HTV-6 to the release position utilizing the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). HTV-6 was released at 9:45 am CST. HTV-6 re-entry is scheduled for February 5, 2017. Note: The IMC Daily Summary Report of January 25, 2017 incorrectly reported that both the General Luminaire Assembly (GLA) and Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lights were removed from HTV prior to hatch closure. Only the two GLAs were removed.
Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) Zero Robotics (ZR) Challenge: Today, the crew executed the on-board portion of the SPHERES ZR Challenge. The crew configured the satellites and then executed student written algortithms. Live downlinked video was broadcasted to student teams on the ground representing the countries of Germany, Italy, Australia, Poland, UK, Romania, Greece, France, and the USA. The SPHERES Zero Robotics investigation establishes an opportunity for high school students to design research for the ISS. As part of a competition, students write algorithms for the SPHERES satellites to accomplish tasks relevant to future space missions. The algorithms are tested by the SPHERES team and the best designs are selected for the competition to operate the SPHERES satellites on board the ISS.
Human Research Program (HRP) Collections (Biochemical Profile, Repository, Marrow): A crewmember performed their Flight Day 60 (FD60) collections in support of the Biochemical Profile, Repository and Marrow experiments. Blood and urine samples were collected and placed in thje Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI). The Biochemical Profile experiment 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. This 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. The Marrow investigation looks at the effect of microgravity on the 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.
Veg-03: The crew performed nominal thinning and watering of the Chinese Cabbage plants in the Veggie facility. The overall goal of Veg-03 is to further demonstrate proof-of concept for the Veggie plant growth chamber and the planting pillows. Future long-duration missions into the solar system, finally culminating on Mars, will require a fresh food supply to supplement crew diets, which means growing crops in space. Previous investigations focused on improving productivity in controlled environments, but the limited quarters of the Space Shuttle and ISS made it difficult to conduct large-scale crop production tests. Veg-03 expands on previous validation tests of the new Veggie hardware, which crew members have used to successfully grow flowers and lettuce in space. Tests determine which types of microorganisms are present in space-grown cabbage, providing baseline data for future crop-growing efforts. Behavioral health surveys assess the impact of growing plants on crew morale and mood.
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Pressure Control and Pump Assembly (PCPA) Operations: Today, the crew demated the connection between the Fluid Control and Pump Assembly (FCPA) and PCPA at Quick Disconnect 27 (QD27), which is located on the PCPA. This will help to determine if the FCPA is the source of the high conductivity seen in the UPA distillate. Advanced Recycle Filter Tank Assembly (ARFTA) Serial Number (S/N) 2 is currently installed in the UPA. This ARFTA may contain more conductive fluid, so additional data trending is desired with ARFTA S/N 2 installed.
Sabatier Restart – Last month, the Sabatier system could not be restarted after being in Standby for an extended period of time. During the attempted restarts, the system showed little to no reaction occurring in the reactor and no water being produced. Yesterday, ground teams executed a procedure to warm up the reactor prior to a restart attempt and successfully restarted the Sabatier. The team believes that the higher temperature and additional duration of the heat soak allowed the reaction to kick off. Water continued to be produced overnight. Teams will continue monitoring Sabatier performance.
Today’s Planned Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
Lighting Effects Sleep Log Entry – Subject
Reminder HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Double Spin
Preparation of Reports for Roscosmos Web Site and Social Media
HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Double Spin Collection
HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Double Spin Configuration
HTV Vestibule Configure for Demate
HRF Generic Sample MELFI Insertion
HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Spin Conclude
HTV/NODE 2 VESTIBULE DEPRESS
Inventory Management System (IMS) conference
HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Conclude Stow
Cleaning ??1, ??2 dust filters and ?1, ?2 Fan Grilles in DC1
Delta file prep
Robotic Workstation (RWS) High Definition (HD) Monitor Downlink
HTV HARDWARE COMMAND PANEL (HCP) Setup
Study of veins in lower extremities
Status Monitoring of ??-2 Treadmill Belt End Sensor
HTV HARDWARE COMMAND PANEL (HCP) Selfcheck
Making a documentary about life onboard the ISS
HRF Generic Urine Collection Setup
VEG-03 Plant Thin
Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill
VEG-03 Plant Pillow Prime.
SPHERES Payload CTB Move
Filling up Progress 433 (DC1) ???? Section 2 with N2
PILOT-T. ECG cable ??.09.210.01.02 Continuity Check.
METEOR Laptop Reboot
WIRELESS LEAK DETECTOR ULTRASONIC SENSOR REMOVAL, FILE TRANSFER, AND STOW
SPHERES Crew Conference
SPHERES Zero Robotics Setup and Checkout
??? maintenance
USOS Window Shutter Close
In-flight Maintenance (IFM) Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) QD 27 Demate
MSS HTV Release Setup
SM [????] Comm Panel ??1 speaker R&R. Post-replacement check.
SPHERES Zero Robotics Welcome
SPHERES Zero Robotics Run
HTV Departure Preparations
SSRMS HTV Release and Departure Monitoring
MOTOCARD. Experiment Ops
MOTOCARD. Operator Assistance with the Experiment
Space Headaches – Weekly Questionnaire
HTV HARDWARE COMMAND PANEL (HCP) Inhibit
HARDWARE COMMAND PANEL (HCP) temporary Stow
SPHERES Zero Robotics Shutdown
Restow Node 2 Nadir Vestibule Outfitting Kit (VOK)
SPHERES Payload CTB Move
Remote Workstation Monitor HD Video Downlink Deactivation RWS
Completed Task List Items
Wanted poster for missing ARED detent plates
Node 3 Nadir Hatch Seal Cover Installation
Node 3 Hatch Stowage Latch Override Knob Install
Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
Node 2 CBM Demate
HTV-6 Maneuver to Release
Three-Day Look Ahead:
Saturday, 01/28: Weekly Housekeeping, Crew Off Duty
Sunday, 01/29: Crew Off Duty
Monday, 01/27: Story Time: Light Demo, Cupola ATU Mod Kit, PMA2 Ingress/Stowage, FineMotor, Rapidscat/COL SDX Nadir Troubleshooting
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 – Standby
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 – Operate
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab – Operate
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 – Manual
Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) – Process
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) – Standby
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab – Off
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 – Full Up
