NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 3 June, 2020 – Reviewing Station Safety Procedures and Equipment
The three NASA astronauts and two Roscosmos cosmonauts that comprise the Expedition 63 crew are keeping the International Space Station humming with space research.
Less than a week into their stay on the orbiting lab, Flight Engineers Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken are still orienting themselves with station systems and operations. Meanwhile, the duo is beginning to step up their advanced science activities to benefit people on and off Earth.
Hurley is getting up to speed with a pair of space physics experiments today. He started research today on space bubbles and microfluids to improve oxygen and medicine delivery systems. He then photographed hardware being set up to research how tiny particles behave in fluids. Results could improve the development of advanced materials and 3D printing techniques.
Behnken is studying how to remove and re-install a plant habitat so he can access and replace life support gear on Thursday. He also tested the SpaceX Crew Dragon’s wi-fi system that connects the spacecraft’s portable computer tablets.
Both astronauts also joined NASA Commander Chris Cassidy on Wednesday afternoon reviewing station safety procedures and equipment. Cassidy spent the morning setting up science gear that Hurley would later use to begin his space bubbles research.
In the Russian segment of the station, cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner split their time between Earth observations, radiation checks and module inspections. The duo also videotaped messages and station activities for audiences on the ground.
On-Orbit Status Report
Payloads
Advanced Colloids Experiment (ACE) Module photos: The crew took images of 4 ACE modules (ACE-T4, ACE-T11, and 2 ACE-T-Ellipsoid modules). This was performed to determine the viability of the various samples in these modules so order of operations can be planned accordingly. ACE modules are processed in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR)/Light Microscopy Module (LMM). Briefly, ACE-T4 looks at ordered/disordered particle systems, ACE-T11 studies the design and assembly of 3 dimensional structures from colloids, and ACE-T-Ellipsoids studies design and assembly of complex three-dimensional colloids.
Electrolysis Measurement (EM): The crew installed the EM experiment hardware in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) and the investigation was initiated. Electrolytic Gas Evolution Under Microgravity (Electrolysis Measurement) examines the influence of gravity on electrolytic gas evolution, a complex electrochemical process with multiple applications on Earth and in space. For example, electrolysis generates bubbles that can be used to create pressure differentials in microfluidic devices, such as skin patches, used to deliver medications. Microgravity makes it possible to single out bubble growth and study its effect on the process.
Hourglass-SD swap: As a continuation of the data downlink for Hourglass run 2, the crew swapped out secure digital (SD) memory cards. JAXA’s Hourglass investigation examines the relationship between gravity and the behavior of granular materials such as regolith that covers the surface of planets and planetary-like bodies. Researchers observe various granular materials inside an hourglass and a measuring cylinder under different gravity conditions. Better understanding of the behavior of these materials supports the design of spacecraft for future missions landing on the surfaces of planets and other celestial bodies.
Plant Habitat-02: The crew reviewed the appropriate procedures, gathered hardware, and set up the maintenance work area (MWA) in preparation for the Plant Hab-02 facility work later this week. Assessment of Nutritional Value and Growth Parameters of Space-grown Plants (Plant Habitat-02) cultivates radishes as a model plant that is nutritious and edible, has a short cultivation time, and is genetically similar to Arabidopsis, a plant frequently studied in microgravity. Developing the capability for food production in space requires understanding cultivation conditions such as intensity and spectral composition of light and the effects of the culture medium or soil. This research could help optimize plant growth in the unique environment of space, as well as evaluation of nutrition and taste of the plants.
Systems
Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Sample Collection: The crew collected water samples from the PWD for in-flight and post-flight analysis. Collections are performed multiple times throughout the increment to verify water quality. During the in-flight analysis today, the crew noticed the session had terminated with indications the PWD sample bag was under-filled. The crew verified the sample bag was appropriately filled. Ground team will continue to assess to determine the cause of the termination. The sample bag is valid for a day so analysis may be delayed if the issue is resolved prior to tomorrow.
ISS Emergency Hardware Familiarization Onboard Training (OBT): The crew completed the Emergency Hardware OBT which is designed to familiarize the crew with the locations of equipment and the positions of valves used in emergencies as well as practice communication from the Russian Segment (RS) modules in case of emergency.
Emergency Mask Procedure Review On-Board Training (OBT): The crew reviewed and practiced the emergency mask don/purge technique for an ammonia leak scenario. This is nominal training to maintain crew proficiency using emergency masks.
Completed Task List Activities:
LAB1P6 CCAA MFCV and Gas Trap Inspection
Microgravity Science Glovebox Video Camera Lens Check
Today’s Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
Nitrogen Repress
JEM RMS Ops Ground Support
Node 3 MCA Full Calibration
SSRMS Walkoff to MBS4
MT Translate from WS5 to WS7
Look Ahead Plan
Thursday, 6/4 (GMT 156)
Payloads:
CIR Manifold Bottle Change
ELF Round Robin sample install
Electrolysis Measurement Sample Exchange
Plant Habitat-02
Systems:
EVA SOP R&R (EMU 3006)
HTV Cargo Ops
EHS AQM Relocate
Thermal Amine Scrubber Powercycle
Friday, 6/5 (GMT 157)
Payloads:
Electrolysis Measurement Sample Exchange
Food Physiology
J-SOLISS removal
MSRR/MSL/GEDS sample Exchange
NanoRacks MOD-48 Imagery
Radi-N2 retrieve and handover
Systems:
SpaceX-20 SODF Quick Response Crew Trainer
HTV Cargo Ops
ISS Crew Handover
Saturday, 6/6 (GMT 158)
Payloads:
No payload activities
Systems:
Crew Off Duty
Today’s Planned Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
Hourglass SD Card exchange on PL Cntl Box S/N 002 for data downlink
Power up Soyuz 745 Angular Rate Integration Unit (????)
MATRYOSHKA-R. Tritel Hardware Monitoring
Environmental Health System (EHS) Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Sample Collect, Analysis & Data Record
Switching Air Conditioner System 2 [???2] Air Pressure Valve [??1] to position “2”
SCENARIY. Observation and photography using photo equipment
Video Recording of Greetings
Integrated Emergency Procedure Review
Filling (degassing) ??? [???] for Elektron or ???-[??]
Cleaning vent screens on FGB interior panels (panels 116, 316, 231, 431)
Electrolysis Measurement Hardware Gather & Setup
Electrolysis Measurement Payload Overview
Plant Habitat-02 Facility Procedure Review
Cleaning FGB ??1 Circulation Fan 1 Protective Screen
Weekly checkout of RS video recording equipment
Monitoring RS structural shell surfaces using Multipurpose Eddy Current Device ???-2? (with data downlink)
Progress 443 (DC1) stowage and IMS ops
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill
Electrolysis Measurement Sample Exchange (with Functional Handover)
DUBRAVA. Observation and photography using photo equipment
ACE Module Photo documentation
Station Support Computer (SSC) System Vent Cleaning
Systems Operations Data File (SODF) Update
Countermeasures System (CMS) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Cylinder Flywheel Evacuation
Crew Dragon Wi-Fi Test
Crew Dragon Tablet Sync & Stow
Plant Habitat-02 Dual MWA Preparation
Swap the Dragon PCS with the N2 PCS (PCS Only)
Plant Habitat-02 Facility Prep Gather
VIZIR. Session with Photo image coordinate referencing system (????-??)
CEVIS Handover Video Review
CEVIS Crew Handover
On-Board Training (OBT) HTV Emergency Review
On-board Training (OBT) ISS Emergency Hardware Familiarization
Health Maintenance System (HMS) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Inspection
