NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 5 December 2019 – SpaceX Resupply Mission Launched
The SpaceX Dragon resupply ship is on its way to the International Space Station packed with science and supplies for the Expedition 61 crew.
Russia’s Progress 74 cargo craft will soon follow the U.S. spaceship with a launch set for Friday morning.
Dragon blasted off from Florida on Thursday at 12:29 p.m. EST carrying nearly three tons of cargo. Included in the space shipment are new science experiments such as the Confined Combustion study, Japan’s Hyperspectral Imager Suite (HISUI) and the AzTechSat-1 cubesat developed by Mexican students.
Astronauts Luca Parmitano and Andrew Morgan will capture Dragon with the Canadarm2 robotic arm when it arrives Sunday at approximately 6 a.m. Robotics controllers on Earth will take over the Canadarm2 and remotely install Dragon to the Harmony module.
Russia’s’ Progress 74 resupply rocket stands at its launch pad in Kazakhstan counting down to a Friday launch at 4:34 a.m. It will arrive Monday loaded with new station hardware and crew supplies. Cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Skripochka will monitor the 74P’s automated docking to the Pirs docking compartment at 5:38 a.m.
Back inside the orbiting lab, a variety of space biology research took place today to understand how weightlessness affects the human body long term. Morgan and fellow NASA astronaut Jessica Meir collected and spun their blood samples in a centrifuge for the Fluid Shifts study. Meir then joined Parmitano for eye checks during the afternoon.
Parmitano started his morning installing cell research hardware in the Japanese Kibo laboratory module. NASA Flight Engineer Christina Koch serviced the Bio-Monitor, a wearable device that monitors a crewmember’s vital signs real-time.
On-Orbit Status Report
CBEF-L (Cell Biology Experiment Facility-L): The crew performed the Humidifier Setup for CBEF Incubator Unit and inserted the LTL distribution box into the SAIBO rack. The crew then performed a setup of the Saibo Rack to a nominal configuration including connecting the CBEF Video Cable to IPU and sealed the CBEF-SAIBO sealing with Aluminium tape. The Ground performed a checkout of the systems. Cell Biology Experiment Facility-L (CBEF-L) is a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) new subrack facility, which is an upgraded facility of the original Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). CBEF-L provides new capabilities with additional new resources such as Full High Definition video interface, Ethernet, 24 VDC power supply, and a larger diameter centrifugal test environment. By using the original CBEF and CBEF-L as one facility for the same experiment, the payload user is provided with an upgraded experimental environment that can handle the processing of more experimental samples for a wider array of experiments.
The ISS Experience: The crew recorded an Astronaut log. The ISS Experience creates a virtual reality film documenting daily life aboard the ISS. The 8 to 10 minute videos created from footage taken during the six-month investigation cover different aspects of crew life, execution of science aboard the station, and the international partnerships involved. The ISS Experience uses a Z-CAM V1 Pro Cinematic Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree camera with nine 190° fisheye lenses.
Fluid Shifts: The crew performed blood, saliva, and urine sample collections. The crew also performed the setup for the Fluid Shifts Dilution Measures. Fluid Shifts is a NASA investigation, divided into Dilution Measurements, Baseline Imaging, and Imaging with Chibis. The Chibis hardware is used to perform the Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) part of the experiment. The Fluid Shifts experiment investigates the causes for severe and lasting physical changes to astronaut’s eyes. Because the headward fluid shift is a hypothesized contributor to these changes, reversing this fluid shift with a LBNP device is being evaluated as a possible intervention. Results from this study may help to develop preventative measures against lasting changes in vision and prevention of eye damage.
Systems:
SpX-19 Launch: SpX-19 successfully launched for Cape Canaveral, Florida today at approximately 11:29 CT. The Dragon vehicle separation was nominal along with the Solar Array deployment. Dragon is scheduled to arrive at ISS on December 8.
SpX-19 Dragon Preparations: Today, the ISS crew completed Dragon Off-set Grapple On-Board Training (OBT) activity in preparation for the upcoming Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Dragon vehicle capture. Prior to the OBT, the crew calibrated the external cameras utilized by the Robotic Work Station (RWS) video overlays in preparation for the SpX-19 Dragon vehicle capture. Currently, SpX-19 mission was launched today, December 5, and will arrive at the ISS on December 8. Yesterday’s launch attempt was scrubbed due to high winds at the launch pad. Other preparatory activities included the crew gathering up hardware for the Dragon Vestibule Outfitting activity that is planned for later on in the week.
Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Quarterly Maintenance: Today, the ISS crew completed the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) quarterly maintenance which included inspection of the X-rotation dashpots, cycling the main arm through full range of motion, and applying grease to the ARED rails and rollers, which is done every 90 days. The crew noted that while wiping the rails, there was some minor and expected dust accumulation.
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Mobility Unit (EMU) Water Line Vent Tube Assembly (WLVTA): Following the AMS EVA3, the ISS crew observed a ~10ml water leak coming from the EMU 3004 suit while doffing the suit. Since then, the crew and ground teams have performed some troubleshooting and determined that the WLVTA remove and replace was prudent for future EVAs. Therefore, today the ISS crew completed remove and replace of the EMU 3004 Water Line Vent Tube Assembly (WLTVA) in order to restore EMU 3004 to nominal operations.
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Brine Filter: As part of regular maintenance, the ISS crew opened up the UPA Fill Drain Valve Enclosure and removed the installed/old Brine Filter and replaced it with a new Brine Filter. Brine Filters are replaced every 60 days.
Completed Task List Activities:
No Task List Activities completed
Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
Payload Support
SpX-19 Support Operations
Friday, 12/6 (GMT 340)
Payloads:
Bio-Monitor donning (50 min) and comm check (CSA)
Rotifer-B1: Kubik Centrifuge removal from Kubik-6 and Electronics into 5 & 6 (ESA)
FIR CCU HD replace (NASA)
BFF Cassette inserts and Syringe Swap (NASA)
NR-Zero-G oven preheat and chkout (NASA)
Systems:
Dragon RPOP setup
Dragon Cargo Conference
Dragon Cargo Review
Saturday, 12/7 (GMT 341)
Payloads:
Rodent Habitats Stow and LSG setup (NASA)
Bio-Monitor HW pwrdown (CSA)
BFF Cassette inserts and syringe swaps (NASA)
ISS HAM (NASA)
Systems:
Dragon Stowage Reconfig
Sunday, 12/8 (GMT 342)
Payloads:
Fluid Shifts Baseline Line Imaging Setup (NASA)
Bone Densitometer Calibration load (NASA)
BEST Box module inserts into MELFI (NASA)
Systems:
Dragon Leak Check
Dragon Capture
Dragon Vestibule
Dragon Ingress
Dragon CCP Routing
Dragon Center Stack Transfer
Today’s Planned Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.
URAGAN. Observation and Photography
ECON-M. Observation and Photography
Recharging Soyuz 746 Samsung PC (if charge level below 80%)
Reminder 2 Fluid Shifts Dilution Measures
Fluid Shifts Saliva Baseline Collection
Fluid Shifts MELFI Insertion Operations
Fluid Shifts Urine Collection
Fluid Shifts HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Baseline Collection Subject
Fluid Shifts HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Operator
Fluid Shifts Galley Water Collection And Tracer Ingestion Operations
Fluid Shifts HRF Centrifuge Blood Collection Configuration
Regeneration of Micropurification Unit (БМП) Ф2 Cartridge, initiate
Fluid Shifts HRF Centrifuge Blood Collection Spin Conclude
Metal Oxide (METOX) Regeneration Termination
VECTOR-T. Photo Spectral System (ФСС) Hardware Setup.
XF305 Camcorder Setup
Cell Biology Experiment Facility Left (CBEF-L) LTL distribution box Insertion
VECTOR-T. Setup and checkout
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) Brine Filter Chang-eout
ABOUT GAGARIN FROM SPACE. HAM Radio Session with Amur State University in Blagoveshchensk
LTL DISTRIBUTION BOX Setup
ISS Experience Node 1 Setup
ISS crew and ГОГУ (RSA Flight Control Management Team) weekly conference
Cell Biology Experiment Facility Left (CBEF-L) initial setup part 1
Fluid Shifts Urine Collection Mid
Inventory Management System (IMS) conference
Service Module (SM) Printer Gather
Preparation for МИРТ-3 charge/discharge current integrator (А721) replacement in SM Power Supply System Main Bus Assembly (БСШ-1М).
Cell Biology Experiment Facility Left (CBEF-L) clearance sealing
Removal of Epson printer.
Fluid Shifts MELFI Retrieval And Insertion Operations
VECTOR-T. Setting Parameters
Fluid Shifts HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood 3-Hour Collection Subject
Fluid Shifts HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Operator
SCENARIY. Observation and Photography of Palmira
BIOCARD. Experiment Session.
Fluid Shifts HRF Centrifuge Blood Collection Configuration
Fluid Shifts Saliva 3-Hour Collection
Fluid Shifts MELFI Retrieval And Insertion Operations
ISS Experience Recording Preparation
Fluid Shifts HRF Centrifuge Blood Collection Spin Conclude
ESA Weekly crew conference
Fluid Shifts MELFI Retrieval And Insertion Operations
Fluid Shifts HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Conclude And Stow
ISS Experience Astronaut Log Recording
Columbus SUP Ground Fault Interrupt Test preparation
Columbus SUP Ground Fault Interrupt Test
INTER-MAI-75. Moding HAM Radio Hardware to SSTV
VECTOR-T. Setting Parameters
Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) Humidifier Setup for CBEF Incubator Unit
Overlay Camera Calibration
Columbus GFI Test – Inverter reconfiguration
Columbus SUP Ground Fault Interrupt Test closeout.
Fluid Shifts Saliva 5-Hour Collection
ISS Experience Record Conclude
Robotics Onboard Training (ROBoT) Session for Dragon
Bio-Monitor Controller Setup Alternate
Fluid Shifts MELFI Retrieval And Insertion Operations
Fluid Shifts Urine Collection End
ISS Experience Hardware Relocate
Bio-Monitor Application Configuration File Upload
Fluid Shifts MELFI Retrieval And Insertion Operations
Fluid Shifts Urine Collection Stow
Robotics Onboard Training (ROBoT) Session for Dragon
Bio-Monitor Data Unit Firmware Update
On-board Training (OBT) Dragon Offset Grapple
Installation of HP printer and voltage converter in the RS – procedure review, equipment gathering.
VECTOR-T. Photo Spectral System (ФСС) Hardware Teardown. Data Copying and Downlink
Environmental Health System Compound Specific Analyzer Combustion Products (CSA-CP) Battery Changeout
Food Physiology Crew Diet Briefing
Replacement of silent units on ВБ-3М cycle ergometer
Soundproofing Air Conditioner System [СКВ1] after dryout
Service Module (SM) Printer Restow
Bio-Monitor Data Unit Firmware Update And Battery Installation
СОЖ maintenance Verification of ИП-1 Flow Sensor Position
Food Acceptability Survey
HMS Tonometry Test Setup
INTER-MAI-75. Equipment deactivation and cleanup
HMS Tonometry Test Crew Medical Officer (CMO)
UF-ATMOSFERA. Hardware and electrical connections setup
HMS Tonometry Test Subject
Fluid Shifts Dilution Measures Setup
HMS Tonometry Test Stow
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Water Line Vent Tube Assembly (WLVTA) Remove and Replace
ISS HAM Service Module Pass
ISS Experience Hardware Stow
UF-ATMOSFERA. PL activation.
INTERACTION-2. Experiment Ops
Dragon Vestibule Outfitting Kit (VOK) Gather
