IRSSCOM.012 – 4 May 2001
During the period after the docking of Soyuz-TM32 at the ISS the crew used the 143.625 mc for communications. Baturin used his stay on board ISS to conduct a lot of experiments among which plasma crystallization. He did what he could do during this short expedition with a lot of work. Once he could not transmit a TV-report for he had a lot of different tasks to do at the same time during which he also had to go to other modules and look through portholes and check monitors. Just like his S-TM commander he was always loud and clear during voice transmissions, did not show any sign of stress and always left the microphone open when he was listening. So often TsUP M could be heard in the background. This in contradiction to Usachov, who just like his practice during MIR-expeditions, curtails his voice communications to short statements and always switches the microphone ‘off’ when TsUP is speaking.
I did not hear Dennis Tito, but during some passes the crew prepared TV-sessions in which he had to show up.
The 2 American crew members did not use the Russian VHF facilities on board Zvezda for voice contacts with TsUP M or TsUP H.
In the second pass for Western Europe in orbit 14023 on 4.05.01 at 0841UTC Baturin still discussed experimental data with experts at TsUP M.
During the pass in orbit 14023, 1016-1026UTC, 2 channels were active:
Usachov used the 143.625 mc and reported that Musabayev was in the Soyuz-TM31.
Musabayev could be heard on 121.750 mc. He was checking the control and propulsion systems of the S-TM31. He reported the good functioning of these systems, for instance the performance of the DPO-s (attitude control engines) and the handles for manual control of the ship.
Possibly Voss and Helms were with him. Voss reported to Houston: Houston this is Alpha, space to ground 1. We are in the free drift for the Soyuz hot fire test.
Helms reported that all windows are closed.
Voss adds: And for Huntsville and for the plan, the NDU-s are deployed and they were deployed 15 minutes ago.
Musabayev is laughing a little bit, obviously he likes this situation.
For me proof that in space understanding and harmony is better than on earth, where lots of people twaddle about the first space tourist.
And to be honest: if I had 20 million dollars, my family would agree and I still had teeth, lungs and kidneys of a young boy, I would certainly opt to become the 2nd one!
Return flight Kristalls:
The hatches of the old transport ship Soyuz-TM31 will be closed behind the visiting crew on 5.05.2001 at 2313UTC.
On 6.05.2001 at 0219UTC this ship will undock from ISS and after a couple of autonomous orbits the landing in Kazakhstan will take place at 05.41.38UTC.
For listeners in Europe it is worthwhile to monitor 121.750 mc for some hours after the estimated landing time. If the landing will not take place at the 2nd or 3rd attempt S-TM31 might come in range.
Chris van den Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202
