ISS On-Orbit Status 29 Mar 2002
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except as noted previously or below. Today 28 years ago (1974) we saw the first close-up photos of Mars thanks to Mariner 10.
Yesterday’s SSRMS operations by crew and ground were fully successful. The crew began the activities earlier, and the subsequent S0 installation dry run went so well that the crew also completed the test sequence originally scheduled for today. The dry run used the Redundant electronics string to transfer a simulated S0 truss from the “hover” point above the (simulated) Shuttle payload bay to the RTL (ready-to-latch) position. [More detail on yesterday’s ops: they involved (1) grappling and ungrappling the Lab FRGF (flight releasable grapple fixture) with the LEE (latching end effector) using the new R2 (release 2) software for the first time, thus demonstrating its functionality, (2) a brake release test on the Prime string without locking up the RWS (robotics workstation) using a new OCS software patch uplinked on 3/27 (although brakes did not release, the RWS did not lock up, confirming that the brakes can be released on the good joints on the Prime string and that the failure is indeed isolated to the WR joint), and (3) finally repositioning the arm in a stowed configuration safely away from the Lab window. Additionally, this position is only two single-joint maneuvers away from S0 grapple on today’sÊ dry run with the new 6DOF patch, and it sets the WR (wrist roll) joint roll angle to the value needed when 8A arrives on FD3 of STS-110. The WR will not be moved again until the actual S0 transfer.]
Because of the excellent progress made yesterday, the SSRMS operations scheduled for 4/1 (Monday) were performed todayÊ and successfully so. The new 6DOF (six degrees-of-freedom) software patch was uplinked last night (two days earlier than scheduled) and downloaded into the RWS this morning. Today’s MSS (mobile servicer system) operations tested the patch with a full-up SSRMS repetition of yesterday’s S0 dry run, but on the Prime string with the 6DOF patch. After completion of today’s robotics program, the crew declared themselves and the MSS system, including 6DOF patch, ready for 8A.Ê [After power-down of the Redundant string and the Lab RWS by MCC-Houston and power-up of the Primary string and Cupola RWS on the 6DOF software instead, the crew took over and maneuvered the SSRMS to the S0 dry run start, then executed the S0 install dry run with 6DOF single-joint ops, and finally maneuvered the armÊ to the 8A docking position again, as yesterday. The MSS was then powered down remotely and configured for 8A by reloading the nominal R2 software (7DOF). Prelaunch checkout of the MSS is now planned for 4/1 (instead of 4/2).]
CSA reports that the replacement WR joint will be fully certified and delivered to KSC on 4/14 and should be on board the Orbiter on 4/16, assuming the vertical integration into STS-111/Endeavour (already in the upright position at that time) may require some time and possibly some hardware modifications.
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CDR Yuri Onufrienko completed a number of systems maintenance activities in the RS (Russian segment), starting out by upgrading the Regul-OC radio control and communications system (RSUS) with a new BSR interface unit to the computer system (laptop #3). After first testing the old BSR with the laptop, the new BSR #2 was installed with a new cable and the test run again, monitored from Moscow during RGS comm pass at 3:25 am EST.
Later, Onufrienko and FE-2 Dan Bursch performed another BINS (strap-down inertial guidance system) update/correction test using the VP-2 and PUMA optical sighting devices for taking star fixes (Alpha, Epsilon and Eta in the Big Dipper) during the orbital night at 4:575:24 am EST. Removal of the viewfinder equipment from SM window #6 is scheduled for tomorrow.
Another lengthy task for the CDR today, assisted in part by Bursch, was the replacement of a cable between SM local signal commutators (LKTs) of the BITS2-12 onboard telemetry measurement system and speed sensor converters (PCT-90). This involved powering down the BITS and turning off the data-output-to-control-system (VD-SU) mode which exchanges data between BITS and the onboard computer system (this mode is always turned off when BITS parts are replaced).
Yuri continued transfer and pre-packing of Russian 8A return equipment, following an uplinked and daily updated list from TsUP. He also completed a changeout of dust filters in the SM’s thermal control system (SOTR), and prepared the daily IMS delta file, while FE-1 Carl Walz performed the routine SOSH life support system maintenance and later filled out his weekly FFQ (food frequency questionnaire) on the MEC computer.
On request from MCC-H Dan Bursch power-cycled the CHeCS IV-CPDS (crew health care systems — intravehicular charged-particle spectrometer) so that the ground can send commands to it.
The crew were told that they did such a good job programming the first three PGTs (power grip tools) for the upcoming EVAs that they should do the fourth PGT as well (not originally requested). This task programs the tools by assigning settings (numbers) on the tool dials to specific torque values.
In the payloads area, Dan Bursch completed another EVARM (EVA radiation monitoring) pre-EVA badge reading to help characterize the on-board radiation trends prior to the 8A EVAs. These pre-EVA readings will be taken two more times prior to the first EVA. To save time, the EVARM hardware stays deployed for the remainder of the increment.
On ADVASC (advanced astroculture) Dan took another set of condensate (50 milli liters), nutrient (50 ml), and gas samples from the growth chamber.
After removing and stowing the ARIS-ICE (active rack isolation system-isolation characterization experiment) shaker mounting hardware, Carl Walz did another round of ARIS-ICE hammer tests, at three specific times synchronized with ground observation at POC (Payload Operations Center). The activity was an exact repeat of last week’s experiment including ensuring that no umbilicals contacted the platform and that the hammer tapping was sound-cued and recorded on video.
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Temperature juggling continues with the BTR (biotechnology refrigerator).ÊÊ After the crew yesterday first reduced the cabin temperature somewhat and set up a fan, BTR temperature came down from 8 deg to a “comfortable” 4.9 deg overnight. When the cabin temperature setpoint was raised to 25 deg again (to reduce condensation collection rate in the Lab tank), BTR temperature rose and stabilized at 6.4 deg. The ground believes that there is a “hot air pocket” at that location (because the fan helped) and continues to look at data to determine if additional actions are required in the future.
MCC-H/Avionics has now uploaded all software modifications required for 8A, except the GNC (guidance, navigation and control) s/w patch necessitated by the unexpected attitude control handover to the RS last month during a software upload. The patch extends an elapsed-time setting of a subroutine. [Flashback: during the primary C&C3 MDM computer failure in the U.S. segment (USOS) on 2/27 due to a faulty PPL data file load, the U.S. motion control authority automatically transferred to the Russian motion control system, with one result being loss of Ku-band and S-band HDR (high data rate). After thorough investigation of this unexpected handover, the joint anomaly resolution team has reported that the event is fully understood and that a software change, which extends the elapsed-time setting of a timer, will be implemented on 4/2 to make the system more robust in the future, i.e. leave attitude control in the USOS during s/w uploads.]
Bursch and Walz today continued EMU preparations by configuring the spacesuits to be worn during the upcoming EVAs. U.S. spacesuit sizing involves about a dozen adjustments at various places on arms, wrists, waists, and legs of the individual suits for seven crewmembers, plus selection of appropriate HUTs (hard upper torsos), gloves and boots/inserts. Configuring also involves installation of helmet lights, REBA (rechargeable EVA battery assembly, batteries, Metox canisters, EMU TV and appropriate identification stripes.
The regeneration of the recyclable METOX (metal oxide) canisters for the 8A EVAs and Airlock (A/L) has now been scheduled for 4/2 (next Tuesday). Joint agreement has been reached by U.S. and Russian specialists on a specific operations plan for the 14-hr. regeneration activity. If the regen test is successful, the process will continue for the 8A EVAs.Ê [After activation of the regeneration in the A/L oven early in the morning, the hatch between A/L and Node will be closed, but IMV (intermodular ventilation) will remain open so that air samples can be taken throughout the operation. The U.S. TCCS (trace contaminant control subassembly) will be active all the time, and air samples will be collected at a linear diffuser in the IMV between A/L and Node at three times: before begin of regeneration (to obtain a baseline atmosphere), at about 2 hours into regeneration (when maximum emission of contaminants is expected), and at 9.5 hours after begin (point of highest Metox temperature). Both U.S. and Russian (AK-F and AK-M) sampling equipment will be used besides the TCCS. Should any odors be noticed by the crew (via the IMV), the regeneration will be terminated remotely from a laptop, and the IMV closed. In case of smoke/fire, the A/L smoke detectors would immediately effect automatic shutdown of the oven and closure of IMV through the FDS (fire detection and suppression) system.]
MCC-H now has a plan to operate the MCA (major constituent analyzer), which is currently failed, from the ground. MCA is not calibrated yet, so data will not yet be reliable, but if the ops are successful, the system should be available during 8A. MCA has been kept in Extended Life mode, i.e., in a state that preserves mass spectrometer vacuum in the chamber but produces no partial pressure data of the air constituents.
Conjunction: Object 23999 (Pegasus rocket body), 3/30 (tomorrow), TCA (time of closest approach) 3:55 am EST. Predicted miss distance: about 17 km. No maneuver necessary.
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CEO (crew earth operations) today focused on the following targets: Tropical Cyclone Ikala (Dynamic Event: Sun angle, ISS attitude and ISS ground track were good for documenting tropical cyclone Ikala in the central Indian Ocean. The storm system was to the left [N] of the track and moving SE-ward. Late today it should begin to deteriorate), South Sandwich Islands (East of South Georgia Island a substantial hole in the clouds had developed, which should have permitted the crew to shoot to the right [S] of track. Icebergs, floes and the northern limit of the Antarctic mass, if visible, should be documented. Such data on the extent and volume of ice are incorporated into global climate models), Industrialized Southeastern Africa (from the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town the station traveled NE-ward, parallel to the coast of South Africa. This track, clear weather, and ISS attitude were excellent for documenting movement of aerosols from Cape Town and the inland urban centers, outward over the Indian Ocean. Crew was advised to overexpose slightly, in order to get the more diffuse outer edges of any smog palls), Congo-Zimbabwe Biomass Burning (left [NW] of track lies the coast of Mozambique, including the delta of the Zambezi River. Crew to document any smoke from land clearing in the highlands, as well as from agricultural lands along the coastal plain and around the delta. Weather is expected to remain clear over the Mozambique Channel and western Madagascar [right of track]; crew should have been be able to get an oblique context view of the reef-ringed Comoros Islands just to the right of track).
U.S. and Russian Segment Status (as of 2:00 pm EST today):
Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLSS) and Thermal Control (TCS):
- Elektron O2 generator is On (24 Amps mode). Vozdukh CO2 scrubber is ON in MANUAL cycle mode #5 (vacuum pump failed). U.S. CDRA CO2 scrubber is in Standby. BMP Harmful Impurities unit: Absorbent bed #1 in Purify mode, bed #2 in Purify mode.
- SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 761, temperature (deg C) — 26.7, ppO2 (mmHg) — 156.0, ppCO2 (mmHg) — 2.5.
- SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 767, temperature (deg C) — 21.5.
- FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) — 769, temperature (deg C) — 20.5.
- Node: Pressure (mmHg) — 754.70, temperature (deg C) — 23.8 (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) — 756.94, temperature (deg C) — 24.1, ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a;
- Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) — 756.73, temperature (deg C) — 24.1; shell heater temp (deg C) — 21.8, ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- PMA-1: Shell heater temp (deg C) — 23.9
- PMA-2: Shell heater temp (deg C) — 13.2
(Note: Partial pressures ppO2 and ppCO2 in U.S. segment [USOS] not available because MCA [major constituent analyzer] is failed and in Extended Life mode [= a state that preserves mass spectrometer vacuum but produces no pp data]).
Electrical Power Systems (EPS):
- Beta Gimbal Assembly (BGA) 2B in Autotrack mode, BGA 4B in Autotrack mode.
- SM batteries: battery #2 is offline (capacity restoration mode [ROM]); all other batteries (7) in “partial charge” mode.
- FGB battery #6 and #4 are offline (capacity restoration mode [ROM]); all other batteries (4) are in “partial charge” mode.
- Plasma Contactor Unit PCU-1 in Standby mode; PCU-2 in Standby mode.
Thermal Control Systems:
Air conditioner SKV-1 is Off (Freon leak). SKV-2 is On.
Command & Data Handling Systems:
- C&C-1 MDM is prime, C&C-3 is back-up, and C&C-2 is in standby.
3CLI>GNC-1 MDM is prime; GNC-2 is Off.
- LA-1, LA-2 and LA-3 MDMs are all operating.
- APS-1 (automated payload switch #1) and APS-2 are both On.
- SM Terminal Computer (TVM): 3 redundant lanes (of 3) operational.
- SM Central Computer (TsVM): 2 redundant lanes (of 3) operational.
Communications Systems:
- S-band is operating nominally.
- Ku-band is operating nominally.
- Audio subsystem operating nominally.
- Video subsystem operating nominally.
- MCOR (medium-rate communications outage recorder) operating nominally.
Robotics:
- SSRMS/Canadarm2 at Progress viewing position, with Keep Alive power on both strings.
- RWS (robotics workstations) are Off.
ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 6:53 am EST):
- Mean altitude — 390.3 km
- Apogee — 392.7 km
- Perigee — 387.9 km
- Period — 92.4 min.
- Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
- Eccentricity — 0.0003529
- Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.59
- Altitude decrease — 250 m (mean) in last 24 hours
- Solar Beta Angle: +55.0 deg (magnitude peaking)
- Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. ’98) — 19160
- Current Flight Attitude — XPOP (x-axis perpendicular to orbit plane = “sun-fixed” [yaw: ~180 deg, pitch: -5 deg., roll: 0 deg])
For more on ISS orbit and naked-eye visibility dates/times, see
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/osf/station/viewing/issvis.html
