ISSCOM.051 Soyuz-TMA7: Communications between Soyuz-TMA7 and TsUP-Moscow on 2.10.05 (flight day 2)

Orbit 17: 065240-065700UTC.

Telemetry via 166.130 mc. Voice communications via 121.750 mc.  The crew feels well, everything is in good order. We changed the purification cartridge P2 with P3. PR1 switched on in maximum position. Ventilator 2 in the SA (descent module) also in maximum position. Humidity 13.6.  Due to the low temperatures chosen for maximum positions and we have put on our costumes. But it is still bearable.

Orbit 18: 0825-0830UTC.

Telemetry via 166.130 mc. Voice communications via 121.750 mc. Crew still feeling well, everything is normal. The temperatures are 14.5 centigrades in the SA and 14.6 in the BO (life compartment). All switched to maximum positions , also the KR1 and KR2. We switched on the ventilator in the SA. TsUP-Moscow transmits form 23 to Tokarev with times for communication sessions and activities.

Docking of the the S-TMA7 at the docking compartment Pirs at 05.26.58UTC. Approach and docking took place in the automatic mode with the system Kurs.

Communications:

During orbit IRS 39267 10 minutes before the docking voice communications by Tokarev via the 121.750 mc in the window 0517-0522UTC. Tokarev reports distances and approach speeds: Distance 76 meters appr speed 40 cm/sec; 69 m 34 cm/sec. We are on course for the docking system. Distance 60m appr. Speed 30 cm/sec, We see the target. 60 m 27 cm/sec.

Of course I was able to monitor this traffic from NASA TV and a lot more about the approach phases, manoeuvres and the station keeping and the transition to the last meters to the docking port.

After the docking and the necessary air seal checks the hatches could be opened and we had to wait for the TV report of the entering of the new crew. It lasted relatively long before a good TV relay was possible via the tracking stations in Siberia. Krikalyov was in charge of the preparations for those communications about which he could be heard in orbit 39269 via the 143.625 mc. Therefore he used 2 channels: the VHF (UKW-1) and SG-2.

Chris van den Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202