Status Report

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 1 November 2007

By SpaceRef Editor
November 1, 2007
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NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 1 November 2007
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All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Day 147 for Clayton Anderson. Flight Day 10 for STS-120/10A; Day 8 of Joint Ops.

ISS/Shuttle crew wake-up: 12:08am EDT. Sleeptime: 4:38pm (ISS), 5:08pm (Shuttle).

Mission Schedule Changes: EVA-4 for fixing the ripped P6 4B inboard blanket has been deferred one more day, to 11/3 (Saturday), to give crewmembers and ground teams more time for careful preparations. Also, the originally planned Shuttle deorbit & landing times on 11/7 have been shifted from ascending leg entries to descending leg entry opportunities. The latter not only significantly improve the crews’ timeline and sleep shift but also provide daylight landing at KSC or EDW. The change in sleep cycles results in tonight’s sleep time being delayed by 90 minutes (from the original 3:08pm to 4:38pm for ISS (5:08pm for STS); wakeup: 1:08am). Sleep time will be shifting later every day.

SAW Repair: Most of the crew’s activities today dealt with timeline reviews, gathering tools and preparing equipment for Saturday’s EVA-4 spacewalk. Main focus today and tomorrow, besides readying EMUs and gloves, is on building jerry-rigged equipment for stabilizing the SAW (Solar Array Wing) hinge, by following uplinked plans and instructions developed overnight by MCC-H specialists. [Being constructed, with onboard resources & available tools, are three sizes of Hinge Stabilizers:- two long, two medium & two short, using components from the Clamp & Bracket Kit and Large & Small Gauge Pin Kit. The Hinge Stabilizers/Spanners, essentially simple 12-gauge wire lengths fitted at each end with short aluminum strips, work similarly to tuxedo shirt cufflinks: each end will be fed through a hole in the SAW on opposite sides of the separated hinge. The Stabilizers even have a safety loop for an EVA tether, to reduce the risk of their floating away. After clearing the snagged guide wire, EV1 will clear the hinge pins and then install the hinge stabilizer tools (spanners).]

Why is the 4B Panel Repair required?

  • The array is believed to be stable for the near term;
  • However, the array needs to be able to take loads over the long term;
  • Right now its 15-ft hinge, which should distribute a load of ~70 lbs, is missing about 3 feet, resulting in load concentration;
  • Therefore, over time the blanket could tear further;
  • If the blanket tears too much, the array cannot be stabilized and would have to be jettisoned (loss of ~20 kW of power);
  • That makes P6 deployment the number one priority for the rest of the mission.


EVA-4 Preparations: In addition, crewmembers in space and engineers on the ground, particularly also Canadian MSS (Mobile Service System) specialists, are tackling the second difficult problem of the spacewalk: how to get the spacewalkers to the site of the damage for the repair efforts. [The plan is for the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System), to grapple and handoff the OBSS (Orbiter Boom Sensor System) extension arm to the SRMS (Shuttle RMS) tomorrow for overnight parking, after having moved on the MT (Mobile Transporter) from WS8 (Worksite 8) to WS3 and back. On Saturday/EVA day, the SSRMS will regrapple the OBSS at its middle PDGF (Power & Data Grapple Fixture). EV1 (Parazynski) and EV2 (Wheelock) will install a PAD/WIF (Portable Foot Restraint Device/Worksite Interface Fixture) adapter, WIF extender and APFR (Articulating PFR) on the OBSS, which then provides EV1 transportation & support for moving to and fixing the torn blanket bays. Wheels’ main role is to support Scott and to provide/relay GCA (ground control assist). Unpowered OBSS time will be minimized to preserve its science instrumentation equipment. A get-ahead task for EV2 will be the retrieval of an APFR which is suspect of having cut Wheels’ glove and past EVA gloves, for IV inspection.]

In the morning right after wakeup, Malenchenko terminated his second MBI-12 SONOKARD experiment session by taking the recording device from his SONOKARD sports shirt pocket. Later, Yuri copied the measurements to the RSE-MED laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground. [SONOKARD objectives are stated to (1) study the feasibility of obtaining the maximum of data through computer processing of records obtained overnight, (2) systematically record the crewmember’s physiological functions during sleep, (3) study the feasibility of obtaining real-time crew health data. Investigators believe that contactless acquisition of cardiorespiratory data over the night period could serve as a basis for developing efficient criteria for evaluating and predicting adaptive capability of human body in long-duration space flight.]

Also before breakfast, CDR Whitson and FE-2-16 Tani collected their third saliva samples for the new INTEGRATED IMMUNE experiment payload. [This experiment integrates studies of neuroendocrine & immune responses in humans during and after long-term stay at ISS to provide an understanding for the development of pharmacological tools to countermeasure unwanted immunological side effects during long-duration missions in space (Moon & Mars). Immune protocol requires the collection to occur first thing post-sleep, before eating, drinking and brushing teeth, and all samples are stored at ambient temperature.]

The FE-1 serviced the Russian BMP (Harmful Impurities Removal System), starting the "bake-out" cycle to vacuum on absorbent bed #2 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system. The regen process will be terminated later tonight. [Regeneration of each of the two cartridges takes about 12 hours and is conducted only during crew awake periods. Filter bed 1 was regenerated on 10/30.]

FE-2 Anderson worked on the newly installed AmiA (Antimicrobial Applicator), removing its insulation jackets to allow temperatures to equalize. [After its installation a couple of days ago, flow through AmiA has been completed and the canister isolated. The AmiA introduces OPA (Ortho-Phthalaldehyde), an antimicrobial agent, into the Lab IATCS (Internal Thermal Control System) coolant.]

Clay completed more outfitting tasks in Node-2, disconnecting a nitrogen (N2) line to the external Airlock hi-P tanks, closing all associated panels, taking documentary photographs of Node-2 closeout panels after the recent launch bolt removal, transferring stowage to Harmony for ZSR (Zero-G Stowage Rack) loading and then moved to Node-1 to install a Hatch Handle Guide Assembly on the starboard side.

CDR Whitson performed major IFM (In-flight Maintenance) on the Resistive Exercise Device (RED), replacing all canister pulley cables (done after every 53,515 cycles, based on life cycle testing results & safety controls), afterwards concluding with the standard Flexpac canister load calibration as required after cable replacements. (Last time done: 7/30/07). [The on-orbit calibration of the Schwinn RED cans re-establishes the relationship of specific load settings with a specific number of pulls per setting, followed by recording of the load values measured with a calibration tool and steel handles from the on-orbit calibration kit.]

As part of the regular monthly preventive maintenance of RS (Russian Segment) ventilation systems, Yuri spent time in the FGB (Funktsionalnyi-Grusovoi Blok), cleaning up and servicing the detachable VT7 fan screen guards (grilles) of the TCS/SOTR (Thermal Control System)’s gas-liquid heat exchangers (GZhT4) as well as replacing the PS1,2 dust collector filters.

Clay conducted the weekly 10-min. CWC audit as part of the continuing WDS (Water Delivery System) assessment of onboard water supplies. [Updated “cue cards” based on the crew’s water calldowns are sent up every other week.]

Anderson also took air samples for the periodic (weekly) atmospheric status check for ppO2 (Partial Pressure Oxygen) and ppCO2 (pp Carbon Dioxide), using the hand-held CSA-O2 (Compound Specific Analyzer-Oxygen sensor) and CDMK (CO2 Monitoring Kit). Batteries are to be replaced if necessary. [Purpose of the 10-min. activity is to trend with MCA (Major Constituents Analyzer), i.e., to correlate the hand-held readings with MCA measurements.]

CDR-16 Whitson and FE-2 Anderson filled out the regular FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire), his 16th, her second, on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer). [By means of these FFQs, U.S. astronauts keep a personalized log of their nutritional intake over time on special MEC software. Recorded are the amounts consumed during the past week of such food items as beverages, cereals, grains, eggs, breads, snacks, sweets, fruit, beans, soup, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, chicken, sauces & spreads, and vitamins.]

FE-1 Malenchenko conducted the regular task (currently daily) of checkout/verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS hatchways, including the SM- & FGB-to-Soyuz tunnels, the DC1-to-Progress and FGB-to-Node-1 passageway (this is especially important when the ventilation/circulation system has to cope with a larger crew on board, currently ten persons);

Yuri also performed the routine servicing of the SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the Service Module (SM). [Regular daily SOZh maintenance consists, among else, of replacement of the KTO & KBO solid waste containers and replacement of EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine containers. Weekly SOZh reports (on Sundays) to TsUP/Moscow deal with number & dates of water and urine containers, counter readings of water consumption & urine collection, and total operating time of the POTOK air filtration system.]

Anderson worked on the IMS (Inventory Management System), updating/editing its standard “delta file”, including locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).

ISS crewmembers completed their regular 2.5-hr. physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (CDR), TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-2), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).

Afterwards, Clayton transferred the crew’s exercise data file to the MEC for downlink.

No CEO (Crew Earth Observations) target uplinked for today.

CEO photography can be viewed and studied at the websites:
http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov (about 700,000 NASA digital photographs of Earth are downloaded by the public each month from this “Gateway” site);
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Study/AstronautPhotography


ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:44am EDT [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 342.3 km
Apogee height — 344.2 km
Perigee height – 340.4 km
Period — 91.38 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0002809
Solar Beta Angle — -63.6 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
Mean altitude gain in the last 24 hours — 395 m (due to Shuttle)
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 51244

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern, some changes possible. Also: Stage 10A being re-assessed!):
11/03 (FD11) — EVA-4 (Parazynski/Wheelock)
11/04/07 — 2:00am: DST ends, ST begins
11/05/07 — STS-120/Discovery/10A undocking (FD14/5:32am) [changed]
11/07/07 — STS-120/Discovery/10A deorbit burn (FD16/10:44am EST [changed]
11/07/07 — STS-120/Discovery/10A landing @ KSC (FD16/11:44am EST) [changed]
TBD — relocation to Node 2 (PMA-2 umbilicals stowed on 10A EVA-4)
TBD — Node 2 (Harmony) plus PMA-2 relocation to front of Lab
11/14/07 — US EVA-10
11/18/07 — US EVA-11
12/06/07 — STS-122/Atlantis/1E launch — Columbus Module, ICC-Lite (NET)
12/08/07 — STS-122/Atlantis/1E docking
12/15/07 — STS-122/Atlantis undocking
12/18/07 — STS-122/Atlantis landing
12/22/07 — Progress M-61/26P undocking (DC1) & reentry
12/23/07 — Progress M-62/27P launch
12/25/07 — Progress M-62/27P docking (DC1)
01/31/08 — ATV-1 “Jules Verne” launch/Ariane V (Kourou, French Guyana)
01/31/08 — 50-Year Anniversary of Explorer 1 (1st U.S. satellite on Redstone rocket)
02/06/08 – Progress M-62/27P undocking
02/07/08 — Progress M-63/28P launch
02/09/08 — Progress M-63/28P docking
02/14/08 — ATV-1 docking (SM aft port)
02/14/08 — STS-123/Endeavour/1J/A launch/1J/A — SLP-SPDM, JEM ELM-PS (NET)
02/16/08 — STS-123/Endeavour/1J/A docking
02/27/08 — STS-123/Endeavour undocking
02/29/08 — STS-123/Endeavour landing
04/08/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S launch
04/10/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S docking (DC1)
04/19/08 — Soyuz TMA-11/15S undocking (FGB nadir port)
04/23/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S relocation (from DC1 to FGB nadir port)
04/24/08 — STS-124/Discovery/1J launch – JEM PM “Kibo”, racks, RMS.
04/26/08 — STS-124/Discovery/1J docking
05/02/08 — STS-124/Discovery/1J undocking
05/14/08 — Progress M-64/29P launch
05/16/08 — Progress M-64/29P docking (DC1)
07/29/08 — ATV-1 undocking (from SM aft port)
08/11/08 — Progress M-64/29P undocking (from DC1)
08/12/08 — Progress M-65/30P launch
08/14/08 — Progress M-65/30P docking (SM aft port)
09/13/08 — Progress M-66/31P launch
09/15/08 — Progress M-66/31P docking (DC1)
09/20/08 — (NET) STS-126/Discovery/ULF2 launch – MPLM(P), LMC
10/01/08 — (NET) STS-126/Discovery/ULF2 undocking.
10/11/08 — Progress M-65/30P undocking (from SM aft port)
10/14/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S launch
10/16/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S docking (SM aft port)
04/??/09 — Six-person crew on ISS
04/15/09 — Constellation’s Ares I-X Launch.

SpaceRef staff editor.