NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 11 December 2008

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.

Continuing preparations for the Orlan EVA-21 on 12/22, CDR Fincke & FE-1 Lonchakov started out with the mandatory Russian pre-EVA MedOps procedure MO-6 (Hand-Cycle Ergometry) in the SM (Service Module), assisting each other in turn and supported by tagup with ground specialists on DO2 (~4:05pm EST), who are to clear them for spacewalking. [Because cosmonauts in early Russian programs have shown noticeable decrease in arm muscle tone, TsUP/IBMP (MCC-Moscow/Institute of Biomedical Problems) physical fitness experts have groundruled the handgrip/arm tolerance test analysis (hand ergometry) as a standard pre-Orlan EVA requirement. For MO-6, the subject dons the ECG (electrocardiogram) biomed harness, attaches three skin electrodes and plugs the harness into the PKO medical exam panel on the cycle ergometer. The other crewmember assists. The 30-min exercise itself starts after 10 seconds of complete rest, by manually rotating the cycle’s pedals, set at 150 W, backwards until "complete exhaustion".]

Second on the list of spacewalk preparations for Lonchakov & Fincke was a 2-hr. task of locating and readying Russian EVA equipment & tools, supported by an uplinked list of 31 items and a specialist tagup. [Yuri & Mike gathered the KPU tool “caddy” with hammer, cutter, pry bar and scissors, the EXPOSE-R, Langmuir Probe & IPI-SM payload monoblocs, cable reels, clamps, bungees, tethers, wire ties, cotton gloves, etc.]

Later, getting set up for the standard suited dry run on 12/19, the FE-1 & CDR also readied and checked out replaceable components (OTA) and auxiliary gear for their particular Orlan "skafandr" suits. [These include portable primary & reserve O2 tanks (BK-3), storage batteries (825M3), LiOH canisters (PL-9), moisture collectors, liquid cooling garments (KVO), comm headsets (ShL-10), gloves (GP-10K), thermal comfort undergarments (BK-10), socks, diapers, filters for feedwater lines (FOR), Orlan CO2 measurement units (IK), degassing pump unit (BOS), etc. One of the Orlan suits will have to be temporarily stowed in the USOS (Node-2) to make room for the EVA in the DC1.]

For his daily work on the new WRS (Water Recovery System), Mike Fincke reconfigured the UPA (Urine Processor Assembly) to draw urine from a Russian EDV-U container instead of the newly installed WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment), then filled the UPA WSTA (Water Storage Tank Assembly) with EDV-U pretreated urine. [During the activation process on 12/9 the UPA shut down due to a “low waste tank quantity” sensor reading. Approximately 500 mL of urine were found to have back-flowed from UPA into the WHC, probably into a hose launched “dry” (empty) since a careful search by the crew found no leak. Today Mike refilled the WSTA, and the UPA was restarted nominally, without glitch. Note: Recycled water from the US PWD (Potable Water Dispenser) may now be used by the crew for non-oral hygiene purposes, pending confirmation that NASA water specialists have cleared PWD analysis results with RS specialists.]

Mike Fincke & Yuri Lonchakov both took the periodic O-OHA (on-orbit hearing assessment) test, a 30-min. NASA environmental health systems examination to assess the efficacy of acoustic countermeasures, using a special MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) laptop application. It was Mike’s & Yuri’s second O-OHA test; Sandra Magnus had her first test on 11/23. [The O-OHA audiography test involves minimum audibility measurements for each ear over a wide range of frequencies (0.25-10 kHz) and sound pressure levels, with the crewmembers using individual-specific Prophonics earphones, new Bose ANC headsets (delivered on 30P) and the SLM (sound level meter). To conduct the testing, the experimenter is supported by special EarQ software on the MEC, featuring an up/down-arrow-operated slider for each test frequency that the crewmember moves to the lowest sound pressure level at which the tone can still be heard. The baseline test is required not later than about Flight Day 14 for each new Expedition and is then generally performed once per month. Note: There have been temporary hearing deficits documented on some U.S. and Russian crewmembers, all of which recovered to pre-mission levels.]

In the JAXA JLP (JEM Logistics Module Pressurized Section), FE-2 Magnus prepared for the JLP EFU13 (Exposed Facility Unit 13) checkout by setting up and connecting SLT-2 (System Laptop Terminal 2) to the JLP EDU (EEU/Experiment Exchange Unit Driver Unit), then performing the checkout and afterwards cleaning up, stowing SLT-2 and all cables. [The Kibo EF (Exposed Facility) will be delivered next May on Flight 2J (STS-127/Endeavour), along with the ELM-ES (Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section).]

In the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), Magnus prepared the WAICO (Waving & Coiling of Arabidopsis at Different Gravity Levels) experiment in the BLB (Biolab) for operation by transferring eight newly arrived ECs (Experiment Containers) from Progress 31P and installing them in the BLB’s TCU (Thermal Control Unit), after removing the TCU’s AAS (Automatic Ambient Stowage) insert and ATCS (Active Thermal Control System) insert/insulation.

Fincke completed the weekly 10-min. CWC (Contingency Water Container) inventory as part of on-going WRM (Water Recovery & Management) assessment of onboard water supplies. Updated “cue cards” based on the crew’s water calldowns are sent up every other week. [The new card (18-0006G) lists 39 CWCs (~1,272.9 L total) for the four types of water identified on board: technical water (695.8 L, for Elektron electrolysis), potable water (530.4 L, incl. 174.6 L currently off-limit because of Wautersia bacteria), condensate water (0.0 L), waste/EMU dump and other (46.7 L). Wautersia bacteria are typical water-borne microorganisms that have been seen previously in ISS water sources. These isolates pose no threat to human health.]

It was Mike’s turn to prepare the MELFI (Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS) for future samples, by completing the sixth ICEPAC insertion into MELFI after ULF-2, today retrieving another two -32 degC ICEPAC belts and placing them into Dewar 1, Tray C/Section 1 & 4 for cooling down.

The CDR also performed the regular 30-day inspection of the new AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in the CHeCS (Crew Health Care Systems) rack. [The AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient. It then can treat them through defibrillation, i.e., the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. AEDs are generally either held by trained personnel who will attend events or are public access units which can be found in places including corporate and government offices, shopping centers, airports, restaurants, casinos, hotels, sports stadiums, schools and universities, community centers, fitness centers, health clubs and any other location where people may congregate.]

The FE-1 collected the periodic readings of potentially harmful atmospheric contaminants in the SM, using the CMS (Countermeasure System), a component of the SKDS GANK-4M Real-Time Harmful Contaminant Gas Analyzer suite, today using preprogrammed microchips to measure for o-Xylol (1,2-Dimethylbenzol, C8H10) and Methyl-Mercaptan (Methanethiol, CH4S).

Sandy checked out the US SLM (Sound Level Meter) instrument and then used it to conduct the periodic noise level measurements program in the station interior for a 2-hr acoustic survey, including transfer of the recorded data to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer). [A total of 46 acoustic measurements were obtained, specifically at 14 locations in the Lab, 12 locations in the SM, three locations in the A/L (US Airlock), seven locations in COL, and eight locations in Node-2. The survey also includes two crew preference locations taken at their perceived loudest locations in the station. The SLM gives instantaneous noise levels and their frequency spectra, which are transferred to the MEC laptop via an RS232 cable and later downlinked with regular CHeCS (Crew Health Care Systems) data dump or via OCA.]

Yuri completed the routine daily servicing of the SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the SM. [Regular daily SOZh maintenance consists, among else, of checking the ASU toilet facilities, replacement of the KTO & KBO solid waste containers and replacement of EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine containers.]

The FE-1 also took care of the daily IMS (Inventory Management System) maintenance, updating/editing its standard “delta file” including stowage locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).

Magnus meanwhile conducted the monthly 50-min FDS PEP (Fire Detection & Suppression/Portable Emergency Provisions) safety inspection/audit in the ISS modules. [The IMS-supported inspection verifies that PFEs (Portable Fire Extinguishers), PBAs (Portable Breathing Apparatus) and EHTKs (Extension Hose/Tee Kits) are free of damage to ensure their functionality and to track shelf life/life cycles on the hardware.]

Before the crewmembers started their exercise sessions on the TVIS, the FE-2 set up the video equipment for filming the subsequent workouts on the treadmill for biomechanical evaluation of their performance and assessment of the hardware status by ground engineers. Afterwards, the camera gear was torn down & stowed and the video recording prepared for downlinking.

The station residents conducted their regular daily 2.5-hr. physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1, FE-2), RED (CDR, FE-1, FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1). [For Sandy, the TVIS video run, with a full body FOV (field of view), was her 30-day requirement, while Mike & Yuri fulfilled their 60-90-day requirement which calls for a FOV that includes the hip and feet striking the running belt.]

Magnus today had 30 min. to herself for general orientation (station familiarization & acclimatization) as is standard daily rule for fresh crewmembers for the first two weeks after starting station residence, if she/he chooses to take it.

X2 INT R4 Software Transition Update: Starting 12/9 and running through the weekend ahead, MCC-Houston is executing procedures to transition several ISS MDMs (Multiplexer/Demultiplexer) computers to new software versions (without requiring crew participation). Today’s transition involved one INT MDM from INTSYS R3 to R4 software (leaving it in Primary), the LA-1 MDM from LSYS-1 R3 to R4, the LA-2 MDM from LSYS-2 R2 to R3, the Node-2-1 MDM from N2SYS-1 R1 to R2 and the Node-2-2 MDM from N2SYS-2 R1 to R2. [After an unexpected transition of the PVCU (Photovoltaic Controller Unit) 4A MDM out of Primary, the MDM was switched back to Primary yesterday, with the applicable Flight Rule (not making a suspect MDM prime) waived to collect data and to maintain operating all MDMs on the same software version. The remaining PVCU 4 software transition will continue on 12/14 (Sunday); non-PVCU 4 portion of transition continues as scheduled.]

Conjunction Update: Another TCA (Time of Closest Approach) is currently being assessed for a new conjunction with the Cosmos satellite, Object 2421, for 12/12 (Friday) at 7:45pm EST. Miss distance currently estimated at ~8.76 km. MCC-Houston will work DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) options with TsUP-Moscow if needed. This recurring object requires continued monitoring.

EVA-21 Timeline Preview (preliminary): The Orlan EVA-21 by Lonchakov (EV1) & Fincke (EV2) on 12/22 is scheduled to begin at ~7:15pm EST (DC1 EV hatch open), to last an estimated 6 hrs 10 min, i.e., concluding at approximately 1:25am. Russian attitude thrusters will be inhibited by TsUP ground commanding at specific times when the spacewalkers work on the SM RO (Working Compartment, l.d./large diameter) and SM AO (Assembly Compartment). Main objectives of the EVA are –

• Install a Langmuir Probe on the DC1 Docking Compartment;
• Install & connect the EXPOSE-R monobloc unit on the SM RO l.d.;
• Install & connect the IPI-SM monobloc unit of the IMPULSE experiment on the RO l.d.;
• Remove/return the BIORISK-MSN payload container #2 from the DC1;
• Conduct “SWG” Project timer operations;
• Remove fasteners (Aramide straps) near docking target and AR-VKA & 2AR-VKA antennas installation on DC1 (if time permits);
• Close MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) flap on SM FP-10 connector patch (if time permits);
• Re-install SKK #9 removable cassette container in nominal position (if time permits); and
• Monitor conditions ISS RS exterior and structure components (“Panorama-2008” DTO, if time permits).

Uncrewed Station Ops Preview: One of the contingencies associated with the Orlan EVA-21 could require uncrewed station operation for some time. Progress M-01M/31P will be prepared for ground-commanded contingency undocking. Most of the USOS (US Segment) preparations for this eventuality will be done by Mike Fincke & Sandy Magnus next week, such as transferring selected hardware to the RS (Russian Segment), setting up a PCS (Portable Computer System) laptop in the FGB as backup to the PCS in the RS, powering down ham/amateur radio equipment, reconfiguring some LAN software (NetMeeting, KFX), powering down the COL PWS (Columbus Orbital Laboratory Portable Workstation) laptop, and closing selected hatches. The IATCS (Internal Thermal Control System) will be configured as usual for uncrewed ops, some racks will be jumpered to the LTL (Low Temperature Loop) in case they need cooling, and some remaining hatches will be closed, before Sandy moves to the Soyuz Descent Module (SA) and closes the hatch between it and the Orbital Module (BO).

No CEO (Crew Earth Observations) photo target uplinked for today due to lighting conditions in the northern hemisphere that place targets outside the CEO team’s criteria for illumination and visibility. Normal targets are expected to return on 12/18.

CEO photography can be studied at this “Gateway” website:
http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov (as of 9/1/08, this database contained 770,668 views of the Earth from space, with 324,812 from the ISS alone).

ISS Orbit (as of this noon, 12:01pm EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 353.6 km
Apogee height — 358.2 km
Perigee height — 349.1 km
Period — 91.61 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0006778
Solar Beta Angle — -66.9 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 11 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 57646.

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible!):
12/19/08 — Russian EVA-21 Suited Exercise (wake 11:30pm 12/18; sleep 3:00pm 12/19);
12/22/08 — Russian EVA-21 (wake 9:30am; hatch opening ~7:15pm; sleep 7:10am 12/23);
02/09/09 — Progress M-01M/31P undocking & deorbit
02/10/09 — Progress 32P launch
02/12/09 — Progress 32P docking
02/12/09 — STS-119/Endeavour/15A launch – S6 truss segment
02/14/09 — STS-119/Endeavour/15A docking
02/24/09 — STS-119/Endeavour/15A undocking
02/26/09 — STS-119/Endeavour/15A landing (nominal)
03/25/09 — Soyuz TMA-14/18S launch
03/27/09 — Soyuz TMA-14/18S docking (DC1)
04/05/09 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S undocking
04/07/09 — Progress 32P undocking & deorbit
05/12/09 — STS-125/Atlantis Hubble Space Telescope Service Mission 4 (SM4)
05/15/09 — STS-127/Endeavour/2J/A launch – JEM EF, ELM-ES, ICC-VLD
05/27/09 — Soyuz TMA-15/19S launch
Six-person crew on ISS
08/06/09 — STS-128/Atlantis/17A – MPLM (P), last crew rotation
08/XX/09 — Progress/MRM2 (Russian Mini Research Module, MIM2) on Soyuz
09/XX/09 — H-IIB (JAXA HTV-1)
11/12/09 — STS-129/Endeavour/ULF3 – ELC1, ELC2
12/10/09 — STS-130/Endeavour/20A – Node-3 + Cupola
02/11/10 — STS-131/Atlantis/19A – MPLM(P)
04/08/10 — STS-132/Endeavour/ULF4 – ICC-VLD, MRM1 (contingency)
05/31/10 — STS-133/Endeavour/ULF5 – ELC3, ELC4 (contingency).