NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 14 August 2008
ll ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.
Upon wake-up, CDR Volkov terminated his eighth MBI-12 SONOKARD experiment session for the long-term Russian sleep study, by taking the recording device from his SONOKARD sports shirt pocket and later copying 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.]
FE-2 Chamitoff started his day with the week-long experiment SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy & Light Exposure during Spaceflight), using the payload software for data logging and filling in questionnaire entries in the experiment’s session file on the HRF-1 laptop. [To monitor the crewmember’s sleep/wake patterns and light exposure, Greg wears a special Actiwatch device which measures the light levels encountered by him as well as his patterns of sleep and activity throughout the Expedition. The log entries are done within 15 minutes of final awakening for seven consecutive days, as part of the crew’s discretionary “job jar” task list.]
Volkov and FE-1 Kononenko had about half an hour for cargo transfer activities from and to the ATV1 “Jules Verne” spacecraft. Based on an updated transfer list and return cargo schematics (“maps”) as stowage guides, the activities include emptying dry cargo storage bags in the ATV and moving as many resupply items to the ISS as possible in the remaining time.
Later, Volkov and Kononenko also continued loading excessed equipment and trash in Progress M-64/29P.
In the JAXA Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), FE-2 Chamitoff made preparations for tomorrow’s planned functional checkout #3 of the JEMRMS (Robotic Manipulator System), by –
- Activating the JEMRMS RLT (Robotics Laptop) to enable its new database uplinked earlier by controllers,
- Relocating SSC-14 (Station Support Computer 14) near the JEMRMS workstation and connecting it to the ISL (Integrated Station OpsLAN) via Ethernet cable for video ops during the checkout activities,
- Deactivating the RLT when the new database was enabled,
- Reconnecting the Robotics BDS (Backup Drive System) to the JEMRMS Bus Monitor laptop via cable from the BUC (Backup Controller),
- Connecting the BDS to UOP (Utility Outlet Panel) and configure it for BUC activation, and
- Conducting a DOUG review for the JEMRMS Checkout #3.
[Tomorrow’s RMS checkout by Chamitoff will include a Manual Mode test, an EE (End Effector) test, a capture & release test of the JLP GF (JEM Logistics Pressurized Section/Grapple Fixture), and acquisition of data to characterize JEMRMS Limping Dynamics. Checkout #1 has been moved to September.]
Gregory also relocated the MMA (Microgravity Measurement Apparatus), removing its RSU (Remote Sensor Unit) from the Ryutai Rack AAA (Avionics Air Assembly) front surface and relocating the NCU (Network Control Unit), connected to the MLT (MMA Laptop Terminal), from the Saibo Rack to Ryutai.
In the ESA COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), the FE-2 worked on the FPEF (Fluid Physics Experiment Facility) to complete the assembly of the upcoming MS (Marangoni Surface) convection experiment (see yesterday’s report for background details).
CDR Volkov, with FE-1 assisting, performed his first session of the Russian biomedical "Pilot-M"/NEURO experiment which he set up yesterday. The Pilot-M & Neurolab-2000M gear was left in place, to be used tomorrow by Oleg Kononenko. [MBI-15 requires a table, ankle restraint system, electrodes, and two hand controllers (RUO & RUD) for testing piloting skill in “flying” simulations on a laptop (RSK1) under stopwatch control, as well as for studying special features of the psychophysiologic response of cosmonauts to the effects of stress factors in flight.]
Kononenko conducted the periodic/long-term inspection of the SM RO (Service Module Working Compartment)’s pressure hull and ring, looking for any moisture, deposits, mold, corrosion and pitting behind panels 130, 134, 135, 138, 139, 454, also underneath the TVIS treadmill (where deposit was discovered earlier) and the cold plates (where SNT and STR lines are installed). Last time done: 6/3. [The inspection of the hull surface, which is coated with a primer and dark-green enamel, is done using cleaning napkins to wipe the area in question if required and reporting results to the ground. The hull inspection looks for changed color and cavities; if cavities are found, they are to be measured for depth (with chewing gum) after cleaning. Digital photographs of the shell before and after the removal of deposits were to be made for documentation.]
After setting up the LULIN-ISS radiation complex yesterday for a 24-hr exposure period, Oleg today took readings from each of the four PILLE dosimeters and downlinked them successively, afterwards deactivating the equipment and closing out the activity.
Later, Kononenko also completed another radiation data monitoring & logging session for flux & dose rate data with the Matryoshka-R radiation payload (RBO-3-2) and its LULIN-5 electronics box. [Accumulated readings were recorded on a log sheet for subsequent downlink to TsUP/Moscow via the BSR-TM payload data channel.]
The COL “Cycle 11” software transition continues to go well. After performing stages 2 & 3 of the MMU (Mass Memory Unit) software load for the COL PWS-2 (Portable Work Station 2) laptop yesterday, Chamitoff today supported COL flight controllers in transitioning to Cycle 11 software by connecting & activating PWS-2 and assisting the ground with a TM & TC (telemetry & telecommanding) check. [After the transition, COL will gradually be powered back on, including external payloads.]
Working on the Russian RSS-2 laptop, Sergey Volkov ran digital photo flash cards from stowage through a virus check with the Norton AntiVirus application.
Gregory conducted another one of the periodic offloadings of the Lab CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly) dehumidifier’s condensate tank, filling a CWC (Contingency Water Container, #1054) with the collected water slated for processing. No samples were required.
The FE-2 also completed the weekly 10-min. CWC 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 current card (17-0002U) lists 34 CWCs (Contingency Water Containers, ~1314.1 L total) for the four types of water identified on board: technical water (535.2 L, for Elektron, flushing & hygiene, incl. 487.2 L flushing-only water because of Wautersia bacteria), potable water (706.7 L, incl. 174.6 L currently for flushing only), condensate water (64.3 L), waste/EMU dump and other (7.9 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.]
In the US Airlock (A/L), Chamitoff performed the yearly inspection of the SCU (Service & Cooling Umbilical) O2 poppets on two EMUs (Extravehicular Mobility Units, #3018 & #3004) to verify they are secure. Afterwards, Greg dumped and filled the EMU feedwater tanks, a regular maintenance requirement for on-orbit stowage.
Greg’s A/L activities included a checkout of an HHM (Hand-Held Microphone) connected to the ATU-6 (Audio Terminal Unit 6), with the Space-to-Space Radio and an EMU radio powered on. Good voice results were obtained.
CDR Volkov performed monthly maintenance on the deactivated Russian IK0501 GA (Gas Analyzer) of the SOGS Pressure Control & Atmospheric Monitoring System by replacing its CO2 filter assembly (BF) with a new unit from FGB stowage (done last: 7/2), then reactivating the unit. The old filter was discarded.
Later, Sergey performed 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).
Volkov also took care of the routine daily servicing of the SM’s SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS). [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.]
Kononenko meanwhile conducted the periodic checkout/verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS (Russian Segment) hatchways, including the passageways SM PrK (Service Module Transfer Compartment)-ATV, PrK-RO (SM Working Compartment), PkhO (SM Transfer Tunnel)-RO, PkhO-DC1, PkhO-FGB PGO, FGB PGO-FGB GA, FGB GA-Node-1.
The crew performed 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 (FE-2), TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1), RED resistive exercise device (CDR, FE-1, FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR, FE-1). Later, Sergey transferred the exercise data file to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) laptop for downlink, including the daily wristband HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) data of the workouts on RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week). [The wireless POLAR S810 HRMs resemble sports wrist watches, with some of their features. They display the heart rate as BPM (beats per minute) and % of HRmax, average HR plus exercise duration, along with 7 different exercise profiles. The HR is transmitted from an elastic belt around the chest to the wrist receiver for subsequent downloading to the MEC and analysis by special software. Receiver settings are also uploaded from the laptop.]
Yesterday’s scheduled OCA (Orbital Communications Adapter) checkout for the BCC HOSC (Backup Control Center/Huntsville Operations Support Center) setup, supported by Gregory, had to be deferred due to network configuration issues. The test, which is intended to verify OCA capabilities at the new BCC/Huntsville, was rescheduled for today for 2:15pm.
At ~3:25pm, Dr. Chamitoff also had his weekly PFC (Private Family Conference) via S-band/audio and Ku-band/MS-NetMeeting application (which displays the uplinked ground video on an SSC laptop),
BCC Dry Run: Early this morning, starting at 1:00am EDT and running for seven hours, MCC-Houston and its Moscow support group (HSG) conducted another BCC (Backup Control Center) dry run in test mode, with no involvement of the ISS crew or vehicle, with TsUP playing back ACT (American Contingency Telemetry) from the last BCC Checkout as test. [Purpose of this periodic exercise is to demonstrate BCC functionality under Russian assets while providing proficiency training for HSG personnel at the HSR (Houston Support Room) and TsUP-Moscow specialists. The ISS EMCC (Emergency Mission Control Center), located in Russia, comprises TsUP/Moscow as the Lead Control Center, coupled with HSR at TsUP. The BCC facility provides a command and control capability from TsUP if the EMCC must be activated. This is the case in situations that render MCC-Houston unable to provide telemetry, voice, and command capability for extended periods. EMCC is also used when the threat of severe weather results in evacuation of the MCC-H building for extended periods. In such an emergency, both Russian servers (CMD/command & TM/telemetry) are transitioned from MCC-H connectivity to BCC configuration, after which only the BCC can connect to the CMD and TM ports.]
CEO (Crew Earth Observations) photo targets uplinked for today were Teide Volcano, Canary Islands (looking right of track for detailed images of the flanks and inner walls of the large and active Teide Volcano. This volcano makes up most of the island of Tenerife. Tenerife was perhaps observed in eruption by Christopher Columbus), Santorini Volcanic Complex, Greece (looking close to nadir for this circular set of islands. The Santorini volcanic eruption of 3,600 years ago may have led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, 110 km to the south, by releasing a gigantic tsunami. The eruption may be the source of the legend of Atlantis), and Johnston Island reef, central Pacific (this six-mile-long reef lied right of track. An airstrip occupies the small 2-mile-long island. Detailed images of the coral reef were requested).
CEO photography can be studied at this “Gateway” website:
http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov (as of 3/1/08, this database contained 757,605 views of the Earth from space, with 314,000 from the ISS alone).
Week 17/18 Main Activities:
- Fri. (8/15): MBI-15/Neuro ops, MBI-21/Pneumocard, JEMRMS checkout, CDMK check, VOA power down, 29P stow, KOB-1 maintenance.
- Sat. (8/16): SAMS Ghosting, Weekly house cleaning.
- Mon. (8/18): MO-7/MO-8 (all), BMP ch. 2 regen, MO-1, ATV transfers, SHERE session, RED + Accessories inspect, EMU Battery 2071 discharge (BSA Ops),
- Tue. (8/19): AED inspect, Initiate 85 Day Maint for EMU Battery 2071, VHF Emergency Comm Checkout, Rack Hardware Installation Prep, MO-9, NOA1, CSA-CP maintenance, SSVP BZV docking & internal transfer system/screw clamps ops.
- Wed. (8/20): ANITA deactivation and stow, Ku-Band Forward Receiver Relocation & Checkout, Ground Strap/Pivot Fitting install in JPM, MO-10 (all), PFE-OUM setup & prep.
ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:16am EDT [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 356.1 km
Apogee height — 361.5 km
Perigee height — 350.7 km
Period — 91.66 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0008059
Solar Beta Angle — -32.9 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.71
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 172 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 55758
Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
09/02/08 — Progress M-64/29P undocking, from FGB nadir
09/07/08 — ATV1 undocking, from SM aft port (loiter until 9/29 for nighttime reentry/observation)
09/10/08 — Progress M-65/30P launch
09/12/08 — Progress M-65/30P docking (SM aft)
10/01/08 — NASA 50 Years (official)
10/08/08 — STS-125/Atlantis Hubble Space Telescope Service Mission 4 (SM4)
10/11/08 — Progress M-65/30P undocking (from SM aft)
10/12/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S launch (~3:03am EDT)
10/14/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S docking (FGB nadir port, ~4:51am)
10/23/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S undocking (DC1 nadir) or 10/24?
11/10/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF2 launch – MPLM Leonardo, LMC
11/12/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF2 docking
11/20/08 — ISS 10 Years
11/25/08 — Progress M-65/30P undocking & deorbit
11/26/08 — Progress M-66/31P launch
11/30/08 — Progress M-66/31P docking
02/09/09 — Progress M-66/31P undocking & deorbit
02/10/09 — Progress M-67/32P launch
02/12/09 — Progress M-67/32P docking
02/12/09 — STS-119/Discovery/15A launch – S6 truss segment
02/14/09 — STS-119/Discovery/15A docking
02/24/09 — STS-119/Discovery/15A undocking
02/26/09 — STS-119/Discovery/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 M-67/32P undocking & deorbit
05/15/09 — STS-127/Endeavour/2J/A launch – JEM EF, ELM-ES, ICC-VLD
05/25/09 — Soyuz TMA-15/19S launch
05/27/09 — Six-person crew on ISS (following Soyuz 19S docking)
07/30/09 — STS-128/Atlantis/17A – MPLM(P), last crew rotation
10/15/09 — STS-129/Discovery/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/Discovery/ULF4 – ICC-VLD, MRM1
05/31/10 — STS-133/Endeavour/ULF5 – ELC3, ELC4 (contingency).
