Status Report

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 15 August 2008

By SpaceRef Editor
August 15, 2008
Filed under , , ,
NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 15 August 2008
http://images.spaceref.com/news/iss.59.jpg

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

Gregory Chamitoff began his day with the week-long experiment SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy & Light Exposure during Spaceflight), using 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.]

Working closely with the ground, FE-2 Chamitoff conducted the JAXA JEMRMS (Japanese Experiment Module/Robotic Manipulator System) Checkout #3 which featured the first motion of its Main Arm in space. The maneuvers were observed by the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) video cameras. [After activating the RLT (RMS Laptop), CCP (Camera Control Panel) and RMS Monitors, and adjusting settings including updating the DOUG (Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) laptop application with realtime data, RMS function was checked out for manual operation in vernier mode, with the EE (End Effector) in stowed position. Following these checkouts, the RMS was to be moved to the JLP GP (JEM Logistics Pressurized Section Grapple Fixture) for EE checkout and verification of RMS characteristics when in Limp Mode. Afterwards, data were to be prepared for downlink, the Arm Bus Monitor turned off, MDP (Management Data Processor) set to Standby and all systems deactivated. Background: The externally mounted JEMRMS is composed of two arms: the 10-m-long MA (Main Arm) and a 2-m-long small fine arm (the latter to be delivered on a future mission). Both arms have six independent joints, to provide dexterity very similar to the human arm. The internal robotic control workstation, known as JEMRMS Console, is used for manipulating the RMS. Remote television cameras are mounted on both arms, enabling the crew to control the arms from inside the JPM.]

In preparation for an upcoming JEM rack relocation, Chamitoff also had an hour set aside (plus additional time called out on his discretionary “job jar” task list) for an extensive Kibo cleanup, guided by an uplinked listing with specific items, instructions and locations. [The activities include relocating JAXA items from COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) and Node-2 to JPM (JEM Pressurized Module) and JLP, unpacking or stowing numerous bags, configuring the stowage in JPM & JLP locations and taking documentary photography of all areas involved.]

CDR Volkov set up the hardware for the Russian MBI-21 PNEVMOKARD experiment and conducted the session, his third, which does not allow moving or talking during data recording. The experiment is controlled from the RSE-Med A31p laptop, equipped with new software, and uses the TENZOPLUS sphygmomanometer to measure arterial blood pressure. Kononenko’s third session was on 8/11. [PNEVMOKARD (Pneumocard) attempts to obtain new scientific information to refine the understanding about the mechanisms used by the cardiorespiratory system and the whole body organism to spaceflight conditions. By recording (on PCMCIA cards) the crewmember’s electrocardiogram, impedance cardiogram, low-frequency phonocardiogram (seismocardiogram), pneumotachogram (using nose temperature sensors), and finger photoplethismogram, the experiment supports integrated studies of (1) the cardiovascular system and its adaptation mechanisms in various phases of a long-duration mission, (2) the synchronization of heart activity and breathing factors, as well as the cardiorespiratory system control processes based on the variability rate of physiological parameters, and (3) the interconnection between the cardiorespiratory system during a long-duration mission and the tolerance of orthostatic & physical activities at the beginning of readaptation for predicting possible reactions of the crewmembers organism during the their return to ground.]

In the Lab, FE-1 Kononenko worked on ER4 (EXPRESS Rack 4), troubleshooting the ANITA (Analyzing Interferometer for Ambient Air) payload, to recover its laptop. [The ANITA air sampling equipment will be returned on STS-126/ULF-2.]

It was Oleg’s turn today for his first session with the Russian biomedical "Pilot-M"/NEURO signal response experiment, assisted by Volkov (who underwent the assessment yesterday) and ground specialist tagup via S-band. Afterwards, the Pilot-M & Neurolab-2000M gear was torn down and stowed away. [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.]

Sergey Volkov performed maintenance on the #1 loop (KOB-1) of the Russian Thermal Control System (SOTR) in the Service Module (SM), using a manual pump, hose adapters and a pressure gauge (VK-316M) to drain coolant and check pressures at various valve settings. Afterwards, the loop’s initial status was restored. Last time done: 5/30. [Purpose: to determine the volume of free air in KOB-1 and check the leak tightness of the KOB-1 accumulator bellows; also: to perform preventive maintenance on the SOTR loops’ solenoid valves.]

The FE-2 took measurements for the regular atmospheric status check for ppCO2 (Carbon Dioxide partial pressure) in the Lab, SM (at panel 449) and COL, using the hand-held CDMK (CO2 Monitoring Kit, #1002). [The battery pack was to be replaced with the one from unit #1009 if necessary. Purpose of the 5-min activity is to trend with MCA (Major Constituents Analyzer), i.e., to correlate the hand-held readings with MCA measurements.]

Kononenko had another 3 hrs for transferring and loading excessed equipment and trash in Progress M-64/29P.

For today’s physical workouts by all crewmembers on the RED (Resistive Exercise Device), Chamitoff set up the video camcorder for filming and recording the sessions via ground commanding. Afterwards, the video equipment was put back in stowage, and the video was to be downlinked from the VTR (Video Tape Recorder) by ground commanding. [The RED video, showing the apparatus on the “ceiling” hatch of the Node, is periodically required to support biomechanical evaluation of the exercising crewmember and assessment of the on-orbit setup of equipment during data collection.

As a follow-up to the TVIS repair/maintenance activities earlier this week, Kononenko was requested to take documentary photography of several running belt slats under tension, to be used as baseline for future weekly status checks to track possible changes in the repaired area of the treadmill belt.

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 (CDR, FE-1, FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR, FE-1). Later, Volkov 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.]

After the ground performed the monthly reboots of the SM, Lab and JEM PCS (Portable Computer System) laptops today, Chamitoff closed their ISP Health Monitor Windows and configured them for nominal operations.

In the ESA COL, Gregory activated the PCDF EU (Protein Crystallization Diagnostic Facility/Electronics Unit) in support of the ongoing ground-commanded Columbus “Cycle 11” software transition. [ESA ground controllers are currently monitoring the performance of Columbus systems with the new software. The remaining MMU (Mass Memory Unit) and PWS-1 (Portable Workstation) will be upgraded to Cycle 11 next week after a successful transition for all functionality has been verified.]

The CDR conducted 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.]

Later, Sergey also 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).

Working from the voluntary “time permitting” task list, Oleg performed the regular status check on the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 ("Plants-2") experiment which researches growth and development of plants (peas) under spaceflight conditions in the Lada-13 greenhouse from IBMP (Institute of Bio-Medical Problems {Russian: IMBP}) and recharged its water tank.

At ~4:20am EDT, the crew held the regular (nominally weekly) tagup with the Russian Flight Control Team (GOGU/Glavnaya operativnaya gruppa upravleniya = “Main Operative Control Group”), including Shift Flight Director (SRP), at TsUP-Moscow via S-band/audio, phone-patched from Houston and Moscow.

At ~4:35am, Sergey & Oleg linked up with TsUP stowage specialists via S-band to conduct the weekly IMS tagup, discussing inventory & stowage issues, equipment locations and ATV & Progress cargo transfers.

At ~2:15pm, Greg Chamitoff is scheduled for an interactive PAO TV event with students at Outer Space Base (OSB) of the Pima County Public Library in Tucson, AZ, attended also by U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and STS-124 Commander Mark Kelly. Questions were uplinked beforehand. [“When you were chosen for Expedition 17, how did you feel?”; “In the year 2050 what would be your ideal goal for NASA?”; “Do you think children will ever be allowed to travel into space?”; “Will the space station ever be able to give supplies to the upcoming moon base?”]

At ~3:35pm, the ISS crew will have their regular weekly tagup with the Lead Flight Director at JSC/MCC-H via S-band/audio. [S/G-2 (Space-to-Ground 2) phone patch via SSC (Station Support Computer)].

As generally every day now, starting at ~9:00am and running until 3:00pm, the US CDRA (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly) was activated intermittently for two half-cycles to control ppCO2 levels. In this configuration for the daily ops, connecting & disconnecting the ITCS (Internal Thermal Control System) cooling loop is not required. [A forward plan is in work for cycling the CSV (CO2 Selector Valve) to prevent its sticking.]

Node-2 SD-2 Update: Smoke detection in Node-2 has lost redundancy when Smoke Detector #2 in the module failed last night. SD-1 remains stable and nominal.

WRM Update: An updated WRM (Water Recovery Management) “cue card” was uplinked overnight for the crew’s reference, updated with yesterday’s water audit. [The new card (17-0002V) lists 34 CWCs (Contingency Water Containers,~1204.3 L total) for the four types of water identified on board: technical water (426.5 L, for flushing only because of Wautersia bacteria), potable water (706.7 L, incl. 174.6 L currently on hold), condensate water (54.1 L), waste/EMU dump and other (17 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.]

CEO (Crew Earth Observations) photo targets uplinked for today were Tropical Storm Fay, Caribbean Sea (Dynamic event. This storm is growing rapidly, moving WNW, and is expected to be over Puerto Rico, left of ISS track by the time of this pass. Reconnaissance aircraft was en route), Slate Islands Impact Crater, Lake Superior (the crater is in the form of a tight cluster of islands just off the north shore of L. Superior. A recent [8/4] CEO image was taken in low light, and another attempt was requested, this time for noon lighting), and Andrews Forest, Oregon (looking right of track for this long term monitoring site. Seasonal vegetation color and health are the topics of interest.)

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:

  • Sat. (8/16): SAMS Ghosting; Weekly house cleaning; VolSci.
  • Sun. (8/17): Rest; BMP ch.1 regen; Weekly house cleaning (USOS).
  • 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 Defib inspect; 85 Day Maint Initiate for EMU Battery 2071; VHF Emergency Comm Checkout; Rack Hardware Installation Prep; MO-9; NOA1; CSA-CP maint.; 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.
  • Thu. (8/21): LULIN dosimeter placement; EMU Battery maint.; PFE-OUM ops; BKS cabling outfitting; DOUG revw/prep for JEMRMS Checkout #4; COL Cycle 11 transition for PWS-1; WRM/CWC water audit.

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 5:15am EDT [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 356.1 km
Apogee height — 361.7 km
Perigee height — 350.5 km
Period — 91.66 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0008274
Solar Beta Angle — -35.2 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.71
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 12 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 55785

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).

SpaceRef staff editor.