NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 15 December 2008
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Underway: Week 8 of Increment 18.
FE-2 Magnus’ first activity this morning was to start on Day 2 of her FD30 (Flight Day 30) session with the NASA/JSC experiment NUTRITION w/Repository, finishing the 24 hrs urine collection period with first void this morning. [The NUTRITION project is the most comprehensive in-flight study done by NASA to date of human physiologic changes during long-duration space flight. It includes measures of bone metabolism, oxidative damage, nutritional assessments, and hormonal changes, expanding the previous Clinical Nutritional Assessment profile (MR016L) testing in three ways: Addition of in-flight blood & urine collection (made possible by supercold MELFI dewars), normative markers of nutritional assessment, and a return session plus 30-day (R+30) session to allow evaluation of post-flight nutrition and implications for rehabilitation.]
CDR Fincke, FE-1 Lonchakov and the FE-2 began their workday before breakfast with the periodic session of the Russian biomedical routine assessment PZEh-MO-7/Calf Volume Measurement. [Calf measurements (left leg only) are taken with the IZOG device, a custom-sewn fabric cuff that fits over the calf, using the knee and lower foot as fixed reference pints, to provide a rough index of deconditioning in zero-G and effectiveness of countermeasures.]
As part of the regular physical fitness check prior to an Orlan spacewalk, Mike Fincke undertook the Russian MO-5 MedOps protocol of cardiovascular assessment during graded physical load on the VELO cycle ergometer, his first, assisted by Yuri Lonchakov as CMO (Crew Medical Officer). [The assessment uses the Gamma-1 ECG equipment with biomed harness, skin electrodes and a blood pressure and rheoplethysmograph cuff wired to the cycle ergometer’s instrumentation panels. Measurements were telemetered down via VHF to RGS (Russian Groundsite) during a comm window at 4:16am EST (DO4. For the graded-load exercise, the subject works the pedals after a prescribed program at load settings of 125, 150, and 175 watts for three minutes each. Data output involves a kinetocardiogram, rheoplethysmogram, rheoencephalogram and a temporal pulsogram.]
In the SM (Service Module), Lonchakov repeated a software upgrade of the Russian BSMM (Multi-Channel Matching Unit) payload computer which had failed on 12/10. The new software (vers. 3.0) was loaded from a CD-ROM on the RSS1 laptop. After the program installation, communications between the BSMM computer and the RSS1 laptop were checked with the RSC-Energia PingMaster application. [BSMM is part of the OpsLAN (Operations Local Area Network), which also includes such items as the BSPN (Payload Server), OBC (Onboard Controller) for RokvISS, and GTS (Global Timing System). During the 12/10 attempt, new files were not copied from the CD disk.]
Fincke meanwhile continued the preparation of the MELFI (Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS) for future sample storing by completing the seventh ICEPAC insertion into the freezer after ULF-2, today retrieving another two -32 degC ICEPAC belts and placing them into Dewar 2, Tray B/Section 1 & Tray D/Section 1 for cooling down.
For tomorrow night’s planned ISS reboost (~11:00pm EST), the CDR powered up the IWIS (Internal Wireless Integrated System) with its RSU (Remote Sensor Unit) accelerometers in the Lab, Node-1 & Node-2 plus the NCU (Network Control Unit). [SM & FGB RSUs not required. IWIS will gather structural dynamics data during the thruster firing, to be downlinked later via OCA.]
After setting up comm connections for their extended work in the DC1 (Docking Compartment), Mike & Yuri continued their preparations for the ORLAN-suited dry run later this week (12/19) and the EVA-21 next week (12/22). [The crewmembers tagged up with ground specialists on VHF, terminated the charging process on the second 825M3 battery pack, consolidated & bundled equipment for carrying outside, took documentary photography & video, and downlinked the imagery to the ground for specialist review.]
In the U.S. Airlock (A/L), Magnus initiated maintenance discharge on one of two EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) batteries (#2075); later, she ran the process also on the second (#2074). [The periodic maintenance consists of fully discharging (and later recharging) the storage units to prolong their useful life. After end of the maintenance cycle, Sandy restored the SSC laptop, which is used in DOS mode for the automated procedure, to nominal ops.]
Fincke supported POIC (Payload Operation & Integration Center)/Huntsville in powering up the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) Rack, then prepared its SHERE (Shear History Extension Rheology Experiment) payload for new experimentation. [Mike activated the experiment hardware, conducted a checkout and loaded the SHERE payload with new software from the A31p MLC (MSG Laptop Computer). Afterwards, the MSG was configured for Standby and the laptop powered down.]
Sandy Magnus had 2 hrs set aside to work in the Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module) on troubleshooting the CO2 CGSE (Common Gas Supply Equipment) by installing a position holder in the CO2 valve unit to keep the SSV (Self Shut-off Valve) opened permanently. [On 8/8, the CBEF (Cell Biology Experiment Facility) in the SAIBO Rack experienced a sudden unexpected pressure drop at the CGSE CO2 high-pressure sensor, from 3000 kPa to 500 kPa within 1.5 minutes, followed by a very gradual pressure decrease. Specialists believe that the SSV closed itself unexpectedly, thus contributing to the sudden pressure decrease. Also suspected was leakage from the CO2 supply line, but no leak was found on the systems side. Later, SSIPC (Space Station Integration & Promotion Center)/Tsukuba concluded that the CO2 leak location for the observed gradual pressure decrease was the MVV (Manual Vent Valve) of the SAIBO Rack. The crew closed the MVV, and no leak was observed afterward. The fix by Magnus today keeps the SSV fully open so that it will not unexpectedly close again (this does not affect safety since even if CO2 should be released into the cabin upon failure of the pressure regulator, its partial pressure will never go to the limit.]
In the RS (Russian Segment), Lonchakov used CWC (Contingency Water Container) #1030 for the periodic (about twice a month) replenishing of the Elektron oxygen generator’s water supply for electrolysis, filling the KOV thermal loops’ EDV container. Once filled, the EDV was connected to the BPK transfer pump for processing. [The 40-minute procedure is specially designed to prevent air bubbles larger than ~10 mm from getting into the BZh Liquid Unit where they could cause Elektron shutdown.]
The FE-2 performed troubleshooting on the flush water inlet of the WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment), then worked on WHC systems activation & checkout. [Wearing protective gloves, goggles and dust mask, Sandy was to remove a panel, inspect valve components & jumper connectors on the WHC and UPA (Urine Processor Assembly), reclose the panel and proceed with initial activation procedures.]
Yuri completed 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, replacement of EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine containers and performing US condensate processing (transfer from CWC to EDV containers) if condensate is available.]
As part of the SOZh servicing, the FE-1 conducted the periodic checkout/verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS hatchways. [They include the “thoroughfares” SM PrK (Transfer Compartment)–RO (SM Working Compartment), PkhO (SM Transfer Tunnel)–RO, PkhO–DC1, PkhO–FGB PGO, FGB PGO–FGB GA, and FGB GA–Node-1.]
Lonchakov also completed the periodic data collection on the long-term BIO-5 Rasteniya-1 ("Plants-1") experiment, copying data from its built-in control computer to a PCMCIA memory card for subsequent downlink to the ground via OCA. The regular periodic equipment status check was listed for today on the Russian discretionary “as time permits” task list. [Rasteniya-1 researches growth and development of plants under spaceflight conditions in the LADA-14 greenhouse from IBMP (Institute of Bio-Medical Problems, Russian: IMBP). The payload hardware includes a module (MIS/Module for the Investigation of Substrates), the MIS control unit (BU), a nitrogen purge unit (BPA) and other accessories. During its operation, the experiment requires regular daily maintenance of the experiment involving monitoring of seedling growth, humidity measurements, moistening of the substrate if necessary, and photo/video recording. LADA consists of a wall-mounted growth chamber that provides long-term, ready access for crewmember interaction. It provides light and root zone control but relies on the cabin environmental control systems for humidity, gas composition, and temperature control. Cabin air is pulled into the leaf chamber, flows over the plants and vents through the light bank to provide both plant gas exchange and light bank cooling.]
The FE-2 performed the monthly maintenance on the CEVIS (Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation), particularly with an eye on the 6-inch isolator units which Greg Chamitoff had installed on 9/25. Magnus reported that isolator cables all look normal.
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 CEVIS cycle ergometer (CDR), TVIS treadmill (FE-1, FE-2), RED resistive exercise device (CDR, FE-1, FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).
At ~4:20pm, just before sleep time, Yuri will set up the Russian MBI-12 SONOKARD (Sonocard) payload and start his fourth experiment session, using a sports shirt from the SONOKARD kit with a special device in the pocket for testing a new method for acquiring physiological data without using direct contact on the skin. Measurements are recorded on a data card for return to Earth. [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.]
At ~11:30am EST, Sandy Magnus conducted a 20-min. S/band/Ku-band audio/video teleconference with her successor, JAXA Astronaut Koichi Wakata, who will replace Magnus during the STS-119-15A docked period in February 2009. [While Sandy will return to Earth with 15A on 2/26, Koichi will remain as ISS FE-2 until STS-127-2J/A end of May 2009.]
At ~11:25am, the FE-2 powered up the SM’s amateur radio equipment (Kenwood VHF transceiver with manual frequency selection, headset, & power supply) and conducted, at 11:50am, a ham radio session with King George Elementary School, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan/Canada. [King George School is a Kindergarten-to-Grade-Eight school of 370 students. The study of space has been an integral part of the King George Science program for years. It is a topic that captures the hearts and imaginations of staff and students alike. Class activities would include researching Canada’s participation in the space program, developing a model for an Earth-orbiting space station and comparing the training for such roles as a payload specialist, a researcher, an engineer, or a navigator Questions to Sandy were uplinked beforehand. “What is the most visible man made structure seen from space?”; “If you could bring only one luxury to space with you, what would it be and why?”; “In your opinion, what is the hardest task to complete on the International Space Station?”; “Has any astronaut become ill on the ISS?”; “How long will you be in space, and what is the longest a person has been in space?”; “How frustrating does it get not being able to do things as easily as you can do them on Earth?”; “When you go outside to work on the space station or do other experiments, how does it make you feel?”; “How much training does it take to be an astronaut?”; “Have you ever waken up in the middle of the night and thought "Where am I?"”; “What is it like not being with your family for long periods of time?”]
ISS Reboost Preview: Tomorrow’s ISS reboost by Progress 31P is scheduled for a TIG (Time of Ignition) of about 10:58pm EST for ~6 min, to yield an expected delta-V of 0.5 m/s. Attitude control authority will be handed over to the Russian MCS (Motion Control System) at 9:00pm and returned to US Momentum Management at 11:20pm.
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 morning, 8:46am EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 353.5 km
Apogee height — 358.1 km
Perigee height — 348.9 km
Period — 91.61 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0006823
Solar Beta Angle — -74.4 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 35 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 57707
Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible!):
12/16/08 — ISS reboost (~10:58pm; 0.5 m/s)
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/Discovery/17A – MPLM (P), LMC, last crew rotation
08/XX/09 — Soyuz 5R/MRM2 (Russian Mini Research Module, MIM2) on Soyuz
09/XX/09 — H-IIB (JAXA HTV-1)
11/12/09 — STS-129/Atlantis/ULF3 – ELC1, ELC2
12/10/09 — STS-130/Endeavour/20A – Node-3 + Cupola
02/11/10 — STS-131/Atlantis/19A – MPLM(P), LMC
04/08/10 — STS-132/Discovery/ULF4 – ICC-VLD, MRM1
05/31/10 — STS-133/Endeavour/ULF5 – ELC3, ELC4
12/XX/11– Proton 3R/MLM w/ERA.
