Status Report

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 16 August 2008

By SpaceRef Editor
August 16, 2008
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NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 16 August 2008
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All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Saturday – mostly off duty for CDR Volkov, FE-1 Kononenko & FE-2 Chamitoff.

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.]

Volkov & Kononenko performed the regular weekly three-hour task of thorough station cleaning. ["Uborka", usually done on Saturdays, includes removal of food waste products, cleaning of compartments with vacuum cleaner, damp cleaning of the SM (Service Module) dining table, other frequently touched surfaces and surfaces where trash is collected, as well as the FE’s sleep station with a standard cleaning solution; also, fan screens and grilles are cleaned to avoid temperature rises. Special cleaning is also done every 90 days on the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) bacteria filters in the Lab.]

The FE-1 also checked up on the Russian POTOK-150MK (150 micron) air filter unit of the SM’s SOGS air revitalization subsystem, gathering weekly data on Total Operating Time & “On” durations for reporting to TsUP-Moscow. Later, CDR Volkov temporarily powered down the POTOK for the periodic cleaning of its pre-filter, using the vacuum cleaner with narrow-slit nozzle attachment.

Working on the SAMS ICU (Space Acceleration Measurement System/Interim Control Unit) in LAP2 Rack, Gregory initiated, and about three hours later terminated, the software “ghosting” of the SAMS hard drive, i.e., loading it with new images/structure.

At ~10:05am EDT, the crewmembers conducted their regular WPC (Weekly Planning Conference) with the ground, discussing next week’s "Look-Ahead Plan" (prepared jointly by MCC-H and TsUP-Moscow timeline planners) via S-band/audio, reviewing the monthly calendar, upcoming activities, and any concerns about future on-orbit events.

For today’s VolSci (Voluntary Weekend Science) program, another session with SHERE (Shear History Extensional Rheology Experiment), FE-2 Chamitoff –

  • Activated the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox),
  • Powered on the SHERE hardware,
  • Accessed the CGBA (Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus) to install the SHERE FM (Fluid Module) #15;
  • Supported the first SHERE experiment run (Test Point 11);
  • Repeated the procedure on TP 11 (the first repetition, suggested by Greg last week);
  • Transferred the module with the fluid sample,
  • Installed FM #18 for the second experiment run (Test Point 21) , but with reduced preshear duration, now TP 26;
  • Transferred the module with the fluid sample,
  • Installed FM #22 for the third experiment run (Test Point 8);
  • Repeated the procedure on TP 8;
  • Removed the FM from the CGBA, followed by SHERE data transfer;
  • Turned off the SHERE/CGBA equipment;
  • Transferred the data files to the MSG laptop, and
  • Powered down the MSG.

[Background: Rheology is the study of the deformation and flow of matter under the influence of an applied stress (“preshearing” = rotation) which might be, for example, a shear stress or extensional stress. In practice, rheology is principally concerned with extending the "classical" disciplines of elasticity and (Newtonian) fluid mechanics to materials whose mechanical behavior cannot be described with the classical theories. SHERE is designed to study the effect of preshear (rotation) on the transient evolution of the microstructure and viscoelastic tensile stresses for solutions with long chains of monodisperse dilute polymer molecules in the MSG. Collectively referred to as “Boger fluids,” these polymer solutions have become a popular choice for rheological studies of non-Newtonian fluids and are the non-Newtonian fluid used in this experiment. The SHERE hardware consists of the Rheometer, Camera Arm, Interface Box, Cabling, Keyboard, Tool Box, Fluid Modules, and Stowage Tray.]

Kononenko performed 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.]

Gregory filled out the regular FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire), his ninth, on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer). [On the FFQs, NASA 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. The FFQ is performed once a week to estimate nutrient intake from the previous week and to give recommendations to ground specialists that help maintain optimal crew health. Weekly estimation has been verified to be reliable enough that nutrients do not need to be tracked daily.]

The three station residents conducted 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), RED resistive exercise device (CDR, FE-1, FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR, FE-1). Later, Greg 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 two cosmonauts had their weekly PFCs (Private Family Conferences) via S-band/audio and Ku-band/MS-NetMeeting application (which displays the uplinked ground video on an SSC laptop), Oleg at ~7:00am EDT, Sergey at ~8:10am.

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.

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.]

Weekly Science Update (Expedition Seventeen — Week 17)

3-D SPACE: In progress.

ALTCRISS (Alteino Long Term monitoring of Cosmic Rays on the ISS): Measurements continue in FGB module.

ANITA (Analyzing Interferometer for Ambient Air): Continuing.

BCAT-3 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test 3): Reserve.

CARDIOCOG-2: Completed.

CCISS (Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Control on Return from ISS): Reserve.

CFE (Capillary Flow Experiment): Reserve.

CW/CR (Cell Wall/Resist Wall) in EMCS (European Modular Cultivation System): Samples returned on 1J.

CSI-2/CGBA-5 (CGBA Science Insert #2/Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus 5): Silicate Garden Hab Side 2 is complete and CGBA-5 has now been powered off awaiting its move to EXPRESS Rack 2 (ER2). The Hab along with other CSI-02 equipment will be removed and returned home on ULF2.

CGBA-2 (Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus 2): Complete.

CSLM-2 (Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures 2): Complete.

EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students): Complete.

ELITE-S2 (Elaboratore Immagini Televisive – Space 2): Planned.

EPO (Educational Payload Operations): Reserve.

ETD (Eye Tracking Device): Completed.

EuTEF (European Technology Exposure Facility): EuTEF platform is nominal. A (DHPU) Data Handling Processing Unit software patch is currently being developed to fix the link error issues encountered with DEBIE-2 and FIPEX instruments. On 8/14, a graceful shutdown has been performed of EUTEF instruments in preparation of the S/W “Cycle 11” transition. EUTEF will stay on feeder#2 (survival heaters) for about 10 hours. Power-up sequence will be performed in the evening of 8/14. – DEBIE-2: IOPs (Instrument Operations Procedures) performed for 24 hrs duration, from 8/9 until S/W “Cycle 11” power-down. Generic status: link error still in work. However a work-around allows for regular science data acquisition using an on-board IOP, but not yet in conjunction with any FIPEX IOP – a final software patch, which will enhance the present instrument capabilities, is under finalization on ground; – DOSTEL: On-going science acquisition until S/W Cycle 11 power-down; – EuTEMP: Currently inactive as planned; – EVC: Currently no picture taking; – EXPOSE: On-going science acquisition until S/W Cycle 11 power-down; – FIPEX: Science acquisition until 8/9. New FIPEX IOP currently planned to start on 8/15; – MEDET: Continuous science acquisition until S/W Cycle 11 power-down; – PLEGPAY: Currently in READY mode, no science data acquisition on-going, powered down for S/W Cycle 11; – TRIBOLAB: The instrument was in Stand-By Mode, now powered down for S/W Cycle 11. Currently planned to bring TRIBOLAB to Stand-By Mode on 8/17 and restart the Ball-Bearing experiment on 8/18.

FSL (Fluid Science Laboratory): FSL is back. Further FSL commissioning activities remain to be done (see following item).

GEOFLOW: After the very first Science Run on 8/7, data have been downlinked, and initially these files were corrupted. This could be resolved by downlinking at a lower data rate. The data have been transferred on 8/13 from COL-CC to MARS USOC and will be made available for science team assessment. Next GEOFLOW run is currently planned for 8/19.

IMMUNO (Neuroendocrine & Immune Responses in Humans During & After Long Term Stay at ISS): Complete.

InSPACE-2 (Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions 2): In progress.

Integrated Immune: In progress.

KUBIK-FM1/ KUBIK-FM2 Centrifuge/Incubators: Completed.

LOCAD-PTS (Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development-Portable Test System): Planned.

Micro-G Clay (JAXA EPO): On 8/11, Greg performed JAXA’s first EPO experiment, Micro-G Clay. The clays are in the drying process.

MISSE (Materials ISS Experiment): Ongoing.

MTR-2 (Russian radiation measurements): Passive dosimeters measurements in DC1 “Pirs”.

MULTIGEN-1: Completed.

MSG-SAME (Microgravity Science Glovebox): Complete.

NOA-1/-2 (Nitric Oxide Analyzer, ESA): Next NOA-1 session for CDR and FE-1 currently planned for 8/19.

NUTRITION w/REPOSITORY: In progress.

PADLES (Passive Dosimeter for Lifescience Experiment in Space): In progress.

PMDIS (Perceptual Motor Deficits in Space): Complete.

SAMS/MAMS (Space & Microgravity Acceleration Measurement Systems): Ongoing.

SAMPLE: Complete.

SHERE (Shear History Extensional Rheology Experiment): “Greg, you completed test points TP#3, 13, 23, 5, 15, 25, and 1. We are two test points away from our minimum science of nine, which should be met during VolSci on 8/16. You have gotten very adept at deploying the Fluid Modules and performing the science runs. We would like you to continue to provide feedback on what you observe and to take advantage of repeat test points when the opportunity is available. Outstanding work!”

SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy & Light Exposure during Spaceflight): “Greg, thanks for completing your Sleep download and initialization. Your data continues to look great. Also, thanks for the crew note that you are removing your watch. That will help the PI with the analysis. After completing this week of sleep logging, you will have one more week of logging, three more monthly downloads, and then doffing the Actiwatch on the Shuttle. Additional sleep logging is above and beyond and greatly appreciated by the PI.”

SOLAR (Solar Monitoring Observatory): Previous Sun observation window closed on 8/8. On 8/14, a shutdown has been performed of SOLAR instruments in preparation of the S/W Cycle 11 transition. SOLAR will stay on feeder#2 (survival heaters) for about 10 hours. Power-up will be performed in the evening of 8/14. Next Sun visibility window to open on 8/25.

SOLO: Planned.

SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellite): In progress.

Swab (Characterization of Microorganisms & Allergens in Spacecraft): Complete.

TRAC (Test of Reaction & Adaptation Capabilities): Planned.

ULTRASOUND: Planned.

WAICO #1 (Waving and Coiling of Arabidopsis Roots at Different g-levels): A troubleshooting plan has been developed to recover all the BIOLAB functionalities. On 8/4, BIOLAB has been activated from ground for about 5 hours, in order to get telemetry about the Smoke Detector sensor and perform a series of BIT (Built-In Test) sequences. This test was positive and we can confirm the full functionality of the Smoke Detector sensor. Next steps will be resumed in the next coming weeks, starting with the BIOLAB Rotor A bellow test (ground only) and later on the remaining WAICO-#1ECs (Experiment Containers) will be disposed and replaced by 6 Reference ECs on Rotor B. Planning for this last activity is currently TBD.

CEO (Crew Earth Observations): Through 8/7 the ground has received a total of 4,220 frames of CEO images for review and cataloging. Photos acquired with camera times corresponding to those of the CEO daily target list requests, included: S. Mozambique (Mount Vesuvius – good context views as requested); and Haze SE USA (this dynamic event apparently was not as discernible as was hoped). “We encourage you to continue to practice with the long lens settings to improve consistency in the sharpness/focus of your images. Coastlines, urban, and other high-contrast areas shot in high sunlight conditions make good practice targets, especially when near-nadir. This week we will publish on NASA/GSFC’s Earth Observatory website an excellent, rare photo of the Dry Tortugas, Florida that was on 5/29. The image area is part of remote national park located west of Key West and includes a recognizable view of Fort Jefferson, a hexagonal-shaped, Civil War era, fortification.”

CEO (Crew Earth Observations) photo targets uplinked for today were Algerian megafan (a large river-formed fan-shaped inland delta/megafan [210 km radius], formed by a river during wetter climates, was recently identified in the western Sahara Desert. Detailed overlapping images along track and just right of track were requested to allow researchers to understand more about the behavior of streams on these large features. Visual cues are: numerous parallel dry stream beds right of track; and a field of linear sand dunes left of track. The significance of megafans has only recently been appreciated since more than 150 have been identified worldwide. Large fans are being tested as new analogs for many landscapes on Mars), Northern Temperate Lakes, Wisconsin (this Long-Term Ecological Research [LTER] site concerns the ecology of lakes in relation to seasonal changes and nearby human processes. Detailed overlapping images along track at nadir [starting shortly after ISS crossed the Mississippi River] acquire the several lakes and their surrounding landscapes as a high-summer data point), and West Hawk Impact Crater, Manitoba, Canada (this 2.5-km-diameter crater is occupied by a lake. Visual cues: this is the only roughly circular lake in the region, and it lies just north of a long narrow lake).

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:

  • 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, 9:07am EDT [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 356.0 km
Apogee height — 361.6 km
Perigee height — 350.4 km
Period — 91.66 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.000829
Solar Beta Angle — -36.9 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.71
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 50 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 55803

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; Lonchakov, Fincke, Garriott)
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.