NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 19 December 2008
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Crew sleep cycle today: Wake – 4:30am; sleep – 3:00pm EST. (Tomorrow: Wake – 1:00am; sleep – 4:30pm, i.e., back to normal).
After yesterday’s completion of all Orlan-M suit preparations, dry-run activities began today at ~1:25am EST with CDR Fincke tearing down and removing the air ducts between the SM PkhO (Service Module Transfer Compartment) and DC1 Docking Compartment/airlock (skipping ventilation fan V3) to make room for the subsequent suited exercise.
At the same time, FE-1 Lonchakov worked on configuring the communications systems in the DC1 for the exercise. [The suited run requires wireless Tranzit-B suit radio telemetry on both semisets (activated: 2:56am) and temporary deactivation of the Russian VHF channel 1 (Very High Frequency, Russian: UKV1, for ultra-shortwave) to avoid interference from extraneous radio stations to the Orlans while over Russian ground stations (RGS, DO 3/4). All EVA preps were monitored by the ground via audio, the reason for the early morning time of the training run. Tranzit-B TM was turned off at ~3:10am EST.]
After another functionality and leak checking of the Orlan-Ms, their equipment and their interface units (BSS) in the DC1 & PkhO, the crew began donning EVA gear at ~2:15am, including putting on personal gear bags, biomed harness, thermal underwear, LCG (liquid cooling garment), low-noise headset, gloves, etc.
After another checkout of comm hookups & biomedical parameter telemetry via the BSS Orlan interface system for vital signs & equipment monitoring, suiting up then culminated in ingress in the Orlans (~3:15am) through their “backdoors” and sealing off of the backpacks.
Next in line were –
- More functionality checkouts of the suits and their BSS controls (e.g., temperature control handling, water cooling system ops, preliminary Orlan & BSS leak checks),
- Preliminary dimensional suit fit checks at reduced suit pressure of 0.4 at/5.9 psi, and
- About an hour of testing/training of suited mobility & translation inside the DC1, beginning at ~3:55am.
[These “intramural” exercises included translation to all DC1 work stations with mated fluid umbilical, assessment of how the interior DC1 config impacts operations with various gear & accessories such as the POV (EVA support panel) and BSS, moving the BRT (Body Restraint Tether) with a CLB (Crew Lock Bag) and securing the BRT on a handrail, retrieving the Kodak 760 camera from the KPU tool carrier and stowing it temporarily on the OTA swing arm, turning helmet lights & Yuri’s WVS (Wireless Video System) camera on and off, etc.]
FE-2 Magnus participated in part of the exercise by checking out her comm links.
Egress from the Orlans was at about 5:00am, followed by a one-hour lunch break.
Afterwards, Lonchakov & Fincke restored communications settings in DC1 to nominal ops and performed post-training close-out activities, including air duct assembly. Later, after the Orlans were confirmed to be dry, they were re-equipped by Mike & Yuri with fresh consumables/replaceable elements for the spacewalk on Monday.
Meanwhile, Sandra Magnus spent more time with the periodic US WRS (Water Recovery System) sample analyses. [After first setting up the TOCA (Total Organic Carbon Analyzer) by connecting its power cable to the UOP1 J3 outlet panel and hooking up its primed WPA (Water Processing Assembly) water sample hose to the WRS Rack 1, the FE-2 collected samples from the PWD (Potable Water Dispenser) Hot needle outlet for subsequent inflight processing with the TOCA plus WMK (Water Microbiology Kit) with MCD (Microbial Capture Device) and CDB (Coliform Detection Bag). A PWD post-flight analysis sample was archived for return on 15A. After the analyses, the usual water reclamation from the sample bags via an absorbing towel (to be dried by airing) and data recording (from TOCA USB drive into the SSC7 laptop) concluded the activities.]
Magnus also offloaded accumulated urine from a Russian EDV-U container (#851) into the UPA. [EDV-U #851, approaching expiration, is being replaced by #810.]
In JAXA’s Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), the FE-2 supported SSIPC (Space Station Integration & Promotion Center) at Tsukuba/Japan in troubleshooting the MMA (Microgravity Measurement Apparatus) by activating the UDC (Utility DC/DC Converter) and MMA components at the Ryutai Rack and standing by for power-cycling the NCU (Network Control Unit) if required. About 7.5 hrs later, Sandy deactivated the MMA again (~12:40pm EST).
Also in Kibo, Magnus performed troubleshooting on the JEM CGSE (Common Gas Support Equipment) by connecting the upper & lower CO2 supply lines from the GBUs (Gas Bottle Units) and checking pressure readings to track down a suspected blockage.
For the Japanese ICE CRYSTAL (Study of Microgravity Effect for Pattern Formation of Dendritic Crystal by a Method of in-situ Observation) experiment which resulted in the first, headline-making images of space-grown (zero-G) ice crystals (snow flakes), the FE-2 installed a new pass-through plate (“C) on the SCOF (Solution Crystallization Observation Facility), stowing the previous plate (“B”) in a bag for return to Earth.
Afterwards, Sandy performed routine maintenance on the CSA-CP (Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion Products) units, first replacing the battery of the prime CSA-CP unit with a fresh spare (#1101), then zero-calibrating all units. [The CSA-CP is a passive cabin atmosphere monitor that provides quick response capability during a combustion event (fire). Its collected data are stored on a logger. Following zero calibration, the backup units were stowed in the Node-1, along with the sampling pump, while the prime unit was deployed at the SM Central Post.]
The FE-2 had another 2h 45m on her timeline for Part 2 of deploying & checking out the first Crew Quarter (CQ) rack in Node-2, at portside (NOD2P5), readying it for occupancy by Mike Fincke. [Setting up the living quarters for use involved removing numerous launch locks and protective covers, installing interior sound-dampening blankets, electronics, power connections etc. Work progress was delayed yesterday when Sandy, upon removing the intake cover for the CQ fan, discovered the head of one of three fastener screws to be stripped. A procedure was uplinked overnight for the FE-2 to remove the rounded-out screw.]
Somewhat belatedly, Magnus cleared out the CBCS (Centerline Berthing Camera System) from the Node-2 and stowed the equipment to protect it against possible damage. [CBCS, which was used at the Node-2 nadir hatch to support MPLM “Leonardo” docking, was not stowed during ULF2 as originally planned.]
Sandy also 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.]
The daily IMS (Inventory Management System) maintenance was on Sandy’s voluntary “job jar” task list for today, consisting of updating/editing of its standard “delta file” including stowage locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).
At 1:45pm, the FE-2 supported the periodic VHF-1 emergency communications check over NASA’s VHF (Very High Frequency) stations, today with the Wallops VHF Site (1:48pm), talking with Houston/Capcom, MSFC/PAYCOM (Payload Operation & Integration Center Communicator), Moscow/GLAVNI (TsUP Capcom), EUROCOM/Munich and JCOM/Tsukuba in the normal fashion via VHF radio from a handheld microphone and any of the USOS ATUs (Audio Terminal Units). [Purpose of the test is to verify signal reception and link integrity, improve crew proficiency, and ensure minimum required link margin during emergency (no TDRS) and special events (such as a Soyuz relocation).]
Working from his discretionary “time permitting” job list, Yuri Lonchakov conducted the frequent status check on the Russian BIO-5 Rasteniya-1 ("Plants-1") experiment, verifying proper operation of the BU Control Unit and MIS-LADA Module fans (testing their air flow by hand). [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 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 (FE-2, FE-1) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).
Both the CDR and the FE-2 had their next regular FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire) sessions on their discretionary “job jar” task lists, their fourth, filing the forms 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.]
At ~12:20pm, the ISS crew had 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).]
WRM Update: An updated WRM (Water Recovery Management) “cue card” was uplinked yesterday for the crew’s reference, updated with the latest water audit. [The new card (18-0006H) lists 39 CWCs (~1,250.9 L total) for the four types of water identified on board: technical water (673.8 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.]
SARJ Autotrack Test: To supplement data collected during ULF2, ground controllers last night successfully concluded a series of tests to gather data to characterize the performance of the Starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint during autotrack mode. EWIS (External Wireless Instrumentation System) and SDMS (Structural Dynamic Measurement System) data were collected, including at an angle sweep offset by 90 deg. The test took place over 5 orbits.
CEO (Crew Earth Observations) photo targets uplinked for today were Beijing, China Aerosol (weather was predicted to be clear over the Beijing metropolitan area, providing an opportunity to photograph aerosols over the city. Looking to the right of track as ISS passed over Bohai Bay [also known as the Bohai Sea] and the Yellow Sea. Stratification of pollution haze should have been visible in an Earth limb view over the metropolitan area; also of interest are images that capture the orientation and extent of a visible pollution plume), North Mariana Islands, & Guam, Pacific Ocean (ISS orbit track passed over the northern Marianas island chain. Overlapping, nadir viewing images of the northernmost islands and surrounding reefs were requested to track shoreline change and reef extent over time), Southwest Algeria Megafans (the crew had a nadir pass over the northwestern portion of these recently recognized inland deltas. This megafan complex was created by rivers that flowed west and northwest from the Adrar N’Ahnet Mountains in southwestern Algeria. Overlapping frames, taken along track, were requested to map channel positions and the extent of sedimentary deposits), and Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat (the Soufriere Hills volcano comprises the southern half of the island of Montserrat in the Lesser Antilles chain. An active and highly dangerous volcano, eruptions beginning in 1995 caused the evacuation and destruction of the capitol city of Plymouth. Overlapping frames of the island were requested to capture both the morphology of the volcano and extent of visible eruptive products. Gas, steam, and ash plumes may also be visible).
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, 8:54am EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 354.1 km
Apogee height — 359.4 km
Perigee height — 348.9 km
Period — 91.62 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0007777
Solar Beta Angle — -60.7 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 18 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 57770
Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible!):
12/22/08 — Russian EVA-21 (wake 9:30am; hatch opening ~7:15pm; ingress 1:25am 12/23; sleep 7:10am);
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.
