NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 21 November 2008

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Flight Day 8 (FD8) of STS-126/ULF-2. ISS crew work cycle today: Wake 8:55am EST; sleep 12:25am; Shuttle crew: 12:55am (both until 8:55am tomorrow).

Mission ULF-2’s EVA-2 was completed successfully last night by Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper & Shane Kimbrough in 6h 45min, accomplishing all its objectives, with two minor deviations.

[During the spacewalk, Piper (EV1) & Kimbrough (EV3) –

• Relocated two CETA (Crew Equipment Translation Aid) Carts [moved both carts from Stbd side of MT (Mobile Transporter) to Port side with SSRMS support, required prior to S6 installation on Flight 15A],
• Lubricated the SSRMS LEE A (Latching End Effector A) snares [to prepare for grappling the Japanese HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle) in Fall 2009],
• Cleaned Stbd SARJ (Solar Alpha Rotary Joint) Race Ring [the cleaning included successful testing of a procedure involving wet scraping with grease from a wet wipe instead of the straight nozzle grease gun],
• Removed/replaced TBAs (Trundle Bearing Assemblies) [during install of TBA-11 (#1001) a bolt was inadvertently over-torqued and a TBA insert yielded; TBA-11 was removed, to be returned to Earth for rework and another (“dirty”) TBA was installed in its place, possibly to be replaced with a pristine one as a get-ahead). TBA covers 15 & 16 were tied down as planned. Over EVA-1 and EVA-2 a total of five TBAs have been removed and replaced (6, 8, 9, 10, & 11). TBA-2 was removed and left off.]

Official start time of the spacewalk was 12:58pm EST, and it ended at 7:43pm, terminated somewhat earlier than planned due to increased CO2 level in Shane Kimbrough’s EMU (~3.2%) which also lost radio comm during return to the Airlock (A/L). Total EVA duration (PET = Phase Elapsed Time) was 6h 45min. It was the 116th spacewalk for ISS assembly & maintenance and the 88th from the station (64 from Quest, 24 from Pirs, plus 28 from Shuttle) totaling 544h 03min, the second EVA for Expedition 18 and the 16th so far this year (including two Russian Orlan EVAs). It was the 4th spacewalk for Stefanyshyn-Piper (26h 45m tot.) and the first for Kimbrough (6h 45m). After today’s EVA, a total of 153 spacewalkers (117 NASA astronauts, 25 Russians, and 11 astronauts representing Japan-1, Canada-4, France-1, Germany-2 and Sweden-3) have logged 732h 25min outside the station on building, outfitting & servicing. It was the 136th spacewalk involving U.S. astronauts.]

After the spacewalkers’ ingress (7:43pm EST), post-EVA activities by MS3 Piper, MS4 Kimbrough, FE-2 Chamitoff, CDR Fincke & CDR Ferguson in the A/L and preparations for EVA-3 tomorrow consisted of —

• Taking photographs of the EMU gloves for downlink and inspection,
  
• Recharging the EMU/spacesuits with water from PWR (Payload Water Reservoir),
  
• Reconnecting the LTAs (Lower Torso Assemblies) to the EMUs
  
• Initiating METOX (Metal Oxide) canister regeneration for EVA-3,
  
• Capping the UIA (Umbilical Interface Assembly,
  
• Initiating battery charging in the A/L BSA (Battery Stowage Assembly), and
  
• Turning the DCS & D2XS cameras around.

For FE-1 Lonchakov, besides a high-priority IFM (Inflight Maintenance) task to repair the SM (Service Module) KURS-P (see item below), a second critical activity today are preparations for terminating and disassembling the extensive MATRYOSHKA-R (RBO-3-2) radiation suite in the SM for return to Earth.

FE-2-18 Sandra Magnus completed the temporary installation of the TOCA (Total Organic Carbon Analyzer) in the US Lab, on the frontside of the OGS (Oxygen Generator System) Rack, pos. P1, with CDR Fincke assisted in some procedural steps where torquing of N2 & H2O hose fittings was required. [The ~40-min job involved the installation of the nitrogen & water hoses, priming of the TOCA buffer container, closeout activities after MCC-Houston completed a ground-performed N2 leak check, and checksum (baseline) analyzer sample processing for a calibration check.]

Mike Fincke continued the preparation of the WRS UPA (Water Recovery System/Urine Pretreat Assembly), filling the WSTA (Water Storage Tank Assembly) with pretreated urine from EDV-U container but did not complete the planned processing when the UPA closed down after two hours. [As troubleshooting is underway, the first sample of processed drinking water is currently expected tomorrow. UPA also triggered a “hazardous failure” yesterday due to an easily remedied stuck check valve and later restarted nominally.]

Afterwards, the CDR collected ITCS (Internal Thermal Control System) fluid samples in the Node-2, one from the MTL (Moderate Temperature Loop), a second one from the LTL (Low TL) sample ports after flushing the sampling gear, for return to Earth.

In the Kibo JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module), Magnus supported the checkout of the EFBM (Exposed Facility Berthing Mechanism) by Fincke with the JEMRMS (Robotic Manipulator System). [Sandy performed final activation of the RMS, with RLT (RMS Laptop), CCP (Camera Control Panel), RMS Monitors, reset JEU (Joint Expedited Undocking) Resolver, MDP (Management Data Processor) mode changed to MA (Main Arm) BRAKE, and Zero position reset for the PTU MA EE (Pan & Tilt Unit) of the MA EE End Effector).]

Fincke meanwhile set up the G1 video camcorder with MPC (Multipurpose Converter) and powered up the Scopemeter & Current Probe for conducting the EFBM checkout. Afterwards, Magnus prepared the JEMRMS for deactivation by ground commanding, while Mike turned off the G1 camcorder and MPC. [The checkout involved taking readings of input current to the BEP (Berthing Mechanism Electronics Package) to determine if the current limiter for the EFBM structural latches is within the expected tolerance band. Still waveforms of the readings were documented with the G1 camcorder and DCS-760 camera for downlink.]

A sample transfer from the newly arrived GLACIER to MELFI (Minus Eighty degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS) scheduled for today was inadvertently executed yesterday in conjunction with the timelined procedures review. Effects on JAXA payloads inside MELFI at that time are being assessed, as is the continued proper functioning of GLACIER doors. [GLACIER (General Laboratory Active Cryogenic ISS Experiment Refrigerator) units are ultra-cold freezers that will store samples as low as -185 degrees C. The GLACIER provides a double middeck locker-sized ER (EXPRESS Rack)-compatible freezer/refrigerator for a variety of experiments that require temperatures ranging from +4 degC (39 degF) to -185 degC (-301 degF). GLACIER is part of the Cold Stowage Fleet of hardware which includes the MELFI and the MERLIN (Microgravity Experiment Research Locker/Incubator).]

Later today, CDR Fincke is scheduled to do an inspection of the Ku-band power supplies in the Lab (#1005, #1006) that are connected to the two V10 RWS (Robotic Workstation) A31p laptops, checking on cleanliness of their four intake vents and two exhaust fan vents.

Sandy filled out the regular FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire), her first, 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.]

Chamitoff and Magnus will have another 90 min set aside for standard joint “handover” activities, to be continued through the docked period ahead. The handover includes a 15-min familiarization of Sandy with the CMS (Countermeasure System)/Physical Exercise equipment, today focusing on the RED (Resistive Exercise Device) in Node-1, deferred from yesterday.

The ISS crew completed their physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (FE-2-18, FE-2), TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1), RED (CDR, FE-2), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1). It was the first exercise session for Sandy Magnus, now to become a daily protocol for her.

At ~3:05pm EST, both crews supported the traditional 40-min. news conference conducted with U.S. media at NASA centers from the Node-2 Harmony Module. [Media clients taped the event for use within their respective media outlets.]

Afterwards, at ~3:45pm, the ISS and Shuttle crew assembled in the SM for posing for the standard joint crew photograph.

At ~8:50pm, the ten crewmembers are scheduled for an in-depth one-hour review of procedures for tomorrow’s 7-hr EVA-3 spacewalk, with egress tomorrow afternoon at ~1:45pm EST.

Stefanyshyn-Piper (EV1) and Bowen (EV2) will begin their “campout” in the “Quest” Airlock (A/L) tonight at ~11:20pm with hatch closure and depressurization of the CL (Crewlock) from 14.7 to 10.2 psi, followed by mask prebreathe until ~12:25m. Sleep time for the ISS crew begins at 12:25am, for the Shuttle crew half an hour later.

EVA-3 Look-ahead: Following the usual hygiene break/with mask prebreathe for Bowen & Piper at ~9:30am-10:40am tomorrow morning after spending the night on 10.2 psi, the A/L hatch will be closed again for EVA preps in 10.2 psi, followed by EMU purge and prebreathe in the EMUs. Afterwards, with CL depressurization and EV1/EV2 egress, EVA-3 nominally begins at ~1:45pm EST. Objectives of the spacewalk are continued SARJ (Solar Alpha Rotary Joint) cleaning/scraping and TBA replacements. A NOAX (Non-Oxide Adhesive Experimental) caulk applicator will be requested from the Shuttle Program, using Braycote-601 lubricant for the trundle bearings to make up for the two lost grease guns and to “buy back” some EVA time.

Cargo Transfers: MPLM (Multi-Purpose Logistics Module) cargo transfers by Pettit, Bowen, Ferguson, Boe, Magnus, Kimbrough and Fincke are continuing at a brisk pace, remaining well ahead of schedule. [As of this morning, Middeck transfers were 33% complete, MPLM 49%, overall 45%.]

SM KURS-P Failure Update: Activities by FE-1 Lonchakov in the RS (Russian Segment) have been modified in real time due to Moscow’s decision to do a major IFM on the failed KURS-P set #1 in the SM in preparation for the Progress 31P linkup to the DC1 Docking Compartment on 11/30 (~7:23am EST). [Results of two tests of the system on 11/19 & yesterday failed, with the transmitter of the system (essentially a passive radio/radar repeater/beacon) being suspected as cause. SM KURS set #2 is performing nominally. In an IFM lasting an estimated 10-11 hrs, Yuri Lonchakov is working today and tomorrow to replace the failed block with an identical KURS system from the FGB. RSC Energia hopes to perform a KURS test at ~3-4 pm tomorrow afternoon of Yuri can complete the R&R task by then.]

Shuttle/ISS Reboost: For the reboost by the Orbiter at 12:10pm, the FE-2-18 verified closure of the protective science window shutters in the Kibo JPM. A delta-V of 3 fps was selected after extensive considerations of predicted debris conjunction events. Post-reboost trajectory predictions show a close approach of Cosmos 2421 Object 32846 of ~1.2 km on Saturday (11/27) at 4:16pm EST.

No CEO photo targets uplinked for today.

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, 10:47am EST [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 351.7 km
Apogee height — 354.7 km
Perigee height — 349.7 km
Period — 91.57 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0004523
Solar Beta Angle — 22.6 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
Mean altitude gain in the last 24 hours — 4 m (EVA-2)
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) – 57330.

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
11/26/08 — Progress M-66/31P launch
11/27/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF-2 undocking; 10:40am – Under Review
11/29/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF-2 landing; ~2:10pm – Under Review
11/30/08 — Progress M-66/31P docking – DC1 Nadir (~7:23am)
12/07/08 — Progress M-65/30P reentry (after 3 weeks autonomous flight for geophysical experiments)
12/18/08 — Russian EVA-21
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/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 M-67/32P undocking & deorbit
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
07/30/09 — STS-128/Atlantis/17A – MPLM (P), last crew rotation
10/15/09 — STS-129/Endeavour/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/Endeavour/ULF4 – ICC-VLD, MRM1 (contingency)
05/31/10 — STS-133/Endeavour/ULF5 – ELC3, ELC4 (contingency).