Status Report

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 22 August 2008

By SpaceRef Editor
August 22, 2008
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NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 22 August 2008
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All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.

CDR Volkov began his day by downlinking yesterday’s Norton AntiVirus (NAV) data from the RSK-1 laptop scan. Later in the day, FE-2 Chamitoff also ran the scan on the SSC (Station Support Computer) to be used for downloading today’s 1553-bus comm files of the JEMRMS (Japanese Experiment Module/Robotic Manipulator System) Checkout #4 from the RLT (RMS Laptop Terminal) to the OpsLAN for downlinking. [All A31p laptops onboard are currently being loaded with latest NAV software and updated definition files for increased protection.]

FE-1 Kononenko continued (and wrapped up) the installation of the two new Zveno-B (“Link-B”) modems plus their stand-alone RSE2 laptop, plus their integration into the BKS onboard cabling and the TVS LIV television system, with the BITS2-12 onboard telemetry measurement system aqnd VD-SU monitoring mode deactivated during the outfitting activities (which also required the Elektron oxygen generator to be turned off). TVS LIV was then reconfigured and the worksites cleaned up.

Later, the Elektron electrolysis machine was activated at 32 amps, supported by Volkov monitoring the external temperature of its secondary purification unit (BD) for the first 10 minutes of operations to ensure that there was no overheating. In support of the reactivation, at ~7:12am EDT the ground temporarily switched the ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) to autonomous power (i.e., disconnected it electrically from ISS) and later reconfigured it to ISS power, with its lights back on at ~8:12am. [The gas analyzer used on the Elektron during nominal operations for detecting hydrogen (H2) in the O2 line (which could cause overheating) is not included in the control algorithm until 10 minutes after Elektron startup.]

As is usual after deactivation/reactivation of VD-SU monitoring mode, Sergey performed a quick checkout of the SUBA Ethernet connection between OpsLAN and the BRI Smart Switch Router in the SM.

Volkov also conducted the periodic maintenance/checkout of the spare BZh Liquid Unit (#056) for the Elektron generator, [Objective of the checkout of the BZh, which has been in stowage for 1.5 years, was to check for leakage and good water passage through the feed line inside of the BZh (from ZL1 connector to the buffer tank) and to check the response of the Electronics Unit’s micro switches (signaling “Buffer Tank is Empty” & “Buffer Tank is Full”. The last test pressurization to monitor for leakage was on 7/20. During Elektron operation, the inert gas locked up in the BZh has the purpose to prevent dangerous O2/H2 mixing. A leaking BZh cannot be used.]

Working closely with JAXA flight controllers on the ground, FE-2 Chamitoff conducted the JEMRMS Checkout #4 which featured more motions of its MA (Main Arm) in space. The maneuvers were observed by the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) video cameras via SSC-14 near the JEMRMS workstation and ISL (Integrated Station OpsLAN) Ethernet cable. [After activating the RLT (RMS Laptop Terminal), CCP (Camera Control Panel) and RMS Monitors, and adjusting settings including updating the DOUG (Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) laptop application with realtime data, Greg “flew” the MA around the EFU13 (Exposed Facility Unit 13) on the JLP (JEM Logistics Pressurized Section) module to capture target images using the television camera on the MA EE (End Effector) for calibration purposes, followed by so-called “inching” operations, as a crew-in-the-loop demonstration to verify how small a command the crewmember can input using the hand controllers in Manual Mode (this inching operation is expected to be used on Flight 2J/A and subsequent flights if the RTL (Ready-to-Latch) judgment for a P/L (payload) berthing is not OK and the operator is requested to get the P/L closer to an EFU.]

Also in the Kibo JPM, Gregory retrieved the MEU (Measurement Experiment Unit) with its Bs cultivation chamber from the CBEF (Cell Biology Experiment Facility) incubator, where he had installed MEU-Bs on 8/8.

Sergey Volkov continued the current round of periodic preventive maintenance of ventilation systems in the RS (Russian Segment), today cleaning the ventilation screens of panels 201, 301, 401, 116, 316, 231 & 431 in the FGB.

Sergey also checked out the Russian AOK GANK-4M Real-Time Harmful Contaminant Gas Analyzer system with the objective of troubleshooting a potential zero-sensor shift or damage of its cassette tape.

Chamitoff took measurements for the regular atmospheric status check for ppCO2 (Carbon Dioxide partial pressure) in the Lab, SM (at panel 449) and COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) plus battery ticks, using the hand-held CDMK (CO2 Monitoring Kit, #1002). The unit was then deactivated and returned to its stowage location (LAB1S2). [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.]

The CDR conducted the monthly FDS PEP (Fire Detection & Suppression/Portable Emergency Provisions) safety inspection/audit in the ISS modules. [The IMS-supported inspection involves verification that PFEs (Portable Fire Extinguishers), PBAs (Portable Breathing Apparatus), QDMAs (Quick-Don Mask Assemblies) and EHTKs (Extension Hose/Tee Kits) are free of damage to ensure their functionality, and to track shelf life/life cycles on the hardware. QDMA harness inspection was not required today.]

In the US Lab, Oleg powered down the EHS VOA (Environmental Health System-Volatile Organic Analyzer).

In preparation for the Progress M-64/29P undocking on 9/1, the CDR & FE-1 worked in the transfer tunnel to install the SSVP StM docking mechanism (Stykovochnovo mekhanizma) between the cargo ship and the FGB, a one-hour routine activity. [The StM is the "classic" probe-and-cone type, consisting of an active docking assembly (ASA) with a probe (SSh), which fits into the cone (SK) on the passive docking assembly (PSA) for initial soft dock and subsequent retraction to hard dock. The ASA is mounted on the Progress’ cargo module (GrO), while the PSA sits on the docking ports of the SM, FGB and DC1.]

Oleg performed another run of the Russian DZZ-2 "Diatomeya" ocean observations program, using the NIKON-F5 DCS still camera to record color field patterns in highly productive waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. [Uplinked target zones in the Atlantic Ocean were along the track from Gulf of Saint Lawrence to the NW of Azores, and in the Pacific the Californian upwelling area.)

Sergey conducted 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.]

The CDR also took care of 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 off the Russian discretionary “time permitting” task list, Kononenko conducted the regular status check of 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}).

The crewmembers completed 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 resistive exercise device (CDR, FE-1, FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR, FE-1). Later, Oleg 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).

At ~4:00am 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 ~4:30am, 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 ~9:55pm, Dr. Chamitoff supported two live interactive PAO interviews of ~10 minutes each, with WKYC-TV, Cleveland, OH, and Fox Business News, New York, NY.

At ~2:22pm, 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, today starting at ~5:00am and running until 11:00am, the US CDRA (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly) was activated intermittently for two half-cycles to control ppCO2 levels. This configuration for the daily ops does not require connecting & disconnecting the ITCS (Internal Thermal Control System) cooling loop. [A forward plan is in work for cycling the CSV (CO2 Selector Valve) to prevent its sticking.]

Grounding Straps Update: The retrieval of ten US grounding straps from the JLP (JEM Logistics Pressurized Section) reported on 8/20 has been delayed until 8/25 (Monday). The straps will be required for the HRF rack relocations next week (two for the MELFI rack and four each for the ER-4 & ER-5 racks).

SRVK-2M Correction: The failed separator in the Russian SRVK-2M condensate water processor lasted ~80% of its expected life-time, not 20% as reported yesterday.

VolSci Preview: For tomorrow’s Voluntary Weekend Science program, Gregory has selected another session with the SHERE (Shear History Extensional Rheology Experiment) payload. Planned are three runs (which would bring the total for this Increment to 17), plus two repeats, and one run will have changed parameter settings.

CEO (Crew Earth Observations) photo targets uplinked for today were Gordion, Turkish archaeological site (requested were generalized images of the area around this famous archeological site. The site is near a wooded mountain range. Looking right: lead-in cues were three lakes), Toshka Lakes, Egypt (general views of the entire lake system were requested for comparison with prior images when lake levels were higher), and Ile Rouleau Impact Crater, Quebec (this 4-km diameter crater now forms an island at the south end of one of Quebec’s largest lakes, Lake Mistassini. ISS had a nadir pass).

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 18/19 Scheduled Main Activities:

  • Sat. (8/23): Station cleaning (RS); BMP ch.1 regen; PFCs (CDR, FE-1); VolSci (SHERE); FFQ.
  • Sun. (8/24): Station cleaning (USOS); BMP ch.2 regen; PFC (FE-2).
  • Mon. (8/25): RPCM LAB1D5/AvRack R&R; O2 port install on WRS; ATV cargo transfers; SVO EDV condensate fill; TEPC relocate; Flowmeter battery maint.; ER5 rack transfer preps.
  • Tue. (8/26): SRVK KAV sample; ATV cargo transfers; ER4/ER5 stow; ER4 relocate to JPM; ER5 relocate to JPM; ER4/ER5 umbillicals mate; ER4/ER5 restow.

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:31am EDT [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 355.7 km
Apogee height — 361.5 km
Perigee height — 350.0 km
Period — 91.66 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0008547
Solar Beta Angle — -35.2 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.71
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 45 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 55897

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
08/25/08 — Progress M-64/29 SORR (Stage Operations Readiness Review) @ NASA/JSC
09/01/08 — Progress M-64/29P undocking, from FGB nadir; de-orbit/re-entry ~9/8
09/05/08 — 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.