NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 23 September 2008

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. >>>>Today at ~8:10am EDT, the ISS (specifically its FGB module) completed 56,400 orbits of the Earth, having covered a distance of 2.362 billion kilometers (1.476 billion st.miles) in 3595 days. The 19,300 kg (42,600 lbs) Zarya (“Dawn”) was launched on a Russian/Khrunichev Proton from Baikonur almost ten years ago (11/20/98) as the first element of the multi-national space station.<<<<
CDR Volkov serviced the Russian BMP (Harmful Impurities Removal System), starting the "bake-out"-to-vacuum cycle on absorbent bed #2 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system. The regen process will be terminated tonight at ~4:15pm EDT. Filter bed #1 was regenerated yesterday. [Regeneration of each of the two cartridges takes about 12 hours and is conducted only during crew awake periods. The BMP’s regeneration cycle, normally done every 20 days, is currently performed four times more frequently to remove any lingering Freon-218 from the cabin atmosphere (last time: 9/16 & 9/17).]
Volkov prepared, set up and activated the DAKON-M hardware for the new Russian experiment TEKh-15/”IZGIB” (“bend”, “curve”), conducting equipment calibration and taking camcorder imagery of the activity, before tearing the gear down and putting it back in stowage. The video footage was downlinked at ~8:00am EDT. [For the purpose of updating mathematical models of the ISS gravitation environment, IZGIB uses accelerometers of the Russian SBI Onboard Measurement System, the GIVUS high-accuracy angular rate vector gyrometer of the SUDN Motion Control & Navigation System and other accelerometers for unattended measurement of micro-accelerations at science hardware accommodation locations – (1) in operation of onboard equipment having rotating parts (gyrodynes, fans), (2) when establishing and keeping various ISS attitude modes, and (3) when performing crew egresses into space and physical exercises.]
The CDR & FE-1 completed the two-hour Part 2 of their second onboard “Profilaktika” (MBI-8, “Countermeasures”) series of preventive health maintenance fitness testing on the treadmill, assisting each other in turn. [Today’s fitness test was performed on the TVIS in unmotorized (idle) mode, with free choice of speeds within the range permitted. The test investigates the action mechanism and efficiency of various countermeasures (currently VELO and TVIS) aimed at preventing locomotor system disorders in weightlessness. The test differs from the normal TVIS session by the use of the TEEM-100 gas analyzer (via a mask equipped with a pneumotachometer sensor), measurement of blood lactate level and subjective evaluation of physical exertion levels during the test. The lactate blood samples were taken twice at the end of the session, using the ACCUSPORT analyzer and REFLOTRON-4 accessories. Results were entered on a log sheet. TEEM and ECG (electrocardiograph) data were transferred to the RSE-Med laptop, also on a tape cassette (Cardiocassette-2000), and prepared for later downlink via Regul-Packet comm.]
FE-2 Chamitoff deployed five new 30P-delivered SODF ATU (Station Operations Data File/Audio Terminal Unit) procedures cue cards in the Airlock (A/L), in the Lab (at the aft ATU), in Node-2 (at the port ATU), in the JPM (JEM Pressurized Module) near the JEM RMS (Robotic Manipulator System) workstation, and in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) at the portside aft ATU.
Afterwards, Gregory completed another run with the MedOps experiment WinSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows), his fourth onboard session, by logging in on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) and performing the psychological evaluation exercise on the laptop-based WinSCAT application. [WinSCAT is a monthly time-constrained questionnaire test of cognitive abilities, routinely performed by astronauts aboard the ISS every 30 days before or after the PHS (periodic health status) test or on special CDR’s, crewmembers or flight surgeons request. The test uses cognitive subtests that measure sustained concentration, verbal working memory, attention, short-term memory, spatial processing, and math skills. The five cognitive subtests are Coding Memory – Learning, Continuous Processing Task (CPT), Match to Sample, Mathematics, and Coding Delayed Recall. These WinSCAT subtests are the same as those used during NASA’s long-duration bed rest studies.]
After recharging the battery for the SONY DVCAM-150 video camcorder, the CDR set it up alongside the Fialka UVC (Ultraviolet Video Camera) for an equipment test of the geophysical GFI-1 Relaksatsiya ("relaxation") experiment, with which to record images and radiation patterns of the ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) “Jules Verne” during its reentry next week (9/29, ~9:12pm EDT). Afterwards, the equipment was deactivated and disassembled. [Relaksatsiya normally deals with the study of the chemoluminescent chemical reactions and atmospheric light phenomena (emissions, i.e., molecular relaxation processes), including those that occur during high-velocity interaction between the exhaust products from space vehicles and the atmosphere at orbital altitude and during the entry of space vehicles into the Earth’s upper atmosphere. “Relaxation”, in Physics, is the transition of an atom or molecule from a higher energy level to a lower one, emitting radiative energy in the process as equilibrium is achieved.]
The FE-2 took down and stowed the UOP DCP (Utility Outlet Panel/Display & Control Panel) bypass power cable to the VTR (Video Tape Recorder) at the Lab CUP RWS (Cupola Robotics Work Station), set up for the recent SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) activities (9/8).
Chamitoff & Volkov conducted the major task, deferred earlier, of relocating the CHeCS (Crew Health Care Systems) Rack in the Lab from the D4 position to the LAB S4 position, which required them to –
- Clear stowage items from the D4 rack front and from the S4 empty rack bay;
- Clear a 50in x 72in. translation passage of protruding items, needed for the rack transfer,
- Relocate the CHeCS Rack from position D4 to S4,
- Reroute cables as required and mate CHeCS umbilicals, and
- Restow any items temporarily relocated before the transfer to their original locations.
[The remaining rack transfers have been rescheduled as follows:
- HRF-2 from Lab P1 to COL SA4 (10/1),
- HRF-1 from Lab S2 to COL F4 (10/2),
- MELFI from Lab O4 to JPM D4 (10/3),
- a ZSR (Zero-G Stowage Rack) from Lab O5 to JPM F6 (10/7),
- a second ZSR from Node-2 D5 to JLP A2 (10/7), and
- an RSR (Resupply Stowage Rack) from Node-2 P5 to Lab O5 (10/7).]
With the CHeCS Rack transferred, Chamitoff worked on completing the outfitting of the future Regenerative ECLSS with the Modification Kit #1, started earlier (8/28).
On the Russian Matryoshka-R (RBO-3-2) radiation payload in the DC-1 Docking Compartment, Oleg deactivated the AST Spectrometer, removed its ALC-951 PCMCIA (Portable Computer Memory Card International Adapter) and checked out its contents on the RSK-1 laptop before stowing it in its kit. AST remains off.
Sergey Volkov did additional work on the two new Zveno-B (“Link-B”) modems plus, installed last month for the TVS LIV television system, by installing two VM electronic filters and their connection and grounding cables behind SM (Service Module) panel 437.
Oleg Kononenko meanwhile set up hoses, adapters and electric pump for transferring the potable water supplies from Progress M-65’s BV1 & BV2 Rodnik water tanks into EDV containers in the SM. Later, the pumping equipment was dismantled and the activities were closed out. [After hooking up the plumbing, the water was transferred at first to the EDVs in self-flow (under its own tank pressure), then using the compressor pump via a GZhS gas/liquid separator to remove air bubbles in the water. The tank bladders were then compressed. The subsequent filling of the empty Progress tanks with urine will be scheduled later. Each of the two Progress tanks carries 53 liters of water, which amounts to two full EDVs, leaving 9 liter for filling into a fifth EDV. One of the full EDVs was then installed in the SVO-ZV Water Supply System, replacing an empty EDV (#4).]
Starting a new round of periodic preventive maintenance of ventilation systems in the RS (Russian Segment), the FE-1 had almost 3 hrs reserved for cleaning fan screens in the SM.
At ~1:35pm EDT, MCC-H uplinked and installed a new payload software patch to the Lab RWS PCS (Portable Computer System), and later today Greg Chamitoff will configure the A31p after its ground-commanded reboot. [Uploaded files were R10011PYLDP4.pch & R10011PYLDP4.cmd.]
In the SM, Oleg completed the routine daily servicing of the 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 and replacement of EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine containers.]
Sergey 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).
The crew had their regular weekly PMCs (Private Medical Conferences) via S- & Ku-band audio/video, Sergey at ~12:05pm, Oleg at ~1:30pm, Greg at ~1:45pm EDT.
At ~5:20pm, just before sleep time, the FE-1 will again set up the Russian MBI-12 SONOKARD (Sonocard) payload and start his eleventh 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 ~11:10am, TsUP-Moscow ran a test of String 3 of the Regul-OS, without requiring crew attendance. [Regul-OS is the Russian radio control and communications system (RSUS), equivalent to the U.S. S-band system. It is the nominal uplink path for all Russian commanding, and it handles two-way voice comm, digital/command/program data, as well as telemetry via RGS (Russian ground sites).]
The crew completed their regular daily 2.5-hr. physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the TVIS treadmill with vibration isolation (CDR/MBI-8, FE-1/MBI-8), CEVIS cycle ergometer (FE-2), and RED resistive exercise device (FE-2).
Later, Sergey transferred the exercise data files 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).
As generally every day now, starting at ~9:00am and running until 3:00pm, the US CDRA (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly) is activated intermittently for two half-cycles to control ppCO2 levels. This configuration for the daily ops does not require connecting & disconnecting the ITCS cooling loop. [A forward plan is in work for cycling the CSV (CO2 Selector Valve) to prevent its sticking. CDRA remains “yellow” on the ISS critical systems list.]
Conjunction: Another piece of debris from the Kosmos-2421 satellite (Object 33134) will pass by ISS tomorrow morning at 6:03am EDT. Latest trajectory predictions indicate a miss distance of 19.13 km (Pc = 6.3 x 10-15). No avoidance action is required.
No CEO (Crew Earth Observations) 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, 8:10am EDT [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 352.7 km
Apogee height — 357.3 km
Perigee height — 348.0 km
Period — 91.59 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0006907
Solar Beta Angle — 38.6 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
Mean altitude loss in the last 48 hours — 89 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 56400
Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
09/29/08 — ATV de-orbit (nighttime re-entry for observation from 2 NASA planes; 9:12pm)
10/01/08 — NASA 50 Years (official)
10/02/08 – ISS Reboost (~1.8 m/s)
10/10/08 — STS-125/Atlantis Hubble Space Telescope Service Mission 4 (SM4) 12:33am
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)
10/24/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S undocking (DC1 nadir) & landing
11/12/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF2 launch – MPLM Leonardo, LMC
11/14/08 — 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).