NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 27 May 2008

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.

FE-2 Garrett Reisman continued activities in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), today replacing a failed locking actuator on BLB (Biolab) and taking detailed photos of the bellows & shutter above rotor A.

Later, Reisman deactivated the COL EDR (European Drawer Rack) and PCDF EU (Protein Crystallization Diagnostic Facility Electronic Unit), concluding with some close-up imaging using the COL’s VCA1 (Video Camera Assembly 1).

In preparation for the subsequent VSPLESK installation (which required turning off the BITS2-12 Onboard Telemetry Measurement System), FE-1 Kononenko supported TsUP-Moscow in deactivating the Elektron O2 generator. As part of the standard deactivation process the Elektron was purged with N2 (nitrogen), controlled from laptop. [Elektron will be reactivated on 5/29.]

Afterwards, Kononenko and CDR Volkov had several hours for routing, installing and connecting SBI (Onboard Measurement System) control cables for the new VSPLESK payload, behind wall panels in the Service Module (SM). The BITS2-12 was then reactivated to allow ground checkout of the outfitting. [VSPLESK, along with the BTN-M1 “NEUTRON” science payload, will create a physical model of charged and neutral particles generated during solar bursts and of the neutron albedo of the Earth atmosphere considering solar and geophysical aspects.]

After deactivating the MedOps cardiac defibrillator at the HRF1 (Human Research Facility 1) rack, the CDR performed its periodic checkout, which was to be recorded on video and later dumped to the ground (last time done: 3/24/08). [This routine maintenance task is scheduled as soon as possible from Expedition start and every 60 days thereafter. For the checkout, the defib is connected to the 120V outlet, equipped with its battery (#1021) and then allowed to charge, for about five seconds, to a preset energy level (e.g., 100 joules). After the button-triggered discharge, a console indicator signals success or failure of the test. The pacing signal is downlinked via S-band for 1 min. The HRF was powered down afterwards.]

Sergey Volkov also conducted the periodic data transfer and time synchronization between the RSS1 and the BSPN payload server, after testing functionality by checking data comm between the two computers and synching RSS1 to station time, in support of payload data transfers from the BSPN for subsequent downlink on OCA comm (via the Russian RSS1 laptop to a PCMCIA flash card). The transfer pertained to a parameter table that was copied from BSPN into the RBO-3-3 Matryoshka radiation hardware. [Before RSS1/BSPN synchronization, the RSS1 is updated with the exact time as per the station clock (which in turn is synchronized daily from RGS/Russian Ground Site). Experiment control application is a payload file transfer program called ShellForKE.]

Garrett Reisman undertook the monthly FDS PEP (Fire Detection & Suppression/Portable Emergency Provisions) safety inspection/audit in the ISS modules. [The JLP (Japanese Experiment Module Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section) contains only a PFE (Portable Fire Extinguisher). The US Airlock holds 2 PHA QDMAs (Prebreathe Hose Assembly/Quick-Don Mask Assemblies). The IMS (Inventory Management System)-supported inspection involves verification that PFEs, PBAs (Portable Breathing Apparatus), QDMAs 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 this time).]

In the SM, Volkov took the periodic readings of potentially harmful atmospheric contaminants with the CMS (Countermeasure System) component of the GANK-4M Real-Time Harmful Contaminant Gas Analyzer suite which uses preprogrammed microchips to measure H2CO (Formaldehyde, methanal), CO (Carbon Monoxide) and NH3 (Ammonia), taking one measurement per microchip. [CMS is a subsystem of the Russian SKDS Pressure Control & Atmosphere Monitoring System.]

Later, the CDR also spent time with the GANK-4M system of the SM pressure control & atmospheric monitoring system (SOGS), adjusting a measurement coefficient (“Coefficient B”) and taking atmospheric readings. [GANK tests for Methane (CH4), NH3, CO, H2CO, Nitrogen Oxides (NO, NO2), Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), Hydrogen Fluoride (HF), and Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN).]

The crew had an hour reserved for reviewing the uplinked flight plan overview of STS-124/1J joint activities next week. Afterwards, they linked up with the ground to discuss the timeline. Some highlights follow:

• STS-124/1J/Discovery will be crewed by CDR Mark Kelly (IV-suit), PLT Ken Ham (IV-tasks, Rob1/2), MS1 Karen Nyberg (Rob1), MS2 Ron Garan (EV2, Rob1/2), MS3 Mike Fossum (EV1, Rob1/2), MS4 Aki Hoshide (J1, JEM), & MS5 Greg Chamitoff (Exp 17);
• ISS wake/sleep cycle will be shifted from 2:00am EDT to 6:32am on FD2 (6/2). Since the early undock time on FD12 (7:33am) drives crew wakeup 2.5 hrs earlier, crew sleep will be shifted 30 min earlier each night starting FD7;
• The JPM (Japanese Experiment Module Pressurized Module) will be installed at Node-2 on port on FD4, followed by an overnight leak check. It is launched with four racks (ECLSS/TCS-1, ECLSS/TCS-2, EPS-2, DMS-2) already installed; the remaining racks are already on orbit in the JLP;
• The JLP will be transferred to the JPM zenith on FD7;
• There will be three EVAs (see below), with Garrett & Greg in the A/L supporting EVA-1 campout;
• Generic face-to-face handover time between Reisman & Chamitoff will be 16 hrs max;
• Discovery will be powered by the SSPTS (Station-Shuttle Power Transfer System) from post-docking to just before undocking;
• Focused inspection of the Orbiter will be on FD7.]

The three crewmembers had their regular periodic PMCs (Private Medical Conferences) via S- & Ku-band audio/video, Sergey at ~9:45am, Oleg at ~10:00am, Garrett at ~1:30pm.

Garrett Reisman conducted the regular 45-min OBT (Onboard Training) session for supporting CBM (Common Berthing Mechanism) capture/ABOLT activities on 6/3 during the JPM berthing at the Node-2 Port hatch.

The CDR completed the routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh/ECLSS system, including ASU toilet facilities systems/replaceables. [Regular daily SOZh maintenance consists of replacement of the KTO & KBO solid waste containers, replacement of an EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine container, and processing U.S. condensate water as it becomes available in a filled CWC from the Lab humidifier.]

Sergey also performed the daily IMS 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 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 (CDR, FE-1, FE-2), TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1), and RED resistive exercise device (CDR, FE-1, FE-2).

Afterwards, Volkov transferred the crew’s exercise data file to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as 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).

Reisman had another hour set aside for his departure preparations.

At ~5:20pm, just before sleep time, Oleg will again set up the Russian MBI-12 SONOKARD (Sonocard) payload and start his third 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. Sergey will start his third MBI-12 session tomorrow evening. [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.]

ASU Update: Troubleshooting continues on the Russian ASU toilet facility. Almost all system components have been changed out at this time, including the separator with no improvement in function. Specialists feel the problem is with the separator pump, though they have never before seen this failure signature. New procedures for temporary manual operation of the pump are in work, and the crew is using a backup system of wring collectors which are functioning nominally. Since they are a consumable, 1J is being last-minute manifested with additional wring collectors and a new ASU separator pump (KSC ground unit).

SM Condensate Processing Update: SM condensate processing troubleshooting continues. SM pressure sensor checkout for the condensate line was successful, as was the installation of a new condensate transfer unit for the SRVK (Multifiltration Unit). Condensate transfer still not working because of BRPK (Condensate Separation & Pumping Unit) failure. Russian teams are still assessing.

No CEO (Crew Earth Observations) targets uplinked for today.

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).

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:14am EDT [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 340.3 km
Apogee height — 343.9 km
Perigee height — 336.6 km
Period — 91.34 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0005442
Solar Beta Angle — 59.8 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 60 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 54526

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
05/31/08 – STS-124/Discovery/1J launch – JEM PM (JPM) “Kibo”, racks, RMS (5:02pm EDT nominal)
06/02/08 – FD3 – STS-124/Discovery/1J docking (1:49pm)
Tentative STS-124 docked working timeline:

• 6/03 – FD4 – EVA-1 (11:30am, 6.5 hrs.), OBSS transfer, JPM prep, S3/S4 SARJ TBA install, JPM install
• 6/04 – FD5 – JPM Vestibule outfitting, Reisman/Chamitoff handovers
• 6/05 – FD6 – EVA-2 (11:30am, 6.5 hrs), JPM outfit (JTVE install, JRMS cvr remv), S1 NTA prep, CP 9 ETVCG retrv
• 6/06 – FD7 – JLP relocate to JPM; JLP Vestibule leak check; Focused inspection
• 6/07 – FD8 – JLP Vestibule outfitting; CP9 ETVCG TVCIC R&R
• 6/08 – FD9 – EVA-3 (10:30am, 6.3 hrs), S1 NTA R&R, compl JPM outfit (RMS cvr remv), P1 CP9 ETVCG install
• 6/09 – FD10 – JRMS checkouts, JLP Vestibule outfitting, A/L BCM R&R
• 6/10 – FD11 – Sayonara (~4:00pm), hatch close (~4:30pm)
• 6/11 – FD12 – Undocking (~7:33am); Greg remains, Garrett leaves; OBSS survey/inspection
• 6/12 – FD13 – Mostly off-duty
• 6/13 – FD14 – Stowing; deorbit preps
• 6/14 – FD15 – Deorbit burn

06/14/08 — STS-124/Discovery landing (KSC: ~11:02am EDT, nominal)
07/10/08 — Russian EVA-20 (7/10-11)
09/05/08 — ATV1 undocking
09/09/08 — Progress M-64/29P undocking (from DC1)
09/10/08 — Progress M-65/30P launch
09/12/08 — Progress M-65/30P docking
10/01/08 — NASA 50 Years
10/08/08 — STS-125/Atlantis Hubble Space Telescope Service Mission 4 (SM4)
10/11/08 — Progress M-65/30P undocking (from SM aft port)
10/12/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S launch
10/14/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S docking (SM aft port)
10/23/08 — Soyuz TMA-12/16S undocking (FGB nadir)
11/03/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S relocation (from SM aft to FGB nadir)
11/10/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF2 launch – MPLM Leonardo, LMC
11/20/08 — ISS 10 Years
11/26/08 — Progress M-66/31P launch
11/28/08 — Progress M-66/31P docking
12/04/08 — STS-119/Discovery/15A launch – S6 truss segment
12/06/08 — STS-119/Discovery/15A docking
12/15/08 — STS-119/Discovery/15A undocking
2QTR CY09 — STS-127/2J/A launch – JEM EF, ELM-ES, ICC-VLD
3QTR CY09 — STS-128/17A/Atlantis – MPLM(P), last crew rotation
05/??/09 — Six-person crew on ISS (following Soyuz 18S-2 docking)
3QTR CY09 — STS-129/ULF3/Discovery – ELC1, ELC2
4QTR CY09 — STS-130/20A/Endeavour – Node-3 + Cupola
1QTR CY10 — STS-131/19A/Atlantis – MPLM(P)
1QTR CY10 — STS-132/ULF4/Discovery – ICC-VLD, MRM1 (contingency)
2QTR CY10 — STS-133/ULF5/Endeavour – ELC3, ELC4 (contingency).