NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 4 August 2011
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.
Sleep cycle shift: To compensate for yesterday’s longer work day (by 3 hrs), today’s crew work day is shorter by 4 hrs, returning to regular times tomorrow.
. Wake – 6:00am
. Sleep – 5:30pm.
FE-6 Fossum’s first 24-hr urine collections of the Generic HRF (Human Research Facility) urine sampling protocol ended around ~2:00am EDT. Mike also underwent the associated blood collection of the Generic HRF protocol, with FE-3 Garan assisting with the phlebotomy as CMO (Crew Medical Officer). Mike then set up the RC (Refrigerated Centrifuge) for spinning the samples prior to storing them in the MELFI (Minus Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS), along with the urine samples and stowed the equipment. [The operational products for Blood & Urine collections for the HRP (Human Research Program) payloads have been revised some time ago, based on crew feedback, new cold stowage hardware, and IPV capabilities. Generic blood & urine procedures have been created to allow an individual crewmember to select their payload complement and see specific requirements populated. Individual crewmembers will select their specific parameter in the procedures to reflect their science complement. Different crewmembers will have different required tubes and hardware configurations, so they should verify their choice selection before continuing with operations to ensure their specific instruction.]
At ~7:55am EDT, FE-1 Samokutyayev & FE-4 Volkov conducted a ~1.5-hr debriefing conference with EVA and Orlan specialists on the ground via S-band to discuss spacewalk and Orlan equipment particulars.
Afterwards, Sasha & Sergei worked on drying out the water feed lines and Orlan-MK suits & gloves.
Other post-EVA closeout activities by Volkov & Samokutyayev were –
* Returning the EVA emergency first-aid medical packs, staged temporarily in the PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and DC-1, to their original stowage sites in the SM (Service Module) med locker and Soyuz TMA-02M/27S (#702, docked at MRM1),
* Removing the BNP #3 (portable air repress bottle 3) from the SM RO and transferring it to the 27S BO (Orbital Compartment), with IMS (Inventory Management System) update;
* Downloading the EVA photographs from the NIKON cameras to the SSC-15 (Station Support Computer 15) U drive for subsequent OCA downlink;
* Setting up the first Orlan-MK 825-M3 battery pack for discharge and starting discharging it,
* Taking the readings of the three ID-Z individual radiation dosimeters and two PILLE-ISS dosimeters from the Orlans and then returning the latter to their original locations in SM, Node-3 & DC-1,
* Removing the U.S. EVA tools & equipment from the Russian spacesuits and turning them over to Mike Fossum for stowage,
* Completing Orlan and BSS Orlan Interface Unit equipment storage activities, and
* Activating the RLS radio/telemetry system in satellite relay mode for the deployed “Kedr” TEKh-43 RADIOSKAF educational micro satellite.
In final close-out activities after the EVA-29 spacewalk, CDR Borisenko worked at the SM aft port to re-integrate the Progress M-11M/43P (#411) cargo ship, docked at the port, with the ISS by –
* Conducting a leak check on the SM/43P vestibule,
* Opening the SM/SU & SU/43P hatches and installing the QD (quick disconnect) screw clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer mechanism (SSVP) to rigidize the coupling,
* Deactivating the cargo ship,
* Installing the ventilation/heating air duct, and
* Dismantling the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma) between the cargo ship and the SM [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 DC-1].
Mike Fossum completed the regular (~weekly) inspection & maintenance, as required, of the CGBA-4 and CGBA-5 payloads in their Lab ERs (EXPRESS Racks).
After configuring the Lab video camcorder for live monitoring of his activities on the CIR (Combustion Integrated Rack), Fossum set up another experiment run on the FCF (Fluids & Combustion Facility), ground-assisted by POIC (Payload Operations Integration Center). [Steps included opening the upper rack door, removing a CIR Manifold Bottle (#2010) with 40% O2, 20% CO2,& 40% N2, and remaining pressure of 293 psia on one of the four manifolds in front of the Optics Bench, and replacing it with a fresh one (#2011), also containing 40% O2, 20% CO2 & 40% N2. Mike then closed the upper rack doors and informed POIC that the rack was ready for remote commanding.]
Afterwards, Mike had ~90 min to audit/inventory the contents of the RS (Russian Segment) Streaming Video Cable Kit and CTB (Cargo Transfer Bag) #1122 containing various Photo/TV cables and accessories.
Ron Garan & Satoshi Furukawa joined up for Day 3 of the JEMRMS SFA (Japan Experiment Module Robotic Manipulator System / Small Fine Arm) functional checkout. With MPEG-2 (Moving Pictures Expert Group 2) encoder set up to transmit monitor views, FE-5 & FE-3 activated the RLT (Robotics Laptop), CCP (Camera Control Panel) and RMS Monitors and then went through today’s final checkout maneuvers. [Steps included configuring proper switch settings, activating & starting the JEMRMS ABM (Arm Bus Monitor), maneuvering SFA to the Joint Zeroing Start Position by Joint OCAS (Operator Commanded Auto Sequence) mode. Next came joint angle zeroing, so that accurate encoder values of the (absolute) joint angles can be monitored, maneuvering MA with SFA to the SFA Function Checkout position, performing the final checkout, then steering MA with SFA to Pre-Berth Position at the SSE (SFA Stowage Equipment). All equipment was then powered down by Satoshi, including the MPEG video system. Berthing/installation of the SFA in the SSE is scheduled tomorrow (8/5).]
Ron Garan opened the protective window shutters of Lab WORF (Window Observational Research Facility) for the ISSAC (ISS Agriculture Camera) so ground images can again be captured by ground commanding. [ISSAC takes frequent visible-light & infrared images of vegetated areas on the Earth. The camera focuses principally on rangelands, grasslands, forests, and wetlands in the northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States. The images may be delivered directly upon request to farmers, ranchers, foresters, natural resource managers and tribal officials to help improve their environmental stewardship of the land. The images will also be shared with educators for classroom use.]
Activities completed by Andrey Borisenko included –
* The periodic transfer of condensate water to an RS EDV container for the periodic (about twice a month) replenishing of the Elektron’s water supply for electrolysis into oxygen & (waste) hydrogen and filling the designated KOV (condensate water) EDV container from CWCs (Contingency Water Containers) #1064 & #1069; when filled, the EDV was connected to the BPK transfer pump for processing through the BKO water purification (multifiltration) unit [the 40-minute procedure is specially designed to prevent air bubbles larger than ~10 mm from getting into the BZh Liquid Unit where they could cause Elektron shutdown. If bubbles are detected in the EDV, they are separated (by centrifugation) into another EDV. BKO contains five purification columns to rid the condensate of dissolved mineral and organic impurities. It has a service lifetime of ~450 liters throughput. The water needs to be purified for proper electrolysis in the Elektron O2 generator],
* 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, replacement of EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine containers and filling EDV-SV, KOV (for Elektron), EDV-ZV & EDV on RP flow regulator],
* 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 periodic checkout & performance verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS hatchways to ensure the ventilation/circulation system performs adequately with the six-member station crew [inspected IP-1s are in the passageways PrK (SM Transfer Tunnel)-RO (SM Working Compartment), PkhO (SM Transfer Compartment)-RO, PkhO-DC1, PkhO-FGB PGO, PkhO-MRM2, FGB GA-MRM1, FGB PGO-FGB GA, and FGB GA-Node-1], and
* Executing the periodic data dump from the BRI (SSR/Smart Switch Router) control log to the RSS1 laptop for downlink to the ground via OCA.
Sasha Samokutyayev meanwhile performed the regular inspection of the 4GB4 hydraulic unit of the KOB-2 (Loop 2) of the Russian SOTR Thermal Control System, checking for presence of coolant fluid.
FE-3 Garan conducted the weekly 10-min. CWC inventory as part of the on-going WRM (Water Recovery & Management) assessment of onboard water supplies. Updated “cue cards” based on the crew’s water calldowns are sent up every other week for recording changes. [The current card (28-0014H) lists 118 good CWCs (2,849.3 L total) for the five types of water identified on board: 1. technical water (32 CWCs with 1,347.8 L, for Elektron electrolysis, incl. 872.3 L in 21 bags containing Wautersia bacteria and 390.8 L in 9 clean bags for contingency use; 2. Silver potable water (no CWCs); 3. iodinated water (74 CWCs with 1,333.6 L (also 33 expired bags with 603.2 L); 4. condensate water (130.9 L in 9 bags, plus 1 empty bag); and 5. waste/EMU dump and other (37.0 L in 2 CWCs, incl. 20.2 L from hose/pump flush). Wautersia bacteria are typical water-borne microorganisms that have been seen previously in ISS water sources. These isolates pose no threat to human health.]
At ~6:00am EDT, Satoshi had his weekly PFC (Private Family Conference) via S-band/audio and Ku-band/MS-NetMeeting application (which displays the uplinked ground video on an SSC laptop).
FE-1 & FE-4 conducted their post-EVA PMCs (Private Medical Conferences) via S- & Ku-band audio/video, Sergei at ~12:20pm, Sasha at ~2:35pm.
Shortly before sleep time, CDR Borisenko will set up the Russian MBI-12 Sonokard payload and start another 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.]
Due to the shorter workday, the crew worked out a reduced physical exercise protocol on the CEVIS cycle ergometer with vibration isolation (FE-5), TVIS treadmill with vibration isolation & stabilization (FE-1, FE-4), ARED advanced resistive exercise device (CDR), and T2/COLBERT advanced treadmill (FE-3, FE-6).
Solar Particle Event: Early this morning, at ~1:00am EDT, an ESPE (Energetic Solar Particle Event) occurred which is resulting in higher dose rates at brief time intervals today and tomorrow. Proton levels are above alert condition thresholds, but not high enough to require crew intervention. Recent passes through the high geomagnetic latitudes, where radiation is enhanced, have not resulted in a perceptible increase in onboard dose as measured by the TEPC (Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter).
RS Thrusters Inhibit: Russian attitude thrusters were inhibited from 9:40am – 2:20pm for Progress 43P hatch opening (clamps installation) and JEMRMS SFA operations.
CEO (Crew Earth Observation) targets uplinked for today were West Cuba (ISS descending pass was at mid-morning with fair weather expected for this target area. As the station tracked southeastward through the Yucatan Channel, the crew was to look left of track for context views [as the basis for future more detailed imaging] of the complex pattern of mangroves on the southern coast and the intricate shoreline of Cuba and its islands), Santa Barbara Coast, California (the Santa Barbara Coastal LTER [Long Term Environmental Research] site is located in the coastal zone of southern California near Santa Barbara. It is bounded by the steep east-west trending Santa Ynez Mountains and coastal plain to the north and the unique Northern Channel Islands to the south. Point Conception, where the coast of California returns to a north to south orientation, lies at the western, and the Santa Clara River the eastern boundary. ISS descending pass was offshore and in early morning light, but clear weather offered an opportunity for contextual mapping views along this dramatic coast), Hurricane Eugene – Eastern Pacific (Hurricane Eugene is a major hurricane but is beginning to weaken as it tracks west-northwestward in the Eastern Pacific. At the time of the mid-morning pass it was forecast to be a strong Category 2 storm with 95kt winds. At this time, looking left of track for context views of this classic, well-formed tropical weather system), and Matavai Bay, Tahiti (HMS Beagle Site: As ISS approached from the NW in late morning, the crew was to begin looking nadir for the north coast of Tahiti, the largest island and Matavai Bay. Darwin stopped here in November 1835 near the present capital city, Papeete. In Darwin’s words: ” …we landed to enjoy all the delights of the first impressions produced by a new country … Crowds of men, women & children were collected on the memorable point Venus ready to receive us…” (this was the site where Captain Cook in HMS Endeavour observed the transit of Venus on 3 June1769). Darwin climbed a narrow river gorge heading towards the central peak of the island, remarking “These precipices must have been some thousand feet high; the whole formed a mountain gorge far more magnificent than anything I had ever beheld.”
ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:30am EDT [= epoch])
Mean altitude – 387.0 km
Apogee height – 395.6 km
Perigee height – 378.3 km
Period — 92.29 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0012818
Solar Beta Angle — 35.9 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.60
Mean altitude gain in the last 24 hours — 178 m (due to EVA-29 airlock depress/vent)
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) – 72,845
Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time and subject to change):
————–Six-crew operations————-
08/29/11 — Progress M-11M/43P undocking
08/30/11 — Progress M-12M/44P launch
09/01/11 — Progress M-12M/44P docking (SM aft)
09/08/11 – Soyuz TMA-21/26S undock/landing (End of Increment 28)
————–Three-crew operations————-
09/22/11 — Soyuz TMA-03M/28S launch – D.Burbank (CDR-30)/A.Shkaplerov/A.Ivanishin
09/24/11 – Soyuz TMA-03M/28S docking (MRM2)
————–Six-crew operations————-
10/25/11 — Progress M-10M/42P undocking
10/26/11 — Progress M-13M/45P launch
10/28/11 — Progress M-13M/45P docking (DC-1)
11/16/11 — Soyuz TMA-02M/27S undock/landing (End of Increment 29)
————–Three-crew operations————-
11/30/11 — Soyuz TMA-04M/29S launch – O.Kononenko (CDR-31)/A.Kuipers/D.Pettit
12/02/11 — Soyuz TMA-04M/29S docking (MRM1)
————–Six-crew operations—————-
12/26/11 — Progress M-13M/45P undock
12/27/11 — Progress M-14M/46P launch
12/29/11 — Progress M-14M/46P docking (DC-1)
02/29/12 — ATV3 launch readiness
03/05/12 — Progress M-12M/44P undock
03/16/12 — Soyuz TMA-03M/28S undock/landing (End of Increment 30)
————–Three-crew operations————-
03/30/12 — Soyuz TMA-05M/30S launch – G.Padalka (CDR-32)/J.Acaba/K.Volkov
04/01/12 — Soyuz TMA-05M/30S docking (MRM2)
————–Six-crew operations—————-
05/05/12 — 3R Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) w/ERA – launch on Proton (under review)
05/06/12 — Progress M-14M/46P undock
05/07/12 — 3R Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) – docking (under review)
05/16/12 — Soyuz TMA-04M/29S undock/landing (End of Increment 31)
————–Three-crew operations————-
05/29/12 – Soyuz TMA-06M/31S launch – S.Williams (CDR-33)/Y.Malenchenko/A.Hoshide
05/31/12 – Soyuz TMA-06M/31S docking
————–Six-crew operations—————-
09/18/12 — Soyuz TMA-05M/30S undock/landing (End of Increment 32)
————–Three-crew operations————-
10/02/12 — Soyuz TMA-07M/32S launch – K.Ford (CDR-34)/O.Novitskiy/E.Tarelkin
10/04/12 – Soyuz TMA-07M/32S docking
————–Six-crew operations————-
11/16/12 — Soyuz TMA-06M/31S undock/landing (End of Increment 33)
————–Three-crew operations————-
11/30/12 — Soyuz TMA-08M/33S launch – C.Hadfield (CDR-35)/T.Mashburn/R.Romanenko
12/02/12 – Soyuz TMA-08M/33S docking
————–Six-crew operations————-
03/xx/13 — Soyuz TMA-07M/32S undock/landing (End of Increment 34)
————–Three-crew operations————-
03/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-09M/34S launch – P.Vinogradov (CDR-36)/C.Cassidy/A.Misurkin
03/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-09M/34S docking
————–Six-crew operations————-
05/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-08M/33S undock/landing (End of Increment 35)
————–Three-crew operations————-
05/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-10M/35S launch – M.Suraev (CDR-37)/K.Nyberg/L.Parmitano
05/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-10M/35S docking
————–Six-crew operations————-
09/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-09M/34S undock/landing (End of Increment 36)
————–Three-crew operations————-
09/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-11M/36S launch – M.Hopkins/TBD (CDR-38)/TBD
09/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-11M/36S docking
————–Six-crew operations————-
11/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-10M/35S undock/landing (End of Increment 37)
————–Three-crew operations————-
11/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-12M/37S launch – K.Wakata (CDR-39)/R.Mastracchio/TBD
11/xx/13 – Soyuz TMA-12M/37S docking
————–Six-crew operations————-
03/xx/14 – Soyuz TMA-11M/36S undock/landing (End of Increment 38)
————–Three-crew operations————-
