Status Report

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 4 October 2008

By SpaceRef Editor
October 4, 2008
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NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 4 October 2008
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All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Saturday – off duty day for CDR Volkov, FE-1 Kononenko & FE-2 Chamitoff.

The delayed ISS reboost by Progress 30P thrusters took place this morning at 6:06am EDT. It was deferred from 10/2 because of a post-reboost conjunction conflict. [Station attitude control authority was handed over to Russian thruster control at 3:55am and returned to US CMGs (Control Moment Gyroscopes) at 7:45am. The purpose of the reboost was to set up phasing for the Soyuz-16/17 landing & launch. Actual performance data are not available yet. The latest projection showed one post-burn orbital debris conjunction at -1.9 km radial miss distance, which satisfied the clearing requirement of >0.75 km.]

The crew performed the regular weekly three-hour task of thorough station cleaning. ["Uborka", usually done on Saturdays, includes removal of food waste products, cleaning of compartments with vacuum cleaner, damp cleaning of the SM (Service Module) dining table, other frequently touched surfaces and surfaces where trash is collected, as well as the FE’s sleep station with a standard cleaning solution; also, fan screens and grilles are cleaned to avoid temperature rises. Special cleaning is also done every 90 days on the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) bacteria filters in the Lab.]

At ~10:00am EDT the crewmembers conducted their regular WPC (Weekly Planning Conference) with the ground, discussing next week’s "Look-Ahead Plan" (prepared jointly by MCC-Houston and TsUP-Moscow timeline planners) via S-band/audio, reviewing the monthly calendar, upcoming activities, and any concerns about future on-orbit events.

FE-2 Chamitoff checked out the SAMS ICU (Space Acceleration Measurement System/Interface Control Unit) and its PCMCIA (Portable Computer Memory Card International Adapter) memory card and associated cable as initial troubleshooting steps. [Efforts to complete a SAMS ghost load procedure have been delayed by the inability of the SAMS ICU laptop to communicate via FTP to the ER#4 ELC (EXPRESS Rack 4 Laptop Computer). Troubleshooting efforts to date indicate a “broken” connection between the two laptop computers. Today’s check was to see whether the memory card is loose or faulty.]

Oleg Kononenko 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.]

Gregory Chamitoff’s chosen VolSci (Voluntary Weekend Science) program today was another 3.5-hour run with the payload SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites), for which Greg set up the work area in the Lab and two PD-100 camcorders for video capture, dimmed the GLAs (General Luminaire Assemblies) and used the SSC (Station Support Computer) laptop to control the test satellites. [The SPHERES experiment is a test bed for the development and testing of formation flying and other multi-spacecraft control algorithms. Today’s session again used three satellites and five beacons on mounts, with three CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) tanks and six battery packs, to experiment with docking, formation flight, and reconfigurations. In addition, the session added a wide range of control algorithms for maneuvers previously demonstrated using basic control laws. Modern robust control techniques are combined with path planning and formation flight algorithms to improve the performance of the system. The session also continued to obtain data for control reconfiguration after satellites dock (and their mass properties change). Per applicable Flight Rule, SPHERES operations have no CO2 output constraints if the CDRA (CO2 Removal Assembly) is operating in dual-bed or single-bed mode.]

The FE-1 conducted another run of the Russian DZZ-2 "Diatomeya" ocean observation program, using the NIKON-F5 DCS digital still camera to shoot color contrast formations and wind-induced wave anomalies (foam bands, smooth-out sections) in sea water at specified times. [The current DZZ-2 sessions are in support of a multi-discipline scientific expedition of the Institute of Oceanic Studies under the Russian Academy of Science, chief developer of the Diatomeya space experiment, which will be operating in the first ten days of October in the NE part of the Black Sea. Water areas with the most pronounced hydro-physical and hydro-biological characteristics are selected to be measured from the sea vessel. In good weather these water areas can be easily observed from space in colored and bright fields.]

Gregory observed the second day of his first SOLO (Sodium Loading in Microgravity) session, which runs in two blocks of six days each. Measurements and sampling of body mass, blood, and urine will begin next week. [During this period, Chamitoff follows a special high-salt diet, for which prepared meals are provided onboard. All three daily meals will be logged on sheets stowed in the PCBA (Portable Clinical Blood Analyzer) Consumable Kit in the MELFI (Minus-Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS) along with control solution and cartridges for the PCBA. SOLO, an ESA/German experiment from the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Cologne/Germany, investigates the mechanisms of fluid and salt retention in the body during long-duration space flight. Background: The hypothesis of an increased urine flow as the main cause for body mass decrease has been questioned in several recently flown missions. Data from the US SLS1/2 missions as well as the European/Russian Euromir `94 & MIR 97 missions show that urine flow and total body fluid remain unchanged when isocaloric energy intake is achieved. However, in two astronauts during these missions the renin-angiotensin system was considerably activated while plasma ANP concentrations were decreased. Calculation of daily sodium balances during a 15-day experiment of the MIR 97 mission (by subtracting sodium excretion from sodium intake) showed an astonishing result: the astronaut retained on average 50 mmol sodium daily in space compared to balanced sodium in the control experiment.]

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 CEVIS cycle ergometer (FE-2), TVIS treadmill (CDR/2.5h, FE-1/2.5h), and RED resistive exercise device (FE-2).

Later, the FE-1 is to transfer 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).

As generally every day now, today starting at 10:05am and running until 4:05pm (timed to support Greg’s SPHERES activities), the US CDRA (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly) is running 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.]

Week 24/25 Scheduled Main Activities:

  • Sun. (10/5): PFP-ODNT OBT/trng.; SODF updating.
  • Mon. (10/6): SOLO; KENTAVR adjust; MO-2; PMCs; TEKh-20 (PK-3+) BSPN transfer; 30P stow; SLM Acoustic Survey; Rodnik transfer; CSA-O2 cal.; SSK sampling.
  • Tue. (10/7): SOLO; MO-2; ITCS RFCA reconfig.; PEP R7 transition.

Weekly Science Update (Expedition Seventeen — Week 24)

3-D SPACE: In progress.

ALTCRISS (Alteino Long Term monitoring of Cosmic Rays on the ISS): Measurements continue in FGB module.

ANITA (Analyzing Interferometer for Ambient Air): Continuing.

BCAT-3/4 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test 3/4): “Greg, some of the photos you took earlier of BCAT-3 & BCAT-4 are excellent. You managed to get the focus nice and sharp revealing that four of the seven Harvard samples near the critical point are phase separated. This will help guide future operations. We are ready for operations this coming Tuesday where you will homogenize BCAT-4 samples 8, 9, 10, and 3 and then take both manual and automated EarthKAM photos of Sample 3, which will run for 6 days. Thank you very much.”

CARDIOCOG-2: Completed.

CCISS (Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Control on Return from ISS): Reserve.

CFE (Capillary Flow Experiment): Reserve.

CW/CR (Cell Wall/Resist Wall) in EMCS (European Modular Cultivation System): Samples returned on 1J.

CSI-2/CGBA-5 (CGBA Science Insert #2/Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus 5): In progress.

CGBA-2 (Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus 2): Complete.

CSLM-2 (Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures 2): Complete.

EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students): Complete.

ELITE-S2 (Elaboratore Immagini Televisive – Space 2): Planned.

EPO (Educational Payload Operations): Reserve.

ETD (Eye Tracking Device): Completed.

EuTEF (European Technology Exposure Facility): Due to safety concerns identified for the PLEGPAY instrument (when operated in Plasma Discharge mode), the entire EuTEF platform was put in survival mode on 9/1 at around 11:00am EDT (just prior to 29P undocking). Since then, the EuTEF power feeder#1 has been de-activated and no science acquisition is possible. Request has been approved for intermittent activation for 3 of the 9 EUTEF payloads. EuTEF platform power feeder#1 has been re-activated for 4-hrs periods on 9/20, 9/22, 9/24 and will continue to be re-activated every other day until safety issues are solved with the PLEGPAY instrument. This mitigates the science loss for the EXPOSE, DOSTEL and MEDET instruments only. EuTEF platform power feeder#1 has been re-activated for 4-hrs periods on 9/20, 9/22, 9/24, 9/26, 9/28, 9/30 and 10/2. This activation protocol will continue every other day until safety issues are solved with the PLEGPAY instrument. This only mitigates the science loss for the EXPOSE, DOSTEL and MEDET instruments. — DEBIE-2: Inactive;– DOSTEL: Inactive, part of proposed intermittent activation;– EuTEMP: Inactive;– EVC: Inactive;– EXPOSE: Inactive, part of proposed intermittent activation;– FIPEX: Inactive; — MEDET: Inactive, part of proposed intermittent activation; — PLEGPAY: Inactive;– TRIBOLAB: Inactive.

FSL (Fluid Science Laboratory): FSL is nominal.

GEOFLOW: In progress.

HDTV System Test DL (JAXA): In progress.

IMMUNO (Neuroendocrine & Immune Responses in Humans During & After Long Term Stay at ISS): Complete.

InSPACE-2 (Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions 2): In progress.

Integrated Immune: In progress.

KUBIK-FM1/ KUBIK-FM2 Centrifuge/Incubators: Completed.

LOCAD-PTS (Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development-Portable Test System): In progress.

Marangoni Experiment for ISS (JAXA Fluid Physics Experiment Facility): In the early morning of 9/29, the liquid bridge in the FEEF Experiment Chamber has broken. PI team is investigating the future plan, but will not require crew time for this trouble shooting during Increment 17. The experiment itself will be continued at least until next week. Today’s (10/4) Marangoni Experiment will be performed between 7:30pm EDT and 2:00am tomorrow morning.

Micro-G Clay (JAXA EPO): Complete.

MISSE (Materials ISS Experiment): Ongoing.

Moon Photography from ISS (JAXA EPO): Complete.

MTR-2 (Russian radiation measurements): Passive dosimeters measurements in DC1 “Pirs”.

MULTIGEN-1: Completed.

MSG-SAME (Microgravity Science Glovebox): Complete.

NOA-1/-2 (Nitric Oxide Analyzer, ESA): Last NOA-1 session for Sergey and Oleg has been successfully performed on 9/30. NOA return items have been pre-packed for 16S return.

NUTRITION w/REPOSITORY: “Greg, thanks for your hard work in successful completion of your FD120 session! We appreciate all of the barcode information provided in crew notes.In progress.”

PADLES (Passive Dosimeter for Lifescience Experiment in Space): In progress.

PCRF (Protein Crystallization Research Facility) Reconfiguration (JAXA): Complete.

PMDIS (Perceptual Motor Deficits in Space): Complete.

SAMS/MAMS (Space & Microgravity Acceleration Measurement Systems): Ongoing.

SAMPLE: Complete.

SHERE (Shear History Extensional Rheology Experiment): “Congratulations, Greg, for successfully completing the final test runs for SHERE! The final two runs were successful despite the behaviour of the first run. The "snapped" fluid provided valuable information on our stability limits and showed the issue is more complex than we originally thought. We also obtained a full data file despite the computer re-boot. The second run looked beautiful, and we are currently analyzing it in detail. Thanks for all your hard work!”

SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy & Light Exposure during Spaceflight): “Greg, Thanks for completing your Actiwatch download and initialization as well as getting the Actiwatches ready for I-18 CDR and 17S SFP. We are currently targeting the week of Oct 13 for your next week of sleep logging.”

SOLAR (Solar Monitoring Observatory): Current Sun visibility window has started on 9/27. Since then the instruments have been operating nominally, with the exception of SOLACES which encountered a synchronization problem for its two micro-controllers units. Three Criss-Cross maneuvers have been successfully performed on 10/1 for the SOLSPEC instrument. SOLAR platform has also been put in safe mode on 10/2 in preparation of the 30P reboost. After the reboost postponement, SOLAR has been put back into Pointing Mode.– SOVIM: acquiring science;– SOLSPEC: acquiring science – science team is currently assessing the influence of the SAA crossing for their data. In their data, they noticed a higher than expected background level; — SOLACES: instrument powered on, but since 09/30 (GMT274) no science acquisition is possible due to micro-controllers synchronization problems. Teams on ground are investigating.

SOLO (Sodium Loading in Microgravity): First SOLO session started yesterday (10/3), to consist of 2 blocks of 6 days each, ending on the 17S docking day (10/14).
SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellite): Reserve.

Swab (Characterization of Microorganisms & Allergens in Spacecraft): Complete.

TRAC (Test of Reaction & Adaptation Capabilities): Planned.

ULTRASOUND: Planned.

WAICO #1 (Waving and Coiling of Arabidopsis Roots at Different g-levels): Completed.

CEO (Crew Earth Observations): Through 9/28 the ground has received a total of 7,874 frames of CEO images for review and cataloging. Photos with times corresponding to CEO target request times are reviewed first and since the last report included Tenoumer Impact Crater, Mauritania (20 frames-unconfirmed and under review); Southern Mozambique (25 frames-unconfirmed and under review); and Lake Poopo, Bolivia (24 frames-confirmed with a number of useful frames). “Your recent rare image of icy Bouvet Island in the South Atlantic Ocean will be published on NASA/GSFC’s Earth Observatory website this weekend. Your crisp, long-lens view of the world’s most remote island updates and exceeds the quality of the last one acquired during Increment 2. Nice shot! Although you continue to acquire good imagery at times, most of your recent imagery is soft or seems improperly exposed. We encourage you to keep practicing with the cameras. Thank you for your continued support of our payload.”

CEO photo targets uplinked for today were Lake Nasser, Toshka Lakes, Egypt (Greg recently acquired a number of excellent context views of this target area located in the desert just west of the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser. On this midday pass in clear weather he should have had a near-nadir view of the western lakes. This time he was to try for a detailed long lens view of the recent human development near the lake, i.e. agriculture, roads, canals), Georgia Coastal Ecosystems (this Long Term Ecological Research [LTER] site consists primarily of coastal wetland areas and barrier islands. On this clear to partly cloudy, early afternoon pass ISS track was offshore, with the areas of interest to the left. Trying for short-lens context views of the coastal features from just south of Brunswick to just north of Savannah, Georgia), and Palmerston Island reef, central South Pacific (this oddly shaped atoll is located in the tropical south Pacific over 2,500 miles south of the Hawaiian Islands. The lagoon is about seven miles across. As part of an international inventory and monitoring effort of the Earth coral reef resources, CEO researchers are seeking detailed, near-nadir views of the coral reef structures of this atoll system. ISS had a fine pass in mid-morning with partly cloudy skies expected. Looking just right of track).

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 noon, 12:34pm EDT [= epoch]):
Mean altitude — 352.9 km
Apogee height — 358.7 km
Perigee height — 347.0 km
Period — 91.60 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.65 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0008661
Solar Beta Angle — -13.1 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
Mean altitude gain in the last 48 hours — 77 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 56576

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible.):
10/12/08 — Soyuz TMA-13/17S launch (~3:03am EDT; Fincke, Lonchakov, 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
11/02/08 — Progress 30P reboost; Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends
11/16/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF2 launch – MPLM Leonardo, LMC (~7:02pm EST) – U/R
11/18/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF2 docking – U/R
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
12/01/08 — STS-126/Endeavour/ULF2 landing (~1:25pm EST est.)
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.