NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 10 August 2006

SpaceRef note: This NASA Headquarters internal status report, as presented here, contains additional, original material produced by SpaceRef.com (copyright © 2006) to enhance access to related status reports and NASA activities.

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

CDR Vinogradov performed IFM (in-flight maintenance) on the Russian Segment’s electrical power system (RS SEP), removing one of its RT-50-1M current regulators (A202) behind Panel 127 in the Service Module (SM) and replacing it with a spare unit. [Before the IFM, TsUP/Moscow deactivated the SKV air conditioner, then powered down the BITS2-12 onboard systems telemetry and shut off VD-SU control mode. There are 12 RT-50-1Ms, which receive and regulate the current from the solar arrays, one for each solar array module. They stabilize the voltage at 28.5 V on the main bus assembly (BSSh). Each current regulator has a transistor switch that can be in one of three states: closed, open, or pulse-width modulation. As the electrical load increases, the regulators are opened automatically in succession from 1 to 12. After all of them are opened, the eight storage batteries (AB), with their ZRU charge/discharge units, are automatically connected to the bus. As the electrical load on the BSSh decreases, the current regulators are closed in reverse order.]

FE-2 Reiter also performed RS IFM, replacing the #2 Replaceable Pump Panel (SPN) in the #1 loop (VGK1) of the FGB’s thermal control system (SOTR) with a new spare from stowage.

In the US Airlock, FE-1 Williams terminated the regeneration cycle on the second EMU METOX (Metal Oxide) carbon dioxide (CO2) filter canister used during the recent EVA-5 and started the bake-out on the third unit.

Continuing his work on preparing the first experiment session with the Russian/German Plasma Crystal-3 Plus (PK-3+) payload begun yesterday, CDR Vinogradov today installed the hardware in the SM and started the standard leak check on the vacuum work chamber (ZB) before its evacuation with the turbopump.

Jeffrey Williams performed MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) equipment transfers to free rack space for 12A cargo items, reduce rack front stowage and regain additional CTBs (Crew Transfer Bags) needed for 12A prepacking. [Movements of MSG gear to new locations were to be tracked in the IMS (Inventory Management System) using the BCR (Bar Code Reader), the IMS laptop client or via calldown to MCC-H.]

Thomas performed the new periodic experiment CULT by filling out its “cultural” questionnaire on the RSE1 A31p laptop. [CULT is a study conducted currently by Russia for ESA. The multi-Increment investigation, which eventually will involve 12 subjects, including Thomas Reiter, is dedicated to the study of cultural aspects and leadership styles of on-board crews as a function of mission duration, including interactions within multinational crews. The questionnaire is contained on a PCMCIA memory card, to be used for all subjects and sessions.]

This morning, when troubleshooting attempts by Williams and Reiter on the Italian (ASI) experiment ALTEA (Anomalous Long Term Affects On Astronauts), whose Data Acquisition Unit failed yesterday at ops startup, were unable to restore proper function, further ALTEA activities were put on hold until resolution of the problem by the ground. [The purpose of ALTEA is to study the interactions between particle fluxes and CNS (Central Nervous System) function during manned mode, including the causes for the anomalous light flash perceptions reported by nearly all astronauts since the Apollo timeframe, and to obtain accurate measurements of the radiation environment inside the ISS (DOSI or unmanned mode).]

The FE-1 completed the regular weekly audit/inventory of the available CWCs (contingency water containers) and their contents, to keep track of onboard water supplies.

Jeff also had 55 minutes set aside for prepacking equipment to be returned on STS-115/12A.

Vinogradov and Williams in turn took their third periodic on-orbit hearing assessment (O-OHA) test, a NASA environmental health systems examination to assess the efficacy of acoustic countermeasures, using a special MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) application. [The O-OHA audiography test involves minimum audibility measurements for each ear over a wide range of frequencies (0.25-10 kHz) and sound pressure levels, with the crewmembers using individual-specific Prophonics earphones, Bose ANC headsets and the SLM (sound level meter). To conduct the testing, the experimenter is supported by special EarQ software on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer), featuring an up/down-arrow-operated slider for each test frequency that the crewmember moves to the lowest sound pressure level at which the tone can still be heard. The baseline test is required not later than about Flight Day 14 for each new Expedition and is then generally performed once per month.]

Thomas Reiter completed the routine daily maintenance of the SOZh environment control & life support system in the SM, including the ASU toilet facilities systems/replaceables and the weekly inspection of the BRPK air/liquid condensate separator apparatus, while Pavel updated/edited the standard IMS (Inventory Management System) “delta file”, including locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).

The crew worked out in their regular 2.5-hr. physical exercise program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the new CEVIS cycle ergometer (FE-1, FE-2), TVIS treadmill (CDR), RED (FE-1), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR, FE-2). [Pavel Vinogradov’s daily protocol prescribes a strict four-day microcycle exercise with 1.5 hr on the treadmill in unmotorized mode and one hour on VELO plus load trainer (today: Day 1 of the first set).]

Afterwards, Williams transfers his, Pavel’s and Thomas’ exercise data files to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM data of the workouts on RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week).

At ~1:30pm EDT, the crew participated in a special interactive PAO TV event with New Orleans Chef Emeril Lagasse, host of the show “Emeril Live” on the Food Network. [Experimental samples of Emeril’s Louisiana cooking had been sent up to the ISS on STS-121 for the crew to evaluate in terms of taste, ease of “work” (dehydration/rehydration), personal preference, etc. Also included in the exchange were to be other samples of American and Russian food, eating utensils, and condiments used by the crew. The interview aired live on NASA TV and was taped for editing and airing on the Food Network in September.]

At ~2:05pm, Thomas Reiter was interviewed in an LDM (Long-Duration Mission) PAO interview on television by the German TV network ARD. [The audio/video connection was made by the SM’s automated onboard program sequencer (SPP).]

In the first part of today’s and tomorrow’s ground-controlled SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) operations, the SSRMS was successfully maneuvered to the 12A SVS (Space Vision System) target viewing position. [The crew and the ground will perform additional SSRMS ops tomorrow, including ground-controlled troubleshooting of a “double S-curve” anomaly seen on a snare cable in the robotarm’s LEE A (Latching End Effector A).]

As part of his daily evening work preps for the next day, Pavel Vinogradov is currently required to synchronize time between the Russian payload server (BSPN) and the ISS “Wiener” power laptop in support of the ongoing runs of the ESA/German commercial experiment “RokvISS”. [First, the Wiener is updated with the exact time as per the station clock (which in turn is synchronized daily from RGS/Russian Ground Site), using a payload file transfer program called ShellForKE. RokvISS investigates the feasibility of robotic function and remote control in open space environment. Its REU (Robotic External Unit) arm, installed on the URM-D, is controlled by the CUP (Communication Unit for Payloads) via the OBC electronics, part of SM systems. RokvISS communicates directly with the GOSC (German Space Operations Center) ground station at Oberpfaffenhofen/Germany via independent S-band comm link.]

Still listed on Vinogradov’s “time permitting” task list is the search for the missing BPU electronic processor (converter-amplifier) box of the Beta-08 ECG (electrocardiogram) units #61 and #63.

Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets, in the current LVLH attitude no longer limited by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, were Sao Paulo, Brazil (weather was predicted to be mostly clear over the Sao Paulo metropolitan area. Overlapping nadir mapping frames of the northeastern urban-rural fringe of the metro area were requested), and Coral reefs, American Samoa (ISS orbit track took the crew over the islands and coral reefs of this small archipelago. Some patchy cloud cover may have been present. Nadir imagery of the islands and adjacent coral reefs was requested).

To date, more than 198,000 of CEO images have been taken in the first five years of the ISS, almost one third of the total number of images taken from orbit by astronauts.

CEO photography can be viewed and studied at the websites:

• http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/station/CEO.html
• http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov
• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov
• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Study/AstronautPhotography/

See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at:

• http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/

To view the latest photos taken by the expedition 13 crew visit:

• http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-13/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.

Expedition 13 Flight Crew Plans can be found at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/timelines/

Previous NASA ISS On-orbit Status Reports can be found here. Previous NASA Space Station Status Reports can be found here. Previous NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports can be found here. A collection of all of these reports and other materials relating to Return to Flight for the Space Shuttle fleet can be found here.

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:03am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 340.4 km
• Apogee height– 345.5 km
• Perigee height — 335.3 km
• Period — 91.34 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0007593
• Solar Beta Angle — 48.7 deg (magnitude increasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 62 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 44172

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern and subject to change):

• 08/27/07 — STS-115/12A launch
• 08/29-09/05 — STS-115/12A docked mission w/ISS (earliest) – P3/P4 trusses
• 08/31/06 — Pavel Vinogradov’s birthday
• 09/14/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S launch (Expedition 14 + VC11)
• 09/15/06 — Progress M-56/21P undocking (SM aft port) & reentry
• 09/16/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S docking (SM aft port)
• 09/25/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S undocking (FGB nadir port) & land
• 10/08/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S relocation (SM aft port to FGB nadir port)
• 10/18/06 — Progress M-58/23P launch
• 10/20/06 — Progress M-58/23P docking (SM aft port)
• 10/31/06 — Russian EVA-17
• 12/14/06 — STS-116/12A.1 launch
• 12/16-23/06 — STS-116/12A.1 docked mission w/ISS – P5 truss
• 12/19/06 — Progress M-57/22P undocking (DC1) & reentry
• 12/20/06 — Progress M-59/24P launch
• 12/22/06 — Progress M-59/24P docking (DC1)
• 01/22/07 — US EVA-6
• 01/26/07 — US EVA-7
• 01/31/07 — US EVA-8
• 02/06/07 — Progress M-59/24P undocking (DC1) & reentry
• 02/07/07 — Progress M-60/25P launch
• 02/09/07 — Progress M-60/25P docking (DC1)
• 02/22/07 — STS-117/13A launch – S3/S4 trusses
• 02/24-03/03/07 — STS-117/13A docked mission w/ISS (earliest)
• 03/08/07 — Progress M-58/23P undocking (SM aft port) & reentry
• 03/09/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S launch (Expedition 15 + VC12)
• 03/11/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S docking (SM aft port)
• 03/19/07 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S undocking (FGB nadir port)
• ??/??/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S relocation (SM aft port to FGB nadir port)
• 06/11/07 — STS-118/13A.1.

ISS Altitude History

Apogee height — Mean Altitude — Perigee height

For more on ISS orbit and worldwide ISS naked-eye visibility dates/times, see http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/ on NASA’s Human Spaceflight website. Additional satellite tracking resources can be found at http://www.spaceref.com/iss/tracking.html.