NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 11 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.

Additional troubleshooting steps for the currently failed Italian (ASI) ALTEA (Anomalous Long Term Affects On Astronauts) experiment, were uplinked overnight to FE-1 Williams for further attempts to get the DAU (Data Acquisition Unit)’s fan back into operation. [ALTEA’s protocol calls for two 90-minute CNSM (Central Nervous System Monitoring) measuring sessions by Jeff Williams plus long-term unmanned real-time particle flux dosimetry inside the ISS. Purpose of ALTEA is to define and measure descriptors for the electrophysiological brain functioning and to follow their dynamics, correlating it with space environments. A specific focus of CNSM is on abnormal visual perceptions (such as the often reported phosphenes,- “light flashes”) and the impact of particles on brain functions in micro-G. ALTEA uses six particle detectors (originally introduced on Mir), a 32-channel EEG (Electroencephalograph) system, a visual stimulator and a pushbutton. These devices can be used separately or in any combination, permitting several different experiments: in physics, dosimetry, psychophysics, electrophysiology and cognitive neurophysiology.]

In the Service Module (SM), CDR Vinogradov performed structural alteration work on the upper part of Panel 236 to prepare for the subsequent installation of a laptop (SSC3, Station Support Computer 3) in the starboard crew cabin. [This involved modifying a pass-through hole in the panel for routing the laptop’s power cable and re-routing the network cable behind the panels into the starboard cabin to the SSC3 station. The panel, composed of 20 mm thick foam material, lined on both sides with 0.3 mm of foil and on the cabin side with 16 mm of felt secured with Velcro, was cut with a suitable hacksaw and the debris caught and contained with a vacuum cleaner. The actual cable routing is scheduled for next week, 8/16, and the installation of the laptop for 8/17.]

Later, the CDR performed maintenance and inspection on a 22P-delivered installation platform for the Russian BIO-2 “Biorisk-MSN” experiment, including taking photographs of the assemblies being tested, afterwards returning the platform to sanitary stowage. [BIO-2, involving several containers, studies space flight impact on microorganisms, in support of ecological safety and planetary quarantine issues.]

As part of regular maintenance of the Russian segment (RS) fire alarm system (SPOPT), FE-2 Reiter had over 4.5 hours to work in the FGB module for dismantling its ten IDZ-2 smoke detectors, cleaning their ionizing needles and then reinstalling the devices. [Afterwards, TsUP-Moscow commanded the FGB’s temporarily disabled SPOPT back on.]

Jeffrey Williams completed the current (Week 18) water sampling protocol by collecting samples of potable water for chemical and microbial analysis from the SVO-ZV tap and the SRV-K warm tap, the latter after preliminary heating of the water and flushing. [From each port, Jeff collected two 500 mL microbial post-flight samples and two 750 mL chemical archival (post-flight) samples, for return to Earth, using Russian collection procedures. Three heating cycles were required to complete this sampling session.]

Pavel Vladimirovich performed the periodic (about twice a month) replenishing of the Elektron’s water supply for electrolysis, filling the KOV thermal loops’ EDV container with water from an EDV containing water from the BKO multifiltration/purification column unit. [The 40-minute procedure is specially designed to prevent air bubbles larger than ~10 mm from getting into the BZh-8 Liquid Unit where they could cause Elektron shutdown. In the procedure, the BKO water is carefully transferred with a pump (BP), located behind SM panel 420, from the EDV-1 through the air/liquid separator unit (GZhS) into the empty EDV-2 while the crewmember checks for any air bubbles accumulating in the GZhS (and, if visible, estimates their number, with no more than two 1 cm diameter bubbles permitted in EDV-2). Elektron water is also supplied from U.S. technical water in a CWC (contingency water container) that is checked for its contents of air bubbles and is rejected if the estimated total air bubble volume is more than 30 cubic centimeters (1 cm air bubble is about 0.5 ccm). CWCs can hold condensate, technical or potable water. Raw condensate is either processed through the SRV-K condensate water processor system into potable water or is used directly for flush water in the ASU toilet system.]

In the US Airlock (A/L), Jeff Williams terminated the regeneration cycle on the third EMU METOX (Metal Oxide) carbon dioxide (CO2) filter canister used during the recent EVA-5 and started the bake-out on the next unit. [In preparation for the three 12A EVAs, Jeff is scheduled to finish all METOX regens this week. Ahead, there are also an EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) cooling loop scrubbing, a PWR (Payload Water Reservoir) degassing, a SAFER (Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue) checkout, battery charging, and EMU resizing for Dan Burbank (EMU #3008) and Steve MacLean (EMU #3006) for EVA-2. In view of the already jam-packed Shuttle timeline, the crew is pre-staging, in the A/L, the EMU consumables needed for the first two spacewalks (EVA-3 consumables to be gathered during the docked phase), involving six regenerated METOX cans, four EMU batteries, four REBAs (Rechargeable EVA Battery Assemblies), eight helmet light (EHIP, EMU Helmet Interchangeable Portable) batteries and five PGT (Pistol Grip Tool) batteries.]

Also in preparation for the 12A EVAs, Williams installed a 6B MDM (Multiplexer/Demultiplexer) EVA cover on the S-band transponder to be installed outside by Joe Tanner and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper during EVA-3.

Pavel Vinogradov conducted another preparatory session with the Russian TEKh-20 Plasma Crystal-3 Plus (PK-3+) experiment payload. [After the previously done hardware setup, leak checking of the electronics box and evacuation of the work chamber with the turbopump, Pavel today conducted more hardware testing and calibration, uploaded new software from a USB stick, checked out the software installation and verified the readiness of the experiment. After additional leak checking on the work chamber during the day, the CDR will deactivate the turbopump tonight at ~5:25pm EDT. The experiment is performed on plasma, i.e., fine particles charged and excited by HF (high frequency) radio power inside the evacuated work chamber. Main objective is to obtain a homogeneous plasma dust cloud at various pressures and particle quantities with or without superimposition of an LF (low frequency) harmonic electrical field. The experiment is conducted in automated mode.]

Pavel also collected the weekly cabin air readings with the GANK-4M Real-Time Harmful Contaminant Gas Analyzer system of the SM SOGS (Pressure Control & Atmospheric Monitoring System). [GANK tests for Methane (CH4), Ammonia (NH3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Nitrogen Oxides (NO, NO2), Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), Hydrogen Fluoride (HF), and Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN).]

Jeff Williams conducted the regular atmospheric status check for ppO2 (Partial Pressure Oxygen), using the CSA-O2 (Compound Specific Analyzer-Oxygen Sensor).

In addition, the FE-1 performed the regular bi-monthly reboot of the OCA (Orbit Communications Adapter) comm router SSC (Station Support Computer) laptop.

Thomas Reiter had ~30 minutes reserved for initial skill OBT (onboard training) preparing for photographing the Orbiter RPM (R-Bar Pitch Maneuver) at STS-115/12A arrival. Afterwards, Thomas downlinked his OBT photos to the ground for evaluation. [During the RPM at ~600 ft from the station, the ISS crew will have ~90 seconds for taking high-resolution digital photographs of all tile areas and door seals, to be downlinked for launch debris assessment. The crew will be wearing headsets on extension cables for communicating during the maneuver.]

After setting up the necessary pump/hose hookup, Williams started transferring liquid waste (urine) from six EDV-U liquid waste containers to the #1 and #2 “Rodnik” water tanks of the Progress 21 cargo ship for disposal. Four additional filled EDV-Us are slated for disposal on 21P. [Each of the two spherical Rodnik tanks (BV1 & BV2) consists of a hard shell with a soft membrane (bladder) composed of elastic fluoroplastic. The bladder is used to expel water from the tank by compressed air pumped into the tank volume surrounding the membrane.]

Pavel completed the routine daily maintenance of the SOZh environment control & life support system in the SM, including the ASU toilet facilities systems/replaceables, and, working off his voluntary task list, also 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).

Jeffrey filled out his regular weekly FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire) on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer), his tenth, which keeps a log of his nutritional intake over time on special software. [Jeff is using his personalized file that reflects the food flown for his Increment. The FFQ records amounts consumed during the past week of such food items as beverages, cereals, grains, eggs, breads, snacks, sweets, fruit, beans, soup, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, chicken, sauces & spreads, and vitamins. IBMP/Moscow (Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian: IMBP – Institute of Medico-Biological Problems) recommended average daily caloric value of the crew’s food intake is 2200-2300 cal (= ~one ration). If larger quantities of juices and fruits are taken into account, the value can go to 2400-2500 cal.]

The crew performed their regular 2.5-hr. physical exercise program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the TVIS treadmill (FE-1, FE-2, 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 2 of the first set).]

Afterwards, Williams transferred 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 ~3:25am EDT, Jeff Williams set up the FGB’s amateur radio equipment (Ericsson VHF transceiver, headset, power supply) to conduct, at 3:30am, a 10-min. ham radio exchange with students at Teven-Tintenbar Public School in Tintenbar, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, on direct line-of-sight. [Teven-Tintenbar (VK2ZTY) is a small Public School located in a rural-residential area 12 km from, the coastal town of Ballina in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. The school has an enrollment of approximately 180 students, covering seven primary years, including Kindergarten. The school is located on a summit of a 110 m high hill, which makes it ideal for a direct contact with the ISS astronauts.]

At ~4:15am EDT, the crew held the regular (nominally weekly) tagup with the Russian Flight Control Team (GOGU), including Shift Flight Director (SRP), at TsUP via S-band/audio, phone-patched from Houston and Moscow.

At ~10:10am EDT, Jeff, Pavel and Thomas conducted their standard weekly teleconference with the JSC Astronaut Office (Kent Rominger), via S-band S/G (space-to-ground).

At ~10:30am EDT, the CDR linked up with TsUP specialists to conduct the weekly IMS tagup, discussing open issues concerning identification of equipment and stowage locations for the IMS databases via S-band. [Issues under discussion included the whereabouts of HDD-14 (hard disk drive #14), a malfunctioning floodlight and of other items, needed data on wastes (undergarments, wipes, filled KBO-M soft trash bags), and newly developed barcode markings now added to the IMS to designate specific areas in the DC1 Upper Hemisphere (VPS) and Central Sphere (TsS).]

At ~2:30pm, the crew is scheduled for 25-minutes of downlinking PAO TV greetings for taping at TsUP/Moscow for a number of deserving events. [These are (1) the traditional send-off address to the next ISS/Soyuz crew (Mikhail Tyurin, Mike Lopez-Alegria, Daisuke Enomoto), to be shown to them on 9/14 for “psychological support” during their ride from the Cosmonaut Hotel to the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch site (“…We hope you have an uneventful launch, a quick adaptation to zero gravity, and we look forward to seeing you soon aboard the International Space Station.”) ; (2) a salutation to participants in the patriotic event “St. George’s Ribbon” (celebrating the 61st Anniversary of WW2 victory); (3) greetings to the “Wings of Russia” Festival (“Krilya Rossii”, the first Russian National Song Festival dedicated to Aviation and Space Exploration (!) on 8/19 at Tushino aerodrome); and (4) words of congratulation to the ceremony observing the 60th Anniversary of RSC-Energia at the Baikonur Cultural Center on 8/26 (“…The sixty years of our corporation’s history as well as that of the entire Russian space exploration program are closely linked with the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Created half a century ago as part of Sergey Korolev’s initiative, the Baikonur Cosmodrome blazed the trail for mankind to venture into outer space…”).]

At ~3:00pm today, the crew will have their regular weekly tagup with the Lead Flight Director at MCC-Houston.

PAO Follow-up: Yesterday’s crew participation in a special interactive PAO TV event with New Orleans Chef Emeril Lagasse, host of the show “Emeril Live” on the Food Network, was a resounding success. MCC-H to crew: “Great show last night with Emeril – you are now celebrities on the Food Network!”

The ground-controlled maneuvering of the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) yesterday to the SVS (Space Vision System) target viewing position went “all nominal”. [Also completed were some 12A pre-launch checkout objectives for the Canadarm2 joints, LEE (Latching End Effector) B, and the Lab AVU (Artificial Vision Unit). “Everything worked as expected.” At the end of today’s ground-commanded robotics work, the SSRMS will be based on MBS PDGF1 (Mobile Base System/Power & Data Grapple Fixture 1) at the Lab PDGF pre-grapple position.]

Working off his voluntary “job jar” task list, Pavel completed the daily status check of the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) Lada-8 experiment as well as photographic imagery of the experiment using the Nikon D1X digital camera with flash and copying all photos from the memory card to the RSK1 laptop for downlink to TsUP via the BSR-TM telemetry channel. [Rasteniya researches growth and development of plants (peas) under spaceflight conditions in the Lada-8 greenhouse. The regular maintenance of the experiment (each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) involves monitoring of seedling growth, humidity measurements, moistening of the substrate if necessary, topping off the water tank if ~20-25% of the total amount (4 liters) remains, and photo/video recording.]

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 target, in the current LVLH attitude no longer limited by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, was Andean Snowpack, South America (Dynamic Event. ISS orbit track provided an opportunity to record the state of snowpack in the central and southern Andes. Shooting to the left of track as the station approached the mountains in order to photograph the central portion of the range. As ISS crossed over the southern end of the mountains, the crew was to look northwards along the central spine of the range to capture imagery of snowpack in the southern portion).

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 noon, 12:01pm EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 340.4 km
• Apogee height– 345.6 km
• Perigee height — 335.2 km
• Period — 91.34 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0007746
• Solar Beta Angle — 52.8 deg (magnitude increasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 20 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 44191

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.