NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 14 August 2004
SpaceRef note: This NASA Headquarters internal status report, as presented here, contains additional, original material produced by SpaceRef.com (copyright © 2004) to enhance access to related status reports and NASA activities.
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Saturday — but not a very restful one for the crew.
Progress 15P (#350) docked smoothly at the Service Module (SM) aft port on time at 1:01am EDT. [The entire process of fully automated rendezvous, closure, final approach and capture, followed by closing of “soft” hooks and latches, went without issues. The uncrewed cargo ship approached from forward, starboard and nadir for the period from 1 km into the beginning of flyaround at 12:30am. Final approach began at 12:53am from the stern.]
After docking probe retraction (hard dock) and pressurization of the Progress-to-SM interface vestibule, at ~3:00am the crew began a one-hour leak check of the tunnel, which was successful, then opened the hatches at ~4:00am and installed the quick-disconnect (QD) screw clamps. [A slight anomaly in the written procedure, seen already during 14P docking, had the crew close the KVD pressure equalization valve between the SM transfer tunnel (PrK) and the 15P cargo module (GrO) after 20 minutes when the manometer measurement of the PrK pressure was expected to equal the measured value of the SM (RO) cabin pressure. However, subsequent pressure readings after a 35-min. wait indicated unequal pressures in vestibule and RO (~725 mmHg vs. ~737 mmHg). The procedure needs to be updatedto take into account an additional 5-min. stabilization period between opening and closing of the PrK-to-GrO KVD valve to ensure truly equal pressures between vestibule and ISS.]
|
Previous Reports ISS On-orbit Status [HQ] |
After hatch opening, CDR Gennady Padalka used the Russian AK-1M sampler instrument to perform the obligatory air sampling in the Progress before he deactivated the cargo ship (at ~4:55am) and installed the ventilation air duct in the transfer tunnel.
Padalka also reconfigured the STTS communications setup and deactivated the Ku-band TV system used for covering the approach and docking.
After the docking & internal transfer system (SSVP) in the hatchway between the Progress vehicle and the SM aft end was powered down, the crew removed and dismantled the probe-and-cone docking mechanism (StM) to clear the passage for the ensuing transfer operations, which started immediately afterwards, supported by the use of the IMS (inventory management system). [The 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). The ASA is mounted on the Progress’ GrO cargo module, while the PSA sits on the docking ports of the SM, FGB and DC-1.]
Among the more pressing unloading activities for Padalka was the immediate transfer of samples for two new payloads requiring cold storage, i.e., the Japanese GCF-JAXA (Granada Crystallization Facility) and three Russian BTKh technology (protein crystal growth) experiments.
To supplement the DC-1’s Kriogem-03M cooler, which Gennady set yesterday at +20 degC for storage of one JCF-02V crystallizer unit of the GCF, the CDR also transferred the new TBU thermostat from 15P to the SM and set it up for storing two GCF-02 crystallizers at +20 degC.
Sample units for the Russian MIMETIK-K (BTKh-2), VAKTsINA (BTKh-4) and INTERLEUKIN-K (BTKh-20) technology experiments were also moved to the Kriogem-03M thermostatic refrigerator in the DC-1. All installations were photo-recorded for ground use.
Later, Fincke and Padalka had over two hours crewtime for cargo transfer operations from 15P, while tracking the movements with the IMS (inventory management system) and referring to detailed unpack & stowage lists uplinked from TsUP/Moscow and MCC-Houston.
Gennady also completed the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh life support system (including ASU toilet facilities), and Mike prepared the regular inventory management system (IMS) “delta” file for downlink.
15P’s arrival increased ISS mass by ~6900 kg (15,200 lbs), with approximately 2.5 tons of mixed cargo. The new mass properties and changes to GPS (Global Positioning System) data were uplinked to the GNC MDMs (guidance, navigation & control computers) in form of “pre-positioned load” (PPL) files, for incorporation in the attitude control system (ACS). [14P’s mixed cargo of 2540 kg (5600 lbs) includes propellants for ISS (690 kg/1521 lbs), gaseous oxygen & air (50 kg/110 lbs), water (420 kg/926 lbs), and 1380 kg/3042 lbs) of dry cargo, including supplies and clothing for the Expedition 10 crew of CDR Leroy Chiao and FE Salizhan Sharipov.]
|
Progress Cargo Vehicle Procedures According to the introduction to these documents “this book is intended for performing cargo transfer operations in Progress and on stowing equipment in SM and Progress.” These documents contain diagrams and detailed procedures for the transfer of times from the Progress Vehicle currently docked with the ISS. |
The onboard U.S. SDMS (structural dynamic measurement system) was set up for taking vibrational data beginning several minutes before the docking through three minutes after it, storing them in the R4 EXT MDM (external computer). Downlinking of the SDMS data began at 5:45am in four parts over four hours.
Fincke and Padalka had about an hour each for today’s physical exercise program on VELO with force loader, RED (resistive exercise device) and TVIS (treadmill with vibration isolation and stabilization).
The SAMS ICU (space acceleration measurement system/interface controller unit) laptop software upgrade was completed, and SAMS is working OK, producing good acceleration data
The station continues to fly under CMG control in XPOP attitude (X-axis perpendicular to orbit plane), pitch: 0.8 deg, yaw: -8.0 deg, roll: 0 deg, until 9/2, when it will switch to LVLH XVV in support of EVA-11, to return to XPOP on 9/4.
Major upcoming events:
- Progress 15P thruster tests — 8/18
- ISS Reboost — 8/20 (delta-V = 1.5 m/s);
- ISS Reboost — 8/25 (delta-V = 2.2 m/s);
- EVA-11 — 9/3;
- Soyuz 9S launch — 10/9;
- Soyuz 9S dock — 10/11;
- Soyuz 8S undock/land — 10/19;
- Soyuz 9S relocate — 11/18;
- Progress 16P launch — 11/24.
Weekly Science Update (Expedition Nine — 16th):
GASMAP: Nothing new.
Human Research Facility/Workstation (HRF WS): Continuing.
Advanced Ultrasound (ADUM): The crew was thanked for this week’s ADUM activities. “…excellent job with the scans this week. We’ve got some fabulous shots, and the images are proving to be very interesting. You’re doing a fabulous job up there. Talk to you next month. Thanks “with enthusiasm” from the ADUM team.”
Hand Posture Analyzer (HPA: Nothing new.
In-Space Soldering Investigation (ISSE): The ground is looking forward to next Saturday Science with ISSI.
Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI): Nothing new.
Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS): Mike was thanked for his hard work in getting SAMS up and running. SAMS is back in nominal condition in time to capture the Progress 15P docking.
Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS): MAMS was ready to capture quasi-steady data during the 15P docking.
Protein Crystal Growth-Single Locker Thermal Enclosure System (PCG-STES): Nominal.
Protein Crystal Growth Monitoring by Digital Holographic Microscope (PromISS): Nothing new.
Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions (InSPACE): Planned.
Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-3 (BCAT-3): The BCAT-3 team is looking forward to Monday’s (8/16) operations with photos being taken of samples 8, 9, and 10.
Renal Stone (RS): Nothing new.
Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SHERES): Nothing new.
Foot/Ground Reaction Forces during Space Flight (FOOT): Nothing new.
Materials ISS Experiment (MISSE): In progress. Deployed outside on the U.S. Airlock. Nominal and collecting data.
Cellular Biotechnology Support Systems-Fluid Dynamics Investigation (CBOSS-FDI): Nothing new.
Biotechnology Specimen Temperature Controller (BSTC): Planned.
Yeast Group Activation Packs (Yeast GAP): Nothing new.
Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM): Nothing new.
Earth Science Toward Exploration Research (ESTER): Nothing new.
Serial Network Flow Monitor (SNFM): SNFM completed a 180-min. packet capture during HRF (human research facility) downlink, stored two files to ER5 laptop hard drive, and transferred two files to ARIS POP via FTP. Capture files showed a peak HRF bandwidth utilization of 14.3% and an average of 1.08%, with 91% of the 127,234 packets being between 1124 and 1298 bytes in length. Next data capture was SAMS bootup.
Fluid Merging Viscosity Measurement (FMVM): Nothing new.
Viscous Liquid Foam–Bulk Metallic Glass (Foam): Nothing new.
BIOPSY (Effects of Prolonged Space Flight on Human Skeletal Muscle): Crew was thanked for logging their dietary intake on 8/9 and 8/10. The data were forwarded to the Principal Investigator.
Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures-2 (CSLM-2): Planned.
Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA): Nothing new.
Miscible Fluids in Microgravity (MFMG): Nothing new.
Educational Payload Operations (EPO): Looking forward to the “Chicken Shake” activity on 8/16. This simple musical instrument is part of an education payload sponsored by the Maryland Science Center. The science center will use the on-orbit demonstration as part of education activities on the production of sound for hearing impaired
and musically inclined students.
Capillary Flow Experiment (CFE): Everyone on the CFE team is excited about the upcoming conference and is ready to support the crew if they choose to perform CFE for “Saturday Science”.
Expedition 9 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.
Crew Earth Observations (CEO): Ground team is only just beginning to review the new imagery the crew has acquired since cessation of EQUIS II efforts. The crew’s prompt downlink of the DYNAMIC EVENT images of Bonnie and especially now Charley for PAO and news media have preempted processing and review of the rest of ISS/CEO imagery. It appears at first look however, that Mike and Gennady continue their excellent responses to requests, most notably views of internal wave patterns in sun glint. A recent image of Cabarete Bay on the north coast of the Dominican Republic will be posted on Earth Observatory this weekend. The image helps the article highlight the impact of land use and rapid tourism development on the delicate reef structures on this picturesque, windswept coastline. Thanks for the great work! By the way, hurricane season is just getting going. The beginnings of Danielle and Earl are already brewing in the eastern Atlantic.
Today’s optional CEO photo targets, limited in the current XPOP attitude by flight rule constraints on the use of the science window, which is available for only ~1/4 of each orbit when not facing forward (in “ram”), were Necker reef, Hawaiian Island chain (trying for a near-nadir view of Necker reef. Looking slightly left of track), Hurricane Charley (DYNAMIC EVENT. Hurricane Charley has made landfall and increased to a Category 4 storm over the Florida peninsula, bending more eastward than expected), and Lake Nasser, Egypt (trying for a near-nadir view of Lake Nasser. Investigators have good data for the Toshka Lakes, but could use similar data for Lake Nasser. The current high lake levels are of particular interest).
CEO images can be viewed at these websites:
See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at:
To view the latest photos taken by the expedition 9 crew visit:
- http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-9/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.
|
|
ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 11:44am EDT [= epoch]):
- Mean altitude — 356.4 km
- Apogee height — 359.9 km
- Perigee height — 352.9 km
- Period — 91.7 min.
- Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
- Eccentricity — 0.0005649
- Solar Beta Angle — -32.6 deg (magnitude decreasing)
- Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.71
- Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 125 m
- Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. ’98) — 32750
ISS Altitude History
Apogee height — Mean Altitude — Perigee height
For more on ISS orbit and worldwide ISS naked-eye visibility dates/times, see http://www.hq.nasa.gov/osf/station/viewing/issvis.html. In addition, information on International Space Station sighting opportunities can be found at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/ on NASA’s Human Spaceflight website. The current location of the International Space Station can be found at http://science.nasa.gov/temp/StationLoc.html at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Additional satellite tracking resources can be found at http://www.spaceref.com/iss/tracking.html.
