NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 14 September 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.
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Service Module Atmosphere Revitalization Subsystem, Book 2, Mission Operations Directorate, 9 October 2000 [Acrobat] According to this document’s introduction “This book contains information for the crew about procedures and rules for the atmosphere revitalization subsystem, Elektron, Vozdukh, Micropurification Unit, and Fire Detection and Suppression Subsystem operations, as well as their schematic and operation logic.” |
Update on Elektron: The Elektron O2 generator is still Off. Troubleshooting of the unit continued today, focusing on flushing both the hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) lines with water, pumped by an auxiliary compressor. Yesterday, Padalka discovered KOH electrolyte deposits and corrosion on the mounting plate for the gas analyzers. The aluminum plate, which was found to have a corrosion-caused hole, was removed and bagged for return or disposal. Completely bypassing the gas analyzer, the crew installed a clear hose into the H2 line that will be left in place until a new mounting plate can be launched. Late in the day, Padalka reported to TsUP/Moscow that electrolyte was again visible in the newly installed transparent H2 bypass line. Without the H2 gas analyzer, when Elektron is restarted and achieves sustained operation the crew will have to check the temperature of the secondary purification unit (BD) regularly to ensure that there is no H2 in the O2 line.
Update on cabin atmosphere: Overall station pressure and O2 levels are being carefully monitored by the ground. Cabin pressure and ppO2 have been decreasing by roughly 3.2 lbs/day (2.25 mmHg/day) due to metabolic consumption. Without Elektron, by midday on 9/16 (Thursday) total air pressure will reach the lower limit of 734 mmHg (14.2 psi) and the oxygen will reach the lower limit of 146 mmHg (2.8 psi). For the repress, O2 from Progress 15P would be used.
Since no time was allocated on today’s crew timeline for the Elektron troubleshooting, Padalka had to defer his scheduled tasks of installing the first set of ventilation fan vibration isolators in the Service Module (SM) for noise reduction and taking acoustic measurements before and after the installation.
The CDR prepared the Soyuz-214 communications system for the second day of VHF2 checkout with U.S. ground sites and then, at 2:40am EDT, conducted the testing with the Wallops Islands Facility station. Tomorrow’s final FAA-approved VHF2 comm session will be with White Sands Complex (WSC).
Mike Fincke set up the ADUM (Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Micro-G) equipment, including video and electronic still cameras, for another Scan A investigation. With Fincke as subject, strapped down in the CMRS (crew medical restraint system) and wearing electrodes for ECG (electrocardiogram) recording, Padalka performed the ultrasound cardiac (heart) and thoracic (chest) scans. Afterwards the hardware was deactivated and the scan heads were cleaned and stowed as part of closeout operations. [For the session, the ground activated the HRF (Human Research Facility) and the video tape recorder, while Mike powered up the HRF computer and the ADUM hardware and software. The scanning was monitored remotely from the ground via privatized video and S/G (space-to-ground) on OCA comm. The data were recorded, and the scanning and post-scan activities were videotaped and still-photographed for downlink.]
Periodic Russian water and condensate sampling with the KAV water sampler was performed by CDR Padalka on the RS water supply system (SVO), for the purpose of monitoring water quality, checking condensate composition and condensate water processor (SRV-K2M) system performance, and formal clearance of the SVO for further operation. [Samples for return to the ground were collected upstream of the SRV-K2M’s purification column unit (BKO) and the water supply system (SVO-ZV), each after first flushing the sampling hose.]
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Previous Reports ISS On-orbit Status [HQ] |
Mike Fincke changed out the batteries in the three RSUs (#1026, #1027, #1028) and the NCU (#1033) of the Internal Wireless Instrumentation System (IWIS). [IWIS uses radio-linked accelerometers (RSUs) in SM, Lab and Node, controlled by an NCU (network control unit) to take structural dynamics (vibratory) measurements, particularly during docking and undocking events.]
Mike conducted the routine inspection of the SM’s SOZh environment control & life support system and prepared the regular IMS (inventory management system) delta file for automated export to the ground for database updating and subsequent re-import via OCA.
Gennady performed the periodic inspection of the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) experiment, including topping off its water container as required.
The FE completed an inventory/audit of the RED (resistive exercise device) harness and canister cords in the RED resupply and accessory kits, to ascertain the quantity of unused cords on ISS. [These counts are needed for future manifesting. If not enough cords are available, RED will be rendered inoperable upon their depletion, which has crew health implications. If there are sufficient bungee cords on board, unnecessary items do not have to be manifested on 16P/17P.]
The third inflight crew debriefing, on Communications & Tracking, is scheduled for later today (3:55pm). [The debriefs are conducted via privatized conference comm. Questions covered in on-orbit debriefs will not be readdressed after the crew returns. After questions are uplinked, the crew has at least 48 hrs to review them before the scheduled debrief.]
The graphics and video function of the MEC (medical equipment computer) has degraded to the point that the laptop has become unusable and is considered failed. Currently there are no compatible spares available, but work on a resolution is underway. [This failure impacts all medical activities associated with MEC, e.g., on-orbit hearing assessment (O-OHA), WinSCAT, sound level measurement (SLM) data transfer, PHS in-flight examination program (IFEP), physical exercise files (the equipment’s PCMCIA memory cards have to be downloaded to the MEC at least every fourth day or the files are lost), etc. The MEC contingency plan, in place since earlier this month when the laptop showed the first display irregularities, includes the steps to scavenge a shell from other users. Changing out the hard disk drive (HDD) and installing the MEC software load are standard procedures that the crew has trained for and has performed on-orbit multiple times. In the longer term: three new A31P NGLs (Next Generation Laptop) will go up on Progress 16P, which may ameliorate the shell (chassis) shortage.]
Mike and Gennady completed their daily 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on TVIS, RED exerciser and VELO cycle with bungee cord load trainer.
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.
The total number of CEO (crew earth observations) images for Increment 9 is 15,072 (as of last Friday, 9/10, at COB).
Today’s 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), was Internal waves, Vietnam (looking well left as the late afternoon glint disc crosses the Gulf of Tonkin), Pilcomayo River dynamics, N Argentina (request from geologists in Argentina and Spain for detailed images of the largest megafan known on this planet. Looking left ~2 degrees for the present “end point” where river flow ceases), and Smoke plumes, W Brazil (Dynamic event. Biomass burning continues in Brazil’s rainforest. Looking left as the weather clears in western Brazil. There were two passes today, with the second a more optimal opportunity: shooting obliques looking right to photograph unusually long and discrete smoke plumes [smoke palls commonly appear diffuse with little or no visible structure].
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.
Major upcoming events:
- Reboost — 9/22 (phase angle correction for 9S)
- Soyuz 9S launch — 10/9, 1:04am EDT (w/Leroy Chiao, Salizhan Sharipov, Yuri Shargin);
- Soyuz 9S dock — 10/11, 2:15am EDT;
- Soyuz 8S undock — 10/18, 6:58pm EDT (w/Gennady Padalka, Michael Fincke, Yuri Shargin);
- Soyuz 8S land — 10/18, 10:22pm EDT;
- Soyuz 9S port relocate — 11/18;
- Progress 15P undock – 11/23;
- Progress 16P launch — 11/24;
- EVA-12 – 12/28;
- Progress 16P undock – 1/29/05;
- Progress 17P launch – 1/30/05;
- EVA-13 – 2/21/05;
- Shuttle/LF1 launch – NET 3/6/05;
- Shuttle/LF1 undock – NET 3/16/05.
U.S. & Russian Segment Status (as of today, 1:37pm EDT)
Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLSS) and Thermal Control (TCS):
- Elektron O2 generator is Off. Vozdukh CO2 scrubber is On. U.S. CDRA CO2 scrubber is Off. TCCS (trace contaminant control subsystem) is On. SM Gas Analyzer has been calibrated and is used for ppO2 & ppCO2 monitoring. MCA (major constituents analyzer) is Off. BMP Harmful Impurities unit: absorbent bed #1 in Purify mode, bed #2 in Purify mode. RS air conditioner SKV-1 is On. SKV-2 is Off (SM panel mods completed 4/8; SKV-2 activation failed 4/20; new replaceable condensate removal line installed on 9/9). SFOG slot #2 fan suspect (not usable).
- SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 737; temperature (deg C) — 25.2; ppO2 (mmHg) — 147.4; ppCO2 (mmHg) — 3.2.
- SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 741; temperature (deg C) — 20.0.
- FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) — 744; temperature (deg C) — 22.3.
- Node: Pressure (mmHg) — 737.5; temperature (deg C) — 24.3 (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) — 738.5; temperature (deg C) — 24.0; ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) — 739.7; temperature (deg C) — 27.2; shell heater temp (deg C) — n/a, ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- (n/a = data not available)
Electrical Power Systems (EPS):
- Both P6 channels fully operational. BGA (beta gimbal assembly) 2B and 4B both in Autotrack (solar-tracking, “sun slicer”, i.e., drag reduction-biased by 37.5 deg angle for 2B, -37.5 deg for 4B).
- SM batteries: All batteries (8) are on line in “Partial Charge” mode.
- FGB batteries: Battery #3 is off line; battery #2 is in “Cycle” mode; all other batteries (4) are on line in “Partial Charge” mode.
- Plasma Contactor Unit PCU-1 is in Standby mode; PCU-2 is in Standby mode.
Command & Data Handling Systems (C&DH)
- C&C-1 MDM is prime, C&C-2 is backup, and C&C-3 is in standby.
- GNC-2 MDM is prime; GNC-1 is backup.
- INT-2 is operating; INT-1 is Off.
- EXT-1 is On (primary), EXT-2 is Off (backup).
- LA-1, LA-2 and LA-3 MDMs are all operating.
- PL-1 MDM is Off; PL-2 MDM is Operational.
- APS-1 (automated payload switch #1) and APS-2 are both On.
- SM Terminal Computer (TVM): 3 redundant lanes (of 3) operational.
- SM Central Computer (TsVM): 3 redundant lanes (of 3) operational.
- FGB MDM-1 is Off (failed, 11/21/03); MDM-2 is Operational.
Propulsion System (PS):
- Total propellant load available: 4408 kg (9718 lb) as of 9/8/04; [SM(552) + FGB(3388) + Progress M(468)]. (Capabilities: SM — 860 kg; FGB — 6120 kg).
Attitude Control Systems (ACS):
- 3 CMGs on-line (CMG-1 failed, since 6/6/02; CMG-2’s RPC-17 failed 4/21/04; was replaced 6/30/04).
- State vector source — U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)
- Attitude source — U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)
- Angular rate source — RGA-1
Flight Attitude:
- XPOP (x-axis perpendicular to orbit plane = “sun-fixed” [yaw: 180.5 deg, pitch: -6.9 deg., roll: 0 deg]), with CMG TA (thruster assist) until 9/17.
Communications & Tracking Systems (C&T):
- FGB MDM-1 is powered Off; FGB MDM-2 is operational.
- All other Russian communications & tracking systems are nominal.
- S-band is operating nominally (on string 2).
- Ku-band is operating nominally.
- Audio subsystem is operating nominally (IAC-1 is prime, IAC-2 is off).
- Video subsystem operating nominally.
- HCOR (high-rate communications outage recorder) is operating nominally.
Robotics:
- SSRMS/Canadarm2 based at Lab PDGF/LEE A, operational on redundant string, off on prime.
- MBS: KA (keep alive) power on both strings.
- MT: latched and mated at WS4.
- POA: KA power on both strings.
- RWS (robotics workstations): Lab RWS is On (DCP connected); Cupola RWS is Off.
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ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:08am EDT [= epoch]):
- Mean altitude — 359.9 km
- Apogee height — 363.6 km
- Perigee height — 356.2 km
- Period — 91.74 min.
- Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
- Eccentricity — 0.0005551
- Solar Beta Angle — 44.5 deg (magnitude decreasing)
- Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.70
- Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 90 m
- Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 33234
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.
