NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 15 December 2005

SpaceRef note: This NASA Headquarters internal status report, as presented here, contains additional, original material produced by SpaceRef.com (copyright © 2005) to enhance access to related status reports and NASA activities. 

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

CDR/SO McArthur completed the general U.S. MedOps Periodic Fitness Evaluation (PFE), a monthly 1.5-hr. procedure which checks up on blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) during programmed exercise on the CEVIS (cycle ergometer with vibration isolation) in the Lab.  Readings were taken with the BP/ECG (blood pressure/electrocardiograph) and the HRM (heart rate monitor) watch with its radio transmitter, with FE Tokarev assisting as CMO.   [BP/ECG provides automated noninvasive systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements while also monitoring and displaying accurate heart rates on a continual basis at rest and during exercise.]  

The crew conducted their first standard fit check of the Kazbek couches, the contoured shock absorbing seats in the Soyuz TMA-7/11S descent capsule (SA).   [This required them to remove their cabin suits and don Sokol KV-2 comm caps, getting into in their seats in their underwear and assessing the degree of comfort and uniform body support provided by the seat liner.  Using a ruler, they then measured the gap between the top of the head and the top edge of the structure facing the head crown.  The results were reported to TsUP.  Kazbek-UM couches are designed to withstand g-loads during launch and orbital insertion as well as during reentry and brake-rocket-assisted landing.  Each seat has two positions: cocked (armed) and noncocked. In cocked position, they are raised to allow the shock absorbers to function during touchdown.  The fit check assures that the crewmembers, whose bodies gain in length during longer-term stay in zero-G, will still be adequately protected by the seat liners for their touchdown in Kazakhstan, either emergency or regular return (11S serves as CRV {crew return vehicle} in the event of a contingency and for the end-of-mission return of Valery and Bill {plus Marcus Pontes} to Earth on 4/1/06).]

The Science Officer performed the SLAMMD CBT (Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device computer-based training) in preparation for tomorrow’s SLAMMD checkout on the Human Research Facility 1 (HRF1).   [SLAMMD is intended to provide an accurate means of determining the on-orbit mass of humans spanning the range from the 5th percentile Japanese female and the 95th percentile American male.  The procedure, in accordance with Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion, finds the mass by dividing force, generated by two springs inside the SLAMMD drawer, by acceleration measured with a precise optical instrument that detects the position versus time trajectory of the SLAMMD guide arm and a micro controller which collects the raw data and provides the precise timing.  The final computation is done via portable laptop computer with SLAMMD unique software.  To calculate her/his mass, the crewmember wraps the legs around a leg support assembly, aligns the stomach against a belly pad and either rest the head or chin on a head rest.  For calibration, an 18-lbs. mass is used at different lengths from the pivot point, to simulate different mass values.  Crew mass range is from 90 to 240 lbs.]

While at the HRF1 rack, McArthur conducted the periodic checkout of the MedOps cardiac defibrillator. (Last time done: 10/13).    [This periodic routine task is scheduled as soon as possible from Expedition start and every 60 days thereafter.  For the checkout, the defib is connected to the 120V outlet, equipped with its battery (currently #1012) and then allowed to charge, for about five seconds, to a preset energy level (e.g., 100 joules).  After the button-triggered discharge, a console indicator signals success or failure of the test.  The pacing signal is downlinked via S-band for 2 min.  The HRF is powered down afterwards.]

McArthur also reviewed familiarization material for the upcoming PromISS-4 (Protein Crystal Growth Monitoring by Digital Holographic Microscope) experiment session and later (~10:15am EST) conducted a teleconference with the payload developer and PromISS team to discuss the important experiment.   [PromISS uses special hardware set up in the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) to monitor protein crystal growth in a three-dimensional environment to produce a detailed analysis and quantitative interpretation of the relationship between the quality of the crystals and the environment in which they were produced.  The experiment uses the counter-diffusion crystallization method and a holographic microscope for video-capturing and measuring several parameters of the growing protein crystals, which also will be studied on the ground with X-ray diffraction.  The investigation has both significant space and earth applications.]

The Flight Engineer set up for his eleventh NOA (Nitric Oxide Analyzer) session in the DC1 and then conducted the weekly test, afterwards dumping the measurements from the RSE laptop to the ground via the BSR-TM telemetry channel.   [Purpose of the new ESA VC9 payload ESANO1, consisting of the “Platon” analyzer and its power supply, is to monitor expired nitric oxide (NO) in the subject’s exhaled air to detect signs of airway inflammation and indications of venous gas emboli (bubbles) that may be caused by inhalation of pollutants on the ISS and increased risk of decompression sickness.  The experiment sessions are being conducted once a week, with two NO measurements in the exhaled air (after rinsing out with Rodnik water) taken in each session through a bacterial filter.  Today’s measurement ops were recorded in the Platon log and supported by ground specialist tagup via S-band.  To prevent skewing measurements, Valery has to prepare for the session by excluding food items containing nitrites and nitrates (such as in processed meat, assorted vegetables, stewed cabbage, etc.) from his diet for 24 hours before the weekly experiment.]

Working on the continuing task to recover full functionality of the Russian Laptop 1 (LT1), Tokarev had ~2.5 hours reserved for troubleshooting LT1 and then ghosting a new hard disk drive (HDD 6138) for it with the appropriate BVS software version 7.03, using LT3.  A checkout of the laptop’s link to the SM KTsP1 (Service Module Central Post Computer 1) followed.

The CDR filled out the regular weekly FFQ (food frequency questionnaire), his seventh, which keeps a log of his nutritional intake over time on special MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) software.   [On the MEC, Bill 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.  If larger quantities of juices and fruits are taken into account, the value can go to 2400-2500 cal.] 

McArthur also conducted the weekly audit/inventory of the available CWCs (collapsible water containers) and their contents, to keep track of onboard water supplies.   [Updated “cue cards” based on Bill’s water calldowns are sent up every other week.]

The crew again had several hours reserved to work on transferring excessed equipment to Progress 19 for disposal, with commensurate updates of the IMS (Inventory Management System) database.   [The activity is supported by an uplinked Russian trash designation log currently listing 194 Russian & US items.  19P will remain docked at the SM aft port until 3/3/06, to maximize use of its stored consumables (oxygen & propellants) and trash loading.]

Bill McArthur set up the U.S. V10 VTR (video tape recorder) for recording the crew’s subsequent workout on the RED (Resistive Exercise Device), for biomechanical evaluation of each crewmember and assessment of hardware status, a standard 60-day routine.   [During the session, onboard instruments also recorded accelerometer data, using SAMS (Space Acceleration Measuring System) and SDMS (Structural Dynamics Measurement System).  The data are needed to monitor the ongoing impacts of exercise to the ISS structure.]

Both crewmembers completed their regular 2.5-hr. physical exercise program, Bill on the CEVIS (as part of his PFE exam), TVIS treadmill, and RED (video-documented), Valery on TVIS, RED and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer.   [Valery’s daily protocol prescribes a strict four-day microcycle exercise with 1.5 hr on the treadmill and one hour on VELO plus resistive load trainer (today: Day 3 of the first set).]

Afterwards, McArthur transferred the exercise data files to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as 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).

Valery performed the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s environment control & life support system (SOZh), including its toilet system (ASU), and later also updated/edited the standard IMS “delta file”, including locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).

Working from his voluntary “job jar” task list, Tokarev downloaded system data/log files from the Russian payload server (BSPN) to the ISS Wiener laptop and onto a FlashCard, to be dumped to the ground for analysis on TsUP Go.   [The data transfer, required for periodic analysis of server condition, was preceded by a comm check between the ISS Wiener laptop and the BSPN.]

At ~10:40am EST, the crew used the Sputnik-SM Kenwood D700 amateur radio station in the SM to conduct a 10-min. ham radio session with students at Mt. Carmel High School, San Diego, CA.   [Mt. Carmel HS is located in Rancho Penasquitos, a hilly residential community of northern San Diego, with an enrollment of about 2200 students.  Questions for the crew were uplinked beforehand (“How accurate are the movie portrayals of life in space? Which movie is closest to the reality?”; “What’s the best thing the engineers designed into the space station that you are most thankful for?”).]

Without requiring crew involvement, TsUP/Moscow ran a test of the Progress 19 Kvant-P radio command and program system from RGS 25 (Russian Ground Station 25) during DO 2,3,4 (Daily Orbits 2,3, and 4) comm windows.

Preparations for next week’s launch of Progress-355/20P are continuing nominally at Baikonur/Kazakhstan.  The launch is set for 1:38pm EST on 12/21.  After the standard two-day catch-up flight template, docking of the automated cargo ship will occur on 12/23 (Friday) at ~2:54pm.   [20P is manifested to deliver to the ISS ~2.5 tons of cargo, including propellants, oxygen & air, water, dry cargo, and Christmas/New Year surprises.  The cargo also includes a suite of 17 new science experiments from Russia, Japan, ESA and US.  The crew was provided with a comprehensive overview/listing of 20P payload/experiment hazards.  As of 12/15, three payloads, with certification activity ongoing, remain to be approved by the Payload Safety Review Panel (PSRP).  Payload safety specialists distinguish between standard hazards and unique hazards, in the two categories of Biosafety and Toxicity.  There are four defined Biosafety levels, 1 thru 4 (of which levels 3 & 4 are not permitted on board), and five Toxicity levels, zero to 4.  Before experiments are approved for operation, they must be carefully reviewed and certified by teams of payloads safety experts and the PSRP.]

The ongoing ESP-2 (External Stowage Platform 2) structural integrity analysis in support of 20P docking will be completed tomorrow (Friday).

Daily measurements indicate that ppCO2 (carbon dioxide partial pressure) levels in the US and Russian segments continue to agree closely, well within Flight Rule limits.  Therefore, CDMK (Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Kit) checks will return to weekly data takes, instead of daily.

Since the US ITCS (Internal Thermal Control System) has been operating in dual mode, specialists have not observed a further decrease in accumulator coolant levels (i.e., no leakage).

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 Toshka Lakes, S Egypt (good glint opportunity [looking into the velocity vector and slightly left of track] to document water level status of the new lakes.  SRTM [Shuttle Radar Topography Mission] data allows precise water levels to be read once a perimeter is ascertained), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Dynamic event. Unusually cloud free.  Regional view of the Addis valley requested. Shooting from nadir rightwards off track about two degrees), Lake Chad, Chad(Dynamic event. Good glint opportunity to document this long-term monitoring site.  Looking into the velocity vector and slightly left of track), and Patagonian Glaciers, Chile (glacier tongues in this remote, southernmost part of the southern ice field are still poorly imaged.  Requested was a mapping swath from the coast [to anchor the series geographically] along track and slightly right of track.)

To date, over 177,000 of CEO images have been taken in the first five years of the ISS.

CEO photography can be viewed and studied at the websites:

• 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 12 crew visit:

• http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-12/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.

Expedition 12 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, 6:30am EST [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 350.0 km
• Apogee height — 357.0 km
• Perigee height — 343.1 km
• Period — 91.54 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0010336
• Solar Beta Angle — 5.8deg (magnitude increasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.73
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 60 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 40421

Upcoming Events (all dates Eastern):

• 12/21/05 — Progress M-55/20P launch (1:38pm EST)
• 12/23/05 — Progress M-55/20P docking (2:54pm EST, at DC1)
• 01/09/06 — 100 days for Expedition 12
• 02/02/06 — Russian EVA-15
• 03/03/06? — Progress M-54/19P undocking & reentry (baseline date under review)
• 03/22/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S launch (Exp. 13 + Marcus Pontes/Brazil)
• 03/24/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S docking (DC1)
• 04/01/06 — Soyuz TMA-7/11S undocking & return (Exp. 12 + Marcus Pontes)
• 04/06/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S relocation (DC1 to FGB nadir port)
• 04/09/06 — Progress M-55/20P undocking & reentry
• 04/10/06 — Progress M-56/21P launch
• 04/12/06 — Progress M-56/21P docking.

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.