Status Report

NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 15 Jun 2004

By SpaceRef Editor

June 15, 2004

Filed under ISS, ISS On-orbit status, NASA HQ, US

NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 15 Jun 2004 — iss

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

After morning inspection, before breakfast and first exercise, CDR Padalka and FE/SO Fincke performed their fourth session of the periodic Russian biomedical assessments PZEh-MO-8 (body mass measurement) and PZEh-MO-7 (calf volume measurement). [Padalka set up the BMM mass-measuring device, which uses calibrated springs to determine the subject’s mass in weightless space, and stowed it away after the tests. Calf measurements (left leg only) are taken with the ISOG device, a custom-sewn fabric cuff that fits over the calf, using the knee and lower foot as fixed reference points, to provide a rough index of deconditioning in zero-G and effectiveness of countermeasures.]

In the Service Module (SM), Gennady Padalka terminated the bake-out cycle on the BMP micropurification system’s channel 2 in the SM, moding the channel back to Purify. This restored both filter beds to Purify mode. [The regeneration of the air purifier filter beds is repeated every 20 days. Each bakeout to space vacuum takes about 24 hours.]

Continuing long-term activities on the nonfunctioning Russian ASN satellite navigation system, CDR Padalka, with ground support, installed a new Progress-delivered navigation receiver module (NPM) behind the SM wall panel containing the ASN hardware, which is cable-connected to the external ASN2401-1 antenna. [BITS2-12 onboard telemetry and VD-SU control mode (i.e., Elektron, SKV, BMP, Vozdukh) were deactivated for the operation, later turn on again. When functioning, the ASN will use GLONASS/Uragan satellites (the Russian equivalent of GPS) to correct the on-board state vector (SV) information (i.e., ISS position & velocity referenced to a time hack, or epoch). Up to now, SV corrections/updates have to be uplinked daily from the ground, along with time setting, time synchronization and various power bus checks, or require SV transfers from the U.S. segment from time to time. ASN will also be critically important for the docking operations of the European ATV (automated transfer vehicle). The ASN equipment was originally installed in the SM before launch but was found faulty and had to be returned to the ground. After repair it was shipped again to the station on Progress 11P, re-installed by Yuri Malenchenko on 7/8/03, and subjected by TsUP controllers to several months of testing, ending on 11/30/03. More testing was conducted this year, but the ASN still has not worked.]

The crew began the first of three 48-hr. inflight diet logging sessions for the BIOPSY experiment. Food consumption is being recorded in a spreadsheet via the crewmember’s PDA. [One of the human systems most affected by extended stays in space is the neuromuscular system. Past space missions have shown weightlessness can cause deterioration of muscle fiber, nerves and physical strength. The BIOPSY (Effect of Prolonged Space Flight on Human Skeletal Muscle) experiment investigates the reductions in limb muscle size, force and power at the cellular level that are induced by microgravity. This research will determine how long it takes for micro-G to affect skeletal muscles, so predictions can be made regarding muscle changes that may occur on a roundtrip flight to Mars. To help establish the cellular effects of weightlessness, biopsies are taken from the calf muscle (gastronemius) and foot-flexing muscle (soleus) 45 days before launch, and again immediately upon return to Earth. MRI (magnetic resonance imagery) also is taken of the calf muscle 90 and 30 days before launch, and again one and 21 days after return to Earth.]

Mike Fincke worked in the Lab module, supporting the software upgrading of EXPRESS Rack 3 (ER3) and EXPRESS Rack 5 (ER5). [This Release 4 upgrade fixes known problems, improves RIC (rack interface controller) performance and provides an improved ground-commanded rack reboot. ER3 is an ARIS rack (i.e., equipped with the active rack isolation system), ER5 is a non-ARIS rack. The crew procedure, requiring about 30 min per rack, is the same for both racks.]

The FE also relocated the TEPC (tissue equivalent proportional counter) in the Lab, moving the its spectrometer and detector about 7-8 ft to be adjacent to the TeSS (temporary sleep station), which Fincke is using for sleeping.

The crew completed their daily 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on TVIS treadmill, RED (resistive exercise device) and VELO ergometer with load trainer.

Mike also performed the monthly maintenance of the TVIS and of the RED expander, including its bolts (to tighten them as required).

Gennady conducted the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh life support system, including the routine replacements in the ASU toilet system.

Later today, the CDR will break out the “Urolux” equipment, setting it up for the Russian biochemical urine test (PZE MO-9) slated for tomorrow. [The MO-9 analysis is standard requirement before and after Orlan-suited activities. It uses the sophisticated in-vitro diagnostic apparatus “Urolux” developed originally for the Mir program.]

Shortly before sleeptime (5:30pm EDT), Mike Fincke is scheduled for a 15-min. teleconference with the CSA (crew support astronaut) team at MCC-H.

At 12:20pm, the crew downlinked, via standard Lab TV configuration and on S/G 2 audio, a non-interactive comprehensive status report to MCC-H on the upcoming EVA and related preparations. [Typical topics, suggested by PAO, were the complexity of the EVA, conducting it in Orlan suits vs. EMUs, expectations for the Orlan dry run and suit checkout, how the crew will use the Strela boom, a basic chronological rundown of how the spacewalkers will translate to the worksite and then change out the RPCM, etc.]

MCC-H uplinked another updated list of (now) 20 “yellow tag” items, down from 21, including their constraints on usage aboard ISS, for an on-orbit review by the crew. Before a yellow-tagged item can be used, the ground needs to be consulted. [Yellow tags, more formally called “uncertified dual ops tags”, are used to identify items not certified for ISS Operations (certification and/or paperwork not complete prior to launch); items which have IP (international partner) segment-specific certification (can be used in one IP segment but should not be used in anther IP segment); items that could pose a safety hazard; and items that are broken or expired. Blank yellow tags are flown so hardware can be tagged on-orbit as necessary.]

Since the ISS maneuvered to XPOP (x-axis perpendicular to orbit plane) on 6/3, the onboard GPS (global positioning system) has exhibited larger-than-usual (for XPOP) differences between the GPS receivers and an increased number of control filter resets for state vector corrections compared to the RS ACS (Russian segment attitude control system)-determined state vectors. An investigation of the phenomenon is underway. [These filter resets may induce an increase in CMG (control moment gyroscope) gimbal rates (still within limits). A possible cause of the GPS reception problem is related to the current “parking” location of the SSRMS/Canadarm2, known as a potential problem prior to going into XPOP.]

Last night (~7:20pm), the crew received a false fire indication in the FGB. The IMV (intermodular ventilation) system was shut down by the FGB MDM in nominal onboard response, as was the Elektron, SKV, and Vozdukh systems. All cabin fans remained on. [The systems were brought back up. Telemetry at this time shows no smoke detector trips occurring in the FGB. The “Signal-VM” fire detection system (FDS) in the DC1 docking compartment was reactivated later today. The FGB’s FDS remains off until it has been determined that the alarm was not set off by a short circuit.]

Over the weekend, Mike powered up the SSC-1 (station support computer 1) in the Airlock for troubleshooting, but the IBM 760XD laptop reported an error in the diagnostic check. It was powered down nominally and stowed. The crew is waiting for further words from the ground.

While performing the psychological MedOps WinSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool) experiment on 6/11, the FE could not conclude the test due to a computer input error. He will repeat the test on his free time next week.

Last Friday (6/11), the crew performed O2 (oxygen) measurement comparisons between the highly precise MCA (major constituent analyzer) and several CSA-CP (compound specific analyzer-combustion products) units. [While MCA O2 reading was 22.09% (ppO2=165.87 Torr/mmHg), the CSA-CPs read 21.8 % (#1015), 22.2% (#1016), and 22.0% (#1003).]

Today’s CEO (Crew Earth Observations) photo targets, limited in 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 Aral Sea (obliques looking south allowed a view of the whole waterbody), Dust event, E Iran (Dynamic event. South Asia [E Iran to Pakistan, and north to the Aral Sea] has the greatest number of dust-event days of any place on Earth. A major event has started up in the basins of E Iran, and is extending southward. Looking left and right of track, and trying for dust-mass margins), Internal waves, Newfoundland (the first opportunity for this usually cloudy site in months. Looking half right for any internal waves in the large area of shallow seas that stretch east and south of Newfoundland [site size equivalent to almost three minutes ISS flight time on this pass]. A second pass was nearer local noon so that the glint point was closer to the spacecraft. This allowed more detailed images if any waves are migrating across the Grand Banks), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (nadir pass), Saharan dust, E Atlantic (Dynamic event. Diffuse Saharan dust is blowing into the Atlantic towards the Canary Islands. Looking for boundaries of the mass. On this descending pass the crew could see the northern boundary first. The southern boundary is marked strongly by a change from a dusty atmosphere to the cloud band known as the ITC [Inter-Tropical Convergence zone]. Trying to include any landmarks such as the islands or coastline. Opportunity lasted ~ 3.5 minutes to traverse the width of the plume), and Internal waves, Bahamas (looking far right and shooting any waves that could be seen as the glint disc crossed the island chain).

CEO images can be viewed at the websites.

See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at

http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/

U.S. & Russian Segment Status (as of today, 12:30pm EDT)

Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLSS) and Thermal Control (TCS):

Elektron O2 generator is On. Vozdukh CO2 scrubber is On. U.S. CDRA CO2 scrubber is Off. TCCS (trace contaminant control subsystem) is operating. SM Gas Analyzer has been calibrated and is used for ppO2 & ppCO2 monitoring. MCA (major constituents analyzer) is in Life Extending Mode (LEM). BMP Harmful Impurities unit: absorbent bed #1 in Purify mode, bed #2 in Purify mode. RS air conditioner SKV-1 is Off, SKV-2 is On (SM panel mods completed 4/8; SKV-2 activation failed 4/20; is now functioning again). SFOG slot #2 fan suspect (not usable).

SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 742; temperature (deg C) — 24.8; ppO2 (mmHg) — 148.9; ppCO2 (mmHg) — 3.3.
SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 751; temperature (deg C) — 20.0.
FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) — 756; temperature (deg C) — 24.7.
Node: Pressure (mmHg) — 746.98; temperature (deg C) — 24.1 (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) — 750.88; temperature (deg C) — 23.9; ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) — 751.08; temperature (deg C) — 25.1; shell heater temp (deg C) — n/a, ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.

(n/a = data not available)

PMA-1: Shell heater temp (deg C) — n/a
PMA-2: Shell heater temp (deg C) — n/a.

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 47 deg).
SM batteries: All batteries (8) are on line in “Partial Charge” mode.
FGB batteries: Battery #5 is off line; all other batteries (5) 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&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): 2 redundant lanes (of 3) operational (string 1 dropped out 11/22/03).
SM Central Computer (TsVM): 2 redundant lanes (of 3) operational (string #3 dropped out 10/22/03).
FGB MDM-1 is Off (failed, 11/21/03); MDM-2 is Operational.

Propulsion System:

Total propellant load available: 4002 kg (8823 lb) as of 6/10/04; [SM(552) + FGB(2811) + Progress M(639)]. (Capabilities: SM — 860 kg; FGB — 6120 kg).

Attitude Control Systems:

2 CMGs on-line (CMG-1 failed, since 6/6/02; CMG-2’s RPC-17 failed 4/21/04).
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: 0.5 deg, pitch: -9.0 deg., roll: 0 deg]), with CMG TA (thruster assist), until 6/16 (for the standard solar array efficiency test).

Communications & Tracking Systems:

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 (may require a mask).
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.

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:46am EDT [= epoch]):