NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 15 May 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.   Underway: Week 6 of Increment 13.

CDR Pavel Vinogradov started off an extremely busy day by checking out the Russian “Gamma” BP (blood pressure) unit, first inspecting the nominal operation of the BP panel compressor used to inflate the BP cuffs of the arterial pressure measuring instrument, and then performing a health check on the USI #88 “mansheta” (cuff) attachment itself.  The task was supported by ground specialist tagup.

With the Elektron O2 generator still deactivated, Vinogradov serviced the Russian BMP Harmful Impurities Removal System, starting the “bake-out” cycle to vacuum on absorbent bed #1 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system.  Before sleep time today, the bake-out will be terminated.  Regeneration of bed #2 follows tomorrow. [Regeneration of each of the two cartridges takes about 12 hours and is conducted only during crew awake periods.  The BMP currently still uses the same vacuum vent valve for regeneration as the Elektron (the latter for venting hydrogen).  Cabin atmosphere repressurization with O2 is being conducted from Progress reserves as required.]

The CDR also reviewed procedures and prepared equipment for the routing and installation of a new H2 dump line for the Elektron, a major IFM (inflight maintenance) job scheduled for Wednesday (5/17). [Replacement of the H2 dump line’s external outlet/vent valve will be one of the main objectives of the Orlan EVA-16 on 6/1.]

Vinogradov switched the Russian telephone/telegraph subsystem (STTS) back to its primary string in nominal mode, after its operation on the backup string since 5/1.   [The “Voskhod-M” STTS enables telephone communications between the SM, FGB, DC1 Docking Compartment and U.S. segment (USOS), and also with users on the ground over VHF channels selected by an operator at an SM comm panel, via STTS antennas on the SM’s outside.  There are six comm panels in the SM with pushbuttons for accessing any of three audio channels, plus an intercom channel.  Other modes of the STTS include telegraphy (teletype), EVA voice, emergency alarms, Packet/Email, and TORU docking support.]

As part of regular maintenance of the Service Module (SM) water processing system, Pavel swapped the string-1 air/liquid separation and pumping unit (BRPK) of the SRVK-2M condensate water processor with a spare unit, discarding the old unit for disposal.   [The SRVK processes the condensate coming from the SKV air conditioner for the Elektron.]

The Vozdukh CO2 scrubber is currently off while Russian specialists are troubleshooting a switching valve that has exhibited offnominal cycle times (toggling between 10 and 50 minutes).  Recommendations are expected tomorrow. 

While the Vozdukh is inactive, the U.S. CDRA (CO2 Removal Assembly) in the Lab has been activated to reduce the overall CO2 levels in the ISS and to stay within flight rule limits until Vozdukh has been cleared for ops.  CO2 is currently reading 2.7 mmHg.   [MCA (Major Constituents Analyzer) ppCO2 (partial pressure CO2) readings last night were fluctuating around 5.25 mmHg (sensor error plus/minus 0.4 mmHg), while the SM GA (gas analyzer) showed values around 2.55 mmHg (sensor error plus/minus 1.7 mmHg).  Two CDMK (CO2 Monitoring Kit) readings indicated ppCO2 of 4.45 and 4.68 mmHg, resp.  All of these onboard values represented an elevated CO2 level, but no flight rules were violated (flight rule action points are: 5.3 mmHg (5 day average), 6.0 mmHg (1 day average), 7.6 mmHg (immediate action required).]

FE/SO Jeffrey Williams completed several tasks associated with science payloads/experiments, leading off with a familiarization session with the BCAT-3 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test 3) complex.

Later, the FE supported the ground in activating the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) for the subsequent PFMI (Pore Formation & Migration Investigation) session.

Afterwards, the Science Officer performed his third PFMI run.   [The activities included installation of the next SAA (Sample Ampoule Assembly) specimen (#15) of the PFMI  experiment in the thermal chamber, changing out the g-LIMIT (Glovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology) Bypass 8mm video tape and activating the experiment for untended operation for the next 24 hrs.  PFMI, using Succinonitrile crystals with added water, throws light on the serious problem of defect generation during solidification of liquid materials, which on Earth shows itself in particle segregation driven by gravity (“freckle” effect) and in microgravity in pore or bubble formation of trapped gas due to lack of buoyancy, by helping to improve our understanding of such detrimental phenomena occurring during controlled directional solidification processing.  Of 21 experiments initiated on board to date, 17 were successfully completed; the others were interrupted by various causes.  The current plan for May is to re-process three samples to investigate other solidification phenomena.]

Williams made preparations for the upcoming crew conference (5/16) and operations with the SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites) experiments, collecting the hardware from stowage and familiarizing himself with the payload.   [SPHERES is an ISS-internal testbed for development and testing of formation flying and other multi-spacecraft control algorithms for distributed spacecraft architecture missions.  It consists of up to three self-contained 8-inch dia. free-floating satellites which perform the various algorithms (control sequences), commanded and observed by crew members which provide feedback to shape algorithm development.  Each satellite has 12 thrusters and a tank with CO2 for propellant.  The first tests will use only one satellite (plus two beacons – one mounted and one hand-held); a second satellite arrives on ULF1.1, the third on 12A.1.]

Later in the day, the Science Officer also tagged up with the PD (Payload Developer) of the InSPACE (Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions) experiment, to discuss the research and the upcoming (5/17) hardware setup.   [InSPACE, a previously conducted investigation of materials science requiring the MSG, obtains basic data on magnetorheological fluids, i.e., a new class of “smart materials” that can be used to improve or develop new brake systems, seat suspensions robotics, clutches, airplane landing gear, and vibration damper systems.  The dispersed particles are contained in Coil Assemblies (CAs) which subject them to electric fields of certain strength and frequencies.]

The CDR prepared the ASN-M Satellite Navigation Equipment for test operations conducted later from TsUP/Moscow, by upgrading the ASN’s NVM-1 computer with new software from Laptop 3 and a floppy diskette, as he did for the second-string computer, NVM-2, on 5/10.  The activities were supported and monitored by TsUP.   [The ASN-M satellite navigation system in the SM will be required for the arrival of the European ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) “Jules Verne” next year.]

Williams conducted the daily atmospheric status check for ppO2 (Partial Pressure Oxygen) and ppCO2 (pp Carbon Dioxide), using the CSA-CP (Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion Products), CSA-O2 (CSA-Oxygen Sensor) and CDMK (CO2 Monitoring Kit).

Pavel Vinogradov performed the daily routine maintenance of the Service Module’s environment control & life support system (SOZh), including its toilet system (ASU), and he 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).

The FE had 1.5 hrs. set aside on the timeline for continuing equipment prepacking for STS-121/ULF1.1.

Jeff also completed the microbial (bacterial and fungal) T+5 Day analysis of air samples collected on 5/10 with the MAS (Microbial Air Sampler) kit in Lab, Node and SM.   [The sampling analysis is performed once per month for the first three months, and once every three months thereafter.  Bacterial and fungal air samples are taken at two locations in each module.  The colony growth on the sampling slides is analyzed after five days of incubation in 4 Petri dishes.  For onboard visual analysis of media slides from SSK, MCDs (microbial capture devices) from WMK, coliform detection bags from MWAK, and Petri dishes from MAS, the crew has a procedure for visual inspection of samples for bacterial and fungal colony growths after appropriate incubation periods.]

Both crewmembers worked out in 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, CDR), RED (CDR) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE).   [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 4 of the first set).]

Afterwards, Jeff transferred the exercise data files to the MEC 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).

Still remaining on Pavel’s discretionary “time as available” task list is the search for “missing” Russian equipment items, specifically a transformer for the SOZh’s water management system with cable and accessories that were delivered about three years ago on a Progress cargo ship but never used.

Propellant transfer to the FGB from Progress 21P is scheduled on Wednesday (5/17).  Afterwards, TsUP will attempt to reconnect the US-21 matching units for 21P and 20P.   [If successful, the cargo ships will again be fully available for debris avoidance and boost maneuvers controlled from the SM Central Post computers.]

Update on KOB troubleshooting:  On Friday (5/12) the crew completed troubleshooting on the SM Thermal Control System loop 2 (KOB-2) to determine the hydraulic states of the system.  Ground specialists suspect air is in the lines.  The replaceable pump panel #2 (SPN-2) was deactivated today and the final results are being analyzed.

Update on EXPRESS Rack 1 (ER1):   ER1 is powered off, and QDs (Quick Disconnects) are released.  Long range troubleshooting plans are in work.  A small amount of water was found on the valve suspected of leaking.

MCC-Houston has received the preliminary timeline for the 5h 42min Orlan EVA-16 on 6/1.   [Spacewalk activities will include the installation of a new hydrogen vent valve for Elektron, removal of (a) the BKDO contamination monitoring unit on the DC1 Docking Compartment, (b) the “Biorisk-MSK” platform & container,  and (c) the “Kromka” contamination experiment tablet (“plansheta”), tightening the slack of cables around the WAL3 (low gain) antenna of the PCE (Proximity Communications Equipment) system for the European ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle), and a US task: the R&R (removal & replacement) of the MBS (Mobile Base System) camera, for which the crew trained last December in the NBL (Neutral Buoyancy Lab) at Houston.]

No CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets uplinked for today.

To date, more than 186,000 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 morning, 1:05am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 343.7 km
• Apogee height — 350.0 km
• Perigee height — 337.3 km
• Period — 91.41 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0009395
• Solar Beta Angle — -23.8 deg (magnitude increasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.75
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 80 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 42796

Significant Events Ahead (all dates subject to change):

• 05/20/06 — Progress M-56/21P loading complete; hatches closed
• 06/01/06 — Russian EVA-16
• 06/08/06 — ISS reboost with 21P for phasing (6:51pm EDT, delta-V 1.5 m/s)
• 06/19/06 — Progress M-55/20P undocking (DC1) & reentry
• 06/24/06 — Progress M-57/22P launch
• 06/26/06 — Progress M-57/22P docking (DC1)
• 07/01/06 — NET STS-121/ULF1.1 launch
• 07/03-11/06 — NET STS-121/ULF1.1 docked mission w/ISS
• 07/??/06 — US EVA-5
• 08/28/07 — NET STS-115/12A launch
• 08/30-09/06 — NET STS-115/12A docked mission w/ISS
• 09/13/06 — Progress M-56/21P undocking (SM aft port) & reentry
• 09/14/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S launch (Expedition 14 + VC11)
• 09/16/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S docking (SM aft port)
• 09/24/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S undocking (FGB nadir port) & reentry
• 09/??/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)
• 11/??/06 — Russian EVA-17
• 12/14/06 — NET STS-116/12A.1 launch
• 12/16-23/06 — NET STS-116/12A.1 docked mission w/ISS
• 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 — NET STS-117/13A launch
• 02/24-03/03/07 — NET STS-117/13A docked mission w/ISS
• 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)
• 03/22/07 — NET STS-117/13A launch
• ??/??/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S relocation (SM aft port to FGB nadir port)
• 06/11/07 — NET STS-118/13A.1.

    (NET = no earlier than)

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.