NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 16 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.  Station and crew are in great shape.

Update on Elektron:  The Elektron O2 generator is still off.  Onboard troubleshooting is on hold, awaiting the recommendations of the special Russian Commission investigating the Elektron situation and developing the next steps as well as longer-term procedures for operating the Elektron at maximum crew safety.  The recommendations are expected by tomorrow.

Update on cabin atmosphere:  ISS cabin pressure and partial O2 pressure, refreshed yesterday with 10 mmHg O2 from Progress 15, are in good shape.

Before breakfast and physical exercise, CDR Gennady Padalka underwent his second Russian blood chemistry analysis test PZE MO-11 on Increment 9, assisted by FE/SO Michael Fincke as Crew Medical Officer (CMO) as required.  The exam was performed with the kits and accessories of the Reflotron-4 blood analyzer unstowed and readied yesterday.  Closeout ops and Reflotron equipment storage were completed in the afternoon.   [Earlier Reflotron versions have operated already on space station Mir.  For the test, Padalka imbibed 250 ml of warm water or plain (unsugared) tea, after which fresh blood was drawn from his finger with an Autoclix mini-lancet and a pipette.  Clinical data were then determined from the collected sample.  Using various reagent tabs, the blood was tested for such parameters as hemoglobin, glucose, bilirubin, amylase, uric acid, triglycerides, urea, creatinin, cholesterol, etc.  The tubes with blood samples were temporarily kept cool for the subsequent (post-breakfast) analysis.  Reflotron-4 uses 40 W of power, supplied by the Service Module’s (SM) electrical system.]
 

Later in the day, Padalka also took his fourth session with the cardio experiment PZEh MO-1 (Study of the Bioelectric Activity of the Heart at Rest), with Fincke assisting as CMO.   [During the 30-min. test, the crew tagged up with ground specialists on a Russian ground site (RGS) pass on Daily Orbit 3 (2:04pm EDT) via VHF and downlinked data from the Gamma-1M ECG (electrocardiograph) for about 5-6 minutes.]

Main activity today was an elaborate structural dynamics test of the Soyuz TMA-4 spacecraft docked at the FGB nadir port using the automated U.S. IWIS (internal wireless instrumentation system).  The experiment was also used for a simultaneous calibration of the BILU linear accelerometer in the Descent Module (DM), which works with the DM’s “Argon” and KS-020M computers during the orbital free flight and subsequent reentry phases.   [Main purpose of the test was to help TsUP/Moscow determine the source of a small bias in the “null” position of the BILU which prevented it from zeroing out completely during an earlier calibration (a nominal descent could still be performed).  To check whether vibrations on the ISS during the calibration could have caused it, the test today gathered data on structural dynamics of the attached spacecraft, with the crew first relocating one (#1004) of the IWIS triaxial accelerometer assemblies, attached to RSU (remote sensing unit) #1026, from the SM to the Soyuz and installing it there.  A second accelerometer (#1003), with RSU #1027, remained in the Lab.  During the day, data takes were obtained for three different zones in the Soyuz, during which the crew was to refrain from exercise and sudden movements.  Soyuz cockpit ventilation and gas analyzer systems were turned on for the third data take on Daily Orbit 2.]
 

The FE conducted the periodic 15-min. inspection of the food warmers in the galley (located in the SM).   [Food warmers, food trays, utensils, etc., are part of the food preparation hardware of the Russian-provided CSS (crew support systems).  The food warmers are in recessed wells in the galley table that also has crew and equipment restraints (bungees and Velcro).  Besides the galley, the wardroom area also includes a potable water dispenser (for hot and ambient water for drink and food hydration), and a trash container.]
 

Fincke also performed the scheduled inspection of the AAA (Avionics Air Assembly) in the CHeCS (Crew Health Care Systems) rack and cleaned its cooling fan. 
 

Afterwards Mike undertook another external structural inspection of the ISS, started on 9/13, observing and taking photographs of visible parts of the U.S. segment (USOS) via suitable window ports.
 

Padalka transferred the accumulated data files of his BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) plant growth experiment to the Packet laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground via Regul comm.

At 10:25am EDT, Gennady and the ADUM (Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Micro-G) ground team held their post-session analysis, to discuss yesterday’s successful cardiac (heart) and thoracic (chest) ultrasound scans by Padalka on Fincke via teleconference.
 
The CDR did the routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh environment control & life support system, while Mike prepared the regular IMS (inventory management system) delta file for export/import to the IMS databases.
 
A zero calibration and air data take with the two U.S. CSA-CPs (compound specific analyzer-combustion products) by Fincke was deferred to a later date.  [CSA-CP #1015 is deployed at the SM Central Post and #1016 in the Lab.]

Both crewmembers completed their daily 2.5-hr. aerobic/anaerobic workout program on TVIS treadmill, RED exerciser and VELO cycle with bungee cord load trainer.
 

At 8:30am, the crew conducted a live educational PAO exchange with 4th-6th grade students and their parents at Ikeda Gakuen Elementary School in Kagoshima-city, Japan.  The 20-min. event was sponsored by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and moderated by two announcers from Minaminihoni Broadcasting.
 

Conducting another brief session of the Russian Uragan earth-imaging program from the task list, the CDR focused the Nikon D1 digital camera with 800-mm lens on glaciers of the South Patagonia Ice Field descending into lakes and on Hurricane Ivan.
 

The first part of the R4 software uplink to the GNC (guidance, navigation & control) MDMs yesterday was a success.  GNC-1, the Primary MDM, is now loaded with R4.  The backup GNC, still on vers. R3, was to be loaded today with R4.   [R4 provides several new capabilities.  For example, when fully operational with CCS (command & control system) R4, it will maintain a duplicate copy of MDM data automatically in both GNC MDMs so that in the event of a Primary GNC failure this functionality would bring up the Backup GNC MDM to Primary while maintaining US CMG non-propulsive attitude control.  Currently, because of an intentional software peculiarity, GPS attitude data, while being correctly determined, are not admitted into the GNC because they do not automatically initialize.  Until U.S. SIGI (GPS) inclusion is resolved (perhaps with interim manual initialization), MCC-H is using a state vector propagated (computed forward mathematically) but based on (i.e., “kept honest” by) Russian attitude data.]
 

As reported yesterday, Fincke completed air pressure readings of PMA-2 (Pressurized Mating Adapter 2) from the Lab, determining a value of 736 mmHg.  Also scheduled was a pressure (leak) check of PMA-3 at the Node, but Mike was unable to unfasten the cap of the PPRV (Positive Pressure Relief Valve) on the hatch by hand.  The activity will be rescheduled for a future date.   [PMA-3 should be at a vacuum but has not been entered for three years.  Since the cap has never been loosened, use of a special tool, the FFTD (fluid fitting torque device), is required to overcome the initial torque (estimated at 800 in-lbs).  Mike was asked to familiarize himself with the FFTD and its use.]
 

Mike’s inspection of the Lab starboard CCAA (common cabin air assembly) yesterday was to determine the potential cause of the failure of its heat exchanger to condense air humidity properly, and aid ground engineers in manufacturing decisions for replacement heat exchangers to fly after Shuttle RTF (return to flight).   [The heat exchanger was found to be generally clean but may have its coating somewhat deteriorated.  The CCAA was wiped clean and the samples stowed for return and ground analysis.  In addition, the FE took some photographs and downlinked them for ground analysis.]
 

Moscow reported that failure of a membrane prevented the “Container Full” annunciation of the RS condensate collector, leading to a surprise overfill of the water container (3 liters), which in turn blocked startup of the new SKV-2 air conditioner.  Spilled water was dried up with towels, and SKV-2 is now running OK.
 

Acoustic noise measurements in the RS are being evaluated on the ground after yesterday’s successful installation by Gennady of advanced vibration isolating mountings of five ventilation fans in the SM.  More noise-dampening work to come (air duct replacements).
 

Evacuation of the Lab window’s pressure panes volume (“Volume D”) and installation of the new flexhose U-jumper and its protective cover are scheduled for tomorrow.
 

Moscow and Houston are currently evaluating a new launch date for Soyuz 9S, which has slipped by a few days.  Under consideration are 10/11 and 10/13.  The new date will be fixed at the Soyuz TMA-5/9S GDR (General Designers Review) at RSC-Energia in Moscow on 9/22.

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.

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), were Muglad Basin fans, SW Sudan (clear weather provided an opportunity for oblique photography of these megafans [located to the left of track].  The oblique views will provide necessary context for high-resolution photographs and mapping of the fans), Smoke plume, central South America (Dynamic Event.  Significant smoke plumes continue to rise over central South America.  Looking to the right of track for a distinct plume edge trending southeast towards a small upper level disturbance), Internal waves, Amazon River mouth (weather conditions were predicted to be ideal for internal wave photography.  The sunglint point was to the left of track and slightly behind ISS), and High Central Andean Glaciers, S. America (weather was clear over the Andes for glacier mapping.  General mapping of glacier extent through the Andes is good, but researchers particularly need detailed photographs of the smaller glaciers to measure changes in edge location and area).

CEO images can be viewed at these websites:

• http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov
• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov

See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at:

• http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/

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 — TBD (phase angle correction for 9S)
• Soyuz 9S launch — TBD (w/Leroy Chiao, Salizhan Sharipov, Yuri Shargin);
• Soyuz 9S dock — TBD;
• Soyuz 8S undock — TBD (w/Gennady Padalka, Michael Fincke, Yuri Shargin);
• Soyuz 8S land — TBD;
• 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, 1:30pm 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 Off.  SKV-2 is On (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) — 746; temperature (deg C) — 25.0; ppO2 (mmHg) — 157.8; ppCO2 (mmHg) — 3.4.
• SM Transfer Compartment:  Pressure (mmHg) — 741; temperature (deg C) — 19.5.
• FGB Cabin:  Pressure (mmHg) — 744; temperature (deg C) — 23.0.
• Node:  Pressure (mmHg) — 743.2; temperature (deg C) — n/a (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
• U.S. Lab:  Pressure (mmHg) — 744.7; temperature (deg C) — 24.0; ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
• Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock):   Pressure (mmHg) — 744.9; temperature (deg C) — 26.2; 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 47 deg angle on 2B & 4B).
• SM batteries:  Battery #6 is off; all other batteries (7) are on line in “Partial Charge” mode.  
• FGB batteries:  Battery #3 is off line; battery #4 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-1 MDM (R4) is prime; GNC-2 (R3) is backup (see R4 upgrade, above).
• 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 — RS
• Attitude source — RS
• 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.

ISS Orbit  (as of this morning, 6:42am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 359.6 km
• Apogee height — 363.2 km
• Perigee height — 356.0 km
• Period — 91.73 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0005374
• Solar Beta Angle — 36.4 deg (magnitude decreasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.70
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 150 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98)  — 33265

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.