NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 18 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.   Today 37 years ago (5/18/1969), Apollo 10 was launched to the Moon, with Thomas P. Stafford (Mission Commander), John W. Young (CM Pilot), and Eugene A. Cernan (LM Pilot).

In the Service Module (SM), CDR Pavel Vinogradov performed his first session of the CARDIOCOG (BTC-10) experiment, using the Russian RSE1 laptop plus a newly delivered BTC-10 hard drive (HD) and a new finger cuff for the “Portapres” hardware for measuring blood pressure. [Originally part of Pedro Duque’s VC5 “Cervantes” science program, CARDIOCOG studies changes in the human cardiovascular system in micro-G, expressed in the peripheral arteries, the vegetative regulation of arterial blood pressure and heart rate, and the interaction between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.  For the experiment, Pavel had to take systolic & diastolic blood pressure measurements and heart rate data manually, using the “Tensoplus” sphygmomanometer and the “Portapres” blood pressure equipment, storing the data on the RSE1 laptop, an IBM A31p that replaced the old French EGE-2.  The experiment also included a 5-minute cognitive stress test with a numbers table, with the results called out for recording.  Results are later downlinked via OCA and the RSE1 restored to nominal config, including removal of the special HD.]

Later in the day, Vinogradov also underwent his first Russian PFE (physical fitness evaluation) test MO-3, using the TVIS treadmill for workout and wearing the TVIS harness with HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) and HRM transmitter on a chest belt.   [Identical to the Profilaktika (countermeasures) test for the treadmill in idling mode (i.e., with free choice of speed within a certain specified range), it calls for the use of the TEEM-100M gas analyzer, measurement of the lactate and creatine kinase levels in the subject’s blood, and a subjective evaluation of the physical exertion levels during the test.  The recorded data were then downloaded from memory card to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for subsequent U.S. OCA downlinking.]

For performing his second MedOps WinSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool) session, FE/SO Jeff Williams logged in on the MEC and performed the psychological evaluation exercise on the laptop-based WinSCAT experiment.   [WinSCAT is a time-constrained questionnaire test of cognitive abilities, routinely performed by astronauts aboard the ISS every 30 days before or after the PHS (periodic health status) test or on special CDR’s, crewmember’s or flight surgeon’s request.]

After his Monday (5/15) familiarization session with the BCAT-3 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test 3) payload, the Science Officer today began the experiment.   [Activities included setting up the videocam for recording the activity, configuring the experiment on the Lab MWA (Maintenance Work Area) with the SSC-7 (Station Support Computer 7) laptop for running the EarthKAM (EK) still camera, initializing the sample (#3) and kicking off the first time-lapse photography session (at ~5:40am EDT). After a few initial test pictures, the imaging will continue for the next two weeks, photographed by the EK automatically once every hour. Jeff’s support will be limited to a daily camera status check to ensure proper focus and alignment of camera and flash.  BCAT-3 studies the physics of surface crystallization and fluids at the critical point, using the ground-commanded (via regularly uplinked camera control file) EarthKAM equipment to allow for more frequent, automated photography of samples, to study the changes in the colloids following mixing.  These changes serve as a model for the physical process that occurs when fluids are at the critical point and have properties of both liquids and gasses as these colloids do.  By photographically capturing the evolving ordered interface between two “disorderly” colloid fluids (which in gravity remain in an amorphous glassy due to sedimentation and jamming but have been shown to form big, beautiful highly ordered crystals from disordered samples in zero-G), some basic questions could be answered about self-organization of particles (atoms) in the absence of gravity and about the Second Law of Thermodynamics.  The problem for the Science Officer is how to set up camera and flash just right to obtain useful images of the still mysterious process.]

Later in the day, Jeffrey Williams conducted the first 150-min. session with the SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites) payload, starting with setting up the Work Area and dimming GLAs (General Luminaire Assemblies), then programming and deploying the satellite, using the SSC (Station Support Computer) to command test execution, after a quick checkout, in the first rotational tests.   [SPHERES is to demonstrate the basics of formation flight and autonomous docking, using a beacon as reference for the first satellite, to fly formation with or dock to the beacon.  Incremental tests include basic attitude control (performing a series of rotations), attitude-only tracking, attitude and range tracking, and docking with handheld beacon. The payload consists of up to three self-contained 8-inch dia. free-floating satellites which perform the various algorithms (control sequences), commanded and observed by the 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.  Formation flight and autonomous docking are important enabling technologies for distributed architectures.]

The CDR prepared his third NOA (Nitric Oxide Analyzer) regular (non-EVA) weekly session in the “Pirs” Docking Compartment (DC1), and then conducted the procedure, afterwards dumping the measurements from the RSE1 laptop to the ground via the BSR-TM telemetry channel.  Later, the NOA hardware will be relocated to the SM due to the DC1 reconfiguration for EVA-16.   [Purpose of the 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 test 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 the measurements, Pavel had to prepare yesterday 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.]

Later, Pavel collected the weekly cabin air readings with the Real-Time Harmful Contaminant Gas Analyzer (GANK-4M) system of the SM Pressure Control & Atmospheric Monitoring System (SOGS), which tests particularly for NH3 (ammonia) and HCl (hydrogen chloride).

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

As part of the installation of the new H2 (hydrogen) vent line for the Elektron-VM O2 (oxygen) generator, started yesterday, Vinogradov today replaced an incorrect connector gasket with the proper gasket, then pressurized the line for the leak check that is now scheduled for tomorrow.   [After yesterday’s installation, specialists determined that one of the connections had an incorrect gasket (aluminum).  Today the CDR put in the proper copper gasket prior to pressurizing the hose for the 20-hr. leak check of the new configuration.  For the leak check, he will use the BID pressure gauge on the pressurized line (“no leak” being defined by a pressure drop of less than 0.2 kg/cm2  from no less than 1 kg/cm2 within 20 hours).]

The FE conducted the regular 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 Jeff’s water calldowns are sent up every other week.  The new card lists 16 water containers (~270 liters total) for the four types of water identified on board: technical water (for Elektron, flushing, hygiene; one CWC was found leaking, #1027), potable water (~180 liters), condensate water (for processing) and other (TCS fluid, EMU waste water).  Current assumed rate of water use is 2.2 liters per person per day with Elektron (vs. 1.7 liters per person per day without Elektron).  Updated resupply rate for Expedition 12, as of 3/27, was 1.53 liters per person per day. Total water currently on board is ~1200 liters, which would last ~273 days without resupply.  This includes 420 l delivered by Progress 21. 22P is expected to bring 130 l and ULF1.1 ~645 l.]

Pavel completed the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s environment control & life support system (SOZh), including regular replacements in its toilet system (ASU), and he 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).

Jeff performed the regular bi-monthly reboot of the OCA (Orbit Communications Adapter) comm router SSC (Station Support Computer) laptop.

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 [today as part of his MO-3 assessment]), RED (FE) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR).   [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 3 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).

At ~10:35am EDT, the crew conducted an interactive PAO/Educational TV event, talking with students from the Winter School District in Winter, Wisconsin.   [Winter, Wis., is Jeff Williams’ hometown, and his parents were expected to be in the audience,  The downlink generated community-wide involvement to encourage students to pursue careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematic s fields.]

PAO TV downlinks by the crew were also scheduled for the Russian Science Research Institute for Space Instrumentation’s 60th Anniversary, and to chat with a student group at TsUP from renowned Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI).

Update on Vozdukh:  After yesterday’s replacement of the dehumidifier valve control block (BU) of Vozdukh’s desiccant selector valve (PKO), the CO2 scrubber was activated in manual mode and continued to operate nominally.  It will stay in manual mode until 5/22, when the crew will replace the machine’s gas analyzer.

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.

Williams printed out and reviewed a 15-page list of preliminary procedures for the US portion of the Orlan EVA in two weeks (6/1). [For replacing the failed TV camera on the MBS (Mobile Base System) with a spare unit, EV1/Pavel and EV2/Jeff will enter the US segment (and US spacewalk “jurisdiction”) at the PMA-1 (Pressurized Mating Adapter 1) at the FGB at approximately 9:15pm EDT, translate to the Z1 truss tool box for picking up some equipment and then make their way to the MBS for the R&R (estimated duration ~1h 25m), continuing afterwards to the DC1 for more Russian-controlled work.  The spacewalk will start at ~6:40pm EDT, for a duration of 5h 55m.  To accommodate the overnight work, imposed by RGS (Russian ground site) comm windows, the crew’s rest/work cycle will be shifted, beginning next Saturday (6/20) with wakeup at 5:00am, sleep at 8:00pm and continuing on 6/21 with wakeup at 8:00am, sleep 11:30pm until the EVA, when there will be a final adjustment.] 

Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets, limited in the current XPOP attitude by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, which is available for only ~1/4 of each orbit when not facing forward (in ram), were Internal waves, W Azores, Atlantic (weather was predicted to be mostly clear to the SW of the Azores.  Looking to the right of track for the sunglint point and internal wave patterns.  Linkage of open-ocean wave features to a geographic feature [such as an island] via overlapping mapping frames is requested – this aids in locating the internal wave features), Pinacates Biosphere Site, N Mexico (this biosphere site preserves a wealth of desert flora and fauna, as well as a diverse range of volcanic structures.  Look to either the left or right of track for dark volcanic rocks contrasted with the surrounding lighter desert soils), Shortgrass Steppe, Colorado (this Long Term Ecological Research [LTER] site represents a western Great Basin grassland ecosystem with diverse land uses.  General moderate resolution oblique imagery was requested to provide context for higher resolution images), Cedar Creek Area, Minnesota (the Cedar Creek LTER site sits astride a wetlands/uplands gradient and investigates climate change effects on vegetation patterns and structure. Moderate resolution oblique imagery was requested to provide context for higher resolution images), Tin Bider Impact Crater, Africa (this relatively young [less than 70 million years old] impact crater has a well developed structure that should be clearly visible to the right of track.  A low sun angle should highlight shadows along the crater walls and central spire), and Beaverhead Impact Crater, North America (the Beaverhead crater is relatively old [600 million years] and recognized primarily on the basis of gravity anomalies, as the visible expression of the structure is not obvious.  Looking to the right of track and acquiring overlapping mapping frames, to maximize the probability of capturing the crater area).

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, 6:23am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 343.5 km
• Apogee height — 349.6 km
• Perigee height — 337.3 km
• Period — 91.40 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0009151
• Solar Beta Angle — -29.9 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) — 42847

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.