NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 18 October 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. Underway: Week 25 of Increment 9. Day 3 of joint Exp.9/Exp. 10 operations.
After wake-up at the regular time (2:00am EDT), the crews had another demanding day’s schedule.
General handover activities between Exp. 9 and Exp. 10 continue to go well. As of last night, the two U.S. crewmembers have completed 5 hours of dedicated handover time plus 3.5 hours of functional handover time (where they are scheduled together to complete designated tasks).
Before breakfast, Flight Engineers Yuri Shargin and Salizhan Sharipov completed a session of the bi-monthly Russian medical experiment protocol of Body Mass Measurement (PZEh-MO-8). CDR Padalka set up the MO-8 “scales” equipment and Salizhan later broke it down and stowed it away. [For determining body mass in zero-G, where things are weightless (but not massless), the Russian IM “scales” measure the inertial forces that arise during the oscillatory motion of a mass driven by two helical metering springs with known spring constants. By measuring the time period of each oscillation of the unknown mass (the crewmember) and comparing it to the period of a known mass, the crewmembers mass is calculated by the computer and displayed].
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Previous Reports ISS On-orbit Status [HQ] |
Michael Fincke and Leroy Chiao floated for two hours in the U.S. Airlock, working on EMU (extravehicular mobility unit) #3013 by flushing its cooling water lines. The backpack pump ran smoothly for ~13 minutes, and all readings were nominal. Prior to the spacesuit flushing, the two crewmembers terminated the regular 50-h charge/discharge maintenance cycle on EMU batteries #2045 & #2046 [For the activity, TsUP/Moscow temporarily turned off the 400.1 MHz one-watt transmitter of the GTS (global timing system). After task completion, GTS was commanded back on.]
Gennady Padalka, assisted by FE Sharipov, worked his way through Part 1 of the two-day IFM (inflight maintenance) and modification of the Elektron oxygen generator. [Today’s activity focused on deactivation of the hydrogen vent valve (ZLVK) and first part of installation of the H2 line between the RPD pressure equalization unit and the BMP micropurification unit inlet valve (currently set to Purification), plus installation of two aerosol filters, a valve adapter and the gas analyzer base plate. Even after a successful modification of the Elektron, operation of the BMP still will preempt use of the O2 generator since its vacuum vent valve will need an EVA for external access for capping.]
In the Service Module (SM), Padalka and Sharipov terminated the bake-out cycle on filter bed 2 of the BMP, moding the channel back to Purify. Subsequently, they initiated regeneration on filter channel 1. [The latter was erroneously reported for 10/16. Regeneration of the air purifier filter beds is repeated every 20 days. Each bakeout to space vacuum takes about 24 hours.]
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“Fincke: Well Keith, we are 225 miles closer to the stars. We are humanity’s only outpost at this time. That is something very special. I made a few remarks the other day in a teleconference to an astronaut reunion. I had this question a little bit in mind saying “people – critics – say that we’re not going anywhere.” Well sure we are. We’re building up a lot of experience – and we can’t get this experience anywhere else – experience so that we can really go to places – to the moon and to Mars. And on this expedition we showed it.” |
After hooking up the UOP-DCP (utility outlet panel-to-display & control panel) bypass power cable at the Lab RWS (robotics workstation) in the morning and power-up of the MSS (Mobile Service System) and its video equipment by the ground, Foale and Chiao took the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) through the scheduled handover/familiarization session. Half an hour was reserved for setup and review of the DOUG (Dynamic Operational Ubiquitous Graphics) application and for general preparations, leaving two hours for the actual operations. [The procedure’s objective was to provide typical SSRMS stage operations such as Joint OCAS (operator commanded auto sequence) and Single maneuvers, LEE (latching end effector) operations and some DCP switch and MSS camera characterization time.]
Since Padalka, Sharipov and Shargin had difficulties locating some payload files on the SM laptop #3 (LT3) yesterday. MCC-Moscow scheduled time in the timeline today for the crew to do some troubleshooting, supported by tagup with ground specialists. [This is the same laptop that Expedition 9 was unable to load with SM software version 7.02 some weeks ago. It is currently operating on an older software load. This does not affect its operation but does limit the crew’s ability to run the Russian biomedical MBI-9 “Pulse” heart rate experiment.]
Later, “Pulse” was conducted for Yuri Shargin in a one-hour session. [For the Expedition members, MBI-9 is done monthly. Execution of the medical cardiological assessment is normally controlled from the Russian payload laptop LT3, using a set respiration rate (without forced or deep breaths) and synchronizing respiration with computer-commanded “inhale” commands. First, arterial blood pressure is measured with the “Tensoplus” sphygmomanometer, followed by the “Pulse” test to record the ECG (electrocardiogram) and a report to TsUP in the next comm pass. After the test, LT3 is reconfigured to its original settings.]
FE Sharipov unstowed and set up the equipment for the Cardiocog experiment, then performed his first session of the procedure, with Shargin taking photo imagery of the ops. [Originally part of Pedro Duque’s VC5 “Cervantes” science program, CARDIOCOG-2 (BTC-10), involving newly arrived equipment, studies changes in the human cardiovascular system in micro-G, expressed in the peripheral arteries, and the vegetative regulation of arterial blood pressure and heart rate. For the experiment, the Salizhan had to take systolic & diastolic blood pressure measurements and pulse data, using the Tensoplus sphygmomanometer, storing the data on the EGE-2 laptop.]
Shargin also performed two separate observation and imagery sessions of the Atlantic & Indian Oceans and Mediterranean & the Red Sea for the Diatomeya experiment series. [The purpose was to obtain data characterizing the state of marine environment in high traffic water areas and industrially developed coastal areas, as well as the impact of hydrophysical factors on the development of production dynamics in the ocean. Using the NIKON-F5 digital still camera with 80mm focal length and the DSR PD-150P camcorder in minimum zoom mode, Yuri’s targets today mostly served to provide familiarization with the oceanographic research program.]
Sharipov prepared equipment assembly and work area for the Russian biomedical “Pilot” experiment (MBI-15), which requires a worktable, ankle restraint system and control handles for testing piloting skill. He then conducted the experiment for the first time. Fincke later assisted him in deactivating, disassembling and stowing the Pilot-P gear. [The FE-10 performed three flight control modes (fixed, slow and fast free-flyer), each one five times, after checkout and calibration of the control handles. Results were later reported to the ground.]
Padalka conducted the periodic checkout of the IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS hatchways and FGB-to-Node tunnel.
Afterwards, Gennady collected air samples with the IPD-NH3 Draeger tubes for NH3 (ammonia) near the ASU toilet facilities, then set up the equipment for the Russian MBI-2 Deuraz (“Diuresis”) experiment, to be conducted by him tomorrow. Another air sampling will then be performed on 10/20 after experiment completion. [Deuraz requires Padalka tomorrow to record toilet use time in the morning, perform urine sample collections throughout the day, and log meal and fluid intake on a record card. Additional work, to be completed on Wednesday, consists of collecting his venous blood samples, followed by centrifugation to separate the blood into cells and plasma, and finally closeout and stowage.]
Yuri Shargin used the Nikon D1 camera with f800 lens on a second session of observation and imaging of selected targets for the Russian Environmental Protection Service as part of the Ekon (KPT-3) experiment, today again performing photography of the North American continent.
Sharipov completed the daily routine inspection of the SM’s SOZh life support system, and Padalka prepared the regular IMS (inventory management system) delta file for export/import to the IMS databases.
Padalka and Fincke completed their daily 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on TVIS treadmill and RED exerciser. As part of functional handover activities, Gennady, Salizhan and Chiao also performed the weekly maintenance of the TVIS. [Weekly maintenance generally checks the condition of the SPDs (subject positioning devices) and records time & date.]
Gennady conducted the periodic inspection of the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) experiment which researches growth and development of plants under spaceflight conditions in the Lada-5 greenhouse.
At 4:20am EDT, Yuri Shargin conducted a telephone conference with the Governor of the Russian Province of Saratov. [The city of Engels in Saratov Oblast is Yuri’s hometown. Engels also became a part of Russian cosmonautics history when on April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin landed on his parachute on a farm field nearby, after ejecting from the Vostok-1 capsule at 7 km altitude in concluding his 100-min. orbit flight as the worlds first human in space. Today called Gagarin Field, the landing site each year attracts a growing number of visitors on this holiday.]
Later, at 8:30am, the Russian crewmembers downlinked a message of greeting on the occasion of the 60th birthday of Yevgeny M. Kushnir, the Commander of the Baikonur Federal Space Center Management Corporation. The message was recorded for Kushnir’s birthday on 10/29.
And at 1:30pm, Fincke and Chiao supported an interactive TV PAO downlink with KPIX-TV (John Kessler) and CBS News (Bill Harwood, Peter King) of 10 minutes duration each.
The CDRA (carbon dioxide removal assembly) in the Lab failed a half-cycle (bed-to-bed) transition today due to the check valve on Bed 2 not properly seating. [The likely cause is FOD (foreign object/debris) on the check valve from the adsorbent bed. CDRA was successfully transitioned to single-bed operations. This will continue until the check valve on Bed 2 seats properly as the FOD is cleared. CDRA can successfully manage the CO2 levels during the Soyuz handover period in single bed mode.]
Sleep period begins at the regular 5:30pm.
Ahead for Soyuz 8S:
- Hatch close — 10/23 (Sat), ~2:00pm;
- Undocking from FGB — ~5:05pm;
- Entry burn — ~7:40pm;
- Landing — ~8:32pm.
CEO images can be viewed at these websites:
See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at:
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.
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.
U.S. & Russian Segment Status (as of today, 1:33pm 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 On. 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).
Electrical Power Systems (EPS):
- Both P6 channels fully operational. BGA (beta gimbal assembly) 2B and 4B both in Autotrack mode (suntracking), biased to 42.5 deg (2B) and -42.5 deg (4B) for drag reduction.
- SM batteries: All batteries (8) are on line in “Partial Charge” mode.
- FGB batteries: Battery #6 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&DH)
- C&C-1 MDM is failed, C&C-2 is prime, and C&C-3 is backup.
- GNC-1 MDM (vers. R4) is prime; GNC-2 (vers. R4) 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): 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: 4076 kg (8986 lb) as of 10/14/04; [SM(552) + FGB(3524) + Progress M(0)]. (Capabilities: SM — 860 kg; FGB — 6120 kg).
Attitude Control Systems (ACS):
- 3 CMGs on-line (CMG-1 failed, since 6/6/02; CMG-2s RPC-17 failed 4/21/04; was replaced 6/30/04).
- State vector source US SIGI-1 (GPS)
- Attitude source US String 1
- Angular rate source — RGA-1
Flight Attitude:
- LVLH XVV (local vertical/local horizontal = earth-fixed: z-axis in local vertical, x-axis in velocity vector [yaw: -10 deg, pitch: -9 deg, roll: 0 deg]), with CMG/TA (thruster assist) Momentum Management.
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.
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ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:57am EDT [= epoch]):
- Mean altitude — 361.1 km
- Apogee height — 367.1 km
- Perigee height — 355.1 km
- Period — 91.76 min.
- Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
- Eccentricity — 0.0008904
- Solar Beta Angle — -32.4 deg (magnitude decreasing)
- Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.69
- Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 100 m
- Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 33769
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.
