NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 19 August 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.
At ~9:30am EDT, Mike started the DOUG (Dynamic Operational Ubiquitous Graphics) software at the Lab RWS (Robotics Work Station), and the crew subsequently operated the Canadian SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) for about an hour, moving it in the position best suited for video-observation of the EVA-11 spacewalk on 9/3. All ops were nominal. (EVA-11 preview see below).
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“Soyuz crews have been provided with a Iridium/Motorola-9505 satellite phone and a Garmin GPSMAP 76 handheld GPS unit. Both units have the ability to function anywhere on Earth.” |
CDR Padalka retrieved the Motorola-9505 Iridium satellite phone from its location in the Soyuz TMA-4 descent module (DM) for its monthly recharging of the lithium-ion battery and started the 30-min. process. [For safety, before powering up the recharge unit (BV-5), the telephone, as before (7/19/04), was placed in a single CTB (crew transfer bag), which then was contained in a triple CTB. The crew was requested to perform an inspection on the two CTBs to ensure their integrity (internal damage to CTB zippers tested for Iridium battery recharging on the ground had allowed an intentionally triggered fire to penetrate through the zippers). The charging was monitored without taking the satphone out of the containment. Upon completion, Padalka removed the phone, placed it inside its SSSP “Iridium” kit and stowed it back in the DM’s operational data files (ODF) container
Both crewmembers in turn completed another mandatory 30-min. CBT drill (computer-based training with video & audio) to refresh their Crew Medical Officer (CMO) proficiency. [Objective of today’s exercise, scheduled regularly once a month, was to re-familiarize the crew with skills and techniques required in procedures related to eye treatment, medication administration, and fractures. This included foreign body removal, eyewash procedures, eye treatment with proparacaine ophthalmic solution (for anesthetization), use of the ophthalmoscope to look for corneal abrasion, medication administration both intramuscularly and subcutaneously, handling of fractures and dislocations, etc.]
Padalka and Fincke continued unloading and inventorying of Progress 15P cargo. [Last evening, Gennady reported that two thirds of the freighter had been unloaded, but only one half of the items unloaded so far had been properly entered in the IMS (Inventory Management System) database.]
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Progress Cargo Vehicle Procedures According to the introduction to these documents “this book is intended for performing cargo transfer operations in Progress and on stowing equipment in SM and Progress.” These documents contain diagrams and detailed procedures for the transfer of times from the Progress Vehicle currently docked with the ISS. |
The CDR transferred the accumulated data files of the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) plant growth experiment to the Packet laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground via Regul comm.
Padalka also downloaded the radiation measurements taken by the Russian “Pille-MKS” dosimeters and then redeployed the sensors at their regular positions in the Russian segment (RS). [“Pille” has ten sensors normally situated at various locations in the RS (port cabin window, stbd cabin window, ASU toilet facility, control panel, etc.). Dosage values are downlinked via Regul Paket/Email or OCA.]
In the SM, Padalka finished regeneration of the BMP harmful impurities filtration system, terminating the 24-hr. bake-out cycle on channel #2 and moding the channel back to Purify. This restored both filter beds to Purification/Absorption mode. [The regeneration of the air purifier filter beds is repeated every 20 days.]
FE/SO Fincke completed the daily routine inspection of the SM’s SOZh life support system and updated the daily IMS (inventory management system) “delta” file.
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Previous Reports ISS On-orbit Status [HQ] |
Gennady also held his weekly IMS tagup with ground specialists, discussing open issues concerning identification of equipment and storage locations for updating the IMS database.
Later in the afternoon, the CDR set up the equipment for the Russian MedOps biochemical blood test MO-11, consisting of the Reflotron-4 analyzer, with accessories, power supply and Reflotron-4 kit. After setup, the instrument was deactivated and left fully configured at the work site until tomorrow morning. [Gennady will undergo the 2.5-hr. tests tomorrow (8/20), preceded by imbibing 250 ml of warm water or plain (unsugared) tea 20 minutes before taking the blood samples.]
Yesterday, while the crew worked in the Node, a fire alarm was set off by the “Unity” module’s smoke detector #2 (SD-2) at 12:00pm EDT. Immediate sampling of the Node air with the CSA-CP (compound specific analyzer-combustion products) and lack of any smell of smoke or visible smoke showed that it was a false alarm, which however triggered a preventive ventilation shutdown in the Node. Air circulation was restored soon after. SD-2 is currently inhibited until the root cause can be established, and SD-1 is operating nominally. [At the time of the alarm, the crew was working on Progress unpacking activities and was in the immediate vicinity of the smoke detectors, probably stirring up dust. TsUP-Moscow is currently looking into why the fire indication on the SM control post set off by the alarm did not go away after systems were reset.]
The Elektron oxygen generator experienced another failure yesterday. It was successfully restarted in 16A mode and is now running nominally in 20A modes as before the shutdown.
In the Node, the crew replaced a failed LHA (Lamp Housing Assembly) with one that just arrived on 15P. It had been getting very dark in “Unity”, and Mike and Gennady are happy to have additional lighting.
Detailed instructions were uplinked for next week’s major IFM (inflight maintenance) on EMU spacesuit #3013, which is to receive a new pump inlet filter and will have its water pump cleaned, re-installed and tested.
During the TVIS treadmill monthly maintenance yesterday, the crew found the top forward starboard and port wire rope isolators to be very frayed. [Photos show first top stbd rope frayed ~80%, 2nd rope 40%; first top port rope ~30%, rope 2 ~20%. The crew recommends replacing the ropes together, and the ground is considering adding this task to the 6-month maintenance procedure becoming due in September. Per Flight Rule, the TVIS is considered safe for use in its current configuration.]
The dynamic testing of the Progress US-21 matching unit and thrusters last night was completed successfully. [Burns were conducted first on propulsion manifold 1 and then on manifold 2 (@ four thrusters each), first taking the ISS five deg out of plane and then back five deg. 15P thrusters were then selected to provide pitch and yaw control of the ISS. Propellant consumption was 33.0 kg for the test and for maneuvering to LVLH XVV attitude.]
ISS reboost 1 will follow tonight at 9:24pm EDT, performed by both Progress manifolds. Attitude control during the 5 min. maneuver will be performed by two 15P thrusters each for pitch and yaw, and two SM thrusters for roll. [As already reported, main purpose of the translational burn is to determine ISS mass, calculated (according to Isaac Newton) by dividing the thrust force exerted on the station (855.14 Newton = 192 lbs-f) by the value of acceleration measured by the BIPS accelerometer on the Progress.]
Preview of Orlan EVA-11: EVA-11 remains scheduled for 9/3 (Friday). DC-1 hatch opening, imposed by RGS (Russian ground site) comm window on Daily Orbit 14, will be at ~12:50pm EDT. EVA duration is estimated at 5h 46m (if Gennady and Mike are idle during the three eclipses, i.e., dark portions in Earth’s shadow). EVA-11 will greatly benefit from “lessons learned” of EVA-10. EVA-11 objectives include: Replacement of a flow control panel on the FGB (~1.5 hrs.), installation of three antennas (WAL-1, -2, -3) for the European ATV (automated transfer vehicle) on the SM aft end, photography of the Japanese payload MPAC/SEEDS panel #3, and installation of bracket protections on ring handrails at the DC-1 hatch #2. Because of power limitations from FGB solar array positioning, egress will be preceded by some minor power downs (by ~2 kW, from the current 9 kW station usage), which will have no major impacts on users. SM thrusters will be inhibited during activities on the “Zvezda” module, but would not have to be inhibited for the work on the FGB. However, for purposes of engineering characterization in light of the events of EVA-10, CMG Momentum Management will remain in control for the FGB too. In the event that the gyros again reach saturation, desat inhibits are in place. The station would go to free drift for no longer than one orbit, and the crew would withdraw to Flight-Rule-imposed “safe zones” at sunset. Special procedures are also in place for the crew to act autonomously in case of temporary S-band comm dropout during the one orbit drift.
Major upcoming events:
- ISS Reboost — 8/19 (delta-V = 1.4 m/s);
- ISS Reboost — 8/24 (delta-V = 2.2 m/s);
- EVA-11 — 9/3;
- Soyuz 9S launch — 10/9;
- Soyuz 9S dock — 10/11;
- Soyuz 8S undock/land — 10/19;
- Soyuz 9S relocate — 11/18;
- Progress 16P launch — 11/24.
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, in the current LVLH attitude no longer limited by Flight Rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, except for the shutter closure and condensation-prevention plan (limited to 90 min. in 24 hours) were Jakarta, Indonesia (the crew had an excellent opportunity to get a nadir view of Jakarta during this pass. It has been difficult to get good data for Jakarta due to usually cloudy conditions. A detailed nadir view will be useful for urban land cover and spatial structure analysis), Glacial River Patterns, W Libya (looking approximately 1 degree left of track for exposed subglacial river patterns. Rivers were established during glaciations when Africa was located near the south polar region approximately 450 million years ago. Recent erosion has exposed the subglacial river patterns. These will be hard to see, so our goal is to acquire general location imagery), and Impact Crater Site, Libya (looking approximately 1 deg left of track for a newly-recognized meteor impact site. A string of impact structures has been recently exposed by erosion; clear imagery will help to map the extent of the crater field and number of impactors. These are hard to see, so the CEO goal is to acquire general location imagery).
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.
U.S. & Russian Segment Status (as of today, 1:43pm EDT)
Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLSS) and Thermal Control (TCS):
- Elektron O2 generator is On (19A). 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 On, SKV-2 is Off (SM panel mods completed 4/8; SKV-2 activation failed 4/20; is still considered failed). SFOG slot #2 fan suspect (not usable).
- SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 738; temperature (deg C) — 26.5; ppO2 (mmHg) — 163.8; ppCO2 (mmHg) — 3.7.
- SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 736; temperature (deg C) — 20.2.
- FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) — 744; temperature (deg C) — 23.0.
- Node: Pressure (mmHg) — 738.2; temperature (deg C) — 23.9 (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) — 739.7; temperature (deg C) — 24.1; ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) — 739.9; temperature (deg C) — 24.4; 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).
- SM batteries: All batteries (8) are on line in “Partial Charge” mode.
- FGB batteries: Battery #3 is off line; battery #2 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-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): 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: 4068 kg (8968 lb) as of 8/12/04; [SM(552) + FGB(3516) + 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-2’s RPC-17 failed 4/21/04; was replaced 6/30/04).
- State vector source — U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)
- Attitude source — U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)
- Angular rate source — RGA-1
Flight Attitude:
- LVLH attitude (pitch: -10 deg, yaw: -7.2 deg, roll: 0 deg).
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 (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.
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ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:41am EDT [= epoch]):
- Mean altitude — 355.8 km
- Apogee height — 359.3 km
- Perigee height — 352.4 km
- Period — 91.6 min.
- Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
- Eccentricity — 0.0005125
- Solar Beta Angle — -17.7 deg (magnitude decreasing)
- Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.71
- Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 150 m
- Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. ’98) — 32826
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.
