NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 23 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. Underway: Week 17 for Expedition 9. And it’s Day 128 in space for Expedition 9 (almost two-thirds of the way to Mars!). Also: Day 1360 of permanent human station residency, and Day 2104 since first ISS launch (FGB).
FE/SO Fincke tackled the complex job of repairing the cooling function of EMU (extravehicular mobility unit) #3013. Activities went well and were apparently successful, though taking longer than expected. [Mike uninstalled the water pump from the spacesuit’s backpack, replaced the pump filter, cleaned the seal cup, replaced the pump rotor, and reinstalled the pump, the latter after some delay. The planned dry/wet testing of the pump will be done tomorrow, as originally scheduled, to finish the job (hopefully).]
Padalka tagged up with a ground specialist to discuss an issue with the Russian “Agat” monitor that he is using to display messages and images from the currently running Molniya-SM geophysics payload.
Mike Fincke undertook the long-awaited replacement of the RED (resistive exercise device), removing the old canisters (#1001 ϫ) on the Node “ceiling” and replacing them with the new SchRED (Schwinn RED) canisters #1002 & #1004 that flew up on Progress 15. [The new RED cans include design improvements that will enhance their performance during on-orbit resistive exercise. Because they provide resistive loads higher than is currently certified for the RED canister cords under certain conditions, some usage constraints were uplinked to the crew to prevent exceeding certified loading conditions. I.e., at a load scale setting of 5.00, cord extension must be limited to 25 inches, and at a setting of 5.25 to 22 in., while the cans should not be used above 5.25.]
As is standard practice after Russian dockings, CDR Padalka took two photos of the Service Module (SM) aft-end docking assembly (StA) used for the Progress M-50/15P linkup. These images will be used to refine current understanding of docking conditions. [The objective is to take photo imagery of the scratch or scuff mark left by the head of the docking probe on the internal surface of the drogue (docking cone) ring. As other cosmonauts before him, Gennady used the Kodak 760 digital still camera to take two pictures with the hatch closed down and downlinked them later via OCA (which was placed on the Russian optional task list for today).]
The CDR also completed another daily 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.
Gennady performed the daily routine inspection of the SM’s SOZh life support system (including replacement of ASU toilet facility inserts) and then prepared the regular IMS (inventory management system) “delta” file for export/import to the IMS databases, while Mike conducted the routine status checkup of the autonomous PCG-STES010 (Protein Crystal Growth-Single Locker Thermal Enclosure System) payload in the Lab (done every Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
The crew also worked on updating the onboard IMS database after concluding Progress 15 transfers. [The crew was congratulated on a “good job on 15P unpack”. The ground is now updating the ground version of the IMS database. All 15P items should be moved in IMS to their proper locations by Tuesday or Wednesday morning (slowed by the time it takes to certify today’s MCC-H Delta File).]
The crew completed their regular physical exercise program, working out on TVIS treadmill, RED, and VELO bike with force loader. Mike Fincke also performed the weekly maintenance of the TVIS, which generally checks the condition of the SPDs (subject positioning devices) and records time & date.
Working off the Russian task list, Padalka started searching for and gathering equipment required for the upcoming job of setting up a crew data exchange network in the ISS.
Also on his task list was another session with the Uragan (“hurricane”) earth-imaging program, using the Kodak 760 DSC (digital still camera) with 800mm-lens from SM windows. [Today’s targets for Gennady’s photo imagery again were the Red Sea coast, the city of Lagos, Nigeria, and the Huascaran volcano in Peru.]
Collection of humidity condensate and water samples from the Russian segment (RS) water distribution system for analysis, scheduled for the CDR today, was deferred.
Later tonight, Fincke will have a private family conference (PFC) via S-band, and then tag up with photo/television (P/TV) specialist for a conference.
Before sleep time tonight, Padalka and Fincke are scheduled to take turns performing the mandatory Russian pre-EVA MedOps procedure MO-6 (hand-cycle ergometry). [Because previous cosmonauts have shown noticeable decrease in arm muscle tone, TsUP/IBMP (MCC-Moscow/Institute of Biomedical Problems) physical fitness experts have made the handgrip/arm tolerance test analysis (hand ergometry) a standard pre-Orlan EVA requirement. For MO-6, the subject dons the ECG (electrocardiogram) biomed harness, attaches three skin electrodes and plugs the harness into the PKO medical exam panel on the cycle ergometer. The 30-min exercise itself starts after 10 seconds of complete rest, by manually rotating the cycle’s pedals, set at 150 W, backwards until “complete exhaustion”.]
MCC-H is keeping a watch over the SSAS CLAs (segment-to-segment attach system/capture latch assemblies) on the P1 and S1 truss segments to ensure their functionality on Missions 12A and 13A for mating with the P3 and S3 segments. [The P1 CLAs have two failed heaters (since 5/25/04), and their IMCAs (integrated motor control assemblies) are powered up to provide heat by dissipation. The S1 capture latch IMCAs are also powered on, to reduce the workload of those heaters, one of which has been inhibited.]
At 1:51pm EDT, the onboard automated sequence timer (SPP) in the Russian segment started the long-prepared-for testing of the ASN satellite navigation system over RGS (Russian ground sites), continuing today until 2:01pm.
Update on Elektron: The Elektron oxygen generator had another failure yesterday, after three days of normal operation. The crew restarted the system, and it is currently working OK. [Preparations are underway for Padalka to begin work on the older Fluid Unit BZh-5, separate from the BZh-7 currently operating in the Elektron. The idea is to bypass its two internal micropumps with a new external pump package delivered on Soyuz 8S on 4/21. If successful, this IFM (in-flight maintenance) would yield a spare Elektron BZh for the station, as backup to the current BZh-7. The BZh-5 job will use its separate power source and just flow water, without producing O2 and H2; also, thermal control system feedback, not needed for testing purposes, will not be available. The BZh-5 job has two stated objectives, i.e., (1) to connect the new external pump package and ensure that it can be controlled from the BZh, and (2) to ascertain that the new pump package indeed separates air and water correctly.]
Update on failed RSP: As reported (8/21), the new U.S. (Respiratory Support Pack) #1004 that arrived on 15P has been declared failed. Work is underway on the ground to extend certification on the old RSP #1003, which expired on 8/21. [During a checkout of #1004, oxygen flow from the unit, which provides an interface between the station’s O2 system and a crewmember requiring O2 for breathing in a medical contingency, could not be turned off. It was stopped, but the unit is off limits for crew use. Investigation continues of (1) what went wrong, and (2) how the unit got aboard Progress 15 in failed condition.]
During eclipse periods (ISS in Earth’s shadow), the U.S. P6 solar array wings (SAWs) undergo slow oscillations (of ~2 deg peak-to-peak over a period of six minutes). These wing motions, too small to be seen, were detected in the downlinked data. The phenomenon is under investigation. The SAWs are currently in dual angle “blind” position.
Major upcoming events:
- ISS Reboost2 — 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.
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 Internal waves, E & W Florida coasts (this overpass was to the SW of Florida. Looking left of pass for internal waves, and the sunglint point was below the station), N Amazonian fans, Brazil (ISS passed directly over a region of the Amazon Basin containing mega fans. Imagery of these fans is useful in basic characterization of these “new” features), and Sao Paulo, Brazil (clear weather and a nadir pass should have provided an excellent opportunity to acquire imagery for this mega city. Suggested was using the 180 mm lens to capture as much of the urban region as possible. More than one image was needed).
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.
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, 1:13pm EDT)
Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLSS) and Thermal Control (TCS):
- Elektron O2 generator is On. 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) — 27.2; ppO2 (mmHg) — 163.3; ppCO2 (mmHg) — 3.3.
- SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 736; temperature (deg C) — 20.0.
- FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) — 744; temperature (deg C) — 22.0.
- Node: Pressure (mmHg) — 736.6; temperature (deg C) — 22.6 (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) — 736.8; temperature (deg C) — 24.8; ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) — 739.0; temperature (deg C) — 23.0; 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 directed position (dual angle/”blind” mode, non solar-tracking, biased for drag reduction).
- SM batteries: All batteries (8) are on line in “Partial Charge” mode.
- FGB batteries: Battery #3 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 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: 4432 kg (9771 lb) as of 8/19/04; [SM(552) + FGB(3516) + Progress M(441)]. (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 XVV (local vertical/local horizontal = “earth-fixed”: z-axis in local vertical, x-axis in velocity vector [yaw: -10 deg, pitch: -7.2 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 (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, 9:27am EDT [= epoch]):
- Mean altitude — 357.7 km
- Apogee height — 363.1 km
- Perigee height — 352.3 km
- Period — 91.7 min.
- Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
- Eccentricity — 0.0005125
- Solar Beta Angle — -1.4 deg (end of magnitude decrease)
- Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.71
- Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 110 m
- Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. ’98) — 32890
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.
