NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 23 Jan 2004
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except as noted previously or below.
FE Alexander Kaleri performed the periodic inspection of the Elektron oxygen generator’s VM gas/liquid separator system (GZhS) for obstructing air bubbles. [The necessary activation/deactivation of the transfer unit (BP), for Sasha to watch for bubbles during BP operation, was executed via KRL command radio link.]
Both crewmembers in turn took the periodic on-orbit hearing assessment (O-OHA) test, a NASA EHS (environmental health systems) examination to assess the efficacy of acoustic countermeasures. O-OHA was last done on 12/19. [The O-OHA test involves minimum audibility measurements for each ear over a wide range of frequencies and sound pressure levels, with the crewmembers using individual-specific Prophonics earphones, Bose ANC headsets and the SLM (sound level meter). To conduct the testing, the experimenter is supported by special “EarQ” software on the MEC (medical equipment computer). The baseline test is required for about Flight Day 14 for each new Expedition and is then performed once per month.]
The crew conducted a 30-min. on-board training (OBT) review of procedures in response to a rapid depressurization. The OBT was conducted with the support of a tagup with ground specialists via S-band.
Mike took the periodic reading of the cabin air’s current CO2 partial pressure in the SM, using the U.S. CDMK (CO2 monitor kit), for calldown to MCC-Houston (along with the battery status) for use in trending analyses. The CDMK was then restowed at the SM Central Post.
Sasha performed the regular daily inspection of the SOZh life support systems, including ASU toilet facilities, and prepared the daily IMS (inventory management system) delta file for updating the inventory database, while Mike conducted the periodic status checkup of autonomously running Lab payloads.
The FE also conducted his regular weekly IMS (inventory management system) tagup with IMS specialists at MCC-M, discussing open issues concerning identification of equipment and storage locations for the IMS databases. [Today’s issues involved location of a missing Nikon camera kit, current cargo stowage configuration in the FGB preparatory to a 13P stowage plan, location of the removed BTA heat exchanger block and of connector caps from the new BSSK unit, and other stowage aspects.]
Foale performed the regular once-a-week maintenance reboot on the operational PCS (portable computer system) laptops in the station.
Both crews worked out according to their regular daily physical exercise program on TVIS treadmill and CEVIS cycle (aerobic), VELO ergometer with force loader and RED exerciser (anaerobic).
Later today, Mike will transfer data files from the physical exercise equipment to the MEC via memory card and RED log entries, for downlink on OCA comm. He will also perform the periodic transfer of accumulated data files from the wristband HRM (heart rate monitor) receiver stations to the MEC for downlink, then delete them on the HRM.
At 8:30am EST, the crew again downlinked a congratulatory TV greeting for the grand opening of the new Space Center in Bremen, Germany. The event will take place on 2/12, and the downlinked message was recorded at TsUP for subsequent processing and replay at the opening.
At 11:45am, CDR/SO Michael Foale is scheduled to collect fluid samples from the ITCS (internal thermal control system), drawing them from the MTL (moderate temperature loop) port, for analysis with an ammonia test strip and return of a sample bag to the ground. Mike was requested to record video of the sampling activity for MCC-H training personnel, who do not yet have a video training tool of the on-orbit procedure.
At about 2:10pm EST, the crew will have their weekly teleconference with the ISS Flight Director at MCC-H.
Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) targets, in the current XPOP attitude constrained by flight rule to fewer near-vertical targets due to Lab window shutter closure and current condensation-prevention plan (limited to 90 min. in 24 hours), wereInternal waves, Patagonia (sunrise opportunity for imaging internal waves off the central Argentine coast. Looking half left towards the glint disc as ISS crossed the Andes Mts.),S Atlantic plankton blooms(Dynamic event. Looking obliquely right to capture a major north-south trending structure in the bloom. This is the largest bloom on the planet, occupying the entire region from the Argentine coast to the Falklands and further east),Patagonian Glaciers(weather clearing from the south and west should allow imaging of southern glacier tongues; two opportunities),SW Sudan inland deltas(better images are needed for this ancient rift zone [with buried hydrocarbons] where inland deltas cover 57,000 km2 between the Nile and the border with Chad. Nadir views looking left, nadir and right are requested for about 60 secs), andSaharan dust(Dynamic event. Sahelian weather stations are reporting reduced visibility from dust. Looking left and right for any dust haze [and the margins to dust masses, especially looking right so that the coast might be included] that may have extended out over the Atlantic Ocean. Dust reaches the Americas every month of the year, even though it may not be visible. In northern winters Saharan dust is known to supply Amazonian soils sufficiently to maintain necessary trace nutrient levels in these heavily rain-leached soils).
CEO images can be viewed at the websites.
See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at
