NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 26 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.
CDR/SO Leroy Chiao and FE Salizhan Sharipov have a second off-duty day, to be used mostly for adapting to and enjoying the new life in zero-G, as well as for familiarization with their residence in orbit and its multitude of complex systems and their interfaces.
Chiao set up the hardware of EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students, EK) for another run, this time again at the science window in the U.S. Lab. [The CDR selected the SSC 1 (station support computer #1) laptop for the operation, connected it to the EK’s electronic still camera (ESC) and to the OpsLAN via broadband Ethernet cable and activated the automated/remote-controlled process. The payload will run without crew intervention, except for a lens change on 10/28. EK is using a Kodak ESC 460C electronic still camera with 50mm (f/1.4) lens, now powered by 16Vdc from a 28 Vdc adapter, taking pictures by remote operation from the ground, without crew interaction. It is available for students who submit image requests and conduct geographic research. The requests are uplinked in a camera control file to the IBM 760XD SSC laptop which then activates the camera at specified times and receives the digital images from the cameras storage card on its hard drive, for subsequent downlink via OpsLAN.]
|
Previous Reports ISS On-orbit Status [HQ] |
Sharipov performed the periodic replenishment of the Elektron’s water supply for electrolysis, his first, filling the KOV thermal loop’s EDV container with purified (deionized) water from the BKO multifiltration/purification column unit. [The procedure was specially designed to prevent air bubbles from getting into the BZh liquid unit where their pressure spikes, from collapsing, could cause micropump impeller cavitation and Elektron shutdown, as numerous times in the past. In the procedure, the EDV water is drawn from the BKO and the air/liquid separator unit (GZhS) while the crewmember checks for any air bubbles in the EDV (and, if visible, estimates their number).]
Salizhan also performed the daily routine inspection of the SM’s SOZh life support system, which includes maintenance of the ASU toilet facility.
Both crewmembers completed their daily 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on TVIS treadmill, RED exerciser and VELO cycle with load trainer.
Leroy transferred accumulated exercise data files from the RED and TVIS to the medical equipment computer (MEC) for subsequent downlink.
From the Russian discretionary task list, the FE set up his first operations & measurement session with the GFI-10 Molniya-SM/LSO hardware at Service Module (SM) window #3, with the French-provided EGE-1 laptop running the latest NORAD orbital parameters (TLEs, two-line elements). The start time was set for today (10/26), the completion time for 10/30. [Purpose of Molniya-SM, similar to the French LSO experiment, is the study of electrodynamic interaction between the Earth atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere associated with thunderstorm or seismic activity using a video photometric system. The apparatus records storm phenomena and other related events in the Earth’s equatorial regions. GFI-10 requires orbital-sighting predictions using an up-to-date NORAD tracking TLE (two-line element) provided by NASA. Objective of LSO was to study rare optical phenomena occurring in the upper layers of Earth’s atmosphere, so-called “sprites” (i.e., puzzling glow phenomena observed above thunderstorm clouds).]
As a long-term recurring item on the Russian “job jar” task list, Sharipov took photographs of the PKZ-1V “Kromka 1-3” contamination experiment tablet deployed on handrail 2614 of the DC-1 “Pirs” docking compartment (last time done: 9/19). [The Kromka tablet collects thruster plume effluents. The pictures are taken with the Kodak 760 digital still camera (DSC) from the EVA hatch 1 “illyuminator” (window) in the DC-1.]
Elektron Status : The Elektron continues to perform well after the repairs performed on 10/18 & 10/19. TsUP/Moscow, with concurrence of the IMMT (ISS Mission Management Team), had intended to commence 24-hr operation last night. However, since a software patch required to provide automatic shutdown capability for gas analyzer sensors was not yet ready, these operations were postponed. The software was expected to be available today. During the time of interrupted Elektron operation (deactivation during crew sleep), minimum ppO2 (oxygen partial pressure) limits slightly lower than prescribed by Flight Rule (FR, =146 mmHg) were accepted by both sides, in order to preserve maximum O2 contingency stores without impacting crew health or activity level. Changing Elektron activity back to 24hr-day ops will allow return to nominal FR values.
MCA Status : The MCA (Major Constituent Analyzer ) was successfully calibrated yesterday, using a gas standard internal to the MCA to achieve a full calibration. This calib is scheduled for every six weeks, and the next one is due on 12/6. [A full calibration, which establishes ECVs (error correction values) for the full set of air constituents being measured (O2, N2, H2, CO2, CH4), becomes necessary after, for example, a power-cycle of the MCA (off/on) that loses full calibration data. The ECVs are then needed to build the range limit commands, if required.]
P6 Battery Reconditioning Status : The P6 4B solar array’s battery #2 (4B2) reconditioning operations, begun yesterday, have proceeded nominally so far. They will continue for approximately the next six days. Reconditioning the batteries improves battery performance and also allows insight into data that helps assess battery health. [During this activity, BCDU (battery charge/discharge unit) 4B2 will be off line and the 4B power channel will be supported in eclipse (darkness periods) by the other two BCDUs. With one BCDU offline, channel 4B power levels will be limited to a max of 9.5 kW (normally limited to 12.2 kW).]
Upcoming Maneuver Events : Station attitude, currently in XPOP, will be changed to LVLH on 11/16 (ET), preparatory to the relocation of the Soyuz TMA-5/9S from the DC1 to the FGB nadir port on 11/17 (ET). Before the relocation, the US-21 matching unit will be removed from the Progress 15P to allow hatch closure; it will be reinstalled on 11/21. The station reboost maneuver originally planned for 11/16 will slip to 11/24. [This and subsequent reboost maneuvers will increasingly have to take rendezvous compatibility with Shuttle RTF (return-to-flight) date in consideration.]
Today’s CEO (crew earth observation) photo targets, the first for Expedition 10, in the current LVLH attitude no longer limited by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, were Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (this nadir pass provided an opportunity for general mapping of the urban area for land cover change and ecological studies. An uploaded Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) image of Addis Ababa illustrated the general location of the city and surrounding landforms), and Lower Amazon River Basin (this overpass provided an opportunity for mapping of the southern river basin and delta region. Image mapping along current and prior river channels are particularly useful for change detection and investigation of river dynamics).
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-10/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 yesterday, 3:20pm 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 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).
- SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 740; temperature (deg C) — 26.6; ppO2 (mmHg) — 147.5; ppCO2 (mmHg) — 3.8.
- SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 741; temperature (deg C) — 19.2.
- FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) — 752; temperature (deg C) — 21.8.
- Node: Pressure (mmHg) — 737.0; temperature (deg C) — 22.1 (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) — 739.0; temperature (deg C) — 23.2; ppO2 (mmHg) — 159.9; ppCO2 (mmHg) — 3.1.
- Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) — 739.2; temperature (deg C) — 22.4; shell heater temp (deg C) — n/a, ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- (n/a = data not available. ppO2 & ppCO2 readings from MCA)
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: 4060 kg (8951 lb) as of 10/21/04; [SM(552) + FGB(3508) + 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 -YVV (local vertical/local horizontal = earth-fixed: z-axis in local vertical, -y-axis in velocity vector [yaw: -10 deg, pitch: -9.4 deg, roll: 0 deg]), with CMG/TA (thruster assist) Momentum Management, until after 8S undocking tomorrow.
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.
|
|
ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 6:49am EDT [= epoch]):
- Mean altitude — 359.8 km
- Apogee height — 365.6 km
- Perigee height — 354.0 km
- Period — 91.74 min.
- Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
- Eccentricity — 0.0008639
- Solar Beta Angle — 3.4 deg (magnitude increasing)
- Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.70
- Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 182 m
- Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 33893
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.
