NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 27 May 2005

SpaceRef note: This NASA Headquarters internal status report, as presented here, contains additional, original material produced by SpaceRef.com (copyright © 2005) to enhance access to related status reports and NASA activities.

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.       

FE/SO Phillips continued the current round of ventilation systems preventive maintenance in the Russian segment (RS), inspecting and cleaning ventilators and grilles of Group C fans in the Service Module (SM).

CDR Krikalev worked on the RS condensate water processor (SRV-K2M) to eventually reestablish condensate flow from the currently stalled SKV air conditioner system.  Today’s task consisted of removal, photographing, cleaning and reinstallation of a downstream connector (K27), taken from the condensate removal line, monitored by ground specialists.   [Russian specialists are considering to have Sergei insert a length of tubing to bypass the K27 connector over the weekend ahead.  Meanwhile, humidity is being controlled by the Lab CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly).  At the current condensate collection rate it will be about two weeks before an offload of the Lab condensate tank is required.]

After yesterday’s installation of ventilation fan mufflers in the SM starboard crew quarters, Krikalev today again took sound level measurements with the Russian “Shumomer” instrument, with “kayuta” door closed and open, and with fan toggled off and on.  The ground provided support by tagup via S-band.

For today’s CDRA (carbon dioxide removal assembly) troubleshooting by remote-command from the ground, rescheduled from 5/23, Phillips assisted by first activating the ARS (Atmospheric Revitalization System) rack and connecting the LTL (low temperature loop) and later in the day by powering CDRA down again.   [The ground positioned the recently uploaded corrected version of the DBCL PPL (Diagnostic Buffer Collection List Pre-Positioned Load) in the LA-3 MDM computer for data collecting & dumping for subsequent analysis, then activated the CDRA blower and pump motor controllers.  Also, for the test the Lab’s VES (vacuum exhaust system) and VRS (vacuum resource system) vent valves were temporarily commanded open to space.  They are connected to the various racks in the U.S. Lab and are periodically vented to protect their PGT (Pirani Gauge Transducer) pressure sensors.  CDRA function will be required during the Shuttle-docked period.] 

Closing out yesterday’s MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) video setup, the FE removed the videotape from recorder 4 and powered down the video drawer, MSG recorders and MLC (MSG laptop computer).

Afterwards, John placed the videotape in the PD-100 camcorder and downlinked the recording of his PFE (physical fitness evaluation) session on the CEVIS cycle ergometer last week (5/20) via S- and Ku-band.

Sergei Krikalev performed a test on the Elektron system’s Signal & Command Matching Unit (BSSK) control box, checking the electrical continuity of the electrolyzer function of the machine.   [The device turned out to be unable to regulate voltage (instead of the nominal 22.5V max, voltage went to 27V before the unit was shut down).  This indicates a burnt-out electrolyzer unit of the Liquid Unit (BZh-6), rendering the latter irreparably failed. There are no functional Liquid Units left on board, but a new-design replacement is scheduled to be launched on LF-1/STS-114 or Progress 19.]

The CDR conducted a search for a suitable extension cable (3COM) needed for connecting Laptop 2 (LT2) to the Central Post Computer (KTsP-2) and TsVM, and LT1 to KTsP-1 and TsVM in order to test the laptop upgrading the new SM Vers. 7.03 software as part of the currently ongoing BVS computer system transition in the RS.   [This task was deferred on 5/25 due to a malfunction of the nominal cable hookup.]

John terminated the maintenance charge/discharge of EMU batteries #2047 & 2048 in the Airlock, which was automatically controlled by SSC laptop and the BCMs (Battery Charger Modules).

Sergei started the Increment 11 operation of the Russian BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) experiment which researches growth and development of plants under spaceflight conditions in the Lada-5 greenhouse.   [Today, the CDR planted horse radish seeds, watered the root module (KM) substrate wicks and set the control box (BU computer) to Growth Mode.  Regular maintenance of the experiment (each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) involves monitoring of seedling growth, humidity measurements, moistening of the substrate if necessary, topping off the water tank if ~20-25% of the total amount (4 liters) remain, and photo/video recording.  Data from the Lada greenhouse control unit will be recorded on floppy disk for weekly downlink via REGUL (on Thursdays).]

The FE filled out the regular weekly FFQ (food frequency questionnaire), his fifth, which keeps a log of his nutritional intake over time on special MEC (medical equipment computer) software.   [With the updated MEC software, John is using a new “personalized” file that reflects the food flown for his Increment.  The FFQ records amounts consumed during the past week of such food items as beverages, cereals, grains, eggs, breads, snacks, sweets, fruit, beans, soup, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, chicken, sauces & spreads, and vitamins.  IBMP (Institute of Biomedical Problems)-recommended average daily caloric value of the crew’s food intake is 2200-2300 cal.  If larger quantities of juices and fruits are taken into account, the value can go to 2400-2500 cal.]

At ~3:15pm EDT, John Phillips and the ADUM (Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Micro-G) ground team held the usual post-session analysis to discuss John’s experiences with the very successful ultrasound A-scans performed on CDR Krikalev yesterday, the first for Exp. 11.   [The ground compares the scans to evaluate the crew’s learning curves and to see if procedures need to be adjusted.  ADUM has to date excellently demonstrated the capability of non-medical personnel to downlink diagnostic information (ultrasound images) for evaluation by medical specialists on the ground.]

Sergei conducted the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh environment control & life support system, including its ASU toilet system and, suggested by his voluntary task list, prepared the regular IMS “delta” file for export/import to the IMS databases.

The CDR also conducted the weekly IMS (inventory management system) tagup with specialists at TsUP/Moscow, discussing open issues concerning identification of equipment and storage locations for the IMS databases. [Issues under discussion today included identification of actual stowage locations of ASN-M cables and cards, location of PK-3 Plasma Crystal hardware delivered on Soyuz-216/10S for experiment activities in July, possible discrepancies between actual and IMS-listed medical cabinet contents, etc.]

Also from his voluntary “job jar” list, the CDR conducted another session with the “Uragan” (hurricane) earth-imaging program, focusing the Nikon D1X No. 3 digital camera with 800-mm lens on targets called out on an uplinked list.   [Targets for today included the forest wedge between the Angara River source and the city of Irkutsk, panoramic views of Lake Baikal, the city of Chita, the cut-down charred forest in Buriatia, the Russian sides along the entire length of the Argun and the Amur Rivers, Zeya Valley near the city of Svobodny, charred forest areas in the taiga of Khabarovsk Territory, cities of Sakhalin Island, the Kurile Islands, coastal seas where petroleum pollutants are transferred from the Terek estuary to Apsheron, infrastructure of Karaganda and Temirtau, the entire length of the Katun River valley, etc.] 

As third task list item, Krikalev used an uplinked subroutine file for checking out the KPT-3 software of the ECON payload.   [KPT-3 photography is a continuing earth observing experiment for Russia’s Environmental Safety Agency (ECON).]

Both crewmembers conducted their regular 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on the TVIS treadmill, RED resistive machine and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer.   [Use of TVIS was again OK for John today.  Sergei’s daily protocol prescribes a strict four-day microcycle exercise with 1.5 hr on the treadmill and one hour on VELO plus load trainer (today: Day 4 of a new set).]

Afterwards, the FE transferred the TVIS and RED exercise data files to the MEC for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM (heart rate monitor) data of workouts on RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium.

John completed the weekly maintenance on the TVIS in its contingency SLD (subject loading device) configuration, mainly consisting of an inspection of the Russian and US tie-down harnesses for any damage and recording time & date values.   [A newly designed US harness will arrive on  STS-114, to be evaluated on orbit by John, while Sergei will continue using the Russian harness and do a comparison evaluation.]

The FE also performed the periodic (every two weeks) inspection of the RED with canister cords and accessory straps as well as the canister bolts for re-tightening if required.

At ~2:20pm, the crew was scheduled for their fourth regular (nominally weekly) teleconference with the Lead Flight Director at MCC-H via S-band/audio.

Later, at 4:10pm, John Phillips will have his weekly PFC (private family conference) via S-band/audio and Ku-band/NetMeeting video.

During various RGS (Russian ground site) comm passes, TsUP/Moscow and Oberpfaffenhofen/Germany continued tests of the downlink functionality of the BSR-TM Regul interface unit (part of the Russian radio control & communications system) and of the ROKVISS robotics experiment, without crew involvement. 

Update on Solid-Fuel Oxygen Generator (SFOG) “candles”:  As of tonight, since 5/20 a total of 10 candles have been decomposed on board (total attempts: 12 [i.e., 2 duds, = 83% success rate]). 

Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets, in the current LVLH attitude no longer limited by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, were Cairo, Egypt (this mid-morning pass over the Egyptian capital promised to be a good one with nadir views.  Using the 400mm lens to map the urban boundaries of this mega city on the Nile), Berlin, Germany (weather was marginal, but lighting was excellent for this pass just south of the German capital.  With few distinct landmarks the city may be difficult to spot), Virginia Coast Reserve, Virginia (with yesterday’s storm system clearing the area, this should have been be a nice, sunny pass over this LTER [Long Term Environmental Research, see 5/14 Status report] site located over the lower Chesapeake Bay area.  The crew was to try for a nadir context mapping pass), and Yellowstone NP, Wyoming (ISS had an excellent nadir pass in fair weather and high sun.   Crew was asked to try for a detailed mapping pass with the 400mm lens, beginning just W of the Teton Range and continuing across Yellowstone Lake until the Bighorns).

CEO photography can be viewed and studied at the websites:

• http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov
• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov
• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Study/AstronautPhotography/

See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at:

• http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/

To view the latest photos taken by the expedition 11 crew visit:

• http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-11/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.

Expedition 11 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.

ISS Orbit  (as of this morning, 5:14am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 352.7 km
• Apogee height — 356.4 km
• Perigee height — 349.1 km
• Period — 91.60 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.65 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0005452
• Solar Beta Angle — -22.2 deg (magnitude increasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.72
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 60 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 37240

Some Increment 11 Main Events (not final):

• Progress M-52 (17P) undock — 6/16;
• Progress M-53 (18P) launch — 6/17 (dock 6/19);
• Reboost — ~6/22 (delta-V 1.5 m/s);
• LF-1/STS-114 launch — 7/13 (8-day window opens);
• Soyuz TMA-6 (10S) relocate (from DC-1 to FGB) — ~8/16;
• ULF1.1/STS-121 launch — NET 9/9 (8-day window opens);
• 12A/STS-115 launch — NET 2/16/06;
• 12A.1/STS-116 launch — NET 4/23/06;
• 13A/STS-117 launch — NET 5/18/06.

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.