NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 27 September 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 22 of Increment 9.
Update on Elektron : As reported yesterday, to bypass the Elektron’s faulty ZLVK vacuum valve the crew has built a special hose/adapter from existing components that will allow establishing a new flow path for hydrogen from the Elektron between the RPD pressure equalization unit and the AVK-4 and AVK-BMP valves of the BMP micropurification unit. A time slot of 1.5 hrs. was scheduled for Padalka today for making these connections. The idea is then to test the flow path with nitrogen for a pressure integrity check, then open the flow path to vacuum to assess the pressure decay rate. MCC-H has submitted specific questions for discussion with the Moscow specialists.
After last Saturday’s repressurization of the station atmosphere with O2 from Progress 15P, one final repress remains in the cargo ship’s storage tank. The repress is tentatively scheduled for next Friday (10/1), to raise cabin pressure by 9-10 mmHg. [If Elektron function is not restored by that time, plans for using SFOG (solid fuel oxygen generator) “candles” will have to be made.]
After station inspection and morning hygiene, before breakfast and first exercise, CDR Gennady Padalka and FE/SO Michael Fincke performed another session of the periodic Russian biomedical assessments PZEh-MO-8 (body mass measurement) and PZEh-MO-7 (calf volume measurement). Padalka set up the MO-8 “scales” equipment and later broke it down and stowed it away. [Calf measurements (left leg only) are taken with the IZOG device, a custom-sewn fabric cuff that fits over the calf, using the knee and lower foot as fixed reference points, to provide a rough index of deconditioning in zero-G and effectiveness of countermeasures. For determining body mass in zero-G, where things are weightless (but not massless), the Russian IM “scales” measure the inertial forces that arise during the oscillatory motion of a mass driven by two helical metering springs with known spring constants. By measuring the time period of each oscillation of the unknown mass (the crewmember) and comparing it to the period of a known mass, the crewmembers mass is calculated by the computer and displayed].
Padalka worked on the Service Module (SM) water supply system, pressurizing the collapsed bladders of the Rodnik water storage tanks (BV1 & BV2) in the Progress 15P vehicle, a 1.5 hr. task, as a leak-checkup preparatory to the regular transfer of liquid waste (urine) from EDV-U containers to the Progress for disposal. [Each of the two spherical Rodnik tanks consists of a hard shell with a soft membrane (bladder) composed of elastic fluoroplastic, which is used to expel water from the tank by compressed air pumped into the tank volume surrounding the bladder.]
Fincke meanwhile logged in and performed another session with the laptop-based psychological MedOps WinSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool) experiment. This task was deferred on 9/13 due to Elektron troubleshooting. [WinSCAT is a time-constrained questionnaire test of cognitive abilities, routinely performed by astronauts aboard the ISS every 30 days before or after the PHS (periodic health status) test or on special CDR’s, crewmembers or flight surgeons request.]
The CDR performed a major IFM (inflight maintenance) job by installing new components of the Russian intercom (SUBA MBRL, intermodular radio communications system) in the SM, such as the common power-switching unit (BSK-2V) for operating the system and its integration with the antenna feeder. [Part of the task was to mate the assembly’s telemetry (TM) connectors to the BITS2-12 onboard TM measurement system for ground monitoring. This task was also deferred on 9/13 to make time for Elektron troubleshooting.]
Fincke continued the current round of monthly preventive maintenance on Russian segment (RS) air ventilation systems, today working in the Functional Cargo Block (FGB) for a 1.5-hr task of accessing and cleaning the VT7 fan screens of the three SOTR (thermal control system) gas-liquid heat exchangers (GZhT4).
In the Lab, Mike performed cleaning on the sensitive CCD (charge-coupled device) arrays of the Kodak 760 DSC (digital still camera) units, an exacting job performed with a syringe and vacuum cleaner provided for that purpose. Afterwards, Mike conducted an image check of the lens.
The FE also completed the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh life support system (including ASU toilet facilities) as well as the regular daily preparation of the IMS (inventory management system) “delta” file for automatic export/import to update the database. He also attended to the regular 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).
Gennady conducted another daily inspection of the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) plant growth experiment hardware in the Lada-5 greenhouse.
The crew conducted their sixth inflight debriefing, this time on CHeCS/MedOps, covering ground-collected questions on CMS (counter-measures systems, e.g., TVIS, RED, CEVIS, BP/ECG), EHS (environmental health systems, e.g., acoustics, microbiology), and HMS (health maintenance systems, e.g., PHS exams, toxicology, CSA-CP, CDMK, Radiation). [The debriefs are conducted via privatized conference comm. Questions covered in on-orbit debriefs will not be readdressed after the crew returns. After questions are uplinked, the crew has at least 48 hrs to review them before the scheduled debrief.]
Both crewmembers completed their daily 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on TVIS, RED exerciser, and VELO cycle with load trainer. The CDR also performed the weekly maintenance of the TVIS treadmill. [Weekly maintenance generally checks the condition of the SPDs (subject positioning devices) and records time & date.]
Mike also performed the periodic (every other week) inspection of the RED, which can be done immediately before RED exercise.
Starting at 5:00am EDT and running for seven hours, MCC-H and its support group in Moscow (HSG) conducted another BCC (Backup Control Center) dry run in test mode, with no involvement of the ISS crew or vehicle. Purpose of the periodic exercise was to demonstrate BCC functionality under Russian assets (RSA EIS server and RSA command drop box) as usual and this time under the new IBM Shark server, while providing proficiency training for HSG (Houston Support Group) personnel at the HSR (Houston Support Room). [The ISS EMCC (Emergency Mission Control Center), located in Russia, comprises TsUP/Moscow as the Lead Control Center, coupled with HSR at TsUP. The BCC facility provides a command and control capability from TsUP if the EMCC must be activated. This is the case in situations that render MCC-Houston unable to provide telemetry, voice, and command capability for extended periods. EMCC is also used when the threat of severe weather results in evacuation of the MCC-H building for extended periods. In such an emergency, both Russian servers (CMD/command & TM/telemetry) are transitioned from MCC-H connectivity to BCC configuration, after which only the BCC can connect to the CMD and TM ports. An actual contingency requiring switchover to the BCC occurred on 10/2/2002 when Hurricane Lili forced MCC-H to shut down at 4:00am EDT.]
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Previous Reports ISS On-orbit Status [HQ] |
Over the weekend, all 18 planned ISSI (In-Space Soldering Investigation) tests (of Session #3) were completed successfully as part of “Saturday Science”, as well as two bonus tests. [Words of gratitude went up to Mike Fincke for his ” patience and perseverance”, as well as his useful commentary.]
Thanks to Mike Fincke’s work of “ghosting” another hard disk drive (HDD) on Saturday, the Lab PCS (portable computer system) laptop is again available. This leaves the station with one operating PCS and one spare HDD.
Due the C&C2 MDM failure last week, the planned battery reconditioning for battery set 4B2 is still postponed until the failure is fully understood (C&C2 is back up but presently on Standby). [The desired configuration for this activity placed the primary C&C on channel 2B. C&C3, which is now Primary, is powered from channel 4B. The reconditioning could be planned as early as tomorrow, but it is more likely that the activity will slip out until late October.]
The station continues flying in earth-oriented LVLH (local vertical/local horizontal) attitude until the next maneuver to XPOP on 9/30.
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 restrictions on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, were Tunis, Tunisia (clear weather of Tunis allowed detailed mapping of the urban core and urban-rural fringe for land cover change studies), Internal waves, Amazon River mouth (mostly clear weather was predicted off of the Amazon River mouth for internal wave photography. The sunglint point was almost directly below the station), Hurricane Jeanne, E Atlantic Ocean (Dynamic Event. Jeanne was predicted to maintain Category 2 strength as it moves northwards towards the Carolinas. Looking to the right of track for cloud features), and Pinacates Biosphere Site, N Mexico (this nadir pass provides an opportunity for detailed mapping of the volcanic field. Vegetation patterns within the volcanic field are of particular interest to track seasonal changes).
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.
Upcoming events (New dates!):
- Soyuz 9S relocate to FGB nadir port — ~11/18;
- Progress 15P undock – 12/22;
- Progress 16P launch — 12/23;
- EVA-12 — January TBD;
- Progress 16P undock – 2/27/05;
- Progress 17P launch — 2/28/05;
- EVA-13 — March TBD;
- Shuttle/LF1 launch — NET 3/6/05;
- Shuttle/LF1 undock — NET 3/16/05;
- Soyuz 10S launch — 4/15/05;
- Soyuz 9S undock/land — 4/25/05;
- Progress 18P launch — 6/10/05;
- Progress 19P launch — 8/24/05.
U.S. & Russian Segment Status (as of today, 1:05pm EDT)
Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLSS) and Thermal Control (TCS):
- Elektron O2 generator is Off . 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 Off . 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) — 739; temperature (deg C) — 24.8; ppO2 (mmHg) — 147.8; ppCO2 (mmHg) — 3.1.
- SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 741; temperature (deg C) — 19.5.
- FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) — 744; temperature (deg C) — 20.7.
- Node: Pressure (mmHg) — 737.5; temperature (deg C) — 22.3 (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) — 739.9; temperature (deg C) — 23.0; ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) — 740.1; temperature (deg C) — 21.6; 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; battery #1 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 failed, C&C-2 is backup, and C&C-3 is prime.
- 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: 4109 kg (9059 lb) as of 9/22/04; [SM(552) + FGB(3557) + 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 — RS
- Attitude source — RS
- 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, until 9/30.
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.
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ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 6:25am EDT [= epoch]):
- Mean altitude — 363.2 km
- Apogee height — 369.9 km
- Perigee height — 356.5 km
- Period — 91.81 min.
- Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
- Eccentricity — 0.0009895
- Solar Beta Angle — -16.5 deg (magnitude increasing)
- Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.68
- Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 65 m
- Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 33437
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.
