NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 28 April 2005

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

After station inspection and morning hygiene, before breakfast and exercise, CDR Sergei Krikalev and FE/SO John Phillips conducted their first session of the periodic Russian biomedical assessments PZEh-MO-8 (body mass measurement) and PZEh-MO-7 (calf volume measurement). The CDR 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 “scales” (IM) 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 crewmember s mass is calculated by the computer and displayed].

The FE/SO performed the periodic maintenance chore of changing out major components of the Service Module toilet system (SM ASU), then checked out the ASU.  [Replaced with new units were the U-receptacle (MP) and filter insert (F-V). The old items were logged in the IMS (Inventory Management System) database and stowed for disposal. (Last time done: 3/14).]

Meanwhile, the CDR pulled a TA985M database (DB) monoblock , slated for return on the Shuttle, from stowage and swapped its TA748M component with another TA748M, restowing the removed unit in the SM as an IFM (in-flight maintenance) spare. The TA985M, which is a DB storage unit for the BITS2-12 onboard telemetry measurement system in the Russian segment (RS), was then prepacked for STS-114 return.

John Phillips worked on the Node nadir hatch, partially unlatching the hatch mechanism as a risk-mitigating task in preparation for LF-1.  [Should the hatch mechanism turn out to be jammed, it would preclude opening the hatch once the MPLM Raffaello is installed on the nadir port. The problem could then be accessed and fixed only by EVA. Doing the latch actuation now allows adequate time for EVA planning in the event it is required. The hatch will remain in this reduced-risk configuration until it is opened to access the MPLM.]

The crew installed the CBCS (Centerline Berthing Camera System) on the Node nadir hatch window, along with all related avionics, followed by a checkout of the video system using the Lab RWS (robotics work station) to check the image both on its display and on ground via Ku-band.  [The CBCS will be used to assist in aligning and installing the MPLM after its transfer from the Shuttle cargo bay by the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System). CBCS components mounted on the hatch cover include the camera assembly, power supply (two UOPs, utility outlet panels), power cabling, CBCS electronics cable, LCU (light-emitting diode control unit), and VIU (video interface unit).]

Krikalev worked on the SM Rodnik water supply system, compressing the bladder of its BV2 water storage tank to expel its contents into an EDV container, a 1.5 hr. task spread over 4-5 hours.  [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 with a compressor pump (that needs to be supplied with oil every 30 min.)]

Sergei also took two photos of the SM aft-end passive docking assembly (SSVP StA) used for the Progress M-52/17P linkup, a standard practice after Russian dockings. 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, now rotated out of the passageway. As other cosmonauts before him, Krikalev used the Kodak 760 digital still camera to take two pictures with the hatch closed down and downlinked them later via OCA.]

The crew installed a new software package on the MEC (medical equipment computer), including the physical exercise and HRM (heart rate monitor) files, personalized for the new Expedition 11 station residents.

Using the new MEC software, both crewmembers in turn took their first periodic on-orbit hearing assessment (O-OHA) test, a NASA environmental health systems examination to assess the efficacy of acoustic countermeasures.  [The O-OHA audiography test involves minimum audibility measurements for each ear over a wide range of frequencies (0.25-10 kHz) 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, featuring an up/down-arrow-operated slider for each test frequency that the crewmember moves to the lowest sound pressure level at which the tone can still be heard. The baseline test is required not later than about Flight Day 14 for each new Expedition and is then performed once per month.]

CDR Krikalev prepared a new laptop (IBM ThinkPad A31p), brought up on Soyuz-216/10S, for use as RSK1 computer by installing a new 60GB hard disk drive (HDD, #1033), also delivered on 10S, then connecting the RSK1 hardware and activating it for a checkout.  [The Russian RSK1 is used for on-board simulators (TORU, Emergency Egress, Descent OBT, etc.), electronic photo imagery processing (Nikon D1X, Kodak 760), the Sigma orbital/ballistic navigation application for ground track computing, the PILOT experiment, and crew psychological support (DVD playing).]

John did the routine maintenance of the SOZh environment control & life support systems in the SM and also prepared the regular IMS delta file for export/import to the IMS databases.

Sergei unstowed and set up the gear for the crew s first session with the periodic Russian MO-10 “Hematokrit” testing scheduled for tomorrow.  [MO-10 measures the hematocrit (red cell mass) value of the blood (as a well-known phenomenon of space flight, red blood cell mass {normal range: 30-45%} tends to go down over time).]

Both crewmembers conducted their regular daily 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on the TVIS treadmill, RED resistive exerciser and VELO ergometer cycle with bungee cord force loader (NS-1). For the TVIS exercise, they are using the SLDs (subject loading devices) for holding the subject down, plus newly delivered training loading suits (TNK-U-1), to create a 54 kg load (typically).   [As was the case for Sharipov, Sergei s daily protocol prescribes a 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). Use of the NS-1 is constrained by load limits on the ISS structure.]

John then transferred the daily TVIS and RED exercise data files to the new MEC software for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM data, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium.

The crew had one hour each set aside again on today s schedule for ISS familiarization and leisure, to help in adjusting to their new surroundings and activities.  [This free session has become a valuable standard requirement for new station occupants for the first two weeks.]

Yesterday, the Kodak DCS 760 digital camera used for the EarthKAM experiment failed, and no pictures could be taken for several hours. After SO Phillips switched cameras, nominal activity was restored. Well over 800 photos have so far been acquired on the ground, where 118 schools are participating in the program.  [The failed DCS is expected to be yellow tagged for non-use. Two more cameras are available on board for the STS-114 RPM (R-Bar Pitch Maneuver) to be performed by Orbiter Discovery at ~600 ft from the station for tile acreage and door seal inspection.]

Update on Elektron: This morning s attempt at reactivating the Elektron was not successful. Telemetry data are being analyzed at present, to assist in the development of further troubleshooting steps.

Update on SKV Dehumidifiers: The Russian air conditioners are still not producing water for the condensate recovery system. Diagnostic troubleshooting at this time points to possible blockage in a water line or by a failed inlet valve. Commensurate IFM on the system is scheduled for tomorrow. Meanwhile, the US Lab CCAA (common cabin air assembly) dehumidifiers continue carrying the load, but the amount of water collected now stands at 70 liters, requiring an estimated two hours of crew time to process it for electrolysis in the Elektron.

At ~1:05pm EDT, the crew downlinked two cordial TV messages of greetings and congratulations to TsUP/Moscow for upcoming events observing Victory Day and the heroic sacrifices made by Russians to win WWII (the Great Patriotic War, 1941-45). One was addressed to the Fourth Delphian Youth Games We remember& , a gathering of students of the high arts , this year in Ryazan, the second to the participants of a Russian Relay Salute to Victory .  [ Victory Day , on Monday, 5/9, will be a day off in Russia (as will be Spring & Labor Day , next Monday, 5/2).]

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 Lake Poopo, Bolivia (this pass ran the length of the Andean Altiplano in Bolivia from the fresh, blue waters of Lake Titicaca in the NW to the salty, turbid waters of Lake Poopo to the SE. The size and appearance of Lake Poopo and the large, bright salars to the SW are sensitive indicators of the hydrologic balance of the Altiplano region, especially during El Nino cycles. Looking right of track for views Lake Poopo, Salar Coipasa, and the still larger Salar Uyuni), Patagonian Glaciers (satellite imagery suggested that a cold front had cleared the region by the time of this pass. However, there may still have been residual clouds, especially on the western flanks of the mountains. Using the long lens to capture visible details of the glacial features of both the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and the northern end of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in near-nadir views. Oblique views were to be avoided at this time), and Internal waves, Patagonian Shelf (although a cold front may be in the vicinity, this pass offered reasonably good sun glint enhanced views of the coastal waters near and south of the Valdes Peninsula).

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, 7:37am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 354.3 km
• Apogee height — 359.6 km
• Perigee height — 349.0 km
• Period — 91.63 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.65 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0007922
• Solar Beta Angle — 53.3 deg (magnitude increasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.71
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 40 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 36786

Return to Flight:

• LF1 (STS-114)/Discovery launch windows (all times EDT), for FD3 docking:
• 5/22: 1:03 – 1:08pm;
• 5/23: 12:41 – 12:46pm;
• 5/24: 12:15 – 12:20pm;
• 5/25: 11:53 – 11:58pm;
• etc.

Note: For the May/June launch period, the daily 5-minute planar launch window (i.e., opens as KSC Pad 2 passes through ISS orbit plane) starts an average 23 minutes earlier each day, extends into early June and closes due to current constraints of Daylight Launch (6/7) or ET umbilical photo opportunity (6/3). Figures are approximate. There are additional opportunities for docking on FD4 (Flight Day 4), which is not planned.

Other Increment 11 Main Events:

• Next ISS reboost (by 17P) — 5/11;
• Progress M-52 (17P) undock — 6/16;
• Progress M-53 (18P) launch — 6/17;
• ULF1.1 (STS-121) launch — NET 7/12;
• Progress M-54 (19P) launch — 8/24;
• Soyuz TMA-7 (11S) launch — 9/27;
• Soyuz TMA-6 (10S) return — 10/7.

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.