NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 31 August 2006

SpaceRef note: This NASA Headquarters internal status report, as presented here, contains additional, original material produced by SpaceRef.com (copyright © 2006) to enhance access to related status reports and NASA activities.

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. S dnyom rozhdeniya (Happy Birthday), Pavel Vladimirovich!

FE-2 Thomas Reiter performed his second 2-hr. session with the CARDIOCOG (BTC-10) experiment, using the RSE1 laptop, ECG (Electrocardiogram) electrodes and a new finger cuff for the “Portapres” hardware for measuring blood pressure. The activity was supported by ground specialist tagup. [Originally part of Pedro Duque’s VC5 “Cervantes” science program, CARDIOCOG studies changes in the human cardiovascular system in micro-G, expressed in the peripheral arteries, the vegetative regulation of arterial blood pressure and heart rate, and the interaction between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. For the experiment, Thomas had to take systolic & diastolic blood pressure measurements and heart rate data manually, using the “Tensoplus” sphygmomanometer and the “Portapres” blood pressure equipment, storing the data on the RSE1 laptop, an IBM ThinkPad A31p that replaced the old French EGE-2. The experiment also included a 5-minute cognitive stress test with a numbers table, with the results called out for recording. Results were later transferred from the A31p hard disk to a PCMCIA memory card for subsequent downlinking via OCA, and the RSE1 restored to nominal config, including removal of the special auxiliary HD.]

CDR Vinogradov conducted the first part of a comprehensive “plug-in audit” in the Russian segment (RS), i.e., checking and verifying an uplinked location list showing in which specific RS power outlet panels currently used electrical equipment items (such as laptops, vacuum cleaner, electric food warmer, experiments, etc.) are plugged in. The audit covers the Service Module (SM), “Pirs” Docking Compartment (DC1) and FGB. Part 2 is scheduled tomorrow.

The CDR performed Session 5 of the new periodic CULT experiment, by filling out its “cultural” questionnaire on the RSE1 A31p laptop. [CULT is a study conducted by Russia for ESA. The multi-Increment investigation, which eventually will involve 12 subjects, is dedicated to the study of cultural aspects and leadership styles of on-board crews as a function of mission duration, including interactions within multinational crews. The questionnaire is contained on a PCMCIA memory card, to be used for all subjects and sessions.]

Vinogradov also collected the weekly cabin air readings with the GANK-4M Real-Time Harmful Contaminant Gas Analyzer system of the SM SOGS (Pressure Control & Atmospheric Monitoring System). [GANK tests for Methane (CH4), Ammonia (NH3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Nitrogen Oxides (NO, NO2), Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), Hydrogen Fluoride (HF), and Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN).]

FE-1/SO Williams performed the scheduled monthly routine maintenance on both CSA-CP (Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion Products) units currently in use as prime and backup (#1043 & #1045). [The prime unit received a fresh battery, and both units were “zero” calibrated. Following the zero calibration, the backup unit (#1045), attached to the sampling pump, was returned to the Node, while the prime unit’s datalogger function was turned on to collect data at the SM Central Post as a spot check. After one hour, the datalogger was deactivated.]

In further IWIS (Internal Wireless Instrumentation System) outfitting, Jeffrey Williams installed an IWIS RSU (Remote Sensing Unit) in the FGB module. Installation of the transmitter/antenna unit will be done later. [IWIS uses radio-linked accelerometers (RSUs) in SM, Lab and Node, controlled by an NCU (network control unit) to take structural dynamics (vibratory) measurements, particularly during docking and undocking events. With arrival of the P4 truss element, ISS will also begin to be outfitted with an EWIS (External Wireless Instrumentation System). P4 carries six quarter-size three-axis-sensitive RSU accelerometers placed around the outboard integrated truss structure. EWIS is currently installed on P4 and P5 and will also be installed on the S4 and S6 truss structures.]

The two Flight Engineers had two hours each on their schedule for completing the unpacking of remaining U.S. items launched on Progress M-57/22P, based on an uplinked revised unpack list. [Unpacking involves physically moving items from 22P to their planned final locations and marking the move in the IMS (Inventory Management System).]

Thomas Reiter performed the routine daily SOZh maintenance, including the ASU toilet facilities systems/replaceables and today also the weekly BRPK air/liquid condensate separator inspection.

Working on the IMS, FE-1 Williams updated/edited its standard “delta file”, including locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).

Jeff also performed the standard weekly maintenance on the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation & Stabilization) with SLD (Subject Loading Devices) contingency configuration, primarily inspecting the condition of the SLDs, SLD cables and SPDs (Subject Positioning Devices), lubricating as required, and recording time & date values.

All crewmembers worked out in their regular 2.5-hr. physical exercise program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the TVIS (CDR, FE-1), RED resistive exerciser (FE-1, FE-2), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-2). The CDR’s workout again was on TVIS/aerobic only (Day 2).

Afterwards, Jeffrey transferred the TVIS and RED exercise data files to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) data of the workouts on RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week).

Working off his discretionary “time permitting” task list, Pavel performed the periodic (currently daily) time synchronization between the Russian payload server (BSPN) and the ISS “Wiener” power laptop in support of the ongoing runs of the externally mounted ESA/German commercial robotics experiment “RokvISS”.

Also listed as a discretionary item for the CDR was to support the newly started growth experiment on the long-term BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (“Plants-2”) payload, focusing on barley seeds planted yesterday in the Lada-9 greenhouse.

At ~7:05am the CDR had a special PFC (private family conference) from TsUP/Moscow via S-band/audio and Ku-band/NetMeeting video (undoubtedly a birthday chat).

At 10:45am, Vinogradov configured U.S. camcorder/TV equipment for Ku+S-band support, at 10:55am, of a special televised congratulatory PAO event in the SM with RSC-Energia management at TsUP, congratulating Pavel on his birthday. [Pavel Vladimirovich, a 1977 graduate of famed Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), Pilot-Cosmonaut and Hero of the Russian Federation, was born August 31, 1953, in Magadan, Russia. Employed at RSC-Energia since 1992, he spent 198 days in space as Expedition 24 Flight Engineer aboard Mir, where he also had an “orbital” birthday.]

Update on CDRA: MCC-Houston is initiating a new plan for ground-commanded troubleshooting of the CDRA (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly), starting today. Testing first focuses on gaining insight into the position of the PAV (Process Air Valve), requiring temporary activation of the portside CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly) air conditioner during the daily CDRA operation. [There are three CDRA issues currently being addressed by engineers: the stuck check valve in adsorption bed #2, an observed low blower delta-pressure, indicating reduced air flow through the filter beds, and an observed high CDRA inlet temperature. Brief crew support will be required for in situ inspection of the PAV connection behind a Lab rack on the starboard side.]

On 8/29, the CDR reported a small leak of Triol coolant from a hydraulic connector in the DC1, behind panel 301. The DC-1 cooling loop was shut down to prevent further leaking. TsUP is planning more troubleshooting and may fly a replacement coolant pump on 13S. [“Triol” coolant fluid consists of water with a 30 percent solution of glycerin (to lower the freezing point to 7 degC) plus biocide and UV-light-sensitive additives to aid in leak detection.]

Also on 8/29, a 6 mmHg O2 repress into the ISS cabin from Progress 21 was performed, to utilize the cargo ship’s remaining oxygen before undocking. The Elektron is currently active in the 28 amp mode, and the N2 (nitrogen) leak from its BZh-8 Liquid Unit has reportedly slowed. Russian specialists are reviewing options for troubleshooting and repair of the unit.

Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets were S. Mozambique, Africa (weather was predicted to be clear for imagery of this currently undeveloped region of southwestern Africa. Overlapping mapping frames along track were requested to provide ecological data [vegetation extent and geomorphology] for the region), B.P. Structure, Libya (ISS passed directly over this 2 km in diameter impact structure. The crater walls and circular structure are distinct and surrounded by desert. Overlapping mapping frames along track should have captured the impact structure), Dara Battlefield, Turkey (weather was predicted to be clear over Asia Minor. Overlapping mapping frames along track were requested of this ancient battlefield), Hurricane John, Pacific Ocean (this hurricane was predicted to reach Category 3 strength by the time of this overpass. Looking to the left of track as ISS approached the Yucatan Peninsula for cloud banding and eye features), and Sevilleta Wildlife Area, New Mexico (this desert Long Term Ecological Research [LTER] site investigates invasive species dynamics, and the effects of range land use on ecosystems. Overlapping mapping frames along track were requested to minimize pixel distortion off-nadir. This was a late afternoon pass, so there may have been some cumulus cloud cover).

To date, over 250,000 of CEO images have been taken in the first six years of the ISS, about one third of the total number of images taken from orbit by astronauts.

CEO photography can be viewed and studied at the websites:

• http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/station/CEO.html
• 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 13 crew visit:

• http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-13/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.

Expedition 13 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, 5:20am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 343.2 km
• Apogee height– 350.7 km
• Perigee height — 335.8 km
• Period — 91.40 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.0011093
• Solar Beta Angle — 6.6 deg (magnitude decreasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.75
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 90 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 44502

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern and subject to change):

• 08/31/06 — Pavel Vinogradov’s birthday
• 09/07 or 09/08/06 — STS115/12A launch
• 09/14/06 or 09/18/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S launch (Expedition 14 + VC11) — 12A slip impact TBD
• TBD — Progress M-56/21P undocking (SM aft port) & reentry — 12A slip impact TBD
• TBD — Soyuz TMA-9/13S docking (SM aft port) — 12A slip impact TBD
• TBD — Soyuz TMA-8/12S undocking (FGB nadir port) & land — 12A slip impact TBD
• 10/08/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S relocation (SM aft port to FGB nadir port)
• 10/18/06 — Progress M-58/23P launch
• 10/20/06 — Progress M-58/23P docking (SM aft port)
• 11/22/06 — Russian EVA-17
• 12/14/06 — STS-116/12A.1 launch
• 12/16-23/06 — STS-116/12A.1 docked mission w/ISS – P5 truss
• 12/19/06 — Progress M-57/22P undocking (DC1) & reentry
• 12/20/06 — Progress M-59/24P launch
• 12/22/06 — Progress M-59/24P docking (DC1)
• 01/22/07 — US EVA-6
• 01/26/07 — US EVA-7
• 01/31/07 — US EVA-8
• 02/06/07 — Progress M-59/24P undocking (DC1) & reentry
• 02/07/07 — Progress M-60/25P launch
• 02/09/07 — Progress M-60/25P docking (DC1)
• 02/22/07 — STS-117/13A launch – S3/S4 trusses
• 02/24-03/03/07 — STS-117/13A docked mission w/ISS (earliest)
• 03/08/07 — Progress M-58/23P undocking (SM aft port) & reentry
• 03/09/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S launch (Expedition 15 + VC12)
• 03/11/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S docking (SM aft port)
• 03/19/07 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S undocking (FGB nadir port)
• ??/??/07 — Soyuz TMA-10/14S relocation (SM aft port to FGB nadir port)
• 06/11/07 — STS-118/13A.1

ISS Altitude History

Apogee height — Mean Altitude — Perigee height

For more on ISS orbit and worldwide ISS naked-eye visibility dates/times, see http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/ on NASA’s Human Spaceflight website. Additional satellite tracking resources can be found at http://www.spaceref.com/iss/tracking.html.