NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 31 May 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.  The crew was given some rest today before tomorrow’s EVA-16.

Onboard sleep/work schedule remains shifted 7 hrs. to the right (9:00am – 12:30am EDT).  On 6/2, after the spacewalk, sleep time will be 6:30am, wake-up at 3:00pm, with subsequent shifts to the left taking the crew back to nominal.

The suited EVA training yesterday was rated as a full success.  Vinogradov and Williams performed Orlan entry, suit leak check, suit sizing fit check, suit reach evaluation and Orlan ORU (Orbit Replaceable Unit) change-out.  In addition, the crew was able to manipulate some of the tools and hardware that will be used during the EVA while they were pressurized.   [The crew noted some modifications that could be made to the suit sizing.  In particular, Jeff noted some pressure points on his shoulders and gloves, and that the boots were “loose”.  Moscow specialists recommended sizing strap adjustments for relieving the shoulder pressure and tightening up the legs.  Both crew members were reminded that “moleskin” was available to lessen any other pressure points they may have.  Overall, the Orlans and DC-1 Docking Compartment are ready to support the EVA, and the crew feels that they successfully completed the dry run activities.  Both US and Russian EVA specialists are also ready to support the spacewalk.]

Final preparations today consisted in reviewing/updating the EVA timeline, supported by tagup with ground specialists via S-band, filling the DIDB drink bags and re-installing them in the Orlans, configuring the DCS-760 digital still camera for the spacewalk and closing the covers of Service Module (SM) windows 6 & 8 in the Working Compartment (RO, small diameter) and 13 & 14 in the Transfer Compartment (PkhO).   [DC-1 “Pirs” EV1 hatch opening is scheduled for 6:45pm EDT, hatch closing is expected at 12:26am on 6/2, for a total EVA duration of 5 hrs 41 min.  Williams (EV2) will be crane operator, maneuvering one of the two Strela booms by cranking handles while secured in a foot restraint (IAPFR) at its DC1 base, with Vinogradov (EV1) riding the Strela to the SM worksites and later toward the FGB for the MBS (Mobile Base System) mast camera R&R near the end of the EVA timeline.  Instead of a “missing” special adapter device for Strela stabilization at the worksite, the crew was given approval to use a NASA MUT (Multi-Use Tether) for this purpose.  Also, taking the place of a lost special safety container for the retrieved “Kromka” contamination witness plate (for toxic thruster effluents) will be KBO-M three rubber bags for soft trash, with tethers and wire ties for triple containment of the plate, following detailed uplinked step-by-step instructions (“algorithm”).]

Later, CDR Vinogradov will unstow three Russian “Pille-MKS” radiation dosimeters, record their dosages and equip each Orlan (in pocket on left calf) with a radiation sensor (A0309 & A0310).   [A third sensor, A0307, will be placed in the Service Module (SM) for background readings.  Also, Pavel will transfer his ID-3 personal dosimeter, normally worn on the flight suit, to the chest pocket of his Orlan’s lining (near the DIDB) and later return it to the flight suit.  On 6/2, after the EVA, readings from all dosimeters will be recorded and downlinked.]

Jeffrey Williams is to continue USOS (US segment) preparations by configuring the ECLSS (Environment Control & Life Support Systems) and ITCS (Internal Thermal Control System) for unmanned mode.   [By appropriate demating and remating QD (quick disconnect)-equipped jumpers, the TCS will be set to dual-loop operations mode so that one string of USOS-critical avionics systems is on one cooling loop and the secondary avionics string is on the other cooling loop.  This provides redundancy in the event of an ITCS loop failure.]

Pavel is to set up for his scheduled pre-EVA NOA (Nitric Oxide Analyzer) session, today in the SM instead of DC1 and without the usual food intact restrictions.  On EVA day tomorrow he will take two more NO measurements in his exhaled air, followed by a post-EVA session, close-out ops and RSE1 laptop entries on 6/3.   [Purpose of the ESA VC9 payload ESANO1, consisting of the “Platon” analyzer and its power supply, is to monitor expired nitric oxide (NO) in the subject’s exhaled air to detect signs of airway inflammation and indications of venous gas emboli (bubbles) that may be caused by inhalation of pollutants on the ISS and increased risk of decompression sickness.  The experiment sessions are normally being conducted once a week, with two NO measurements in the exhaled air (after rinsing out with Rodnik water) taken in each session through a bacterial filter.  In a departure from standard procedures, today’s session is limited to measuring exhaled NO content before and after an EVA.]

Tonight, the CDR is scheduled to prepare the third batch of raw data from the ongoing testing of the ASN-M satellite navigation system by TsUP-Moscow, for subsequent downlink via U.S. OCA (Orbit Communications Adapter) assets.  [ASN will be required for the arrival of the European ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) “Jules Verne” next year.  During the extensive checkout from ESA (European Space Agency)/Oberpfaffenhofen, special software on Laptop 3 (running the “Solaris” Operating System) will be used for onboard storage of test data and logs.  MCC-H has created a special subfolder for ASN data on the OCA file server to facilitate subsequent data downlinking.  The ASN-M output data will be downlinked every other day throughout the 28-day test period.  The objective of this test is to verify compliance of the ASN-M data with approved requirements and to update ESA’s ASN-M model.]

The FE will conduct his daily status check of the alignment and focus of the EarthKAM (EK) camera and position of flash aimed at the sample of the BCAT-3 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test) science activity.   [The EK camera is taking automated time-lapse flash photography (once every hour) of BCAT sample #3 at the MWA (Maintenance Work Area), controlled from the SSC-7 laptop (Station Support Computer 7).  The imaging continues for two weeks.]

Afterwards, Jeffrey goes through the daily atmospheric status check for ppO2 (Partial Pressure Oxygen) and ppCO2 (pp Carbon Dioxide), using the CSA-CP (Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion Products), CSA-O2 (CSA-Oxygen Sensor) and CDMK (CO2 Monitoring Kit).

In support of the ongoing runs of the ESA/German commercial experiment “RokvISS”, the CDR is scheduled for another time synchronization between the Russian payload server (BSPN) and the ISS “Wiener” power laptop, after setting up the laptop with the exact time as per the station clock (which in turn is synchronized daily from RGS/Russian Ground Site), using a payload file transfer program called ShellForKE.   [RokvISS investigates the feasibility of robotic function and remote control in open space environment.  Its REU (Robotic External Unit) arm, installed on the URM-D, is controlled by the CUP (Communication Unit for Payloads) via the OBC electronics, part of SM systems.  RokvISS communicates directly with the GOSC (German Space Operations Center) ground station at Oberpfaffenhofen/Germany via independent S-band comm link.

Pavel Vinogradov will also perform the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s environment control & life support system (SOZh), including the toilet system (ASU).

Afterwards, the CDR will work on the Elektron oxygen generator, pressurizing its BZh Liquid Unit with nitrogen to 0.8 kg/cm2.   [The Elektron has remained powered on but at zero ampères due to continuing O2 repressurizations from Progress, currently 21P.  Today’s repressurization of the Elektron BZh, suspected to have a tiny internal leak, is in preparation for the activation of the unit scheduled for 6/7.]

Vinogradov broke out and set up the equipment for the Russian PZE MO-9 “Urolux” biochemical urine test, scheduled for tomorrow and Friday.   [The MO-9 urinalysis assessment is a standard requirement for Russian spacewalkers, both before and immediately after the EVA.]

In support of ground-commanded operation of the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System), Jeff Williams hooked up the UOP-DCP (utility outlet panel-to-display & control panel) bypass power cable at the Lab RWS (Robotics Work Station).

Afterwards, the FE also set up the video equipment to record an exercise session on the RED (resistive exercise device), providing live audio/video downlink to ground specialists for real-time feedback on exercise procedure.   [The video is required for biomechanical evaluation of the exercising crewmember and assessment of the on-orbit setup of equipment during data collection.]

The crew will complete their regular daily physical exercise program on TVIS treadmill (aerobic, FE, CDR) and RED resistive exerciser (anaerobic, FE), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR).  [Pavel’s daily protocol prescribes a strict four-day microcycle exercise with 1.5 hr on the treadmill in unmotorized mode and one hour on VELO plus load trainer (today: Day 1 of the first set.]

Afterwards, Jeff transfers the 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 CEVIS and RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week).

At 11:05am EDT this morning, FE Williams set up the amateur radio equipment (Ericsson VHF transceiver, headset, power supply) in the FGB to conduct, at 11:10am, a 10-min. ham radio exchange with students at Salt Brook Elementary School in New Providence, New Jersey.  Afterwards, the Ericsson radio was powered down for the EVA, to prevent RF interference with the Orlans.  The Kenwood D-700 radio gear in the SM is also kept powered down.   [Salt Brook Elementary School is one of two Pre-K through 6 elementary buildings in the New Providence School District, with approximately 600 students.  Student questions were uplinked beforehand.  “Did you pack a suitcase for your trip to the ISS like we would for going on vacation?”; “Do you have an IPod on board? What is your favorite band?”; “If another astronaut comes up with the Shuttle this summer, is there room for him?”; “If you get a chance to go to Mars, will you go?”]

At ~2:00pm EDT, CSA/NASA specialists at MCC-Houston will power up the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) for today’s scheduled ground-commanded maneuvering, involving pre-motion survey (~3:45pm) to verify that the real situation matches Robotics’ simulators, and several hours of remote-controlled motion, to run  through ~9:30pm.   [The objective of today’s Robotics ops is to maneuver the SSRMS to the Russian EVA-16 viewing position, following a trajectory that is the reverse of the last single-joint maneuver completed by Jeff Williams.  It is broken into 24 Joint OCAS (operator commanded auto sequence) maneuvers where only one joint is driven at a time.  On 6/2, the robotarm will be returned to the current Lab Clearance position on the same trajectory.  Execution of the maneuvers via S-band is expected to take about 3 hrs each day.]

The station continues in LVLH XVV (local vertical local horizontal/x-axis in velocity vector) attitude, as required by the current solar Beta angle magnitude (-5.4 deg), until the reboost and the maneuver to LVLH YVV (y-axis in velocity vector) on 6/8.

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 Milk River (the Milk river is one of the Trail Geography/Geography sites.  Researchers are collaborating with schools and museums in Montana to document the early transportation systems in the western United States.  Images from ISS will help to facilitate discussion and enhance the learning process for students and the general public), Coweeta Forest, North Carolina (the Coweeta LTER research program centers on the effects of disturbance and environmental gradients on biogeochemical cycling, and the underlying watershed ecosystem processes that regulate and respond to those cycles.  It now represents one of the longest continuous environmental studies of any North American landscape.  Current research on the ecological and socioeconomic dimensions of past, present and future land use in the southern Appalachian Mountains contributes directly to the LTER Goals for the Decade of Synthesis. Documenting land use and land cover), Luquillo Forest, Puerto Rico (the Luquillo Experimental Forest [LEF] has been a center of tropical forestry research for nearly a century.  It is the goal of the USDA Forest Service and the University of Puerto Rico to promote and maintain the forest’s role as a center of active and dynamic scientific inquiry), Soufriere Hills volcano (Soufriere Hills volcano is located on the island of Montserrat in the West Indies.  On May 20 there was a major eruption which sent an ash cloud 16.8 km into the air. Since that time Soufriere Hills has had intermittent ash emissions.  Looking for any ash cloud in the area. Montserrat will be to the left [east and a little north] of ISS orbit track), and Upheaval Dome Impact Crater (Upheaval Dome is a 10km diameter impact crater located just to the east of the Green river in Utah).

To date, more than 198,000 of CEO images have been taken in the first five years of the ISS, almost 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, 7:51am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude — 342.4 km
• Apogee height– 348.3 km
• Perigee height — 336.5 km
• Period — 91.38 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
• Eccentricity — 0.000879
• Solar Beta Angle — -5.4 deg (magnitude decreasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
• Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 100 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 43053

EVA-16 Preview for 6/1 (all times EDT):

• ~5:06pm:  Close hatches between PkhO/FGB and PkhO/DC1
• ~5:16pm:  Don Orlans, close backpacks
• Check for leaks on suits and hatches
• ~5:57pm:  Final O2 purge of Orlan systems
• ~6:00pm:  Start  prebreathe (30 min, to denitrogenize body for prevention of decompression sickness)
• ~6:30pm:  End prebreathe; depress DC1 to 15 mmHg
• ~6:45pm:  Switch Orlans to autonomous power
• ~6:51pm:  EV1 hatch is open
• Collect hardware in DC-1
• Egress DC-1 (ISS on SM thruster control)
• Install “Yakor” foot restraint on Strela crane (ISS to CMG control)
• Begin Elektron H2 Vent installation on SM
• Take closeout photos of H2 Vent
• Translate on Strela to WAL-2 antenna at SM aft end to photograph site of engine cover obstruction during aborted 4/19 reboost (SM thrusters inhibited);
• Remove Kromka hardware.  Remove Biorisk container (off Strela)
• Remove WAL-3 antenna cable slack.  Remove BKDO (Contamination Monitoring Unit)
• Translate on Strela to DC-1, thence to FGB for MBS task (SM thrusters enabled, CMG control);
• MCC-H Handover – begin MBS (Mobile Base System) Mast Camera swapout
• TsUP-Moscow Handover – end MBS Camera swapout
• Translate on Strela to DC-1
• ~12:26am: Ingress DC-1.  Expected EVA duration = 5 hrs 41 min.

Significant Events Ahead (all dates subject to change):

• 06/01/06 — EVA-16 (EV-1 hatch open ~6:45pm EDT; duration ~5hrs 41min)
• 06/08/06 — ISS reboost with 21P for phasing (6:51pm EDT, delta-V 1.5 m/s)
• 06/19/06 — Progress M-55/20P undocking (DC1) & reentry
• 06/24/06 — Progress M-57/22P launch
• 06/26/06 — Progress M-57/22P docking (DC1)
• 07/01/06 — STS-121/ULF1.1 launch (earliest)
• 07/03-11/06 — STS-121/ULF1.1 docked mission w/ISS (earliest)
• 07/??/06 — US EVA-5
• 08/28/07 — STS-115/12A launch (earliest)
• 08/30-09/06 — STS-115/12A docked mission w/ISS (earliest) – P3/P4 trusses
• 09/13/06 — Progress M-56/21P undocking (SM aft port) & reentry
• 09/14/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S launch (Expedition 14 + VC11)
• 09/16/06 — Soyuz TMA-9/13S docking (SM aft port)
• 09/24/06 — Soyuz TMA-8/12S undocking (FGB nadir port) & reentry
• 10/10/06 — 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 (earliest)
• 12/16-23/06 — STS-116/12A.1 docked mission w/ISS (earliest) – 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 (earliest) – 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 (earliest).

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.