Status Report

NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 5 Feb 2004

By SpaceRef Editor

February 5, 2004

Filed under ISS, ISS On-orbit status, NASA HQ, US

NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 5 Feb 2004 — iss

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

CDR Michael Foale and FE Alexander Kaleri continued cargo transfers from the Progress resupply ship, assisted by a detailed Russian and US transfer/unpack list and the IMS (inventory management system). [They were commended by the ground on their “stowage solutions” and diligence in keeping the IMS up-to-date. Today’s transfer activities also included recording video imagery of cargo accommodations, downlinking the video (via Ku-band), and discussing the job with IMS specialists (via S-band).]

Kaleri set up for work on the payload control electronics behind a wall panel in the Service Module (SM), disconnected the onboard equipment control system (SUBA) and replaced the Russian BSMM payload computer (multiplexer/demultiplexer) with a new BSMM unit delivered on Progress M1-11/13P. [On Go from MCC-M/TsUP, the BSMM’s TM (telemetry) connector was mated again to the BITS2-12 onboard TM measurement system to check out the config. The ground later reactivated the BSMM’s time synchronization unit (BSV-M) on the system power panel’s (PPS) master clock unit. The old controller was stowed in the FGB for later disposal.]

Foale conducted a teleconference with the Principal Investigator (PI) of the CBOSS-FDI (Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support System/Fluid Dynamics Investigation) experiment to discuss procedures of upcoming activities. [CBOSS is a stationary bioreactor system for the cultivation of cells aboard the ISS. FDI comprises a series of experiments aimed at optimizing CBOSS operations while contributing to the characterization of the bioreactor vessel (the Tissue Culture Module or TCM) in terms of fluids mixing techniques on orbit, which are essential to conduct cellular research in that environment. Crew support for the experiment essentially consists in injecting and withdrawing TCM fluid, monitoring the process and taking photographs.]

Sasha set up and installed the Russian radiobiology experiment RBO-2 “Bradoz” in the SM, taking Nikon D1 photographs of the six assemblies. [Bradoz was developed by Moscow’s IBMP (Institute of Bio-Medical Problems) to detect integral absorbed doses of ionizing radiation using thermoluminescent detectors. It also uses plastic track detectors for recording fluxes and spectra of linear energy transfers of heavy charged particles, and utilizes biological objects to detect radiation damage to the genetic system. Purpose of this research is to develop radiobiological dosimetry methods for more accurate assessment of biologically significant radiation dose commitments for humans during long-term space flight. Space radiation, even in small doses, can damage not only the somatic but also generative tissues in the human body, making it crucial to quantitatively assess the genetic damage caused by space radiation. The experiment consists of six assemblies, five Bradoz-1 kits and one Bradoz-2 unit. They include thermoluminescent dosimeters made of lithium fluoride crystals, R-39-type plastic track detectors made of tissue-equivalent plastic, and packets with biological samples of dry seeds of higher plants.]

Michael Foale performed a “zero” calibration run of the primary CSA-CP (compound specific analyzer-combustion products) unit (#1003), to reset its sensors to zero. The backup unit, #1004, was stowed. The new CSA-CP units delivered on Progress 13P were deployed in the open Lab atmosphere for decontamination.

Mike also tended the PromISS-3 (Protein Crystal Growth Monitoring by Digital Holographic Microscope 3) experiment in the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox), by removing videotape #3 and installing tape #4.

In preparation for their eventual return on Soyuz 7S, the two crewmembers conducted the standard fit check of the “Kazbeks”, the contoured shock-absorbing seats in the Soyuz descent capsule (SA). This required them to don their Sokol pressure suits, get in their seats and use a ruler to measure the gap between the top of the head and the top edge of the structure facing the head. The results were reported to TsUP. [The Kazbek-U couches are designed to withstand g-loads during launch and orbital insertion as well as during reentry and brake-rocket-assisted landing. Each seat has two positions: cocked (armed) and noncocked. In the cocked position, they are raised to allow the shock absorbers to function during touchdown. The fit check assures that the crew, whose bodies gain in length during longer-term stay in zero-G, will still be adequately protected by the seat liners for their touchdown in Kazakhstan. The third passenger, Soyuz 8S Flight Engineer André Kuipers from Holland, will bring his own form-fitted seat liner.]

The CDR completed his eleventh weekly filling-out of the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), which keeps a log of his nutritional intake over time on the medical equipment computer (MEC).

Mike conducted the daily routine maintenance of the SM’s SOZh life support system, while Sasha Kaleri prepared the daily IMS (inventory management system) “delta” update file for automatic database export/import.

The crew worked out on TVIS treadmill, RED exerciser and VELO cycle with load trainer.

The planned new TVIS loads test was postponed from the originally scheduled 2/11 until after the EVA-9 activity on 2/26. [The test, which will use IWIS (internal wireless instrumentation system), Russian sensors over Russian ground sites, and fixed video cameras, is to get structural loads data on the crew’s maximum TVIS harness loading, before the long-planned TVIS gyro repair is attempted in March, just in case the gyro repair is unsuccessful. There is not enough time to adequately condition the crew at the higher loads prior to conducting the data collection. The data collection will occur in March when the crew has been properly conditioned.]

At 4:05am EST, ISS attitude control was handed over to the Russian MCS (motion control system) to allow the scheduled dynamic testing of Russian thruster systems. Control authority was returned to the U.S. segment (USOS) at 8:15am. [TsUP conducted four different test firings of the Progress DPO (approach & attitude control) thrusters for yaw and pitch control and the Service Module (SM) MNFD thrusters for roll control, each of 1 second duration: two burns using Progress DPO manifold #1 and SM manifolds #1, followed by #2, the other two on Progress DPO manifold #2, again with SM manifolds #1, then #2.]

After the dynamic thruster tests, ISS flight attitude was maneuvered to LVLH YVV (local vertical/local horizontal, with y-axis in velocity vector, i.e., flying “sidewise”). [As per crew report, during the maneuver to YVV a long thin piece of debris drifted away from the Station. The ground is reviewing the pictures taken by the crew of the debris for possible identification. All systems are operating nominally.]

Yesterday, the crew reported a loud noise coming from the Vozdukh CO2 scrubber, first heard on 2/2, but changed in pitch since then. According to TsUP, the Vozdukh’s blower fan (MR5-15G) is probably the cause of the noise, and there should be a spare onboard.

During ground processing of U.S. EMU (extravehicular mobility unit) radios, particulate contamination was found in two of eight units. The FOD (foreign object debris) could potentially short out power pins and pose a hazard. Until an ongoing investigation has either cleared the three on-orbit spacesuit radios or determined a corrective measure for their safe operation, EMU operations are currently not authorized.

Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) targets, in the current XPOP attitude constrained by flight rule to fewer near-vertical targets due to Lab window shutter closure and current condensation-prevention plan (limited to 90 min. in 24 hours), were SE Sudan inland deltas (looking immediately left for river patterns directly at the foot of the Ethiopian plateau. Geological knowledge and maps of this area are poor. ISS also overflew the Omo River delta at the north end of Lake Turkana. This long-term monitoring site shows major changes as lake levels fluctuate. Detailed nadir views would extend the available time series of the delta growth and decline [partly related to El Nino events]), Chad dust (Dynamic event. Region-wide reports of blowing dust and satellite imagery suggest the start of a major dust event over much of the Sahel of West Africa. Looking left into the Chad basin to help identify dust source points [these dust “hotspots” seem to be located at the low point in ancient Lake Megachad, a vast Saharan lake during the last ice age]), Mali dust (Dynamic event. Looking east into the eye of strong easterly winds that are setting up dust plumes and region-wide haze all the way to Dakar), Pyrenees, Spain (Dynamic event. Panoramas of recent snows on this mountain range), Alps, Italy (Dynamic event. Panoramas of recent snows on this mountain range), Panama (Dynamic event. Weather remained clear over this seldom-photographed location), Ice rafts, Lake Superior (Dynamic event. Ice should be accumulating in bays along the north shore, right of track), Baker Island, Pacific (400mm-lens. Looking a touch right for this equatorial atoll), and Howland Island, Pacific (400mm-lens. Nadir pass over this equatorial atoll).

CEO images can be viewed at the websites.

See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at

http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/

U.S. and Russian Segment Status (as of 1:01pm EST).

Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLSS) and Thermal Control (TCS):

Elektron O2 generator is powered On. Vozdukh CO2 scrubber is On (in Automatic Mode). U.S. CDRA CO2 scrubber is on Standby (ready in dual-bed mode). TCCS (trace contaminant control subsystem) is operating. MCA (major constituents analyzer) is off (in Life Extending Mode). 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 Off (repair incomplete).

SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 742; temperature (deg C) — 25.6; ppO2 (mmHg) — 159.5; ppCO2 (mmHg) — 3.5;
SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg/psi) — 761; temperature (deg C) — 20.0.
FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg/psi) — 756; temperature (deg C) — 22.7.
Node: Pressure (mmHg/psi) — 753.43; temperature (deg C) — 24.2 (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg/psi) — 755.12; temperature (deg C) — 25.1; ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg/psi) — 755.22; temperature (deg C) — 29.9; shell heater temp (deg C) — 25.3, ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
PMA-1: Shell heater temp (deg C) — 23.8
PMA-2: Shell heater temp (deg C) — 12.2.

(n/a = data not available)

Electrical Power Systems (EPS):

Both P6 channels fully operational. BGA (beta gimbal assembly) 2B and 4B both in Autotrack (suntracking) and bias-angled 45 deg. for drag reduction.
SM batteries: Battery #8, formerly known as #7, is failed (to be replaced); battery #6 is in “Cycle” mode; all other batteries (6) are in “Partial Charge” mode.
FGB batteries: Battery #3 is off (capacity restoration mode, ROM); battery #6 is in “Cycle” mode; all other batteries (4) are in “Partial Charge” mode.
Plasma Contactor Unit PCU-1 in Standby mode; PCU-2 in Standby mode.

Command & Data Handling Systems:

C&C-1 MDM is prime, C&C-2 is back-up, and C&C-3 is in standby.
GNC-1 MDM is prime; GNC-2 is Backup.
INT-2 is operating; INT-1 is Off.
EXT-2 is On (primary), EXT-1 is Off (both now upgraded to R3).
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): 2 redundant lanes (of 3) operational (string 1 dropped out 11/22).
SM Central Computer (TsVM): 2 redundant lanes (of 3) operational (string #3 dropped out 10/22).

Propulsion System:

Total propellant load available: 3482 kg (7676 lb) as of 1/29/04 [SM(755) + FGB(2727) + Progress M(0) + Progress M-1(0)]. (Capability: SM — 860 kg; FGB — 6120 kg).

Attitude Control Systems:

3 CMGs on-line (CMG-1 failed).
State vector source — U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)
Attitude source — U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)
Angular rate source — RGA-1

Flight Attitude:
LVLH YVV (local vertical/local horizontal = “earth-fixed”: z-axis in local vertical, y-axis in velocity vector [yaw: -10 deg, pitch: -9 deg, roll: 1.8 deg]), with CMG/TA (thruster assist) Momentum Management.

Communications & Tracking Systems:

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 MBS PDGF #1/LEE B, with Keep Alive (KA) power on both strings.
MBS: KA 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.

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 9:08am EST [= epoch]):