NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 7 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 19 for Expedition 9.
The crew held a 40-min. debrief tagup with spacewalk specialists discussing last week’s EVA-11. [For the upcoming Increment 10 of Leroy Chiao & Salizhan Sharipov, two more Russian EVAs are in planning: EVA-12 on 12/28/04 (to install commercial payloads), and EVA-13 in February ’05 (to install GPS satellite navigation antennas and prox ops hardware for ATV).]
Closing out EVA-11, the crew also stowed all remaining EVA tools and gear, and CDR Padalka returned the DC1 docking compartment to its initial configuration.
Gennady performed another biomed workout session of the Russian MBI-8 “Profilaktika” (preventive health maintenance) fitness test series, today on the VELO stationary bike ergometer (last time done: 7/12). [Test procedure is identical to the Russian MO-5 Cardiovascular Evaluation During Graded Exercises assessment, but in addition to the nominal procedure it calls for the use of the TEEM-100M gas analyzer, measurement of the lactate level in the subject’s blood with the AccuSport device, and subjective evaluation of physical exertion levels during the test. Results are entered on a log sheet. TEEM and ECG (electrocardiograph) data are transferred to the payload laptop 2, also on a tape cassette (Cardiocassette-2000), and prepared for later downlink via Regul-Packet comm. The lactate levels were called down to specialists standing by at TsUP.]
The CDR also conducted a functionality check of the Cardiocassette-2000 (KK-2000) recording unit, which appeared to have developed a switch problem during Gennady’s last MBI-8 session on 7/12.
Later, Gennady set up and worked a proficiency training session on the ADUM (Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Microgravity) experiment, using the ADUM OPE (On-board Proficiency Enhancer) in preparation for the crew’s ultrasound scanning activities on Thursday (9/9). [The CDR used the ADUM OPE compact disk on the HRF PC/laptop, focusing on cardiac, thoracic & bone scanning, plus data acquisition (probe positioning) and principles of remote guidance, ultrasound, and anatomy.]
Padalka also initiated battery charging for the Russian DVCAM (DSR PD-150P) digital camcorder. After ~2.5 hrs, charging was terminated and the process was started for the second DVCAM (DSR PD-1P), taking another 2.5 hours.
After the ground had powered up EXPRESS Rack 5 (ER5), Mike Fincke activated the rack’s laptop computer (ELC) for the subsequent payload activities. Using the SNFM (Serial Network Flow Monitor) application, the SO then initiated a 3-hr. session to capture packet data traffic on the LAN-2 science network of the HRF (human research facility) rack PC data downlink of ADUM OPE files. Later tonight, Mike will power ER5 off again. [The software automatically transmits stored files to the ARIS POP computer (Active Rack Isolation System/Payload On-orbit Processor) in ER2 for later downlink and analysis on the ground.]
Mike was briefed on the results of the highly successful HEAT experiment runs of the last three days. The MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) hardware was removed and stowed.
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After his ESA-acclaimed HEAT experiment over the weekend, the Science Officer was provided with a new list of options for his next “Saturday Science” program (9/11) for his choice. [Suggested by POIC (Payload Operations & Integration Center) are an ISSI (In-Space Soldering Investigation) test (#3 of 5), an MFMG (Miscible Fluids in Microgravity) test, another CFE (Capillary Flow Experiment) run, an EPO demo of the Blues Harp music instrument and/or the Puzzles toy, SNFM ELC-4 software loading, HRF PC hard drive loading, and BCSS-FDI TCM (Biotechnology Cell Science Stowage-Fluid Dynamics Investigation Tissue Culture Module) bubble removal ops.]
Working on the environment control & life support system in the SM, Padalka started another regeneration cycle on the BMP harmful impurities removal unit’s absorbent bed #1, leaving channel 2 in Purify mode. [The “bakeout” cycle in the filter beds is repeated every 20 days. Each bakeout to space vacuum takes about 24 hours.]
The FE performed the routine inspection of the SM’s SOZh environment control & life support system, today including the periodic checkup of the BRPK air/liquid condensate separator apparatus, and the CDR prepared the regular IMS (inventory management system) delta file for automated export to the ground for database updating and subsequent re-import via OCA.
Mike completed his daily 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on TVIS treadmill and RED (resistive exercise device). Gennady’s MBI-8 exercise took care of his daily workout.
Fincke also performed both weekly and monthly maintenance of the TVIS. [Weekly maintenance generally checks the condition of the SPDs (subject positioning devices) and records time & date. Monthly maintenance mainly inspects the Russian and US tie-down harnesses for any damage.]
At 10:25am EDT, the crew supported a taped PAO TV event, with Mike and Gennady downlinking greetings to a special event planned by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and a message to be used as generic welcome for NASA Explorer Schools when visited by the NASA Administrator.
Later, Mike Fincke also held a PFC (private family conference) via S-band/audio.
The upgrade of the U.S. GNC MDMs (guidance, navigation & control computers) with the new version R4 software (s/w), planned for tomorrow and Thursday, has been postponed by a week, possibly more. [Recent testing of the GNC vers. R5 s/w has uncovered a previously unknown error, which resides in the on-orbit R3 and R4 versions as well. This error could result in a loss of US attitude control, with the Russian segment taking over attitude control on thrusters, and it would render US pointing data (used for solar arrays and antenna pointing) inaccurate. While efforts are underway to develop procedure and operations changes to minimize the effects of this problem, the step-up to R4 will be delayed.]
The Elektron oxygen generator shut down again last night, and two attempts at restarting failed. As of this writing, the electrolysis system is down.
The major (5-hr.) exploratory repair of the old Elektron BZh-5 Fluid Unit is scheduled for tomorrow. [The R&R will consist of a checkout of fluid carryover indicators (transducers), removal of gas bubbles from the electrolyte loop using an external circulation device (UTs), removal of gas bubbles from the micropumps (MNO & MNR) by flowing fluid through them, and activating the micropumps. Afterwards, the BZh will be deinstalled again from the setup and returned to stowage configuration. Besides the old BZh, the setup requires include a nitrogen purge unit (BPA-M), the Elektron checkout console, a hand pump, a pressure indicator, plus hoses, cables and adapters.]
Major upcoming events:
- Reboost — 9/22 (phase angle correction for 9S)
- Soyuz 9S launch — 10/9;
- Soyuz 9S dock — 10/11;
- Soyuz 8S undock/land — 10/19;
- Soyuz 9S relocate — 11/18;
- Progress 16P launch — 11/24.
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.
No CEO targets today.
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.
U.S. & Russian Segment Status (as of today, 1:00pm 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 Regenerate mode, bed #2 in Purify mode. RS air conditioner SKV-1 is On. SKV-2 is Off (SM panel mods completed 4/8; SKV-2 activation failed 4/20; is still considered failed). SFOG slot #2 fan suspect (not usable).
- SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 742; temperature (deg C) — 25.5; ppO2 (mmHg) — 161.0; ppCO2 (mmHg) — 3.1.
- SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 741; temperature (deg C) — 20.5.
- FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) — 744; temperature (deg C) — 23.0.
- Node: Pressure (mmHg) — 742.0; temperature (deg C) — 24.6 (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) — 744.0; temperature (deg C) — 24.0; ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
- Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) — 744.1; temperature (deg C) — 28.0; 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 Autotrack (solar-tracking, “sun slicer”, i.e., drag reduction-biased by 47 deg angle (2B: +47, 4B: -47).
- SM batteries: Battery #6 is in “Cycle” mode; all other batteries (7) are on line in “Partial Charge” mode.
- FGB batteries: Battery #3 is off line. All other batteries (5) 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 prime, C&C-2 is backup, and C&C-3 is in standby.
- GNC-2 MDM is prime; GNC-1 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: 4220 kg (9303 lb) as of 9/2/04; [SM(552) + FGB(3388) + Progress M(280)]. (Capabilities: SM — 860 kg; FGB — 6120 kg).
Attitude Control Systems (ACS):
- 3 CMGs on-line (CMG-1 failed, since 6/6/02; CMG-2’s RPC-17 failed 4/21/04; was replaced 6/30/04).
- State vector source — U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)
- Attitude source — U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)
- Angular rate source — RGA-1
Flight Attitude:
- XPOP (x-axis perpendicular to orbit plane = “sun-fixed” [yaw: 180.5 deg, pitch: -6.9 deg., roll: 0 deg]), with CMG TA (thruster assist) until 9/2 for EVA-11, then back to XPOP until next reboost (9/22).
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, 7:19am EDT [= epoch]):
- Mean altitude — 360.6 km
- Apogee height — 364.4 km
- Perigee height — 356.8 km
- Period — 91.75 min.
- Inclination (to Equator) — 51.63 deg
- Eccentricity — 0.0005624
- Solar Beta Angle — 56.1 deg (magnitude increasing)
- Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.69
- Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 88 m
- Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. ’98) — 33124
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.
