NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 8 December 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.
Early in the morning, before breakfast and first exercise, FE Salizhan Sharipov and CDR/SO Leroy Chiao completed their third session with the Russian crew health-monitoring program’s medical assessment MO-9/Biochemical Urinalysis. Afterwards, the FE stowed the hardware. [MO-9 is conducted regularly every 30 days (and also before and after EVAs) and is one of five nominal Russian medical tests adopted by NASA for US crewmembers for IMG PHS (Integrated Medical Group/Periodic Health Status) evaluation as part of the “PHS/Without Blood Labs” exam. The analysis uses the sophisticated in-vitro diagnostic apparatus Urolux developed originally for the Mir program. Afterwards, the data were entered in the medical equipment computer (MEC)’s special IFEP software (In-Flight Examination Program).]
Later, Sharipov took his second session with the cardiological experiment PZEh MO-1 (Study of the Bioelectric Activity of the Heart at Rest), with Chiao assisting as CMO. [During the 30-min. test, the crew tagged up with ground specialists on a Russian ground site (RGS) pass on Daily Orbit 4 (4:08am EST) via VHF and downlinked data from the Gamma-1M ECG (electrocardiograph) for about 5-6 minutes.]
CDR Chiao unstowed and installed the equipment for the U.S. PHS/PCBA (periodic health status/portable clinical blood analyzer) with blood labs exam. He also prepared the test equipment for the periodic Russian MO-10 “Hematokrit” testing. Both sessions are scheduled for tomorrow. [While PCBA analyzes total blood composition, MO-10 particularly measures the hematocrit (red blood cell mass) value of the blood (it is a well-known phenomenon of space flight that red blood cell mass {normal range: 30-45%} tends to go down over time).]
The Science Officer again supported the checkout of the ER3 ARIS hardware (EXPRESS Rack #3/Active Rack Isolation System) that is underway throughout this week, but he was only required to remove and re-install the alignment guides. [Yesterday’s tests yielded sensor readings indicating that the actuators did not overextend as expected from the ER2 ARIS. This may have been due to differences in the “dragging” ARIS umbilicals on ER3 as compared to ER2. Thus, today’s hyperextension tests were repeated with a new configuration file using ground commanding only. Background: Designed to attenuate external vibration disturbances of payload racks, ARIS is quite different from traditional shock absorbers by working with active feedback control. This is done with accelerometers to measure vibration disturbances, an electronic unit to process the data, eight actuators with pushrods for applying compensatory (counteracting) forces against the framework of the station in response to signals from the electronic unit that are calculated to “counteract” the disturbances measured by the accelerometers, and microgravity rack barriers (“snubbers”) that prevent accidental disturbance of the active ARIS rack. Before regular operation, ARIS is being checked out and calibrated this week by the ground in order to fine-tune the multiple-component system.]
Sharipov unstowed the EKON experiment hardware and repeated a functionality test in support of an analysis of the equipment after an earlier checkout on 11/28. The test was reviewed with ground specialists in a tagup. [EKON (KPT-3) is an experiment by the Russian Environmental Protection Services, which uses the Nikon D1 camera for observation and imaging of selected ground targets.]
In the Lab module, Chiao powered up the HRF GASMAP (Human Research Facility/Gas Analyzer System for Metabolic Analysis Physiology) and its laptop for the regular routine 30-day health check. Later in the day, the equipment was turned off again. [After unstowing, cabling and powering up the gear, Chiao let it run for several hours in standby mode to warm up, then performed a health check and reconfigured the system for a ~6 hr low power rundown prior to shutdown. Afterwards, GASMAP was deactivated with its HRF PC and the collected files added to the downlink package.]
The CDR deployed two passive FMK (formaldehyde monitoring kit) sampling assemblies in the Lab (below CEVIS) and SM (most forward handrail), to catch any atmospheric formaldehyde on a collector substrate for subsequent analysis. (Last time done: 11/10).
Using the WMK (water monitoring kit), Chiao conducted the visual T+2d analysis of the Week 3 water samples, collected on 12/6 from the EDV container of the water supply system (SVO-ZV). Part of the activity was another microbial analysis for inflight coliform bacteria (Escherichia coli) detection on samples collected on 12/6 (T+44h). He then entered the microbiological data in the medical equipment computer. [The analyses use incubated MCDs (microbial capture devices), SSK (surface sample kit) slides, and MAS (microbial air sampler) Petri dishes. If Leroy’s analysis showed colony growth above specified limits, he was to take digital documentary images. The used MCDs were discarded.]
On the SUBA onboard equipment control system behind SM wall panels, Salizhan installed new cabling and replaced two connector caps (PV-12) behind panel 307 with new units (PV-12P) from FGB stowage. The old caps were discarded.
Leroy completed several activities in support of the ongoing failure investigation of GLAs (General Luminaire Assemblies) in the U.S. segment. [The activities included an inspection of two Lab light fixtures to determine if the failure is in the LHA (lamp housing assembly), BBA (baseplate ballast assembly) or the dimmer switch, installation of a working LHA in the Node to test the BBA there for failure, and checkout of a dimmer switch on a specific GLA in the Node.]
The FE worked in the ASU toilet compartment to repair the damaged front (facing) of a vertical panel near panel 138, supported by tagup with a ground specialist.
The CDR filled out his regular weekly FFQ (food frequency questionnaire), his sixth, that keeps a log of his nutritional intake over time on special MEC (medical equipment computer) software. [The FFQ records amounts consumed during the past week of such food items as beverages, cereals, grains, eggs, breads, snacks, sweets, fruit, beans, soup, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, chicken, sauces & spreads, and vitamins. IBMP-recommended average daily caloric value of the crew’s daily food intake is 2200-2300 cal. If larger quantities of juices and fruits are taken into account, the value can go to 2400-2500 cal. U.S. and Russian teams are currently analyzing the onboard food and water data. To be prepared for the unlikely event that food and water delivery on Progress 16P does not arrive as planned, the U.S. has initiated development of appropriate strategies, including decrewing of the ISS. 16P, due to arrive on 12/25 (7:10pm EST) will deliver a total of 69 food containers with 209 rations.]
Leroy conducted the standard annual one-hour inspection and servicing of the food warmers in the galley (located in the SM). [Food warmers, food trays, utensils, etc., are part of the food preparation hardware of the CSS (crew support systems). The food warmers are in recessed wells in the galley table that also has crew and equipment restraints. Besides the galley, the wardroom area also includes a potable water dispenser (for hot and ambient water for drink and food hydration), a trash container, and two refrigerators.]
The FE completed today’s routine inspection of the SM’s SOZh life support system (including replacement of ASU toilet facility inserts), while the CDR prepared the regular IMS (inventory management system) delta file for export/import to the IMS databases.
Leroy terminated the discharging of REBA (rechargeable EVA battery assembly) #1011, controlled by a special automated DOS program on the SSC laptop that is temporarily located in the Airlock.
The crew performed their daily 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on TVIS treadmill, RED exerciser, CEVIS cycle and VELO cycle with bungee cord load trainer. Salizhan’s daily protocol currently prescribes a 1.5-hr structured set on the treadmill (today: Day 1 of a new set) and one hour on VELO.
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Afterwards, Leroy transferred the daily 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, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium.
During yesterday’s activity to continue cargo consolation and station cleanup, the crew placed five empty half-CTBs (crew transfer bags), three empty single CTBs and four panel covers behind the NOD104 ZSR (zero gravity rack).
The successful fire drill/OBT yesterday that simulated two emergency scenarios (smoke in the FGB and fire in the FGB) was judged by the crew to be a valuable training exercise. One of their recommendations was to make it more realistic by reducing support from the ground.
The air conditioner function in the SM was transitioned to SKV2 yesterday to lower humidity. Attempts by TsUP/Moscow to activate SKV1 were unsuccessful. Currently, the Lab water condensate tank contains about 40 lbs; maximum amount the tank can hold is 100 lbs. If the tank reaches maximum, the water will be transferred to a CWC (Contingency Water Container).
At today’s 16P SORR (Stage Operations Readiness Review) at NASA/JSC, the new orbital “stage” from the docking of Progress 16P on 12/25 to the docking of 17P on 3/2/05 is being reviewed in exacting detail for clearing the upcoming Progress 16P cargo ship for launch. [16P will carry a load of 2290 kg, consisting of 560 kg propellants, 50 kg oxygen & air, 420 kg water, plus 1260 kg dry cargo (equipment, resupply, life support, and experiment hardware). Vehicle processing and launch preparations at Baikonur/Kazakhstan are reported to be nominal and on schedule.]
Today’s CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets, no longer limited in the current LVLH attitude, were Internal waves, East China Sea (the glint point tracked near the coast of China off Shanghai. Overlapping views are critical for identifying frames taken with this lens. Context views to show an island or coastline [with a shorter lens, or a high oblique with the 400mm] were requested), Hyderabad, India (looking slightly right for this major city, the largest inland city in India outside of the Ganges valley [3.7 million]. This is also one of India’s most advanced cities, with 72% of the population in the service sector of the economy), Khartoum, Sudan (looking a touch right for this city that lies in the acute angle at the confluence of the White and Blue Niles. Its sister city, Omdurman, lies on the west side of the confluence, and is more difficult to see), Internal waves, Caribbean Sea (off track to the right about 5 degrees, the sunglint point migrated from Haiti to Venezuela. Looking for any internal waves. Again, overlapping views are critical for identifying frames taken with this lens. Context views to show an island or coastline [with a shorter lens, or a high oblique with the 400mm] were requested), and Lower Amazon River Basin (the mouth of the planet’s largest river is poorly understood in terms of sedimentology processes. Whole islands appear to move slowly downstream as sediment is eroded from the upstream end and deposited at the downstream end. Looking to the right to shoot islands in the Amazon estuary).
CEO photography can be viewed and studied at the websites:
See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at:
To view the latest photos taken by the expedition 10 crew visit:
- http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-10/ndxpage1.html at NASA’s Human Spaceflight website.
Expedition 10 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.
Upcoming Key Events:
- Progress 15P undocking & destructive reentry — 12/22 (Eastern);
- Progress 16P launch — 12/23 (5:19pm EST);
- Progress 16P docking — 12/25 (7:10pm EST);
- EVA-12 — 1/25/05;
- Progress 16P undocking & destructive reentry — 2/27/05;
- Progress 17P launch — 2/28/05.
- EVA-13 — 3/25/05;
- Soyuz 9S undock — 4/25/05 (after 193 days on orbit, 191 days on
- ISS).
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ISS Location NOW |
ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:03am EST [= epoch]):
- Mean altitude — 355.7 km
- Apogee height — 358.6 km
- Perigee height — 352.7 km
- Period — 91.65 min.
- Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
- Eccentricity — 0.0004348
- Solar Beta Angle — -72.5 deg (magnitude decreasing)
- Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.71
- Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours — 120 m
- Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 34570
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.
