Status Report

NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 8 Oct 2003

By SpaceRef Editor

October 8, 2003

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

NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 8 Oct 2003 — iss

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except as noted previously or below. >>Today the Expedition 7 crew has been in space 164 days (it will have been 184 days by the time of their scheduled landing in Kazakhstan, see below).

No breakfast this morning for CDR Yuri Malenchenko until after completion of saliva and blood sampling under the MBI-4 “Farma” biomedical experiment, using the Reflotron-4 equipment. [Farma (“Pharma”) studies particulars of pharmacological effects under long-duration space flight conditions, involving onboard analysis of blood and saliva samples after taking specific pharmaceuticals,- today Efferalgan. After ingesting the medication and rinsing carefully, Malenchenko collected saliva samples at several times during the day, preserving them in the Russian Kriogem-03 refrigerator for analysis. Blood parameters were also analyzed with the Reflotron 4, a clinical analyzer used for periodic biochemical blood and saliva analysis to monitor crew health or to be used diagnostically on Flight Surgeon request. Built by Boehringer in Mannheim/Germany for the Mir program, the Reflotron-4 consists of the analyzer itself, which has a mass of 13-lbs. and uses 40W power, a set of measuring strips and a small equipment kit.]

After 24 hours of recording his ECG (electrocardiogram) under the Russian MedOps MO-2 protocol, Malenchenko terminated the session and stowed the five-electrode Holter harness that had monitored his dynamic (while in motion) heart function from two leads.

FE/SO Ed Lu had another round of PFE (Periodic Fitness Evaluation), with Yuri acting as CMO (crew medical officer). For the general MedOps PFE, Ed was the subject of a 1.5-hr. check-up on blood pressure and electrocardiogram during programmed exercise on the CEVIS in the Lab. Readings were taken with the BP/ECG (blood pressure/electrocardiograph). (Last time done: 9/12). [BP/ECG provides automated noninvasive systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements while also monitoring and displaying accurate heart rates on a continual basis at rest and during exercise.]

Both crewmembers in turn took the periodic on-orbit hearing assessment (O-OHA) test, a NASA EHS (environmental health systems) examination to assess the efficacy of acoustic countermeasures. [The O-OHA test involves minimum audibility measurements for each ear over a wide range of frequencies and sound pressure levels, with the crewmembers using individual-specific Prophonics earphones, Bose ANC headsets and the SLM (sound level meter). To conduct the testing, the experimenter is supported by special “EarQ” software on the MEC (medical equipment computer). The baseline test is required for about Flight Day 14 for each new Expedition and is then performed once per month. Last time done: 9/10.]

On the MCA (major constituents analyzer), the SO supported another ground-commanded full calibration by first opening its O2 VGA (verification gas assembly) valve and later in the day closing it again after MCC-H Go-ahead.

Ed also transferred the SSAS (solid sorbent air sampler) to the center of the SM for taking samples, to be returned as a high priority item on Soyuz 6S.

CDR Malenchenko used the IG-3 gas analyzer status indicator device and a laptop for measuring output voltage of the Russian IK0501 gas analyzer (GA) in order to calibrate it for its O2 (oxygen) readings. Measurement results were reported to TsUP. [IK0501 is an automated system for measuring CO2, O2, and H2O in the air as well as the flow rate of the gas being analyzed.].

Ed Lu meanwhile performed the periodic data comparison between the CSA-CP (compound specific analyzer-combustion products) and CDMK (carbon dioxide monitoring kit) measurements. [With the MCA continuing on standby in Life Extending Mode, cabin air composition data are currently taken by the CSA-CP and the CDMK, as well as the SM GA.]

Yuri worked on the Russian harmful impurities removal system (BMP), starting the “bake-out” cycle on absorbent bed #1 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system. Regeneration of each bed takes about 24 hours.

The CDR collected samples from the SRVK-2M condensate water processor in the Service Module (SM), where he had installed a KAV water sampler yesterday. He then deinstalled the KAV.

On the BRP-M potable water heater in the SM, Malenchenko collected a water sample from the hot water tap for return on Soyuz 6S. [The BRP-M collects purified water from the SRVK-2 condensate water processor and heats it to 80-95 degC, in the process sterilizing (“pasteurizing”) it for safe ingestion by the crew.]

Yuri then removed the BKO multifiltration unit of the SRVK-2 condensate water processor, which has reached its service life limit. The BKO was replaced with a new unit and stowed for deorbiting in Progress 12P. [The BKO, which contains five purification columns to rid the condensate of dissolved mineral and organic impurities, has a service lifetime of at least 450 liters throughput.]

Ed Lu worked another hour on the preparation of soldering coupons for the ISSI (In-Space Soldering Investigation) experiment, using various shapes (stripped and twisted) of wire and solder for upcoming tests. A second hour will be scheduled for this work in the near future.

The crew conducted a 40-min. teleconference with Dr. Joshua Zimmerberg of NIH (National Institute of Health), discussing the goals and importance of the CBOSS-FDI (Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support System/Fluid Dynamics Investigation) experiment. A list of discussion points had been uplinked overnight for this exchange.

Ed Lu initiated the periodic recharge process on two EMU (extravehicular mobility unit) batteries (#2029, #2030) in the Airlock’s battery stowage assembly (BSA). [The recharge is expected to last ~24 hours.]

Yuri performed preventive maintenance on the “Pirs” DC-1 docking compartment’s air ventilation system by cleaning its V3 ventilator fan screen (last time done: 9/10).

Ed attended to the daily routine maintenance of the SM SOZh life support system (including ASU toilet facilities) and completed the regular routine status checkup of ISS-7 autonomous payloads in the Lab.

Both crewmembers worked out with their daily 2.5-h program of physical exercise on TVIS treadmill, CEVIS cycle ergometer and RED expander.

The crew continued preparations for their return on Soyuz 6S on 10/27. The initial draft of the US hardware prepack list for the return has been uplinked to them.

Yesterday at 9:55am EDT, the crew supported a live televised education/PAO event with the University of Houston at Clear Lake and Oklahoma State University. This morning, Ed and Yuri were commended by Flight Control for their excellent job with the event.

Since there has been a sharp increase in the number and frequency of failed PBITs (passive built-in-tests) on the internal audio controller #1 (IAC-1) over the past several days, IAC-2 has been used as primary. Specialists suspect that the IAC is still functional but require a test to confirm this. Work is underway to schedule the test in the near future.

Last Friday (10/3), MCC-Moscow successfully deorbited Progress M1-10/11P which had been orbiting Earth for a month since its undocking on 9/4, making Earth observations with its Klest TV camera. [The deorbit burn came at 7:26am EDT, and Progress entered the atmosphere over the Pacific at 7:58am, breaking up around 8:05am.]

Upcoming Soyuz Events:

7S launch: 10/18 (Saturday), 1:37am Eastern, 9:37am Moscow, 11:37am Baikonur;
7S docking: 10/20 (Monday), 3:20am Eastern, 11:20am Moscow;
6S undocking: 10/27 (Monday), 6:20pm Eastern, 2:20am (10/28) Moscow;
6S landing: 10/27 (Monday), 9:36pm Eastern, 5:36am (10/28) Moscow.

Today’s CEO (crew earth observation) targets, limited in the current XPOP attitude by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab nadir/science window, and including the targets of the Lewis & Clark 200-year memorial locations, were Madagascar fires (Dynamic event. Nadir pass over the island which was reported to be aflame. In climatic terms the peak of the fire season migrates east from Angola to Madagascar by October each year), Congo-Zimbabwe Biomass Burning (looking left and right as ISS passed over the thick savannas of Zambia and southern Congo), Nairobi, Kenya (nadir pass over this hard-to-see capital city. Kenya’s President Kibaki was visiting Washington DC today. [Any lens trained on Mt Kilimanjaro, just right of track would give investigators the first ISS image of the volcano and its waning ice cap]), La Paz, Bolivia (nadir pass over this capital city, one of the highest capital cities on the planet. Looking SE of Lake Titicaca on the lip of the high desert plateau), Lake Nasser, Toshka Lakes, Egypt (looking left and right of track. Toshka lakes left of track are the more interesting since they are growing in area month by monthand no images have been seen for many months), Eastern Mediterranean Dust (looking right of track for probable dust plumes entering the Med ahead of the Atlantic storm that has entered the Med basin), Puerto Rico (looking a touch right of track), Chicago, Illinois (nadir pass. It may have been possible to get the entire urban region in two frames), and Fort Manuel, SD (LEWIS & CLARK SITE: Nadir pass. Location of Missouri Fur Company post. No buildings remain).

CEO images can be viewed at the websites
http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov
See also the website “Space Station Challenge” at
http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/

U.S. and Russian Segment Status (as of 2:00pm EDT).

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

Elektron O2 generator is powered On, 24A (air also being supplied by Progress 12P). Vozdukh CO2 scrubber is On (in Manual Mode 5/3). U.S. CDRA CO2 scrubber is in Standby. 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 Regeneration mode, bed #2 in Purify mode. RS air conditioner SKV-1 is Off; SKV-2 is Off.

SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 742; temperature (deg C) — 25.9; ppO2 (mmHg) — data invalid; ppCO2 (mmHg) — data invalid.
SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) — 761; temperature (deg C) — 20.7.
FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) — 756; temperature (deg C) — 22.0.
Node: Pressure (mmHg) — 758.52; temperature (deg C) — 23.6 (shell); ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) — 760.57; temperature (deg C) — 24.4; ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) — 760.67; temperature (deg C) — 26.9; shell heater temp (deg C) — 24.6, ppO2 (mmHg) — n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) — n/a.
PMA-1: Shell heater temp (deg C) — 25.0
PMA-2: Shell heater temp (deg C) — 16.0.

(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, biased for drag reduction).
SM batteries: Battery #7 has been replaced and is in “Cycle” mode; all other batteries (7) are in “Partial Charge” mode (battery #1 is degraded).
FGB batteries: Battery #6 is disconnected; battery #4 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-2 MDM is Off; PL-1 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 #2 dropped out 9/26.
SM Central Computer (TsVM): 3 redundant lanes (of 3) operational.

Propulsion System (PS):

Total propellant load available: 3899 kg (8596 lb) as of 10/2 [SM(755) + FGB(2792) + Progress M(352) + 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:

XPOP (x-axis perpendicular to orbit plane = “sun-fixed” [yaw: 0.5 deg, pitch: -6.9 deg., roll: 0 deg]), with CMG TA (thruster assist).

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-2 is prime, IAC-1 is suspect).
Video subsystem operating nominally.
HCOR (high-rate communications outage recorder) is operating nominally.

Robotics:

SSRMS/Canadarm2 based at MBS PDGF #2/LEE A, 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, 6:49am EDT [= epoch]):