XA/EVA Project Office Weekly Activity Report April 5, 2001

Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Servicing Mission 3B STS-109 Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) Training

The STS-109 crew completed a series of six NBL training runs. All five of the scheduled EVA’s were executed in the NBL. A sixth run was required because an NBL suit leak caused the cancellation of a run for one of the crewmembers. The runs were conducted in an end-to-end fashion to obtain timeline data. Based on the results of these runs EVA 2 (solar array change out and power control unit (PCU) prep) and EVA 5 (Near infrared camera and multi-object spectrometer (NICMOS) cooling system (NCS) installation) are predicted to fit into a 6-hour 30-minute EVA. There is NBL data showing that EVA 4 (advanced camera for surveys (ACS) and PCU cleanup) should fit into a 6-hour 30-minutes EVA, however, there has been an unusual amount of variation in the times seen in the NBL. It is hoped that the NBL times will become more consistent with further training and that this EVA will fit into 6-hour 30-minutes. EVA 1 (solar array change out and aft shroud latch repair (ASLR)) and EVA 3 (PCU change out) do not currently fit into 6-hour 30-minutes. There is a chance that EVA 1 may become more efficient after additional training or that the ASLR task could be moved to EVA 2 (if EVA 2 becomes more efficient, it won’t currently fit). EVA 3 is not expected to fit into a 6-hour 30-minute EVA. There may be rationale for planning an EVA 3 that exceeds the nominal 6-hour 30-minute guideline.

Another series of runs is planned in early May. The EVA Assessment Team (EVAAT) will review the series of runs planned for June 2001. It is expected that after the EVAAT evaluation the team will be able to better assess which tasks will fit into the five EVA’s and make a recommendation to the shuttle program.

ISS -3 EVA Training Complete

The final ISS-3 Hydrolab run was completed Monday April 2, 2001. ISS-3 EVA training for EVA 2 (Docking Compartment (DC-1) activation) and EVA 3 (Japanese Seeds/Ham antenna installation) was conducted in the Hydrolab in January 2001. EVA 4 (Strela relocation) training and EVA 1 (DC-1 activation) training was completed in March 2001. ISS-3 is prepared to perform these four EVA’s for the July 12, 2001, through November 1, 2001, ISS increment. There will be two additional Hydrolab runs for crewmembers Frank Culbertson (ISS-3 CMDR) and Peggy Whitson (ISS-3 backup, ISS-5 prime) in the May/June timeframe that will be a familiarization run for Peggy Whitson and will bring Culbertson’s total Hydrolab runs for EVA 2 to four.

External Stowage Platform 2 NBL Development Test

The second week of the External Stowage Platform 2 (ESP2) NBL (Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory) development Test was completed on March 27, 2001. The test objectives included assembly and maintenance tasks on ESP2 while installed on the ISS Airlock. Objectives included evaluation of the v-guide and capture claw access, external stowage platform device (ESPAD) contingency bolt release, power cable routing and the ESP2 translation path. The final results will be published in the ESP 2 Test Report.

Phase VI Glove Interim Repair

The interim glove heater anomaly repair is nearing completion with certification of the voltage regulator package expected on April 5, 2001. The voltage regulator is integrated into the power harness between the glove heaters and the REBA power source, and it steps down the REBA Battery voltage to 9.0-volts. This voltage level will maintain the temperature at the glove heater foils below glove material limitations, which has been verified via thermal vacuum testing. This new hardware has been delivered to USA for incorporation into the EMU and shipment to KSC for support of STS-100/6A. All testing required has been completed with forward work remaining to complete certification. Certification documentation has been coordinated and is expected in time to support shipment to KSC. The long-term approach for addressing this issue will incorporate properly sized heater foils that will no longer require this interim voltage regulator assembly.

Prebreathe Readiness Tiger Team

The EVA Project Office Prebreathe Readiness Tiger Team continues to identify and resolve issues to implement the new 2-hour 20-minute exercise and campout protocols for ISS-based EVA’s. The JSC Aerospace Medicine Board and Director, Space and Life Sciences have designated the 2-hour 20-minute Exercise Protocol as primary. The Director, Space and Life Sciences are now seeking NASA Medical Policy Board concurrence. Both protocols were reviewed in detail with the International Space Station Program Manager on March 28, 2001, and approved at the Joint Flight Rules Control Board on March 29, 2001. Remaining open work includes: testing to certify GFE oxygen sensing equipment, analysis to certify exercise equipment, operational planning for failed hardware scenarios, and closure of one remaining open hazard report. The testing and hazard assessment schedules do not currently support 7A FRR, and faster work plans are being developed.

ESA Meetings in Italy

The EVA Project Office supported discussions in Turin, Italy on the Cupola and Columbus modules. The purpose of the Cupola meetings was to review the Cupola blanket drawings and get answers to design questions. A representative from the Engineering Directorate, who is building the Cupola NBL mockup to support NBL testing in June 2001, supported the meetings. Representatives from the Astronaut Office also supported the meetings. The team had successful discussions on the design and reviewed the Cupola structural test article. One discussion was held on the plans for the Columbus 1-g testing. This testing was moved to late spring to allow more time for ESA to adequately prepare the test plans, setup, and procedures. The test will help to close out open issues from the Columbus NBL verifications conducted in January 2000.

Original signed by:

Michael J. Mankin

for

G. Allen Flynt

Acting Manager