XA/EVA Project Office Weekly Activity Report February 1, 2001
STS-108/UF-1 Cargo Integration Review (CIR)
The STS-108 CIR was conducted January 23-26, 2001. An EVA Splinter meeting was held, and supported by numerous organizations, including the UF-1 EVA team consisting of the EVA Project Office, Mission Operations, SR&QA, and the UF-1 EVA crew. No significant EVA issues resulted from the review.
METOX CO2 Removal Canister
During the Paul Richard’s environmental test article (ETA) chamber run, the carbon dioxide (CO2) level in the EMU rose to higher than anticipated levels (27mmHg vs. 3.0 caution limit). The canister used for this training event had previously been used in other events and was acceptable per requirements, since analysis of the remaining capacity was thought to be sufficient. Subsequent investigation determined the cause was a lithium hydroxide (LiOH) “break-through” brought about by elevated water levels in the LiOH packed bed. Effective immediately, the policy of the EVA Project Office is that all ETA, SSATA, and SESL events shall utilize freshly regenerated METOX canisters.
DC-1 Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT)
DC-1 CEIT was conducted January 23 and 24, 2001. ISS-3 and ISS-5 crews were present. While not to the level of detail of a U.S. CEIT, the information gained was extremely worthwhile. For example, the upper portion of the high gain antenna radio frequency shield was found to have a sharp edge, and it was discovered that the shield is hinged. This was discussed with Russian specialists who claim a “bumper” will be placed over the edge. Detailed photographs of the interfaces were obtained. Limited access to the internal volume was also allowed. The contaminant fan located in the DC-1 may present snag hazards to the Orlan. Specialists indicated the fan would be removed prior to conducting any Orlan operations. A list of open items to be addressed in a final CEIT has been developed.
ISS-3 Hydrolab Training
The first series of ISS-3 Hydrolab training runs were conducted throughout the month of January. The Increment 3 crew (Dejurov, Turin, and Culbertson) and the Increment 3 back-up crew (ISS-5 Korzun and Treschev) took part in the runs. Tasks associated with the training runs were those required to activate the docking compartment (DC). The tasks for EVA 1 are installation of Strela, installation of handrails on DC1 hatches, installation of the Russian ladder, connection of DC1 to service module (SM) Transit-B cable, installation of multilayer insulation blankets, deploy of a Soyuz docking target and deploy of the Kurs antenna boom. The tasks for EVA 2 included connection of seven DC1 to SM Kurs cables and operation of the Strela. The prime crewmembers for EVA 1 are Dejurov and Turin, and the prime crewmembers for EVA 2 are Dejurov and Culbertson. Strela relocation and science EVA training was also conducted during these runs. The next series of training runs is scheduled in March 2001.
Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) Issues and Associated EVA Impacts:
On January 21, 2001, the EAS On-Orbit Constraints Test (OOCT) was performed at KSC. There were hard interferences found between two quick disconnects (QD’s) and three handrails. A redesign has been in work over the last week with several solutions. A decision was made to pursue the option to build a 12″ QD extension to alleviate the structural interference. Boeing is working the hardware build and will plan to perform a delta OOCT test on February 5-6, 2001. The EVA Project Office, Mission Operations Directorate, Flight Crew Operations Directorate, and Boeing will support this test.
The EVA Project Office and the Mission Operations Directorate are in the process of supporting the ISS Program request to assess the EVA impacts of flying the EAS on 7A.1. Results of this assessment will be presented to the EVA Configuration Control Board on Friday, February 2, 2001.
Original Signed By:
Gregory J. Harbaugh
Manager, EVA Project Office
