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11/13/09: International Space Station On-Orbit
Status Report.
ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:56am EST [=
epoch])
Mean altitude – 341.1 km
Apogee height – 345.5 km
Perigee
height – 336.7 km
Period -- 91.36 min.
Inclination (to Equator) --
51.64 deg
Eccentricity -- 0.0006508
Solar Beta Angle -- 17.5 deg
(magnitude peaking)
Orbits per 24-hr. day -- 15.76
Mean altitude
loss in the last 24 hours -- 139 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch
(Nov. 98) -- 62932
All ISS systems continue to function nominally,
except those noted previously or below.
Yest kasaniye! At 10:44am EST, the special-purpose
cargo spacecraft Progress M-MRM2 docked successfully to the SM (Service
Module) zenith (i.e., on top) port under automatic KURS control, followed
by a final DPO post-contact thrusting burn, docking probe retraction and
hook closure (“sborka”) after motion damp-out while the ISS was in free
drift for ~20 min. The Progress delivered the new Russian MRM2 (Mini
Research Module 2, Russian: MIM2) Poisk (“Search”). Attitude control
handover to the Russian MCS (Motion Control System) was at 8:25am. Russian
thrusters were disable temporarily during clamps install and leak check.
At “hooks closed” signal, the SM returned to active attitude control,
maneuvering the ISS to LVLH TEA (local vertical/local horizontal Torque
Equilibrium Attitude)
at ~10:01am. Control authority returned to US
Momentum Management at 11:58am. Congrats, Moscow!
The new unpiloted Russian Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2), also known as Poisk, approaches the International Space Station. The MRM2 docked to the space-facing port of the Zvezda Service Module at 9:41 a.m. (CST) on Nov. 12, 2009. It began its trip to the station when it was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 10. Poisk is a Russian term that translates to search, seek and explore. It will provide an additional docking port for visiting Russian spacecrafts and will serve as an extra airlock for spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan spacesuits. Poisk joins a Russian Progress resupply vehicle and two Russian Soyuz spacecraft currently docked at the station. Credit: NASA
For monitoring Progress M-MRM2 rendezvous &
docking, FE-1 Maxim Suraev & FE-3 Roman Romanenko activated the
FGB-based A31p SSC (Station Support Computer) laptop for the TV conversion
to NTSC and Ku-band of the RS (Russian Segment) video signal from the SONY
HDV camera via the MPEG-2 (Moving Pictures Expert Group 2) encoder from
FGB &
SM, in order to downlink “streaming video”
packets via U.S. OpsLAN and Ku-band.
Before the docking, the two Russian flight engineers
prepared the SM zenith vestibule and
port for
the linkup and configured the STTS communication
system for the rendezvous & docking.
CDR De Winne closed the protective shutters of the Lab
& JPM (JEM Pressurized Module) science
windows and
powered down the amateur/ham radio equipment to
prevent RF interference with Progress M-MRM2.
After the cargo ship’s successful docking, Suraev
& Romanenko –
Shut off the TORU teleoperated rendezvous &
docking system, used on manual standby, and reconfiguring the STTS
telephone/telegraph subsystem to normal ops [the "Voskhod-M" STTS enables
telephone communications between the SM, FGB, DC-1 and USOS, and also with
users on the ground over VHF channels selected by an operator at an SM
comm panel, via STTS antennas on the SM’s outside. There are six comm
panels in the SM with pushbuttons for accessing any of three audio
channels, plus an intercom channel. Other modes of the STTS include
telegraphy (teletype), EVA voice, emergency alarms, Packet/Email, and TORU
docking support];
Configured common power for MRM2 from the SM,
and
Conducted the standard one-hour leak checking of the
docking vestibule
and fuel/oxidizer transfer line interface between Progress
and the SM zenith port vestibule.
FE-4 Thirsk & CDR De Winne deactivated the VDS
(Video Distribution System) and dismantled the MPEG-2 TV/Ku-band
transmission “scheme”, turning off the A31p laptop and disconnecting the
UOP DCP (Utility Outlet Panel/Display & Control Panel) power bypass
cable at the Lab & Cupola RWS for
video coverage
of the MRM2 arrival with the SSRMS
(Space Station Remote Manipulator System) cameras.
FE-1 Suraev did the regular daily early-morning check
of the aerosol filters at the Russian Elektron O2 generator which he had
installed on 10/19 in gaps between the BZh Liquid Unit and the oxygen
outlet pipe (filter FA-K) plus hydrogen outlet pipe (filter FA-V). [FE-1
again inspects the filters tonight at bedtime, currently a
daily requirement
per plan, with photographs to be taken
if the filter packing is discolored.]
Afterwards, Suraev checked the Russian TEKh-15/
DAKON-M IZGIB (“Bend”) experiment hardware in the SM for its readiness to
monitor the arrival & docking of the MRM2 spacecraft. Later in the
day, DAKON-M IZGIB was turned off again. [IZGIB has the objective to help
update mathematical models of the ISS gravitation environment, using
accelerometers of the Russian SBI Onboard Measurement System, the GIVUS
high-accuracy angular rate vector gyrometer of the SUDN Motion Control
& Navigation System and other accelerometers for unattended
measurement of micro-accelerations at science hardware accommodation
locations - (1) in operation of onboard equipment having rotating parts
(gyrodynes, fans), (2) when establishing and keeping
various ISS
attitude modes, and (3) when performing crew
egresses into space and physical exercises.]
FE-5 Williams had another two sessions with the sleep
shift sequence for the Reaction Self Test (Psychomotor Vigilance Self Test
on the ISS). [The RST is performed twice daily (after wakeup & before
bedtime) for 3 days prior to the
sleep shift,
the day(s) of the sleep shift and
5 days following the sleep shift.]
CDR De Winne undertook his first session (of two
planned) with the JAXA experiment “Biological Rhythms”, for which he
donned the electrodes of the DWH (Digital Walk Holter) for ECG
(Electrocardiogram) recording, then started the data take for the next 24
hrs.
FE-4 Thirsk
acted as operator, setting set up the
DWH and performing the data recording.
Jeff Williams set up all PPFS (Portable Pulmonary
Function System) hardware, powered it up and then performed his first
session of the VO2Max assessment. Later, he cleaned & moved all
hardware back into stowage. [The experiment VO2Max uses the PPFS, CEVIS
cycle, PFS gas cylinders and mixing bag system, plus multiple other pieces
of hardware to measure oxygen uptake, cardiac output, and more. The
exercise protocol comprises a 2-min rest period, then three 5-min stages
at workloads eliciting 25%, 50% & 75% of aerobic capacity as measured
pre-flight, followed by a 25-watt increase in workload every minute until
the crewmember reaches maximum exercise capacity. At that point, CEVIS
workload increase is stopped, and a 5-min cool down period follows at the
25% load. Rebreathing measurements are initiated by the subject during the
last minute of each stage. Constraints are: no food 2 hrs prior
to exercise
start, no caffeine 8 hrs prior to
exercise, and must be well hydrated.]
Maxim Suraev conducted a 3-hr audit & inventory of
Russian ODF (Operations Data Files) procedures cue cards, going by an
uplinked listing with 52 entries. [For each RODF, FE-1 verified number
of copies,
last update, Revision number, physical condition, actual
physical location, and any data deviation.]
In the Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), FE-2 Stott
closed out the SPACE SEED experiment in the CBEF (Cell Biology Experiment
Facility) after yesterday’s Harvest 2 of the long-duration plants.
[Activities included sowing & trashing apparatus & materials used
for Harvest 2, deactivating & removing the ELT (Experiment Laptop
Terminal), removing the CBEF Dehumidifier, and replacing the temperature
sensor in the CBEF 1G IU (Incubator Unit). Background: Plants grown inside
the CBEF PEUs fell in two cultivation classes: short-term (~32 days) and
long-term (~63 days), starting shortly after 17A launch. Harvest 1, of the
short-term samples, was successfully performed on 10/13, of the long-term
period yesterday. The samples were placed in designated KFTs containing
Formaldehyde, Formalin Acetic Acid Ethanol, and Glutaraldehyde
Paraformaldehyde, plus two KFTs designated RNALater. Depending on the
fixation medium, the tubes were then stored inside MELFI dewars at +2 degC
& -95 degC. Long-term cultivation seedlings will be
harvested in
~31 days. The KFTs will be returned
on Shuttle mission 19A next year.]
De Winne, Stott & Thirsk undertook the periodic US
PHS (Periodic Health Status)/Without Blood Labs exam, assisting each other
in turn as CMO (Crew Medical Officer). Bob later logged the data and
stowed the equipment. A subjective evaluation was part of the test. [The
assessment used the AMP (Ambulatory Medical Pack), stethoscope, oral
disposable thermometer and ABPC (Automatic Blood Pressure Cuff) from the
ALSP (Advanced Life Support Pack). All data were then logged on the MEC
and the hardware stowed. The
PHS exam
is guided by special IFEP (In-Flight Examination
Program) software on the MEC laptop.]
Maxim did the daily IMS maintenance, updating/editing
its standard “delta file” including stowage locations, for
the regular
weekly automated export/import to its three databases
on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).
Roman completed the routine daily servicing of the
SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the
SM. [Regular daily SOZh maintenance consists, among else, of checking the
ASU toilet facilities, replacement of the KTO
& KBO
solid waste containers and replacement of EDV-SV
waste water and EDV-U urine containers.]
FE-4 Thirsk conducted his fifth ICV (Integrated
Cardiovascular) Ambulatory Monitoring session, accompanied by the CCISS
(Cardiovascular Control on Return from the ISS) Baro study. Jeff Williams
was operator, assisting with equipment donning and some picture taking.
[Bob donned the two Actiwatches and the HM2 (Holter Monitor 2) for ECG
(Electrocardiogram) for the ICV Ambulatory Monitoring mode, then put on
the ESA Cardiopres (CDPB). The latter is a portable instrument to monitor
and store finger arterial blood pressure, a full 12-derivations ECG, and
chest circumference changes, all measured continuously for up to 24 hours
or longer under ambulatory conditions, using air pressure to inflate
finger cuffs for measuring blood pressure, ECG cables, plus two
respiratory belts for recording thoracic and
abdominal chest
circumference changes. The Makita power tool batteries
were again charged during the day.]
In the Lab, the FE-5 had an hour reserved for
inspecting the
food warmer
at the ER6 (EXPRESS Rack 6), installed
there by Mike Fincke on 1/13/09.
In
the US
Airlock, Williams initiated charging another EMU battery
in the BSA (Battery Stowage Assembly).
Nicole had time set aside for performing Part 2 of
Stbd CQ (Crew Quarters) airflow troubleshooting in Node-2, today covering
the Stbd CQ exhaust airflow sensor to create a false failure signal to
determine, which leg (intact or exhaust) contains the actual failed
sensor. [On 10/23, the Sleep Station 2 Single Fan Failure caution
annunciated without clearing as
it had
in previous occurrences. A troubleshooting plan was
developed, being executed in two parts.]
Bob completed the weekly 10-min. CWC (Contingency
Water Container) inventory as part of on-going WRM (Water Recovery &
Management) assessment of onboard water supplies. Updated “cue cards”
based on the crew’s water calldowns are sent up every other week. [The
current card (21-0028E) lists 77 CWCs (~1,734.3 L total) for the four
types of water identified on board: 1. technical water (64 CWCs with
1,350.1 L, for Elektron electrolysis, incl. 158.8 L for flushing only due
to Wautersia bacteria & 134.2 L in 3 clean bags for contingency use,
2. potable water (8 CWCs with 323.1 L, of which 23.0 L (1 bag) are
off-limit due to Wautersia) and 128.3 L (3 bags) good for contingency use,
3. condensate water (3 CWCs, empty), 4. waste/EMU dump and other (2 CWCs
with 61.1 L). Wautersia bacteria are typical water-borne microorganisms
that have
been seen
previously in ISS water sources. These isolates
pose no threat to human health.]
FE-4 also accessed the WRS2 (Water Recovery System 2)
for the periodic backfill
of the
RFTA (Recycle Filter Tank Assembly) with the
QD depress hose, a 5-min task.
Nicole, Bob, Jeff & Frank filled out the regular
weekly FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire) on the MEC. [On the FFQs, NASA
astronauts keep a personalized log of their nutritional intake over time
on special MEC software. Recorded are the 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. The FFQ is performed once a
week to estimate nutrient intake from the previous week and to give
recommendations to ground specialists that help maintain optimal crew
health. Weekly estimation has
been verified
to be reliable enough that nutrients do
not need to be tracked daily.]
De Winne performed the weekly “T+2d” inflight
microbiology analyses for the potable water samples collected on 11/10 in
the SM for chemical and microbial analysis from the SVO-ZV tap and the
SRV-K Warm tap. [In-flight sample analysis was performed with the WMK MCD
(Water Microbiology Kit/Microbial Capture Devices) for microbial traces,
and
the CDB
(Coliform Detection Bag) for inflight coliform indications
(Magenta for Positive, Yellow for Negative).]
CDR & FE-2 again had an hour each set aside for
regular crew departure preparations, working on the standard
end-of-increment cleanup preparatory to their return to Earth on
Atlantis/ULF3. [It is usual for crewmembers
to be
granted reduced workdays for making their departure
preparations, as their return date approaches.]
At the MSG WV (Microgravity Science Glovebox / Work
Volume), De Winne supported the ground-commanded ESA experiment
SODI/IVIDIL (Selectable Optical
Diagnostics Instrument/Influence
of Vibration on Diffusion in Liquids), exchanging
the cell array and flash disk.
At
~10:10am EST,
Frank had his periodic PMC (Private Medical
Conference), via S- & Ku-band audio/video.
At ~11:55am, Nicole, Jeff & Frank tagged up with
ground specialists to discuss the ground-analyzed 400 & 800mm-lens
photo/video training imagery that resulted from their latest RPM (R-bar
Pitch Maneuver) drill on 11/5. [The RPM drill prepares crewmembers for the
bottom-side mapping of the Orbiter at the arrival of the Shuttle
(STS-127/Endeavour/2JA) on 6/15. During the RPM at ~600 ft from the
station, the “shooters” have only ~90 seconds for taking high-resolution
digital photographs of all tile areas and door seals on Discovery, to be
downlinked for launch debris assessment. Thus, time available for the
shooting will
be very
limited, requiring great coordination between the two
headset-equipped photographers and the Shuttle pilot.]
Nicole Stott donned the Glenn treadmill harness with
installed transducer instrumentation, then activated the new harness for
another individual exercise run on the T2/COLBERT treadmill. [Afterwards,
she downloaded the harness
data and
filled out a survey questionnaire to complete
the SDTO (Station Development Test Objective).]
The crew performed their regular 2-hr physical
exercise on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (FE-4, FE-5), TVIS treadmill (FE-1,
FE-3), ARED
advanced resistive exerciser (CDR, FE-2, FE-3, FE-4,
FE-5) and T2 treadmill (CDR, FE-2).
Later, Jeff transferred the exercise data files to the
MEC for downlink, including the daily wristband HRM (Heart Rate Monitor)
data of the workouts on
ARED, followed
by their erasure on the HRM storage
medium (done six times a week).
STS-129/Atlantis Flight Plan Overview:
Launch,
Docking, Undocking & Landing data see below;
STS-129/ULF3/Atlantis
will be crewed by CDR Charlie “Scorch” Hobaugh, PLT Barry “Butch” Wilmore,
MS1 Leland Melvin, MS2 Randy Bresnik, MS3 Mike Forman, MS4 Bobby Satcher,
FE-2/MS5 Nicole Stott (down);
Nicole will officially be considered a
Shuttle crewmember at hatch opening on FD3 - but will continue to live on
ISS until the day before undocking, being scheduled (timelined) as an ISS
crewmember.
ISS Crew Wake will shift forward (later) to 3:00am EST on
FD 2 (11/17) and then to 4:30am on FDs 3&4. Undock will drive Crew
Wake two-and-a-half hours earlier to 02:00am by FD9 (Hatch Close Day).
This shift is accomplished by moving Crew Sleep 30 min earlier on FDs 4-8.
Crew Wake is 2:00am again on FD 10 (Undock Day) with sleep at 4:30pm,
completing the shift back to the nominal wake/sleep cycle.
Wake/Sleep
schedule:FD Date GMT WAKE EST (am) SLEEP EST
(pm)
FD1 16-Nov 320 1:00 4:30
FD2 17-Nov 321 3:00 8:00
FD3 18-Nov 322 4:30 8:00
FD4 19-Nov 323 4:30 7:30
FD5 20-Nov 324 4:00 7:00
FD6 21-Nov 325 3:30 6:30
FD7 22-Nov 326 3:00 6:00
FD8 23-Nov 327 2:30 5:30
FD9 24-Nov 328 2:00 5:30
FD10 25-Nov 329 2:00 4:30
Focused inspection is nominally planned for
FD5. On the evening of FD3, the Debris Assessment Team will start
reviewing the RPM imagery. Late inspection will be completed in its
entirety after the Shuttle undocks on FD10.
Three EVAs are planned
during the mission on FD’s 4, 6, & 8. Nicole and Butch will support
the EVA Prep & Post responsibilities.
General tasks for each
EVA:
EVA 1 (Forman/Satcher): Transfer SASA (S-Band Antenna Support
Assembly) from PLB to Z1, lubricate POA & JEM RMS, install NH3 BRKT,
route & install SGANT (Space to Ground Antenna) cable, troubleshoot
S01/4 cable.
EVA 2 (Forman/Bresnik): Install GATOR (Grapple Adaptor To
On-Orbit Railing), deploy S3 Nadir PAS (Payload Attachment System),
relocate FPMU (Floating Potential Measurement Unit, install WETA (Wireless
Video System External Transceiver Assembly).
EVA 3 (Bresnik/Satcher):
Transfer HPGT (High Pressure Gas Tank) from ELC2 to ISS Airlock, install
MISSE 7 (Materials International Space Station Experiment 7 on ELC2,
deploy S3 Zenith Inboard PAS.
No CEO (Crew Earth
Observation) photo targets uplinked for today.
Significant Events Ahead (all dates
Eastern Time, some changes possible):
11/16/09 -- STS-129/Atlantis/ULF3 launch (ELC1, ELC2)
– 2:28pm EST
11/18/09 -- STS-129/Atlantis/ULF3 dock –
11:56am
11/25/09 -- STS-129/Atlantis/ULF3 undock – 4:57am
11/27/09
-- STS-129/Atlantis/ULF3 land/KSC – 9:47am
12/01/09 – Soyuz TMA-15/19S
undock
12/01-12/23 ---> two-member crew
12/21/09 -- Soyuz
TMA-17/21S launch -- O. Kotov/S. Noguchi/T.J. Creamer
12/23/09 -- Soyuz
TMA-17/21S (FGB nadir)
01/20/10 -- Soyuz TMA-16/20S relocation (from SM
aft to MRM-2)
02/03/10 -- Progress M-04M/36P launch
02/04/10 --
STS-130/Endeavour/20A – Node-3 “Tranquility” + Cupola
02/05/10 --
Progress M-04M/36P docking
03/18/10 -- Soyuz TMA-16/20S
undock/landing
03/18/10 -- STS-131/Discovery/19A – MPLM(P),
LMC
04/02/10 -- Soyuz TMA-18/22S launch
04/27/10 -- Progress
M-03M/35P undock
04/28/10 -- Progress M-05M/37P launch
04/30/10 --
Progress M-05M/37P docking
05/14/10 -- STS-132/Atlantis/ULF4 – ICC-VLD,
MRM-1
05/29/10 -- Progress M-04M/36P undock
05/30/10 -- Soyuz
TMA-19/23S launch
06/30/10 -- Progress M-06M/38P launch
07/02/10 --
Progress M-06M/38P docking
07/26/10 -- Progress M-05M/37P
undock
07/27/10 -- Progress M-07M/39P launch
07/29/10 -- Progress
M-07M/39P docking
07/29/10 -- STS-134/Endeavour (ULF6 – ELC3,
AMS-02)
08/30/10 -- Progress M-06M/38P undock
08/31/10 -- Progress
M-08M/40P launch
09/02/10 -- Progress M-08M/40P docking
09/16/10 --
STS-133/Discovery (ULF5 – ELC4, PLM)
09/18/10 -- STS-133/Discovery
(ULF5 – ELC4, PLM) docking
09/22/10 -- STS-133/Discovery (ULF5 – ELC4,
PLM) undock
09/30/10 -- Soyuz TMA-20/24S launch
10/26/10 -- Progress
M-07M/39P undock
10/27/10 -- Progress M-09M/41P launch
10/29/10 --
Progress M-09M/41P docking
11/30/10 -- ATV2 launch– Ariane 5
(ESA)
11/30/10 -- Soyuz TMA-21/25S launch
12/15/10 -- Progress
M-08M/40P undock
12/17/10 -- ATV2 docking
02/08/11 -- Progress
M-09M/41P undock
02/09/11 -- Progress M-10M/42P launch
02/11/11 --
Progress M-10M/42P docking
03/30/11 -- Soyuz TMA-22/26S
launch
xx/xx/11 – Progress M-11M/43P launch
05/30/11 -- Soyuz
TMA-23/27S launch
12/??/11 -- 3R Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM)
w/ERA – on Proton.
- courtesy of NASA's Office of Space Operations
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