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02/01/10: International Space Station On-Orbit
Status Report.
Mean altitude -- 343.0 km
Apogee height – 350.3
km
Perigee height -- 335.7 km
Period -- 91.40 min.
Inclination
(to Equator) -- 51.64 deg
Eccentricity -- 0.0010881
Solar Beta Angle
-- -64.4 deg (magnitude decreasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day --
15.75
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours -- 65 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch
(Nov. 98) -- 64210
All ISS systems continue to function
nominally, except those noted previously or below.
Underway: Week 10 of Increment 22
At wake-up, FE-4 Kotov began his day with the regular
daily checkup of the aerosol filters at the Elektron O2 generator. [The
filters were installed by Suraev on 10/19/09 in gaps between the BZh
Liquid Unit and the oxygen outlet pipe (filter FA-K) plus hydrogen outlet
pipe
(filter FA-V). Photographs are to be taken
if the filter packing is discolored.]
FE-1 Suraev’s morning inspection today included the
periodic checkup behind ASU panel 139 in the SM (Service Module) on a
fluid connector (MNR-NS) of the SM-U urine
collection system, looking for potential moisture.
Suraev also completed the periodic service of the RS
(Russian Segment) radiation payload suite “Matryoshka-R” (RBO-3-2),
recording data from detectors in the Bubble dosimeter reader and
re-deploying the dosimeters. [Eight Bubble dosimeter detectors (A01-A08)
are positioned at their exposure locations around the RS. An additional
eight detectors (A09-A16) were collected by Maxim from their location at
the spherical “Phantom” unit in the DC1 Docking Compartment where he had
placed them on 1/26, and their accumulated measurements recorded on a
memory card in the Bubble-dosimeter Reader. The complex Matryoshka payload
suite is designed for sophisticated radiation studies.
Note: Matryoshka is the name for the
traditional Russian set of nested dolls.]
In the SM, Maxim performed the routine daily
servicing of the SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support
System, ECLSS). [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.]
Expedition 22 Commander Jeff Williams (center) and Flight Engineers Soichi Noguchi (left) and T.J. Creamer answer questions from students in the Troy, Michigan School District. Credit: NASA TV
In the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), CDR
Williams began his 4th (of 5) Ambulatory Monitoring session of the ESA ICV
(Integrated Cardiovascular) experiment, preparing the two Actiwatches,
electrode sites, attaching the harness and donning the Cardiopres,
assisted by FE-6 Creamer as Operator. [ICV activities consist of two
separate but related parts over a one-week time period: an ultrasound echo
scan & an ambulatory monitoring session. Today, wearing electrodes,
the HM2 (Holter Monitor 2) for recording ECG (Electrocardiogram) for 48
hours, the ESA Cardiopres to continuously monitor blood pressure for 24
hours, and two Actiwatches (hip/waist & ankle) for monitoring activity
levels over 48 hours, Jeff started the ambulatory monitoring part of the
ICV assessment. During the first 24 hrs (while all devices are worn), ten
minutes of quiet, resting breathing are timelined to collect data for a
specific analysis. PGT (Pistol Grip Tool)/Makita batteries were switched
as required. The nominal exercise on the CEVIS machine includes at least
10 minutes at a heart rate =120 bpm (beats per minute). After 24 hrs, the
Cardiopres is doffed and the HM2 HiFi CF Card and AA Battery are changed
out to allow continuation of the session for another 24 hours. After data
collection is complete, the Actiwatches and both HM2 HiFi CF Cards are
downloaded to the HRF PC1, while Cardiopres data are downloaded to the EPM
(European Physiology Module) Rack and transferred to the HRF PC1 via a USB
key for downlink. The sessions are scheduled at or around FD14, FD30,
FD75, FD135 and R-15 (there will be fewer sessions if mission duration is
less than six months). The FD75 echo scan will include an exercise
component with a second scan
(subset of the first) completed within 5
minutes after the end of exercise.]
Williams, Creamer & Noguchi took the periodic
O-OHA (On-Orbit Hearing Assessment) test, a 30-min NASA environmental
health systems examination to assess the efficacy of acoustic
countermeasures, using a special software application on the MEC (Medical
Equipment Computer) laptop. [The O-OHA audiography test involves minimum
audibility measurements for each ear over a wide range of frequencies
(0.25-10 kHz) and sound pressure levels, with the crewmembers using
individual-specific Prophonics earphones, new Bose ANC headsets (delivered
on 30P) and the SLM (sound level meter). To conduct the testing, the
experimenter is supported by special EarQ software on the MEC, featuring
an up/down-arrow-operated slider for each test frequency that the
crewmember moves to the lowest sound pressure level at which the tone can
still be heard. The baseline test is required not later than about Flight
Day 14 for each new Expedition and is then generally performed once per
month. Note: There have been temporary hearing deficits documented
on some U.S. and Russian crewmembers, all
of which recovered to pre-mission levels.]
TJ Creamer unstowed, configured and activated the
U.S. EarthKAM (EK) hardware in Node-2 for a new session, powered by a
Ku-band power supply unit relocated from the US Lab to Node-2 beforehand
(1/28). Last time done: 10/19/09. [For focusing the camera, TJ had to see
the ground, i.e., during orbit day. EK is using a DCS 760 electronic still
camera with 50mm (f/1.4) lens at the Node-2 window, powered by 16Vdc from
a 28V DC adapter, taking pictures by remote operation from the ground,
without crew interaction. EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle
School Students) is an education program that enables thousands of
students to photograph and examine Earth from the unique perspective of
space, integrating the excitement of ISS with middle-school education. The
student requests are uplinked in a camera control file to an A31p SSC
(Station Support Computer) laptop which then activates the camera
(wireless) at specified times and receives the digital images from the
camera’s storage card on its hard drive,
for subsequent downlink via OPS LAN.]
Afterwards, the FE-6 set up, checked out and
conducted his second test run with the French/CNES neuroscientific
research experiment “3D Space” (SAP) as Subject #7, while free-floating,
using the ESA MPPL (Multipurpose Laptop) with a prepared HDD (Hard Disk
Drive), data storage on a PCMCIA memory card, and an electronic pen table
connected to it. [3D Space, which involves distance, writing and illusion
exercises, is designed to test the hypothesis that altered visual
perception affects motor control. To do this, the subject is asked to
reproduce shapes or text on an electronic pen pad (Wacom Intuos3 A4). The
test person is asked to reproduce shapes or text on the pen tablet which
allows
researchers to record and analyze the reactions
both on earth and in space.]
FE-5 Noguchi initiated (later terminated) another
5-hr sampling run (the 66th) with the EHS GC/DMS (Environmental Health
System Gas Chromatograph/Differential Mobility Spectrometer). Also known
as AQM (Air Quality Monitor), the system is controlled with “Sionex”
expert software from the SSC-12 laptop. [The AQM demonstrates COTS
(Commercial Off-the-Shelf) technology for identifying volatile organic
compounds, similar to the VOA (Volatile Organics Analyzer). This
evaluation will continue over the course of several months as it helps
to eventually certify the GC/DMS as nominal
CHeCS (Crew Health Care Systems) hardware.]
In the USOS (US Segment), TJ Creamer had ~1h50m to
remove the degraded WPA (Water Process Assembly) Pump/Separator ORU
(Orbital Replacement Unit) in the WRS2 (Water Recovery System 2) Rack and
replace it with a new unit. [The activities included rotating the rack
down to provide access (~20 min), exchanging the ORU (~40 min.) and
rotating the rack up again plus closeout (~50 min). The old unit was
degraded due to suspected clogging at the inlet to the MLS (Mostly Liquid
Separator) within the pump separator, which has caused MLS low pressure
readings, causing early shutdown of processing runs. The WPA, which has
been inactive since 1/19, will be reactivated on 20A after installation
of a filter assembly between the waste
water tank and the pump separator.]
Continuing yesterday’s troubleshooting activity on
the MD (Marangoni Deformation) payload in the Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized
Module), Soichi Noguchi performed silicone oil leak check #3 on the MD
cooling disk. [If a silicone oil leak was found, the MD30 Core was to be
stowed
in its CTB (Cargo Transfer Bag) with
foam or bubble wrap for return.]
Soichi also performed the periodic maintenance &
visual inspection of the ARED (advanced resistive exercise device) rails
& rollers, greasing the Y- and Z-axis rails & rollers
and evacuating its cylinder flywheels to maintain
proper vacuum condition and sensor calibration.
Later, the FE-5 undertook another periodic relocation
of the TEPC (Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter) detector assembly,
the primary radiation measurement tool in the ISS, moving it from Node-2
(P3/4) to Kibo JPM (F2/FD3). [The UOP (Utility
Outlet Panel) a1, port J3 on JPM1FD2
is being used as power plug-in.]
Oleg Kotov terminated the recharge of the DZZ-13
battery (AIP-01), initiated yesterday, and then conducted two sun-glint
observation sessions with the new Russian DZZ-13 RUSALKA (“Mermaid”)
science experiment (at 6:20am-6:40am & 9:25am-9:35am EST), supported
by ground specialist tagup and using the hand-held spectrometer (without
use of the TIUS three-stage rate sensor) from SM window #2 and later
downlinking data. The equipment was then re-stowed. [RUSALKA ops involve
calibration and tests of research equipment relating to the Sun and the
Earth's limb at sunset (atmosphere lighted). To be tested are the
procedure for remote determination of Methane (CH4) & Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) content in the atmosphere (in the First Phase), measurement of CH4
& CO2 content in the atmosphere and reception of data on NI2 and NI4
content over the territories subjected to natural and technogenic effects,
reception of sufficient data on seasonal dependencies of tropospheric
parameters being studied (in the Second Phase). Equipment used: Rusalka
monoblock, Nikon D2X(s) digital photo camera; AF VR Nikkor ED
80-400f/4.5-5.6D lens with ultraviolet filter, bracket for attachment to
the window, and Rusalka-Accessories
set. Support hardware: Device TIUS /DKShG/PNSK, Laptop
RSK1, and Software Package loading disk.]
Jeff & TC went on a search for “lost” LTA (Lower
Torso Assembly) restraint straps. [The LTA restraint straps are used to
attach the Lower Torso Assembly to the EMUs (Extravehicular Mobility
Units). Without the
straps, bundling the EMU will be more
difficult prior to transfer to COL.]
The CDR checked out the US SLM (Sound Level Meter)
instrument and then used it to capture acoustic readings of the T2/COLBERT
treadmill, taking noise level measurements of T2 while it was both
inactive and in use by Soichi Noguchi, at different speed settings. SAMS
ICU (Space Acceleration Measurement System Interim Control Unit) in the
Lab (EXPRESS Rack 1/Drawer 2) was also activated. [Recorded data were
later transferred to the MEC and downlinked to help determine if
the crew will continue having to wear
hearing protection during their exercise sessions.]
Jeff Williams & Nicole Stott reviewed RPM (R-bar
Pitch Maneuver) ops procedures, tagging up with ground specialists at
~10:15am EDT to discuss the results of their second (10/22) RPM photo
drill. [The RPM flip-over is used by the crew for the bottom-side mapping
of the Orbiter at the arrival of the Shuttle next month. 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
Atlantis, 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.]
At ~1:30pm, Jeff, Oleg & Soichi tagged up with
ground specialists via audio/phone to discuss the results of their last
RPM (R-Bar Pitch Maneuver) photo/TV drill. [The RPM flip-over is used by
the crew for the bottom-side mapping of the Orbiter at the arrival of the
Shuttle next month. 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 Atlantis, 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.]
At ~2:45am EST, the CDR, FE-5 & FE-6 conducted a
teleconference with ground specialists
to discuss 20A cargo transfer operations and
an uplinked draft equipment transfer list.
At ~5:45am, Noguchi held an audio/video tagup with
the Japanese Flight Control Team (ARIES/J-PAYLOADS) at SSIPC (Space
Station
Integration & Promotion Center)/Tsukuba to discuss stowage
requirements and future trash disposition issues.
At ~10:10am, Weaver, Williams & Noguchi supported
an educational
PAO/TV event with K-12 grade students at
Troy School District in Troy, Michigan.
The crewmembers worked out with their regular 2-hr
physical exercise on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (CDR/ICV), TVIS treadmill
(FE-1, FE-4), ARED advanced resistive exerciser (CDR, FE-1, FE-5, FE-6),
T2/COLBERT advanced
treadmill (FE-5, FE-6), and VELO bike ergometer
with bungee cord load trainer (FE-4).
The Russian discretionary “time permitting” task list
for Maxim Suraev today held three items:
Standard status check of the
BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 ("Plants-2") payload which researches growth and
development of plants under spaceflight conditions in the LADA-16
greenhouse,
Another session for Russia's EKON Environmental Safety
Agency, making observations and taking KPT-3 aerial photography of
environmental conditions on Earth using the Nikon D3X digital camera,
and
Shooting more “News
From Weightlessness” episodes for Russian TV.
No CEO (Crew Earth
Observation) photo targets uplinked for today.]
Significant Events Ahead (all dates
Eastern Time, some changes possible):
02/02/10 -- Progress M-04M/36P launch (10:45pm
EST)
02/04/10 -- Progress M-04M/36P docking (~11:26pm EST)
02/07/10
-- STS-130/Endeavour/20A – Node-3 “Tranquility”+Cupola (launch 4:39am
EST)
02/09/10 -- STS-130/Endeavour/20A docking (~1:25am)
02/11/10 --
EVA-1 (10:35pm)
02/12/10 -- EVA-2 (10:05pm)
02/13/10 -- Cupola
relocation
02/15/10 -- EVA-3 (10:05pm)
02/17/10 --
STS-130/Endeavour/20A undock (7:15pm)
02/19/10 -- STS-130/Endeavour/20A
KSC landing (11:17pm)
03/18/10 -- Soyuz TMA-16/20S
undock/landing
--------------Three-crew
operations-------------
03/18/10 -- STS-131/Discovery/19A – MPLM(P),
LMC (launch ~1:30pm EST)
04/02/10 -- Soyuz TMA-18/22S launch –
Skvortsov (CDR-24)/Caldwell/Kornienko
04/04/10 -- Soyuz TMA-18/22S
docking
--------------Six-crew operations-----------------
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 (~2:00pm EST)
05/10/10 --
Progress M-04M/36P undock
05/31/10 -- Soyuz TMA-17/21S
undock/landing
--------------Three-crew
operations-------------
06/14/10 -- Soyuz TMA-19/23S launch – Wheelock
(CDR-25)/Walker/Yurchikhin
06/16/10 -- Soyuz TMA-19/23S
docking
--------------Six-crew operations-----------------
07/xx/10
-- US EVA-15
07/xx/10 -- Russian EVA-25
06/28/10 -- 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) (~7:30am EST)
08/30/10 --
Progress M-06M/38P undock
08/31/10 -- Progress M-08M/40P
launch
09/02/10 -- Progress M-08M/40P docking
09/15/10 -- Soyuz
TMA-18/22S undock/landing
09/16/10 -- STS-133/Discovery (ULF5 – ELC4,
PMM) (~12:01pm EST)
09/18/10 -- STS-133/Discovery (ULF5 – ELC4, PMM)
docking
09/22/10 -- STS-133/Discovery (ULF5 – ELC4, PMM)
undock
09/30/10 -- Soyuz TMA-20/24S launch – Kelly
(CDR-26)/Kaleri/Skripochka
10/xx/10 -- Russian EVA-26
10/26/10 --
Progress M-07M/39P undock
10/27/10 -- Progress M-09M/41P
launch
10/29/10 -- Progress M-09M/41P docking
11/15/10 -- Soyuz
TMA-19/23S undock/landing
11/18/10 -- ATV2 launch– Ariane 5 (ESA)
U/R
11/30/10 -- Soyuz TMA-21/25S launch – Kondratyev
(CDR-27)/Coleman/Nespoli
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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