Space and Astronautics News

Ida: landfall tonight; tropical storm warning from Louisiana to Florida.

Space and Astronautics News — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:18:43 +0000

GOES enhanced visible wavelength satellite image; credit: NOAA

TROPICAL STORM IDA INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 24A
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL112009
600 PM CST MON NOV 09 2009

…IDA CONTINUES NORTHWARD…SHOULD MAKE LANDFALL OVERNIGHT…

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM GRAND ISLE LOUISIANA
EASTWARD TO THE AUCILLA RIVER FLORIDA…INCLUDING NEW ORLEANS AND
LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA…INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS…PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY
YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE.

Image credit: NOAA

AT 600 PM CST…0000 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM IDA WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 28.9 NORTH…LONGITUDE 88.5 WEST OR ABOUT
40 MILES…60 KM…EAST-SOUTHEAST OF THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI
RIVER AND ABOUT 125 MILES…200 KM…SOUTH OF MOBILE ALABAMA.

IDA IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 17 MPH…28 KM/HR. A REDUCTION
IN FORWARD SPEED IS EXPECTED OVERNIGHT. ON THE FORECAST TRACK…
THE CENTER OF IDA SHOULD REACH THE NORTHERN GULF COAST TONIGHT.
AFTER LANDFALL…IDA IS EXPECTED TO TURN EASTWARD ON TUESDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 70 MPH…110 KM/HR…WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. WEAKENING IS EXPECTED THIS EVENING AS IDA MOVES OVER COOLER
WATERS PRIOR TO MAKING LANDFALL…AND IS EXPECTED TO MERGE WITH A
FRONTAL ZONE ON WEDNESDAY.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 200 MILES…325 KM
FROM THE CENTER.

WITHIN THE PAST COUPLE OF HOURS AN OBSERVING SITE NEAR THE MOUTH OF
THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT AN ELEVATION OF 79 FEET MEASURED SUSTAINED
WINDS OF 60 MPH WITH A GUST TO 74 MPH.

THE LATEST MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY AN AIR FORCE RESERVE
HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT WAS 993 MB…29.32 INCHES.

RAINS FROM IDA ARE ALREADY MOVING ACROSS THE COAST WITHIN THE
WARNING AREA. TOTAL STORM ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES…WITH
ISOLATED MAXIMUM STORM TOTALS OF 8 INCHES…ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH
WEDNESDAY EVENING FROM THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN GULF COAST ACROSS THE
SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES INTO THE SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC STATES.

A DANGEROUS STORM TIDE WILL RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS MUCH AS
3 TO 5 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL ALONG THE COAST NEAR AND TO THE
EAST OF WHERE THE CENTER MAKES LANDFALL…AS WELL AS IN AREAS OF
ONSHORE FLOW IN SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA. NEAR THE COAST…THE SURGE
WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE AND DESTRUCTIVE WAVES.

…SUMMARY OF 600 PM CST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…28.9N 88.5W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…70 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NORTH OR 360 DEGREES AT 17 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…993 MB

THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AT
900 PM CST.

GOES infrared satellite image; credit: NOAA

FORECASTER BROWN/BERG

- courtesy of NOAA National Hurricane Center

STS-129: NASA prepares Space Shuttle Atlantis for Nov 16 launch.

Space and Astronautics News — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:05:21 +0000

Mission: STS-129

Orbiter: Atlantis

Launch Pad: 39A

Launch Date: NET Nov 16, 2009, 2:28 pm EST (18:48 UT)

Landing: NET Nov 27, 9:57 am EST (13:57 UT)

Orbital Altitude: 122 nautical miles (140 miles)

Orbital Insertion: 191 nautical miles (220 miles)

Orbital Inclination: 51.6 degrees

Primary Payload: ExPRESS (Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station) Logistics Carriers ELC1 and ELC2:-

ExPRESS Logistics Carrier-1 manifest:- Ammonia Tank Assembly; Battery Charge Discharge Unit; Space Station Remote Manipulator System Latching End Effector; Control Moment Gyro; Nitrogen Tank Assembly; Pump Module; Plasma Contactor Unit; two empty Passive Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanisms.

ExPRESS Logistics Carrier-2 manifest:- High Pressure Gas Tank; Cargo Transport Container 1 (CTC-1) mounted to a Small Adapter Plate Assembly; Mobile Transporter/Trailing Umbilical System; Control Moment Gyro; Nitrogen Tank Assembly; Pump Module; Utility Transfer Assembly (UTA) Flight Support Equipment (FSE); one empty Payload Passive Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism.

Crew:- Commander: Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot: Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists:- MS1 Leland D Melvin, MS2 Randolph Bresnik, MS3 Michael Foreman, MS4 Robert Satcher, MS5 (landing) Nicole Stott.

Pad 39A, KSC: STS-129 crew after completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Behind them, Atlantis’ external tank & nose cone of a solid rocket booster. From left: Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik; Pilot Barry Wilmore; Commander Charles Hobaugh; Mission Specialists Mike Foreman, Robert Satcher – credits: NASA/Kim Shiflett

At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the work week begins with the installation of new equipment at Launch Pad 39A. Technicians will install instruments in both the mobile launcher platform’s tail service mast and in space shuttle Atlantis’ aft section. The equipment will record the sound pressure and vibration at liftoff — which recently were determined to be stronger than originally thought. The testing of the “main engine acoustic environment” using microphones and sensors will continue with launch. Yesterday, workers completed final ordnance installation and connections in the shuttle. At NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 mission astronauts will enter quarantine tonight after a day of administrative duties. They’ll be housed in a germ-free environment until they fly to Kennedy on Thursday for Atlantis’ launch to the International Space Station. Liftoff is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 and the countdown to launch begins 1 p.m. EST Friday.

– courtesy of NASA

Tropical storm Ida expected to make landfall Tuesday morning.

Space and Astronautics News — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:38:26 +0000

GOES enhanced visible wavelength satellite image; credit: NOAA.

TROPICAL STORM IDA ADVISORY NUMBER 23
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL112009
900 AM CST MON NOV 09 2009

…IDA WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM…

AT 9 AM CST…1500 UTC…ALL HURRICANE WARNINGS AND WATCHES ALONG
THE GULF COAST HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS
NOW IN EFFECT FROM GRAND ISLE LOUISIANA EASTWARD TO THE AUCILLA
RIVER FLORIDA…INCLUDING NEW ORLEANS AND LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN. A
TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 24 HOURS.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA…PLEASE MONITOR
PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST
OFFICE.

Credit: NOAA

At 900 AM CST…1500 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM IDA WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 26.5 NORTH…LONGITUDE 88.3 WEST OR ABOUT 185
MILES…300 KM…SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI
RIVER AND ABOUT 285 MILES…460 KM…SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF PENSACOLA
FLORIDA.

IDA IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 17 MPH…28 KM/HR. A
TURN TOWARD THE NORTH AND THEN TO THE NORTH-NORTHEAST IS EXPECTED
OVER THE NEXT 24 HOURS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK…THE CENTER OF IDA
IS EXPECTED TO MAKE LANDFALL ALONG THE NORTHERN GULF COAST TUESDAY
MORNING. AFTER LANDFALL…A TURN TO THE EAST IS EXPECTED ON
TUESDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS CONTINUE TO DECREASE AND ARE NOW NEAR 70
MPH…110 KM/HR…WITH HIGHER GUSTS. SOME ADDITIONAL WEAKENING IS
EXPECTED TODAY AS IDA APPROACHES THE COAST.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 200 MILES…325 KM
FROM THE CENTER.

THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 996 MB…29.41 INCHES.

RAINS FROM IDA WILL BE REACHING THE COAST OVER PORTIONS OF THE
WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT HOUR OR SO. TOTAL STORM ACCUMULATIONS
OF 3 TO 6 INCHES…WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM STORM TOTALS OF 8
INCHES…ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FROM THE CENTRAL
AND EASTERN GULF COAST NORTHWARD INTO THE EASTERN PORTIONS OF THE
TENNESSEE VALLEY…THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS…AND THE SOUTHEASTERN
UNITED STATES.

A DANGEROUS STORM TIDE WILL RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS MUCH AS
3 TO 5 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL ALONG THE COAST NEAR AND TO THE
EAST OF WHERE THE CENTER MAKES LANDFALL. NEAR THE COAST…THE SURGE
WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE AND DESTRUCTIVE WAVES.

…SUMMARY OF 900 AM CST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…26.5N 88.3W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…70 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NORTH-NORTHWEST OR 340 DEGREES AT 17 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…996 MB

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER AT 1200 PM CST FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY AT 300
PM CST.

GOES infrared satellite image; credit: NOAA

FORECASTER FRANKLIN

- courtesy of NOAA National Hurricane Center

Ida increases in strength to a category two hurricane.

Space and Astronautics News — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:30:43 +0000

GOES enhanced visible wavelength satellite image; credit: NOAA

HURRICANE IDA INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 20A
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL112009
600 PM CST SUN NOV 08 2009

…IDA SLIGHTLY STRONGER…

A HURRICANE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE NORTHERN GULF COAST FROM
GRAND ISLE LOUISIANA TO MEXICO BEACH FLORIDA. THIS WATCH DOES NOT
INCLUDE THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT
HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA…GENERALLY
WITHIN 36 HOURS.

AT 600 PM CST…0000 UTC…THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS DISCONTINUED
ALL WATCHES AND WARNINGS FOR MEXICO.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE CUBAN PROVINCE OF
PINAR DEL RIO.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE ISLE OF YOUTH.

INTERESTS ELSEWHERE ALONG THE NORTHERN COAST OF THE GULF OF MEXICO
SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF IDA. ADDITIONAL TROPICAL CYCLONE
WATCHES OR WARNINGS MAY BE REQUIRED TONIGHT OR MONDAY.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA IN THE UNITED
STATES…INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS…PLEASE
MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
FORECAST OFFICE. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA
OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES…PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED
BY YOUR NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE.

AT 600 PM CST…0000 UTC…THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IDA WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 23.1 NORTH…LONGITUDE 86.5 WEST OR ABOUT 140 MILES…
225 KM…WEST-NORTHWEST OF THE WESTERN TIP OF CUBA AND ABOUT
445 MILES…720 KM…SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI
RIVER.

IDA IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 12 MPH…19 KM/HR.
A GRADUAL TURN TOWARD THE NORTH AND AN INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED ARE
EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 24 TO 36 HOURS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK…
IDA IS EXPECTED TO CROSS THE GULF OF MEXICO TONIGHT AND MONDAY…
AND BE NEAR THE NORTHERN GULF COAST MONDAY NIGHT OR EARLY TUESDAY.

REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE
THAT THE MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 105 MPH…
165 KM/HR…WITH HIGHER GUSTS. IDA IS A CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE ON
THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH IS EXPECTED
TONIGHT…AND IDA IS FORECAST TO GRADUALLY WEAKEN ON MONDAY.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 35 MILES…55 KM…FROM
THE CENTER…AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO
140 MILES…220 KM.

THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE FROM AIRCRAFT DATA IS
979 MB…28.91 INCHES.

IDA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES
OVER PORTIONS OF WESTERN CUBA…WITH POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM
AMOUNTS OF 10 INCHES.

RAINS WILL BE INCREASING WELL IN ADVANCE OF IDA ACROSS THE CENTRAL
AND EASTERN GULF COAST…BUT WILL BECOME STEADIER AND HEAVIER BY
MONDAY INTO TUESDAY. TOTAL STORM ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES
WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM STORM TOTALS OF 8 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE
THROUGH TUESDAY FROM THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN GULF COAST NORTHWARD
INTO THE EASTERN PORTIONS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AND THE SOUTHERN
APPALACHIANS.

…SUMMARY OF 600 PM CST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…23.1N 86.5W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…105 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NORTH-NORTHWEST OR 340 DEGREES AT 12 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…979 MB

THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AT
900 PM CST.

FORECASTER BROWN/BERG

- courtesy of NOAA National Hurricane Center

Center of hurricane Ida moves into Gulf of Mexico.

Space and Astronautics News — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:44:58 +0000

GOES enhanced visible wavelength satellite image; credit: NOAA

HURRICANE IDA ADVISORY NUMBER 20
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL112009
300 PM CST SUN NOV 08 2009

…CENTER OF IDA MOVING INTO THE SOUTHERN GULF OF MEXICO…

Credit: NOAA

A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE YUCATAN PENINSULA OF
MEXICO FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN TO CABO CATOCHE. A HURRICANE WARNING
MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE
WARNING AREA WITHIN 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND
PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION IN THE WARNING AREA.

A HURRICANE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE YUCATAN PENINSULA OF
MEXICO FROM TULUM TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN. A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT
HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE YUCATAN PENINSULA
OF MEXICO FROM PUNTA ALLEN NORTHWARD TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN AND FROM
CABO CATOCHE WESTWARD TO SAN FELIPE. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING
MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE
WARNING AREA WITHIN 24 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE CUBAN PROVINCE OF
PINAR DEL RIO.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE ISLE OF YOUTH.

INTERESTS ELSEWHERE ALONG THE NORTHERN COAST OF THE GULF OF MEXICO
SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF IDA. ADDITIONAL TROPICAL CYCLONE
WATCHES OR WARNINGS MAY BE REQUIRED TONIGHT OR MONDAY.

AT 300 PM CST…2100 UTC…THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IDA WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 22.2 NORTH…LONGITUDE 86.3 WEST OR ABOUT 95 MILES…
155 KM…WEST-NORTHWEST OF THE WESTERN TIP OF CUBA AND ABOUT
510 MILES…815 KM…SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI
RIVER.

IDA IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 10 MPH…17 KM/HR.
A GRADUAL TURN TOWARD THE NORTH AND AN INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED ARE
EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 24 TO 36 HOURS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK…
IDA IS EXPECTED TO CROSS THE GULF OF MEXICO TONIGHT AND MONDAY…
AND BE NEAR THE NORTHERN GULF COAST ON TUESDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 100 MPH…160 KM/HR…WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. IDA IS A CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE.
LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH IS EXPECTED TONIGHT…AND IDA IS FORECAST
TO GRADUALLY WEAKEN ON MONDAY.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 35 MILES…55 KM…FROM
THE CENTER…AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO
140 MILES…220 KM.

THE MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE JUST REPORTED BY AN AIR FORCE RESERVE
HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT IS 976 MB…28.82 INCHES.

IDA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES
OVER PORTIONS OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA AND WESTERN CUBA…WITH
POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 10 INCHES.

A STORM SURGE COULD RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS MUCH AS 3 TO 4 FEET
ABOVE GROUND LEVEL ALONG THE COAST OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA. NEAR
THE COAST…THE SURGE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE AND DESTRUCTIVE
WAVES.

…SUMMARY OF 300 PM CST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…22.2N 86.3W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…100 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NORTH-NORTHWEST OR 330 DEGREES AT 10 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…976 MB

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER AT 600 PM CST FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY AT 900
PM CST.

GOES infrared satellite image; credit: NOAA

FORECASTER BEVEN/ROBERTS

- courtesy of NOAA National Hurricane Center

Hurricane Ida strengthens; moves north-westward.

Space and Astronautics News — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:18:56 +0000

GOES enhanced visible wavelength satellite image; credit: NOAA.

HURRICANE IDA INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 15A
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL112009
1200 AM CST SUN NOV 08 2009

…IDA STRENGTHENING…MOVING NORTH-NORTHWESTWARD…

A HURRICANE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE YUCATAN PENINSULA OF
MEXICO FROM TULUM TO CABO CATOCHE. A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT
HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA…GENERALLY
WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR GRAND CAYMAN ISLAND.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE YUCATAN PENINSULA
OF MEXICO FROM PUNTA ALLEN NORTHWARD TO SAN FELIPE. A TROPICAL
STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED
WITHIN THE WARNING AREA…GENERALLY WITHIN 24 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE CUBAN PROVINCE OF
PINAR DEL RIO.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE ISLE OF YOUTH.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA IN THE UNITED STATES…
PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR
AREA OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES…PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY
YOUR NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE.

Credit: NOAA

AT 1200 AM CST…0600 UTC…THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IDA WAS LOCATED
BY AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT NEAR LATITUDE
20.1 NORTH…LONGITUDE 85.3 WEST OR ABOUT 110 MILES…175 KM…
EAST-SOUTHEAST OF COZUMEL MEXICO AND ABOUT 120 MILES…195 KM…
SOUTH OF THE WESTERN TIP OF CUBA.

IDA IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 12 MPH…19 KM/HR…
AND THIS GENERAL HEADING IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE OVER THE NEXT 48
HOURS WITH AN INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED. ON THE FORECAST TRACK
…IDA IS EXPECTED TO MOVE THROUGH THE YUCATAN CHANNEL AND INTO THE
SOUTHEASTERN GULF OF MEXICO TODAY.

DATA FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE
THAT MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 90 MPH…150
KM/HR…WITH HIGHER GUSTS. IDA IS A CATEGORY ONE HURRICANE ON THE
SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE. SOME ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS
EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT DAY OR SO…BUT A SLOW WEAKENING IS
EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MONDAY.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 15 MILES…30 KM…FROM
THE CENTER…AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO
140 MILES…220 KM…FROM THE CENTER. NOAA BUOY 42056…LOCATED IN
THE NORTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA ABOUT 120 MILES…195 KM…EAST-
SOUTHEAST OF COZUMEL MEXICO…RECENTLY REPORTED A ONE-MINUTE
SUSTAINED WIND OF 56 MPH…91 KM/HR.

THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE BASED ON AN OBSERVATION FROM
NOAA BUOY 42056 IS 980 MB…28.94 INCHES.

IDA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES
OVER PORTIONS OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA AND WESTERN CUBA…WITH
POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 10 INCHES. RAINFALL AMOUNTS
OF 1 TO 2 INCHES ARE ALSO POSSIBLE ACROSS THE CAYMAN ISLANDS.

…SUMMARY OF 1200 AM CST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…20.1N 85.3W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…90 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NORTH-NORTHWEST OR 340 DEGREES AT 12 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…980 MB

THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AT
300 AM CST.

GOES infrared satellite image; credit: NOAA.

FORECASTER BRENNAN/KIMBERLAIN

- courtesy of NOAA National Hurricane Center

Tropical storm Ida strengthens over NW Caribbean Sea.

Space and Astronautics News — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:50:26 +0000

GOES enhanced visible wavelength satellite image; credit: NOAA

TROPICAL STORM IDA ADVISORY NUMBER 13
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL112009
1000 AM EST SAT NOV 07 2009

…IDA STRENGTHENING OVER THE NORTHWEST CARIBBEAN SEA…NEW
WATCHES AND WARNINGS ISSUED…

AT 10 AM EST…1500 UTC…THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS ISSUED A
HURRICANE WATCH FOR THE YUCATAN PENINSULA FROM TULUM TO CABO
CATOCHE. A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA…GENERALLY WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR GRAND CAYMAN ISLAND.

AT 10 AM EST…1500 UTC…THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS ISSUED A
TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR THE YUCATAN PENINSULA FROM PUNTA ALLEN
NORTHWARD TO SAN FELIPE. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT
TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA…
GENERALLY WITHIN 24 HOURS.

AT 10 AM EST…1500 UTC…THE GOVERNMENT OF CUBA HAS ISSUED A
TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR THE PROVINCE OF PINAR DEL RIO. THE
GOVERNMENT OF CUBA HAS ALSO ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR
THE ISLE OF YOUTH.

INTERESTS ELSEWHERE IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA OF MEXICO…WESTERN
CUBA AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF IDA.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA…PLEASE MONITOR
PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE.

Credit: NOAA

AT 1000 AM EST…1500 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM IDA WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 17.9 NORTH…LONGITUDE 84.1 WEST OR ABOUT 255
MILES…410 KM…SOUTHEAST OF COZUMEL MEXICO AND ABOUT 270 MILES…
430 KM…SOUTH OF THE WESTERN TIP OF CUBA.

IDA IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 9 MPH…15 KM/HR. A TURN TOWARD
THE NORTH-NORTHWEST WITH A GRADUAL INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED IS
EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK…IDA
IS FORECAST TO MOVE OVER OR JUST EAST OF THE NORTHEASTERN PORTION OF
THE YUCATAN PENINSULA ON SUNDAY. IDA IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO THE
SOUTHEASTERN GULF OF MEXICO SUNDAY NIGHT.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 60 MPH…95
KM/HR…WITH HIGHER GUSTS. SOME ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS
FORECAST DURING THE NEXT DAY OR SO AND IDA COULD APPROACH HURRICANE
STRENGTH ON SUNDAY. SOME WEAKENING IS EXPECTED AFTER IDA ENTERS
THE GULF OF MEXICO.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 105 MILES…165 KM
FROM THE CENTER.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 997 MB…29.44 INCHES.

…SUMMARY OF 1000 AM EST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…17.9N 84.1W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…60 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NORTH OR 355 DEGREES AT 9 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…997 MB

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER AT 100 PM EST FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY AT 400
PM EST.

GOES infrared satellite image; credit: NOAA

FORECASTER BROWN/CANGIALOSI/BLAKE

- courtesy of NOAA National Hurricane Center

Tropical Storm Ida weakens; heavy rainfall the primary concern.

Space and Astronautics News — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:03:31 +0000

GOES enhanced visible wavelength satellite image; credit: NOAA

TROPICAL STORM IDA ADVISORY NUMBER 6
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL112009
400 PM EST THU NOV 05 2009

…IDA CONTINUES TO WEAKEN…HEAVY RAINFALL STILL THE PRIMARY
CONCERN…

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE EAST COAST OF
NICARAGUA FROM BLUEFIELDS NORTHWARD TO THE HONDURAS/NICARAGUA
BORDER.

AT 4 PM EST…2100 UTC…THE GOVERNMENT OF HONDURAS HAS ISSUED A
TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR THE NORTHEAST COAST OF HONDURAS FROM LIMON
EASTWARD TO THE HONDURAS/NICARAGUA BORDER. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH
MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH
AREA…GENERALLY WITHIN 36 HOURS.

INTERESTS ELSEWHERE IN HONDURAS SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF IDA.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA…PLEASE MONITOR
PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE.

Credit: NOAA

AT 400 PM EST…2100 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM IDA WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 13.3 NORTH…LONGITUDE 83.7 WEST OR ABOUT 50
MILES… 85 KM…SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF PUERTO CABEZAS NICARAGUA AND
ABOUT 90 MILES…145 KM…NORTH OF BLUEFIELDS NICARAGUA.

IDA IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 3 MPH…6 KM/HR. A
TURN TOWARD THE NORTH AT A SLIGHTLY FASTER FORWARD SPEED IS EXPECTED
TONIGHT OR FRIDAY. ON THE FORECAST TRACK…THE CENTER OF IDA WILL
MOVE ACROSS NORTHEASTERN NICARAGUA AND EASTERN HONDURAS DURING THE
NEXT DAY OR SO. THE TROPICAL CYCLONE IS FORECAST TO EMERGE OVER
THE NORTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA EARLY SATURDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE DECREASED TO NEAR 60 MPH…95
KM/HR…WITH HIGHER GUSTS. ADDITIONAL WEAKENING IS EXPECTED AND
IDA IS FORECAST TO WEAKEN TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION ON FRIDAY. SOME
RESTRENGTHENING IS POSSIBLE AFTER IDA EMERGES OVER THE NORTHWESTERN
CARIBBEAN SEA ON SATURDAY.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 70 MILES…110 KM
FROM THE CENTER.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 990 MB…29.23 INCHES.

IDA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 7
INCHES ALONG THE COASTS OF EASTERN HONDURAS AND NICARAGUA…AND THE
ISLANDS OFF THE COAST OF NICARAGUA WITH MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 12
INCHES POSSIBLE. MAXIMUM RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 15 TO 20 INCHES
ARE POSSIBLE OVER REGIONS OF ELEVATED TERRAIN IN HONDURAS AND
NICARAGUA. THESE RAINS COULD PRODUCE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS
AND MUD SLIDES.

HIGHER-THAN-NORMAL WATER LEVELS ALONG PORTIONS OF THE EAST COAST OF
NICARAGUA SHOULD CONTINUE TO DECREASE TONIGHT.

…SUMMARY OF 400 PM EST INFORMATION…
LOCATION…13.3N 83.7W
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…60 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NORTH-NORTHWEST OR 330 DEGREES AT 3 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…990 MB

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER AT 700 PM EST FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY AT 1000
PM EST.

GOES infrared satellite image; credit: NOAA.

FORECASTER BROWN/BLAKE

- courtesy of NOAA National Hurricane Center

11/04/09: International Space Station On-Orbit Status Report.

Space and Astronautics News — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:15:09 +0000

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:55am EST [= epoch])
Mean altitude – 342.1 km
Apogee height – 346.3 km
Perigee height – 338.0 km
Period — 91.38 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.000617
Solar Beta Angle — 36.1 deg (magnitude peaking)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 97 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 62806

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Day of National Unity in Russia, a holiday.

The unpiloted Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), filled with trash and unneeded items, departs from the International Space Station. European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne, Expedition 21 commander; NASA astronaut Nicole Stott and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk, both flight engineers, used the station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm to grab the HTV cargo craft and unberth it from the Harmony node’s nadir port. The HTV was successfully unberthed at 10:18 a.m. (CDT) on Oct. 30, 2009, and released from the station’s Canadarm2 at 12:32 p.m. Credit: NASA

FE-5 Williams started the day with another Reaction Self Test (Psychomotor Vigilance Self Test on the ISS) protocol. [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.]

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-3 again inspects the filters tonight at bedtime, currently a daily requirement per plan, with photographs to be taken if the filter packing is discolored.]

The FE-1 afterwards undertook a major (3-hr) IFM (Inflight Maintenance) in the SM (Service Module) on the SUBA Onboard Equipment Control System, installing a new BSK-2 Common Power Switching Timer (Blok silovoiy kommutatsii-2) and connecting three associated extensive cable harnesses. [SUBA controls, monitors, and diagnoses SM systems status. It operates using sensor output signals and command radio link SM functional outputs, onboard computer system (BVS) units, SM control panels, and system relay outputs. Its software resides in the SM central computer (TsVM) and terminal computer (TVM). The BSKs are used to switch electrical power and protect electrical circuits with fuses against overloads.]

Meanwhile, FE-3 Romanenko had ~2.5 hrs to perform IFM on the RS (Russian Segment)’s Electrical Power System, removing and replacing the #2 unit of the six 800A batteries in the FGB (Funktsionalnyi-Grusovoi Blok).

Starting the planned major recovery activities after the UPA (Urine Processor Assembly) failure, FE-1 Stott & FE-4 Thirsk, wearing protective gear (silver shield gloves, dust mask, goggles), drained the WSTA (Waste Storage Tank Assembly) urine from ~46% to 10% into an EDV-U container to allow for room in the WSTA for the subsequent DA (Distillation Assembly) dryout. [The planned backflow troubleshooting procedure involves flowing fluid “back” from the WSTA tank into the DA via a narrow pick-up tube which is probably clogged, at a delta-pressure between WSTA & DA of about 14 psi. It is hoped that by flowing the urine in the reverse direction than usual, the pre-treat/urine will contact areas it has not been able to reach and help dissolve the blockage.]

Stott then had 3h15min & Thirsk 15min to conduct the backflow procedure for clearing up the DA. [As first step, Nicole had to remove the CEVIS cycle ergometer, TOCA, EDV-U, compressor and associated brackets from the front of the WRS-2 (Water Recovery System 2) Rack to allow it to rotate down and to be opened up. By switching hose connections, the FE-1 was then to initiate the backflow to the DA, for a duration of ~30 sec or to 5% decrease of WSTA tank quantity. Bob assisted with monitoring time and quantity.]

Later, Thirsk worked on the U.S. WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment), performing the periodic changeout of the urine receptacle plus hose and its filter insert with new units.

Using the SLAMMD (Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device) equipment and appropriate software, CDR De Winne, FE-2 Stott, FE-4 Thirsk & FE-5 Williams each completed a body mass measurement (BMM), with the video camcorder recording footage that was later downlinked via MPC/Multiple-Protocol Converter. The required control run was performed by De Winne after setting up the calibration arm and attaching the calibration mass. Afterwards, Frank powered off, dismantled and temporarily stowed the SLAMMD hardware. [SLAMMD, performed first on Expedition 12 in December 2005, provides an accurate means of determining the on-orbit mass of humans spanning the range from the 5th percentile Japanese female to the 95th percentile American male. The procedure, in accordance with Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion, finds the mass by dividing force, generated by two springs inside the SLAMMD drawer, by acceleration measured with a precise optical instrument that detects the position versus time trajectory of the SLAMMD guide arm and a micro controller which collects the raw data and provides the precise timing. The final computation is done via portable laptop computer with SLAMMD unique software. To calculate their mass, crewmembers wrap their legs around a leg support assembly, align the stomach against a belly pad and either rest the head or chin on a head rest. For calibration, an 18-lbs. mass is used at different lengths from the pivot point, to simulate different mass values. Crew mass range is from 90 to 240 lbs.]

Romanenko again had several hours allotted to continue his audit of available stowage space in the FGB, SM and DC1 Docking Compartment to assess useable stowage space for cargo to be delivered on 11/12 on 5R/Progress 302 (MRM2).

Roman also completed the periodic checkout & performance verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS hatchways. [Skipping the Soyuz hatch to DC1, inspected IP-1s are in the passageways PrK (SM Transfer Tunnel)–RO (SM Working Compartment), PkhO (SM Transfer Compartment)–RO, PkhO–DC1, PkhO–FGB PGO, FGB PGO–FGB GA, and FGB GA–Node-1.]

Maxim Suraev used the CMS (Countermeasure System), a component of the SKDS GANK-4M suite, to perform the standard check on the SM cabin air, today looking for Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Chloride and Hydrogen Cyanide. [CMS uses preprogrammed microchips to measure for numerous contaminants such as O-Xylol (1,2-Dimethylbenzol, C8H10), Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), Formaldehyde, Isopropanol, Methanol, Toluene, Mercaptan, Sulphur dioxide, Hydrogen Cyanide, Phosgene, etc.],

The FE-1 also continued the current round of preventive maintenance on the Russian ventilation system, today cleaning the four “Group B” fan screens (VT1, VTK1, VV1RO & VV2RO) in the SM, while the FE-3 worked in the DC1 on cleaning the V3 ventilator grille.

At the Node -1’s “ceiling”, Jeff & Bob moved the ARED exercise device on its platform into position from its stowage location. Then, after they had used it for their workout, Frank & Bob later moved it again out of the way and stowed it to make room for the subsequent PMA-3 activities.

Continuing preparations for Node-3 “Tranquility” arrival, Jeff Williams re-opened the PMA-3 (Pressurized Mating Adapter 3) hatch in Node-1, after which Jeff & Bob reinstalled the two CPAs, PMA target assembly and hatch center disk cover.

After subsequent hatch closure, Thirsk & De Winne depressurized the PMA-3 to 2 psi using the US A/L (Airlock)’s Depress Pump. Later, hatch perimeter, newly installed IMV valve & new bulkhead feedthroughs in Node-1 were checked by Jeff for leaks with the ULD (Ultrasound Leak Detector). [The A/L pump was connected to the Node-1 port hatch by the VAJ (Vacuum Access Jumper) dragged through the Node-1 starboard hatchway. After reaching 2 psi, the remaining pressure was evacuated with the Lab PCA (Pressure Control Assembly) to the outside, connected by a 35-ft VAJ. When completely depressed, the VAJ was disconnected, followed by the leak checks.]

In the Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), FE-5 Williams prepared the FPEF MS (Fluid Physics Experiment Facility / Marangoni Surface) equipment for a ground-controlled run of the MI (Marangoni Inside) convection experiment, transferring & setting up the MWA (Maintenance Work Area) at the F3 location, installing the MI Core on the MWA (after inspecting for broken glass) and preparing the MI Body inside the MWA. [In microgravity, fluids react differently to stresses when compared to the same stresses on Earth. Understanding the responses to the stressors allows for improved fluid flow models to be designed. Mass transfer on or in a liquid due to surface tension differences is called the Marangoni Effect (which, for example, stabilizes a soap film). The Marangoni convection experiment in the FPEF examines fluid tension flow in micro-G: first, a liquid bridge of silicone oil is formed into a pair of disks. Then, using temperature differences imposed on the disks, convection is induced causing the silicone oil to move and transition through different types of flows because of its fluid instability: successively from laminar to oscillatory, chaos, and turbulence flows as the driving force increases. The flow and temperature fields are observed in each stage and the transition conditions and processes are investigated.]

In the A/L, Nicole & Jeff had ~2 hrs for resizing two EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) spacesuits, #3006 & #3011, in preparation for ULF2 spacewalks. The crew also pre-gathered EVA support items for ULF3. The activities were videoed and downlinked. [#3006 was resized for Randy Bresnik for nominal use, and #3011 for EMU checkout, backup readiness for Mike Foreman and return on ULF3. #3009 will not be used on ULF3.]

Nicole & Bob downloaded the data taken yesterday by their instrumented SDTO (Station Development Test Objective) harnesses during their TVIS treadmill runs.

De Winne removed the IWIS (Internal Wireless Instrumentation System) accelerometer from its interface plate in the JAXA JPM and installed it instead on the T2/COLBERT treadmill for structural dynamics measurements.

For tomorrow’s planned ESA experiment CARD (Long Term Microgravity: Model for Investigating Mechanisms of Heart Disease), Frank equipped the body-worn CARD HLTA BP (Holter Arterial Blood Pressure) instrument with fresh AA batteries. [The CARD protocol included a 24h urine collection on Day 1, a 24h blood pressure monitoring with the HLTA, a blood draw (in the morning of Day 2), and five cardiac output measurements performed with the HRF-2 PFS (Pulmonary Function System) via re-breathing technique (three double re-breathing sessions with the 4L Re-breathing Bag on Day 1 and two on Day 2).]

In the JPM, Stott again serviced the CBEF (Cell Biology Experiment Facility) by opening the door to the Micro-G IU (Incubation Unit) section and manually fanning the air inside for ventilation for a few minutes, as she did last month regularly. [This was a precaution against too much humidity after yesterday’s temporary power outage, see below.]

Using another ~20-min RGS (Russian Ground Site) overflight window for VHF coverage, Maxim Suraev downlinked the video footage taken by him on 10/30 aboard the station. His “News from Zero Gravity” report was filmed for the Russian television channel “TV Tsentr”, using an uplinked script for the various scenes and narrations. [TV Tsentr is launching a new program on science and technology and one of the first episodes is to show a report from the ISS. (“…Now you know how we live up here. The reality is that there is a lot of work in space. There are many scientific experiments and studies that we carry out for the benefit of all mankind. An example is the Rusalka experiment, in which carbon dioxide levels in our planet's atmosphere are accurately measured. In the Uragan experiment, we are working on a procedure and system for predicting the development of natural and man-made disasters. The Vaktsina experiment is to investigate prospective proteins for AIDS vaccines on Earth and in space. Soon, a new mini research module will be added to the ISS Russian segment, thus broadening and increasing the Russian science program. Don't forget, we are working up here for the good of our planet. Our fragile Earth. Good luck to you all….".)]

Bob Thirsk performed the periodic WPA (Water Processor Assembly) sample analysis in the TOCA (Total Organic Carbon Analyzer), after first initializing the software and priming (filling) the TOCA water sample hose. [After the approximately 2-hr TOCA analysis, results were transferred by Frank De Winne to SSC-5 (Station Support Computer 5) via USB drive for downlink, and the data were also logged.]

The CDR started (later terminated) another 5-hr automatic sampling run (the 42nd) with the EHS GC/DMS (Environmental Health System Gas Chromatograph/Differential Mobility Spectrometer), also known as AQM (Air Quality Monitor), controlled with “Sionex” expert software from the SSC-4 (Station Support Computer 4) laptop. [The AQM demonstrates COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) technology for identifying volatile organic compounds, similar to the VOA (Volatile Organics Analyzer). Today’s data will again to be compared with VOA and GSC (Grab Sample Container) measurements. 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.]

Near the end of his workday, FE-1 Suraev conducts his third data collection for the psychological MBI-16 Vzaimodejstvie (“Interactions”) program, accessing and completing the computerized study questionnaire on the RSE-Med laptop and saving the data in an encrypted file. [The software has a “mood” questionnaire, a “group & work environment” questionnaire, and a “critical incidents” log. Results from the study, which is also mirrored by ground control subjects, could help to improve the ability of future crewmembers to interact safely and effectively with each other and with Mission Control, to have a more positive experience in space during multi-cultural, long-duration missions, and to successfully accomplish mission activities.]

At ~4:20pm EST, just before sleep time, the FE-3 will also set up the Russian MBI-12 SONOKARD payload and start his 11th experiment session, using a sports shirt from the SONOKARD kit with a special device in the pocket for testing a new method for acquiring physiological data without using direct contact on the skin. Measurements are recorded on a data card for return to Earth. [SONOKARD objectives are stated to (1) study the feasibility of obtaining the maximum of data through computer processing of records obtained overnight, (2) systematically record the crewmember’s physiological functions during sleep, (3) study the feasibility of obtaining real-time crew health data. Investigators believe that contactless acquisition of cardiorespiratory data over the night period could serve as a basis for developing efficient criteria for evaluating and predicting adaptive capability of human body in long-duration space flight.]

FE-2, FE-4 & FE-5 had their periodic PMCs (Private Medical Conferences), via S- & Ku-band audio/video, Nicole at ~10:05am, Jeff at ~2:30pm & Bob at ~3:10pm EST.

The crew performed their regular 2-hr physical exercise on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (CDR, FE-2), TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1, FE-2, FE-3, FE-4, FE-5), ARED advanced resistive exerciser (FE-4, FE-5), and VELO cycle ergometer with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1, FE-3).

Later, Jeff transferred the exercise data files to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) 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).

At ~9:33am EST Bob Thirsk powered up the SM’s amateur radio equipment (Kenwood VHF transceiver with manual frequency selection, headset, & power supply) and at 9:38am conducted a ham radio session with students at John Taylor Collegiate, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

SSRMS Operations: From ~3:15pm-5:15pm EST, ground operators will translate the MT (Mobile Transporter) railcart on the truss from WS5 (Workstation 5) to WS3, to satisfy another ULF3 pre-launch checkout requirements as well as put the Robotics systems into a good configuration to allow JAXA to perform their upcoming ICS (Inter-Satellite Communication System) checkout.

ISS Power Outage Event: Yesterday morning at 12:54am EST, MBSU1 (Main Bus Switching Unit 1) experienced an unexpected power loss due to a POR (Power On Reset), the first on-orbit POR on any MBSU hardware. MBSU1 was recovered almost immediately, but it took time to assess deactivated systems and start them up again. Systems were down for about 3 hrs. Engineering teams are reviewing the anomaly but currently believe the POR was a random event and that MBSU1 is healthy and not susceptible to further PORs. MBSU1 controls half of station systems, and there were some impacts to yesterday operations, mostly science activities. ISS is completely recovered.

UPA Anomaly: Should the Urine Processor Assembly remain down for longer than expected, the unprocessed urine will accumulate, requiring special provisions for collecting, containing & stowing, including during ULF3-docked period. Replanning is underway at MCC-Houston and TsUP-Moscow for using Russian EDV containers (58 total, 9 US, 49 RS), Rodnik tanks and CWCs. Current efforts include discussions with Moscow to extend the normal EDV lifetime of 90 days to 120 days.

CEO (Crew Earth Observation) photo targets uplinked for today were Northern Isle of France, Mauritius (HMS Beagle Site: As the ISS track entered the Indian Ocean from the SW, the crew should have noted the large island of Madagascar, well left of track, followed by the small island of Reunion just left of track, and then quickly Mauritius near nadir. Charles Darwin and the Beagle landed at Port Louis on the northern portion of what is now known as the island of Mauritius on April 29, 1836. The island is also famous as the home of the dodo, a large flightless bird driven to extinction – directly or indirectly – by humans during the 17th century. This pass was in late afternoon light with partly cloudy weather expected. Concentrating on the Port Louis area located on the northern coast), Simon’s Bay, Cape Point, S. Africa (HMS Beagle site: The pass approached the coast of Africa from the SW in early afternoon light. Fair weather was expected. Looking left of track for views of this target. The most important aspect of this stop appears to have been Darwin’s visit to the noted astronomer Sir John Herschel who lived near Cape Town. Darwin called this “the most memorable event which, for a long period, I have had the good fortune to enjoy.” Both Darwin and Herschel had read the Lyell’s famous Principles of Geology. Their discussion is not recorded, but they were thinking along similar lines: a few months earlier Herschel had written to Lyell praising the Principles as “a complete revolution in [its] subject, … altering entirely the point of view” in which scientists would think about geology; and as opening a way for bold speculation on “that mystery of mysteries, the replacement of extinct species by others.”), and Port Louis, Berekely Sound, Falkland Island (HMS Beagle Site: Darwin and the Beagle arrived at the Falkland Islands on March 1, 1833 and found shelter for several weeks in Berkeley Sound at Port Louis on East Falkland Island. ISS approached this target from the W in late morning. Fair weather with a near nadir pass offered an excellent opportunity for detailed views of Port Louis and Berekely Sound).

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible):
11/10/09 — 5R/MRM-2 (Russian Mini Research Module 2) on Soyuz-U @ 9:22am EST)
11/12/09 — 5R/MRM-2 docking (SM zenith) @ 10:43am EST
11/16/09 — STS-129/Atlantis/ULF3 launch (ELC1, ELC2) @ 2:28pm EST
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

STS-129: countdown test completed, crew returns to Houston.

Space and Astronautics News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:22:43 +0000

Mission: STS-129

Orbiter: Atlantis

Launch Pad: 39A

Launch Date: NET Nov 16, 2009, 2:28 pm EST (18:48 UT)

Landing: NET Nov 27, 9:57 am EST (13:57 UT)

Orbital Altitude: 122 nautical miles (140 miles)

Orbital Insertion: 191 nautical miles (220 miles)

Orbital Inclination: 51.6 degrees

Primary Payload: ExPRESS (Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station) Logistics Carriers ELC1 and ELC2:-

Crew:- Commander: Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot: Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists:- MS1 Leland D Melvin, MS2 Randolph Bresnik, MS3 Michael Foreman, MS4 Robert Satcher, MS5 (landing) Nicole Stott.

Launch Pad 39A technicians at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida will install the cargo for the STS-129 mission into space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay today.

The payload consists of Express Logistics Carrier 1 and 2, holding about 28,000 pounds of supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station.

Workers also will attach the orbiter midbody umbilical unit from the pad’s rotating service structure to the shuttle today. The unit provides access to and permits servicing of Atlantis’ mid-fuselage area. Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen for the fuel cells and gases, such as nitrogen and helium, are provided through the unit.

The six Atlantis astronauts returned to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston yesterday after completing the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, training. They’ll conduct final launch preparations at Johnson before flying back to Kennedy for the anticipated launch to the space station at 2:28 p.m. EST on Nov. 16.

- courtesy of NASA; crew photo (top) and STS-129 patch, credit: NASA

STS-129 crew members to perform complete launch simulation.

Space and Astronautics News — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:57:26 +0000

Nov 2: STS-129 Pilot Barry E. Wilmore arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a T-38 jet; credit: NASA/Troy Cryder.

At Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the six STS-129 crew members will climb aboard space shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A. They will go through a complete launch countdown simulation right up to the point of liftoff.

This is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, typically conducted during a 3-day period about two weeks prior to launch. But this practice session was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket.

After the launch simulation and emergency pad escape training, the astronauts will inspect the cargo that they’ll fly to the International Space Station before returning to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston this afternoon.

Atlantis is scheduled to launch on its 11-day supply mission to the space station on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST / 19:28 UT.

At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister containing the payload for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission to the International Space Station – Express Logistics Carriers 1 and 2 – is secured in the Payload Changeout Room at Launch Pad 39A. Next, the payload will be installed in Atlantis’ payload bay. The STS-129 crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station’s robotic arm. Launch is set for Nov. 16. Image credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

- courtesy of NASA

11/02/09: International Space Station On-Orbit Status Report.

Space and Astronautics News — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:46:30 +0000

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:44am EST [= epoch])
Mean altitude – 342.3 km
Apogee height – 346.5 km
Perigee height – 338.2 km
Period — 91.38 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0006161
Solar Beta Angle — 35.5 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 129 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 62775

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Underway: Week 4 of Increment 21.

The ISS viewed from Space Shuttle Discovery after undocking during mission STS-128; credit: NASA

FE-1 Suraev did the regular daily early-morning check of the aerosol filters at the Russian Elektron O2 generator which he 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.]

FE-4 Thirsk supported once again the weekly U.S. “Bisphosphonates” biomedical countermeasures experiment, ingesting an Alendronate pill before breakfast. [The Bisphosphonates study should determine whether antiresorptive agents (that help reduce bone loss) in conjunction with the routine in-flight exercise program will protect ISS crewmembers from the regional decreases in bone mineral density documented on previous ISS missions. Two dosing regimens are being tested: (1) an oral dose of 70 mg of Alendronate taken weekly starting 3 weeks prior to flight and then throughout the flight and (2) an intravenous (IV) dose of 4 mg Zoledronic Acid, administered just once approximately 45 days before flight. The rationale for including both Alendronate and Zoledronic Acid is that two dosing options will maximize crew participation, increase the countermeasure options available to flight surgeons, increase scientific opportunities, and minimize the effects of operational and logistical constraints. The primary measurement objective is to obtain preflight and postflight QCT (Quantitative Computed Tomography) scans of the hip. The QCT scans will provide volumetric bone density information of both cortical and trabecular (spongy) bone regions of the hip.]

CDR De Winne & FE-2 Stott continued commissioning activity on the new MSRR1 (Materials Science Research Rack 1). The CDR powered on the MSRR laptop and installed the first MSL SCA (Materials Science Laboratory / Sample Cartridge Assembly), with the FE-2 taking documentary video & photography of the first cartridge installation. [The ESA/NASA MSRR-1 provides a powerful multi-user MSL with diverse EMs (Experiment Modules) so that many material types, such as metals, alloys, polymers, semiconductors, ceramics, crystals, and glasses, can be studied in micro-G to discover new applications for existing materials and new or improved materials. MSRR experiments will be coordinated by international teams that share different parts of the samples. There are 25 investigators on three research teams participating in the first of these investigations.]

Continuing OGS (Oxygen Generator System) troubleshooting, FE-5 Williams & Nicole Stott temporarily deactivated and removed the ALTEA (Anomalous Long Term Effects on Astronauts) dosimeter unit to allow OGS rack access, then removed the failed water ORU (Orbit Replaceable Unit) and replaced it with a refurbished unit. [Additional activities included purging with the HOPA (Hydrogen Sensor ORU Purge Adapter), reconnecting the OGS H2 sensor, activating OGS, rotating the rack down for a first visual leak check, then temporarily closing out the track for a 3-hr dwell, rotating it down for a second leak check and finally replacing the rack rear panel, rotating the rack up and reinstalling the ALTEA.]

In the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), Jeff Williams undertook his second (FD30) ICV (Integrated Cardiovascular) Resting Echo session as Subject, assisted by Bob Thirsk as CMO (Crew Medical Officer). [Wearing electrodes, ECG (Electrocardiograph) cable & VOX, Jeff underwent the ultrasound scan for the Resting Echo mode of ICV, with video being recorded from the HRF (Human Research Facility) Ultrasound and COL cabin camera. After confirmed file transfer, the gear was powered down and stowed. The ultrasound echo experiment uses the Image Collector software on the laptop and requires VOX/Voice plus RT Video downlink during the activity. Goal of the ICV experiment is to quantify the extent, time course, and clinical significance of cardiac atrophy and identify its mechanisms. The experiment consists of two separate but related activities over a one-week time period: an ultrasound echo scan & an ambulatory monitoring session. 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 includes an exercise component with a second scan (subset of the first) completed within 5 minutes after the end of exercise.]

In the SM (Service Module), FE-1 Suraev deactivated the Vozdukh CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) scrubber.

Afterwards, Suraev installed the GFI-1 “Relaksatsiya” (Relaxation) Earth Observation experiment at SM window #13 with the battery charged yesterday, then launched the experiment with a calibration session using a fully zoomed FOV (field of view) view of Moon, assisted by FE-3 Romanenko for adjusting SPM (Spectrometer) modes & settings. Afterwards, the experiment was closed out and the equipment torn down for stowage. [Using the GFI-1 UFK “Fialka” ultraviolet camera, SPM spectrometer and VKJ camcorder, controlled from Laptop3, the experiment usually deals with observing and recording hyperspectral observations of the Earth atmosphere and surface, with a Moon calibration performed today. “Relaxation”, in Physics, is the transition of an atom or molecule from a higher energy level to a lower one, emitting radiative energy in the process as equilibrium is achieved.]

To be prepared for an emergency evacuation and return to Earth in winter time, Romanenko & Suraev relocated six standard Russian TZK-14 Thermal Protection Jackets from FGB, SM & Progress stowage to the two Soyuz spacecraft TMA-15/19S & TMA-16/20S, three jackets for each. [These warm coats, always ready for an emergency return in winter, would be required for the landing in Russia or Kazakhstan this time of year.]

Frank De Winne reconfigured the power supply of the Russian C&C (Command & Control) A31p laptop from its previous HTV1-docked setting.

Later, the CDR supported the ground in preparing for “multicasting” (MCAST) four SSC (Station Support Computer) A31p laptops with new software image preparatory to the upcoming Exp-21 OpsLAN (Operations Local Area Network) Reload, by inserting four DVDs with the software in the laptops (three wireless, one other), to be removed tomorrow. [Overnight, the ground-commanded MCAST will copy the image from the disks to the hard drives of each SSC.]

After Nicole had activated the US A/L (Airlock) Minicam for video recording, she and Jeff worked in the A/L on making space for ULF3-docked EVA operations, clearing out and removing equipment items not certified for the vacuum during the PMA-3 (Pressurized Mating Adapter 3)/Crewlock depressurization scheduled on 11/4 (Wednesday).

Afterwards, Bob Thirsk initiated ACS (Atmosphere Control & Supply) pressurization of PMA-3 in preparation for ingress.

Roman Romanenko continued the current round of the monthly preventive maintenance of RS (Russian Segment) ventilation systems, working in the SM to clean the “Group B1” fan screens, while Maxim Suraev worked in the FGB (Funktsionalnyi-Grusovoi Blok) cleaning the grilles of interior panels 201, 301 & 401, followed by the vent screens of panels 116, 316, 231, 431.

The FE-3 had ~70 min. set aside to float through the FGB, SM and DC1 Docking Compartment doing an audit to assess available stowage space for cargo to be delivered on 11/12 on 5R/Progress 302 (MRM2).

Roman also conducted the periodic/long-term inspection of the SM RO (Working Compartment)’s pressure hull and ring, looking for any moisture, deposits, mold, corrosion and pitting behind panels 130, 131, 134, 135, 138, 139 and also underneath the TVIS treadmill (where deposit was discovered in the past) and the cold plates (where SNT and STR lines are installed). Last time done: 8/25/09. [The inspection of the hull surface, which is coated with a primer and dark-green enamel, is done using cleaning napkins to wipe the area in question if required and reporting results to the ground. The hull inspection looks for changed color and cavities; if cavities are found, they are to be measured for depth (with chewing gum) after cleaning. Digital photographs of the shell before and after the removal of deposits were to be made for documentation.]

CDR De Winne went on a search for two PPRV (Positive Pressure Relief Valve) caps which will be required for installation in Node-3 “Tranquility” on Flight 20A next year. If two caps can be found, it would save space on the crowded 20A manifest.

Later, Frank worked in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) on the EPM PDU (European Physiology Module / Power Distribution Module), exchanging the ESEM-4 (Exchangeable Standard Electronic Module 4) of Slot 6 with the ESEM-4 of Slot 8.

Working in the Zvezda SM, Romanenko performed troubleshooting on the BKS onboard cable network for a circuit in the RRZh1 KOKh1 power supply box behind panel 134 where fuses have repeatedly blown. [After setting up connections, the FE-3 used the Elektronika MMTs-01 Multimeter tester to check DC resistances in the wiring. This had already been looked into by Gennady Padalka on 10/4/09, apparently in vain.]

Maxim Suraev performed the periodic update of the AntiVirus program in the Russian VKS auxiliary laptops (RSS2, RSK1, RSK2, RSE1, RSE2), which are not loaded from the ground, from a new uplinked program copy of Norton AV on the FS (File Server) laptop, first scanning the latter, then transferring the database by flash-card to the other computers and scanning them one by one.

Roman did the daily IMS (Inventory Management System) 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).

Maxim 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.]

Thirsk started (later terminated) another 5-hr automatic sampling run (the 41st) with the EHS GC/DMS (Environmental Health System Gas Chromatograph/Differential Mobility Spectrometer), also known as AQM (Air Quality Monitor), controlled with “Sionex” expert software from the SSC-4 (Station Support Computer 4) laptop. [The AQM demonstrates COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) technology for identifying volatile organic compounds, similar to the VOA (Volatile Organics Analyzer). Today’s data will again to be compared with VOA and GSC (Grab Sample Container) measurements. 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.]

Bob also did the regular checkup on the running BCAT-5 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5) experiment in the Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), inspecting the homogenized Sample 6 for crystals and taking photographs. [This activity is performed daily during BCAT-5 operations to check for crystals, but it is not required after crystals have been found. The sample is being photographed by a DCS 760 digital camera & the EarthKAM software running on an SSC (Station Support Computer). Sample pictures are taken automatically with electronic flash every hour for 21 days, and the pictures are downlinked via OCA during nominal OCA downlink sessions.]

Frank De Winne had ~2 hrs set aside for continuing cargo transfer & prepacking activities for STS-129/ULF3, going by an uplinked prepack list.

The FE-4 performed the periodic evacuation of the ARED (Advanced Resistive Exercise Device) cylinder flywheels to maintain proper vacuum condition and sensor calibration. [The pneumatic cylinder of the ARED continues to exhibit a small leak, and an onboard repair cannot be conducted at this time. The crew continues exercising with the current configuration, with frequent cylinder evacuations.]

Nicole continued T2/COLBERT treadmill troubleshooting, using a newly uplinked batch file to attempt retrieving missing data from last week’s T2 Long-Duration ACO (Activation & Checkout) sessions. [If successful, the ground will review the data and hopes to give a Go for nominal T2 operations with handrail deployed.]

Before sleeptime tonight, Frank & Nicole will raise and secure the ARED in stowage position to allow access around its site.

The FE-2 also performed the daily service of the MDS (Mice Drawer System), today cleaning the windows for the camera and the lighting LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes).

The crew performed their regular 2-hr physical exercise on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (FE-4), TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1, FE-2, FE-3, FE-5), ARED advanced resistive exerciser (CDR, FE-2, FE-3, FE-4, FE-5), and VELO cycle ergometer with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).

Later, Frank transferred the exercise data files to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) 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).

At ~12:00pm EST, Bob Thirsk supported a PAO TV event arranged by CSA (Canadian Space Agency) at CSA Headquarters in Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, for CSA employees, friends and colleagues of Bob, moderated by CSA President Steve MacLean, CSA Astronaut Julie Payette and STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky.

At ~2:55pm, Thirsk is scheduled for a CDE (Crew Discretionary Event) via S-band/audio and Ku-band/MS-NetMeeting application (which displays the uplinked ground video on an SSC laptop).

IWS Thruster Test: This morning at 1:23am EST, a ground-controlled SM thruster firing test (4 tests with 2 pulses each) was conducted for IWIS (Internal Wireless Instrumentation System) structural dynamics data taking, with ISS attitude moded to free drift at 1:20am-1:23am. Control authority was returned from RS Motion Control to US Momentum Management at 2:15am.

No CEO (Crew Earth Observation) photo targets uplinked for today.

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible):
11/04/09 — HTV1 reentry (destructive)
11/10/09 — 5R/MRM-2 (Russian Mini Research Module 2) launch on Soyuz-U
11/12/09 — 5R/MRM-2 docking (SM zenith)
11/16/09 — STS-129/Atlantis/ULF3 launch (ELC1, ELC2) 2:28pm EST
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 + 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

STS-129: Space Shuttle astronauts to arrive at Kennedy today.

Space and Astronautics News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:05:30 +0000

Mission: STS-129

Orbiter: Atlantis

Launch Pad: 39A

Launch Date: NET Nov 16, 2009, 2:28 pm EST (19:28 UT)

Landing: NET Nov 27, 9:57 am EST (14:57 UT)

Orbital Altitude: 122 nautical miles (140 miles)

Orbital Insertion: 191 nautical miles (220 miles)

Orbital Inclination: 51.6 degrees

Primary Payload: ExPRESS (Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station) Logistics Carriers ELC1 and ELC2:-

Crew:- Commander: Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot: Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists:- MS1 Leland D Melvin, MS2 Randolph Bresnik, MS3 Michael Foreman, MS4 Robert Satcher, MS5 (landing) Nicole Stott.

At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-129 launch team is getting ready for the final part of training called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, which will prepare space shuttle Atlantis, the mission’s astronauts and the Kennedy team for the flight to the International Space Station.

Atlantis’ six astronauts will fly to Kennedy late this afternoon. Tuesday morning they will practice a simulated launch countdown inside the shuttle’s cockpit at Launch Pad 39A.

Before returning to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Tuesday, the crew members will inspect the cargo that they’ll be delivering to the station.

The payload was transferred to the pad Oct. 30 and will be installed in Atlantis’ bay Wednesday.

Launch of space shuttle Atlantis is set for Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST (19:28 UT).

- courtesy of NASA; mission patch and crew photo, credit: NASA

11/01/09: International Space Station On-Orbit Status Report.

Space and Astronautics News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:07:11 +0000

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:10am EST [= epoch])
Mean altitude – 342.5 km
Apogee height – 346.7 km
Perigee height – 338.2 km
Period — 91.38 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0006261
Solar Beta Angle — 34.4 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 164 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 62758

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Sunday – a full-rest day for the crew. Ahead: Week 4 of Increment 21.

Oct 28: European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne (right), Expedition 21 commander; along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk (bottom right), NASA astronauts Jeffrey Williams and Nicole Stott, all flight engineers, are pictured during an educational event set up by the Canadian Space Agency for the Minister of Education at Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, with approximately 100 students, teachers, parents and province schools participating virtually throughout Nova Scotia; credit: NASA

FE-1 Suraev did the regular daily early-morning check of the new aerosol filters at the Russian Elektron O2 generator which he 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.]

CDR De Winne, FE-2 Stott, FE-4 Thirsk & FE-5 Williams continued their current week-long session of the experiment SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy & Light Exposure during Spaceflight), wearing their Actiwatches, from which to log data to the HRF-1 (Human Research Facility 1) laptop. [To monitor the crewmembers’ sleep/wake patterns and light exposure, the crewmembers sometimes wear a special Actiwatch device which measures the light levels encountered by them as well as their patterns of sleep and activity throughout the Expedition and use the payload software for data logging and filling in questionnaire entries in the experiment’s laptop session file on the HRF-1 laptop. The log entries are done within 15 minutes of final awakening for seven consecutive days.]

FE-5 Williams terminated Day 2 of his second (FD30) session with the NASA/JSC experiment NUTRITION w/Repository, after 24 hours of urine collections & sample placing in MELFI (Minus Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS). [The NUTRITION project is the most comprehensive in-flight study done by NASA to date of human physiologic changes during long-duration space flight. It includes measures of bone metabolism, oxidative damage, nutritional assessments, and hormonal changes, expanding the previous Clinical Nutritional Assessment profile (MR016L) testing in three ways: Addition of in-flight blood & urine collection (made possible by supercold MELFI dewars), normative markers of nutritional assessment, and a return session plus 30-day (R+30) session to allow evaluation of post-flight nutrition and implications for rehabilitation.]

Jeff also supported once again the weekly U.S. “Bisphosphonates” biomedical countermeasures experiment, ingesting an Alendronate pill before breakfast. [The Bisphosphonates study should determine whether antiresorptive agents (that help reduce bone loss) in conjunction with the routine in-flight exercise program will protect ISS crewmembers from the regional decreases in bone mineral density documented on previous ISS missions. Two dosing regimens are being tested: (1) an oral dose of 70 mg of Alendronate taken weekly starting 3 weeks prior to flight and then throughout the flight and (2) an intravenous (IV) dose of 4 mg Zoledronic Acid, administered just once approximately 45 days before flight. The rationale for including both Alendronate and Zoledronic Acid is that two dosing options will maximize crew participation, increase the countermeasure options available to flight surgeons, increase scientific opportunities, and minimize the effects of operational and logistical constraints. The primary measurement objective is to obtain preflight and postflight QCT (Quantitative Computed Tomography) scans of the hip. The QCT scans will provide volumetric bone density information of both cortical and trabecular (spongy) bone regions of the hip.]

FE-1 Suraev initiated charging of a battery for the SONY DCR-TRV900E video recorder, to be used in another run of the geophysical GFI-1 Relaksatsiya (relaxation) experiment tomorrow, which will use the Moon for spectral calibration.

FE-4 Thirsk did the regular checkup on the running BCAT-5 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5) experiment in the Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), inspecting the homogenized Sample 6 for crystals and taking photographs. [This activity is performed daily during BCAT-5 operations to check for crystals, but it is not required after crystals have been found. The sample is being photographed by a DCS 760 digital camera & the EarthKAM software running on an SSC (Station Support Computer). Sample pictures are taken automatically with electronic flash every hour for 21 days, and the pictures are downlinked via OCA during nominal OCA downlink sessions.]

Bob Thirsk also closed the protective shutters of the US Lab & Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module) in preparation for the ground-controlled SM (Service Module) thruster firing test for IWIS (Internal Wireless Instrumentation System) structural dynamics data taking, planned for 1:18am-2:08am EST tomorrow morning, preceded by ISS attitude moded to free drift at 1:20am-1:23am.

The five Flight Engineers had their weekly PFCs (Private Family Conferences), via S-band/audio and Ku-band/MS-NetMeeting application (which displays the uplinked ground video on an SSC laptop), Roman Romanenko at ~5:25am, Maxim Suraev at ~7:10am, Bob Thirsk at ~9:50am and again at ~4:10pm, Nicole Stott at ~12:05pm, Jeff Williams at ~2:30pm EST.

The crew performed their regular 2-hr physical exercise on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (CDR, FE-2, FE-5), TVIS treadmill (FE-1, FE-3, FE-4), ARED advanced resistive exerciser (CDR, FE-1, FE-2, FE-4, FE-5), and VELO cycle ergometer with bungee cord load trainer (FE-3).

No CEO (Crew Earth Observation) photo targets uplinked for today.

- courtesy of NASA’s Office of Space Operations

European Space Agency: SMOS and Proba-2 launch status.

Space and Astronautics News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:48:19 +0000

The ground station in Hertebeesthoek, South Africa has received a signal from SMOS, confirming the satellite has separated from the launcher upper stage, and injected into orbit. Breeze-KM continues to carry Proba-2 into orbit.

03:00 CET – As planned, SMOS and Proba-2 have travelled out of the Russian mission control centre’s range of radio visibility. The first SMOS signal is expected to be received by the ground station in Hartebeesthoek, South Africa, after separation from the launcher just after 04:00 CET (03:00 UT). Sweden’s Kiruna ground station is then expecting to receive the SMOS signal at 04:26 CET (03:26 UT). The first Proba-2 signal is expected at 05:50 CET (04:50 UT) by Belgium’s Redu ground station.

The SMOS and Proba-2 lift off, on 2 November 2009 at 02:50 CET (01:50 UT) from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. Credit: ESA

02:40 CET – Rollback of mobile launch service tower. Credit: ESA – S. Corvaja, 2009

1 November 2009:

21:00 CET – Russian State Commission has given green light for launcher fuelling for SMOS and Proba-2.

30 October 2009 :

23:30 CET – Launch readiness for SMOS and Proba-2 confirmed from Plesetsk.

- courtesy of European Space Agency

10/30/09: HTV Transfer Vehicle undocks from the International Space Station.

Space and Astronautics News — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:23:13 +0000

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:59am EDT [= epoch])
Mean altitude – 342.8 km
Apogee height – 346.9 km
Perigee height – 338.6 km
Period — 91.39 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.000616
Solar Beta Angle — 30.5 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.76
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 127 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 62727

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.

Sayonara, HTV! The Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle was successfully unberthed at 11:18am EDT and released from the Canadian robot arm at 1:32pm. Deorbit burn: 2:11pm.

International Space Station cameras monitor the H-II Transfer Vehicle, before the Canadarm2 releases it. Credit: NASA TV

FE-5 Williams began Day 1 of his second session (FD30) with the NASA/JSC experiment NUTRITION w/Repository, focusing on the blood draw. Bob Thirsk assisted with the phlebotomy from an arm vein. Later, Jeff set up the equipment for his 24-hour urine collections of the NUTRITION protocol which begin tomorrow. [After the phlebotomy, Jeff’s samples were first allowed to coagulate in the Repository for 20-30 minutes, then spun in the HRF RC (Human Research Facility/Refrigerated Centrifuge) and finally placed in MELFI (Minus-Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS). No thruster activity was allowed during the blood drawing. The RC was later powered off after a temperature reset to limit wear on the compressor, and cleaned. The NUTRITION project is the most comprehensive in-flight study done by NASA to date of human physiologic changes during long-duration space flight. It includes measures of bone metabolism, oxidative damage, nutritional assessments, and hormonal changes, expanding the previous Clinical Nutritional Assessment profile (MR016L) testing in three ways: Addition of in-flight blood & urine collection (made possible by supercold MELFI dewars), normative markers of nutritional assessment, and a return session plus 30-day (R+30) session to allow evaluation of post-flight nutrition and implications for rehabilitation.]

FE-3 Romanenko conducted an extensive inspection/audit of the SUBA SD lighting fixture in the RS (Russian Segment), to assess the situation for planning delivery of replacement lights and to update the IMS (Inventory Management System) on the ground. [Roman checked the conditions of all lights and filled out log sheets with data on serial numbers of installed & spare light units, power supplies and light assemblies. The resulting data file was to be downlinked to TsUP-Moscow via OCA.]

Afterwards, Romanenko worked in the SM (Service Module) on the KURS-P system, connecting LF & RF cables to switch it over to support docking operations at the zenith port of the SM. [The zenith port on the +Y axis (= RS notation; -Z in ISS notation) will be used for the docking of the MRM2 (Mini-Research Module 2) on 11/12 (to be launched on 11/10 on a Soyuz-U as 5R). MRM2, a twin of the DC1 Docking Compartment, will provide the 4th Russian docking port, serves as Russian airlock and will also accommodate payloads for scientific research.]

At ~3:30pm, FE-1 Suraev will again support the ground-commanded activation of the Elektron oxygen generator at 24 amps by monitoring the external temperature of its secondary purification unit (BD) for the first 10 minutes of operations to ensure that there was no overheating. [The gas analyzer used on the Elektron during nominal operations for detecting hydrogen (H2) in the O2 line (which could cause overheating) is not included in the control algorithm until 10 minutes after Elektron startup. Elektron has been turned off for Romanenko’s work on the KURS-P system, since the BITS2-12 onboard telemetry measurement system and VD-SU control system mode, required for Elektron operation, have been deactivated for this activity.]

The FE-1 terminated the recharge of the DZZ-13 battery, initiated yesterday, and later conducted another sun-glint observation session with the new Russian science hardware DZZ-13 RUSALKA (“Mermaid”) experiment, using the hand-held spectrometer (without use of the TIUS three-stage rate sensor) from SM window #9 and later downlinking data. [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.]

Suraev also undertook another downlink activity of the regular data files from the BU (Control Unit) of the running BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (”Plants-2″) experiment in the SM, archiving them on a PCMCIA memory card (a ~5-hr activity), and downlinking pictures of the experiment setup. [Rasteniya-2, set up on 10/29 with a new batch of seeds, researches growth and development of plants under spaceflight conditions in the LADA-16 greenhouse from IBMP (Institute of Bio-Medical Problems, Russian: IMBP), currently planted with Mizuna seeds. Mizuna (Brassica rapa nipposinica) is a tasty variety of Japanese mustard greens, also known as California Peppergrass, eaten as a salad.]

Roman Romanenko completed his second orthostatic hemodynamic endurance test session with the Russian Chibis suit in preparation for his return to gravity on 12/1 with Soyuz 19S (along with De Winne & Thirsk), conducting the MedOps MO-4 exercise protocol in the below-the-waist reduced-pressure device (ODNT, US: LBNP/Lower Body Negative Pressure) on the TVIS treadmill. With Suraev acting as CMO (Crew Medical Officer), Roman was supported in his one-hour session by ground specialist tagup via VHF at 1:01pm EDT. [The Chibis provides gravity-simulating stress to the body’s cardiovascular/circulatory system for evaluation of Romanenko’s orthostatic tolerance (e.g., the Gauer-Henry reflex) after his long-term stay in zero-G. Data output includes blood pressure readings.]

In the FGB (Funktsionalnyi-Grusovoi Blok), the FE-3 replaced the VT1 fan of the ventilation system with a spare unit.

FE-4 Thirsk repaired the Scopemeter on the ISA (Internal Sampling Adapter) by demating its pressure probe from the ISA and replacing it with a different probe. [The pressure probe had shown incorrect (biased) data.]

FE-5 Williams removed the mostly full EDV-U urine container (#905) from the US WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment, rendering it temporarily out of service until EDV-U replacement), then used it to fill the newly installed UPA RFTA (Urine Processor Assembly / Recycle Filter Tank Assembly). The empty EDV-U was then returned to the WHC. [An attempt to perform a drydown of the DA (Distillation Assembly) was attempted this morning via ground commanding, preceded by system setup by the crew. The operation was unsuccessful. If UPA (Urine Processor Assembly) processing cannot be regained before the weekend ahead, a change-out of the EDV-U will be performed on Monday.]

The WHC was again temporarily out of service, when Bob Thirsk performed preventive maintenance in the WHC, removing the urine pretreat tank & tank hose and replacing them with new ones.

Jeff Williams also worked on the HRF (Human Research Facility) Rack 2, loading new software on its RIC (Rack Interface Controller) laptop by replacing its UltraBay hard drive and installing updated programs from a DVD. The task also involved some Ethernet cable reconfiguring. The loads on the RIC cards and software functionality were then verified and the IP address configured.

Afterwards, the FE-5 retrieved & stowed the four passive FMK (Formaldehyde Monitoring Kit) sampling assemblies deployed by CDR De Winne on 10/28 in the Lab (at P3, below CEVIS) and SM (at the most forward handrail, on panel 307), to catch any atmospheric formaldehyde on a collector substrate for subsequent analysis on the ground. [Two monitors each are usually attached side by side, preferably in an orientation with their faces perpendicular to the direction of air flow.]

After charging the battery of his camcorder, Maxim Suraev spent ~2 hrs shooting video footage for a “News from Zero Gravity” report from ISS for the Russian television channel “TV Tsentr”, using an uplinked script for the various scenes and narrations. [TV Tsentr is launching a new program on science and technology and one of the first episodes is to show a report from the ISS. The footage will be downlinked tomorrow (10/31) during RGS (Russian Ground Station) coverage. (“…Now you know how we live up here. The reality is that there is a lot of work in space. There are many scientific experiments and studies that we carry out for the benefit of all mankind. An example is the Rusalka experiment, in which carbon dioxide levels in our planet's atmosphere are accurately measured. In the Uragan experiment, we are working on a procedure and system for predicting the development of natural and man-made disasters. The Vaktsina experiment is to investigate prospective proteins for AIDS vaccines on Earth and in space. Soon, a new mini research module will be added to the ISS Russian segment, thus broadening and increasing the Russian science program. Don't forget, we are working up here for the good of our planet. Our fragile Earth. Good luck to you all….".)]

Maxim Suraev 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).

Maxim also 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-2 Stott conducted her regular support of the MDS (Mice Drawer System) facility by refilling its potable water supply and performing a visual inspection of cages 1, 2 & 5 and their live occupants.

FE-4 Thirsk did the regular checkup on the BCAT-5 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5) experiment setup in the Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), inspecting the homogenized Sample 6 for crystals and taking photographs. [This activity is performed daily during BCAT-5 operations to check for crystals, but it is not required after crystals have been found. The sample is being photographed using a DCS 760 digital camera & the EarthKAM software running on an SSC (Station Support Computer). Sample pictures are taken automatically with electronic flash every hour for 21 days, and the pictures are downlinked via OCA during nominal OCA downlink sessions.]

CDR De Winne completed the regular monthly session of the CHeCS (Crew Health Care Systems) emergency medical operations OBT (On-Board Training) drill, a 30-min. exercise to refresh his CMO acuity in a number of critical health areas. The video-based proficiency drill today focused on administration of intravenous (IV) fluid infusion. [The HMS (Health Maintenance Systems) hardware, including ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) equipment, may be used in contingency situations where crew life is at risk. To maintain proficiency, crewmembers spend one hour per month reviewing HMS and ACLS equipment and procedures via the HMS and ACLS CBT (computer-based training). The training drill, each crewmember for him/herself, refreshes their memory of the on-orbit stowage and deployment locations, equipment etc. and procedures.]

Frank also filled out the regular weekly FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire) on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer). [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.]

Nicole, Bob & Frank completed the final steps of preparing for HTV release by –
Disconnecting the remaining power jumper line,
Installing the HTV thermal cover & Node-2 nadir center disk cover,
Closing the Node-2 nadir hatch,
Depressurizing the vestibule & performing leak checks for 30 min,
Removing CBM (Common Berthing Mechanism) bolts and deploying latches,
Unberthing the HTV with the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) at 11:18am EDT,
Moving the HTV to the release position, and finally
Releasing it from the SSRMS at 1:32pm.

Afterwards, the crew monitored the departure of the cargo carrier (with IDM/ISS Departure Maneuver and DSM/Descending Maneuver at 2:01pm), loaded with 199 items of discarded equipment & waste, at a total contents mass of 727.7 kg. The actual deorbit burn occurred at 2:11pm.

Thirsk closed up by switching off the HTV HCP (Hardware Command Panel) & the PROX (Proximity Communication System) Rack power switch in the JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), and then removed the HCP QD (Quick Disconnect) connectors around the US Lab/Node-2 & Node-2/JPM hatches to enable quick hatch closure in a contingency.

At ~4:10am EDT, the crew held the regular (nominally weekly) tagup with the Russian Flight Control Team (GOGU), including Shift Flight Director (SRP), at TsUP via S-band/audio, phone-patched from Houston and Moscow.

At ~5:55am, CDR De Winne held a tagup with the ESA staff at Col-CC (Columbus Control Center) at Oberpfaffenhofen/Germany. [This conference is scheduled once every week, between ISS crewmembers and Col-CC via S/G2 (Space-to-Ground 2) audio.]

At ~8:10am, Maxim linked up with TsUP/Moscow stowage specialists via S-band to conduct the weekly IMS tagup, discussing inventory & stowage issues, equipment locations and cargo transfers.

At ~4:40pm, the ISS crew is scheduled for their regular weekly tagup with the Lead Flight Director at JSC/MCC-H via S-band/audio. [S/G-2 (Space-to-Ground 2) phone patch via SSC (Station Support Computer).]

At ~5:02pm Bob Thirsk will power up the SM’s amateur radio equipment (Kenwood VHF transceiver with manual frequency selection, headset, & power supply) and at 5:07pm conducted a ham radio session with students at David Thompson Middle School, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

For the fifth time, Nicole Stott donned the Glenn treadmill harness with installed transducer instrumentation, then activated the new harness for another individual exercise run on the TVIS 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-5), TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1, FE-2, FE-3, FE-4), ARED advanced resistive exerciser (CDR, FE-2, FE-3, FE-4, FE-5), and VELO cycle ergometer with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).

Later, Williams 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).

WRM Update: A new WRM (Water Recovery Management) “cue card” was uplinked last night to the crew for their reference, updated with yesterday’s CWC (Collapsible Water Container) water audit. [The new card (21-0028D) lists 78 CWCs (~1,772.3 L total) for the four types of water identified on board: 1. technical water (65 CWCs with 1,388.1 L, for Elektron electrolysis, incl. 196.8 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.]

CEO (Crew Earth Observation) photo targets uplinked for today were Ice Berg B17b, Southeastern Indian Ocean (CEO staff has been receiving requests from the Center for Remote Sensing, Brigham Young University, for imagery from the ISS of selected ice bergs. Ice Berg B17b is located at 52.92 degrees South and 102.76 degrees East. Some breaks in the clouds were expected that might have given the crew the opportunity to identify and photograph this ice berg), Simon’s Bay, Cape Point, S. Africa (HMS Beagle site. Looking left of track. CEO has received previous ISS imagery of this area and with a few 800 mm images will be able to remove it from the Beagle site list), Ubinas Volcano, Peru (looking right of track for this pass near Peru’s most active volcano Ubinas; some clouds may have been present. The summit caldera contains an ash cone, and debris avalanche deposits extend 10 km from the SE flank of the volcano. Overlapping frames of the volcano summit and flanks were requested. Recommended was to commence photography as ISS crossed the Peruvian coastline and to terminate the Ubinas session as ISS approached Lake Titicaca as the best means of capturing the volcano. After review of previous imagery the CEO staff noted that the crew has obtained excellent views of several volcanoes, and also knows that it is difficult to distinguish specific volcanoes while the observer is moving along the orbit track), Lake Poopo, Bolivia (preliminary review of the most recent ISS/CEO imagery of Lake Poopo shows that the CEO staff would like to continue to ask for more detailed views of this target area. The lake was left of track. Lake levels in Poopo are generally affected by El Niño episodes with water levels declining during ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) events. CEO imagery will also add to existing time series imagery of the fluctuations of lake levels in Poopo. Overlapping imagery of the lake shore and lake was requested), Villarrica Volcano, Chile (ISS should have had a close to nadir pass over Villarrica volcano. The line of glacial lakes extending at right angles away from track is the visual cue, with Villarrica between two of these lakes. Shooting along the line of lakes to capture the target. Snow-covered Villarrica is one of Chile’s most active volcanoes and one of only four worldwide known to have an active lava lake within its crater), and SW Glaciers of S. Patagonian Glacier Field (for this particular target site observers are interested in the smaller glaciers ranging from HPS10 south to Amalia. Documenting the individual glacier origin to the terminus).

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible):
11/01/09 — Daylight Time ends/Standard Time begins
11/04/09 — HTV1 reentry (destructive)
11/10/09 — 5R/MRM-2 (Russian Mini Research Module 2) launch on Soyuz-U
11/12/09 — 5R/MRM-2 docking (SM zenith)
11/16/09 — STS-129/Atlantis/ULF3 launch (ELC1, ELC2) 2:28pm EST
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 + 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

STS-129: payload delivered to Atlantis at Pad 39A; crew returns to KSC.

Space and Astronautics News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:56:26 +0000

STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr. participates in an Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or EMU, spacesuit fit check in the Space Station Airlock Test Article in the Crew Systems Laboratory at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Image credit: NASA/JSC

At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the cargo for space shuttle Atlantis’ mission to the International Space Station was moved to Launch Pad 39A overnight and will be installed into the shuttle’s payload bay.

Technicians will finish testing Atlantis’ waste collection system, or toilet, this weekend and ground teams are getting ready for the final part of launch dress rehearsal known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.

Today, the STS-129 mission’s six astronauts are involved in their final bench review of flight hardware at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, and they will conduct contingency abort simulation training in the motion base simulator.

The crew will fly to Kennedy Monday afternoon for the completion of TCDT. During their two-days at Kennedy they will participate in a simulated launch countdown where they practice liftoff procedures inside the shuttle. Before returning to Johnson on Tuesday, crew members will practice emergency pad evacuation.

On Oct. 29, NASA managers announced the official launch date and time of Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST for Atlantis’ flight to the space station. The only deviation to this date would be if the planned Nov. 14 launch of an Atlas V rocket from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is delayed. Since the Atlas team has reserved the Eastern Range for Nov. 14 and 15, this means the shuttle’s liftoff will move to no earlier than 2:02 p.m. on Nov. 17.

- courtesy of NASA

STS-129: Space Shuttle Atlantis to launch on November 16.

Space and Astronautics News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:14:35 +0000

Atlantis is at the left, on Pad 39A, as the Ares I-X launches from Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center; image credit: Scott Andrews, Canon, via NASA

Space shuttle Atlantis, its crew and payload have been given the green light to launch to the International Space Station on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST.

At the post-FRR press briefing held at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations congratulated the Ares I-X launch team for a successful flight test. He then talked about the extremely thorough review of vast amounts of data that led to announcing that Atlantis is certified to launch.

“We accomplished what we wanted to to get ready to move to the next activity … with just a little bit of open work left to do,” said Gerstenmaier.

Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager thanked the teams across the country for their hard work getting Atlantis into good shape for the launch. He highlighted the Kennedy teams, complimenting them for working on preparations for both the Atlantis and Ares I-X launches at the same time.

“I’m really pleased — this is going to be a challenging 11-day mission with three EVAs; the cargo resupply to the station is going to set them up for the future,” said Moses.

Mike Leinbach, space shuttle launch director said Atlantis’ payload for the STS-129 mission will be transported to Launch Pad 39A by Friday morning. The pad’s rotating service structure, or RSS, which protects the shuttle against inclement weather and also provides access to the vehicle’s payload bay, is being rolled away. This will allow techs to lift Atlantis’ payload up to the pad for installation into the shuttle’s cargo bay.

“It’s a standard path flow for us and we have little bit of contingency hidden in the flow, so no problems there, said Leinbach. “We should be able to get to our T-0 on the 16th with no issues at all.”

The Nov. 16 target date will depend on the planned Nov. 14 launch of an Atlas V rocket from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Atlas has reserved the Eastern Range on Nov. 14 and 15. But if the Atlas launch is delayed to Nov. 15, the shuttle’s liftoff will move to no earlier than 2:02 p.m. on Nov. 17.

- courtesy of NASA

10/27/09: International Space Station On-Orbit Status Report.

Space and Astronautics News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:12:38 +0000

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:43am EDT [= epoch])
Mean altitude – 343.3 km
Apogee height – 347.6 km
Perigee height – 338.9 km
Period — 91.40 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0006469
Solar Beta Angle — 17.9 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.75
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 179 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 62663
All systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Underway: Week 3 of Increment 21.

FE-1 Suraev did the regular daily early-morning check of the new aerosol filters at the Russian Elektron O2 generator which he installed on 10/19 in gaps between the BZh Liquid Unit and the oxygen outlet pipe (filter FA-K) and 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.]

CDR De Winne, FE-2 Stott, FE-4 Thirsk & FE-5 Williams started another week-long session of the experiment SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy & Light Exposure during Spaceflight), donning their Actiwatches, from which to log data to the HRF-1 (Human Research Facility 1) laptop. [To monitor the crewmembers’ sleep/wake patterns and light exposure, the crewmembers sometimes wear a special Actiwatch device which measures the light levels encountered by them as well as their patterns of sleep and activity throughout the Expedition and use the payload software for data logging and filling in questionnaire entries in the experiment’s laptop session file on the HRF-1 laptop. The log entries are done within 15 minutes of final awakening for seven consecutive days.]

The view from Space Shuttle Discovery after undocking during the recent STS-128 mission; credit: NASA

Thirsk also supported once again the weekly U.S. “Bisphosphonates” biomedical countermeasures experiment, ingesting an Alendronate pill before breakfast. [The Bisphosphonates study should determine whether antiresorptive agents (that help reduce bone loss) in conjunction with the routine in-flight exercise program will protect ISS crewmembers from the regional decreases in bone mineral density documented on previous ISS missions. Two dosing regimens are being tested: (1) an oral dose of 70 mg of Alendronate taken weekly starting 3 weeks prior to flight and then throughout the flight and (2) an intravenous (IV) dose of 4 mg Zoledronic Acid, administered just once approximately 45 days before flight. The rationale for including both Alendronate and Zoledronic Acid is that two dosing options will maximize crew participation, increase the countermeasure options available to flight surgeons, increase scientific opportunities, and minimize the effects of operational and logistical constraints. The primary measurement objective is to obtain preflight and postflight QCT (Quantitative Computed Tomography) scans of the hip. The QCT scans will provide volumetric bone density information of both cortical and trabecular (spongy) bone regions of the hip.]

FE-3 Romanenko wrapped up the current growth experiment on the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (”Plants-2″) payload in the SM (Service Module), downloading data files from the BU (Control Unit) for archiving on a PCMCIA memory card & return to earth, then collecting samples of the space-grown Mizuna salad plant, packing them and inserting them into MELFI (Minus Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS) for later return on the Shuttle. [Rasteniya-2 researches growth and development of plants under spaceflight conditions in the LADA-16 greenhouse from IBMP (Institute of Bio-Medical Problems, Russian: IMBP), currently planted with Mizuna seeds. Mizuna (Brassica rapa nipposinica) is a tasty variety of Japanese mustard greens, also known as California Peppergrass, eaten as a salad.]

Suraev transferred the Russian TEKh-15/DAKON-M IZGIB (“Bend”) experiment hardware from the FGB to the SM and prepared it for future operation by installing new software and copying/deleting old data. Romanenko took documentary photography. The experiment’s BUSD Control & Data Gathering Unit is temporarily located at panel 415, until tomorrow. [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. The second IZGIB session ran from 10/15-10/19/08, the third on 2/12 - 2/14/09.]

Afterwards, Maxim conducted the periodic inspection of the SRV-K2M Condensate Water Processor’s VU sediment trap insert. [The Russian SRV-K2M converts collected condensate into drinking water and dispenses the reclaimed potable water].

FE-5 Williams performed the periodic WPA (Water Processor Assembly) sample analysis in the TOCA (Total Organic Carbon Analyzer), after first initializing the software and priming (filling) the TOCA water sample hose. [After the approximately 2-hr TOCA analysis, results were transferred to SSC-5 (Station Support Computer 5) via USB drive for downlink, and the data were also logged.]

Bob Thirsk configured the camcorder in the Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module) for taking documentary video, then set up the BCAT-5 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5) hardware and started the experiment which involves homogenization, the first crystal check of each session, crystal photography, and sample photography. [After unstowing the Slow Growth Sample Module and shooting individual photos of Samples 1-10 at least once (more at crew discretion), Bob homogenized Sample 6 and initiated the photography activity using a DCS 760 and the EarthKAM software running on an SSC (Station Support Computer) laptop. The sample will be automatically photographed with electronic flash every hour for 21 days. Photos are downlinked via OCA during nominal OCA downlink sessions. BCAT-5 is operating in the JPM because earlier this year (May) the crew deemed the US Lab too crowded for running it.]

After relocating items stowed on the ETC (European Transport Carrier) rack in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) to clear space, then attaching Yellow Tags to three as-yet-uncertified Flywheel Vests and connecting the MPPL (Multipurpose Laptop) to the 120V DC power of the EPM (European Physiology Module), CDR De Winne unstowed and assembled the new ESA FEWD (Flywheel Exercise Device) at loc. D3. [The FWED, developed by OHB System/Bremen, is a non-gravity dependent resistance exercise device that acts to countermeasure muscle degradation, bone loss, and impairment of muscle function in astronauts, which develop in response to long-duration space flight. It is a strength training system that uses a rotating flywheel that replaces weight plates and other means of resistance training devices that rely on gravity. This device uses the "Yo Yo Principle" which provides resistance by spinning flywheels with a cord being wound and unwound around the axle of a fixed wheel. The compact lightweight resistive FWED is a multi-exercise device which allows for back, trunk and upper and lower limb exercises. While performing the exercises, continuous measurements of cord tension and flywheel speed are recorded using a laptop (MPPL)-based program. Calculations of work, force and power are performed. Other measurements such as joint angle and EMG (electromyography, a test that assesses the health of the muscles and the nerves controlling the muscles) can also be simultaneously recorded. FWED will be operated in the center aisle of the COL and stowed in a rack when not in use. Its expected lifetime is 10 years.]

De Winne also removed the SAMS SE (Space Acceleration Measurement System / Sensor Enclosure) from the TCQ (Temporary Crew Quarters) in Kibo and mounted it with its cabling temporarily on the forward foot of the FWED for taking vibration measurements.

Working in the US Airlock, FE-2 Stott initiated regeneration on METOX (Metal Oxide) canister #0021 in the “bake-out” oven, terminated the recharge on EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) batteries in the BSA (Battery Stowage Assembly) and started the recharge process on REBA (Rechargeable EMU Battery Unit) #1008, all in preparation of STS-129/ULF3 spacewalks next month

Romanenko prepared excessed Russian cargo for disposal on the HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle), transferring two KTO solid waste containers, one empty but defect EDV-U urine container and one filled EDV-U.

Later, the FE-3 conducted the periodic transfer of U.S. condensate water from CWCs (Collapsible Water Containers, #1073, #1043) to the RS (Russian Segment) for the periodic (about twice a month) replenishing of the Elektron’s water supply for electrolysis, filling the designated KOV EDV container. Once filled, the EDV was connected to the BPK transfer pump for processing through the BKO water purification (multifiltration) unit. [The 40-minute procedure is specially designed to prevent air bubbles larger than ~10 mm from getting into the BZh Liquid Unit where they could cause Elektron shutdown. BKO contains five purification columns to rid the condensate of dissolved mineral and organic impurities. It has a service lifetime of ~450 liters throughput. The water needs to be purified for proper electrolysis in the Elektron O2 generator.]

FE-1 Suraev continued the current round of the monthly preventive maintenance of RS ventilation systems, working in the SM to clean the “Group B” fan screens VT1 & VTK1 plus the grille of the SKV1 air conditioner’s heat exchanger (GZhT).

Romanenko meanwhile cleaned the ventilation screen of the Russian LIV TVS Television System’s voltage converter.

FE-5 Williams unstowed the ICV (Integrated Cardiovascular) hardware and downloaded the accumulated data from his ICV Ambulatory Monitoring session last week, from two Actiwatches and two HM2 (Holter Monitor 2) HiFi CF memory cards to the HRF laptop.

Afterwards, Jeff put together a new KTO Solid Waste Container to be used in the US WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment) when needed.

Both Williams & De Winne conducted a new session with the MedOps experiment WinSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows), Jeff’s first, Frank’s sixth, logging in on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) laptop and performing the psychological evaluation exercise on the PC-based WinSCAT application. [WinSCAT is a monthly time-constrained questionnaire test of cognitive abilities, routinely performed by astronauts aboard the ISS every 30 days before or after the PHS (periodic health status) test or on special CDR's, crewmembers or flight surgeons request. The test uses cognitive subtests that measure sustained concentration, verbal working memory, attention, short-term memory, spatial processing, and math skills. The five cognitive subtests are Coding Memory - Learning, Continuous Processing Task (CPT), Match to Sample, Mathematics, and Coding Delayed Recall. These WinSCAT subtests are the same as those used during NASA’s long-duration bed rest studies.]

Jeff Williams completed the regular monthly session (his first) of the CHeCS (Crew Health Care Systems) emergency medical operations OBT (On-Board Training) drill, a 30-min. exercise to refresh his CMO acuity in a number of critical health areas. The video-based proficiency drill today focused on eye treatment. [The HMS (Health Maintenance Systems) hardware, including ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) equipment, may be used in contingency situations where crew life is at risk. To maintain proficiency, crewmembers spend one hour per month reviewing HMS and ACLS equipment and procedures via the HMS and ACLS CBT (computer-based training). The training drill, each crewmember for him/herself, refreshes their memory of the on-orbit stowage and deployment locations, equipment etc. and procedures.]

After setting up the video equipment for training coverage, Frank De Winne & Nicole Stott worked with the ROBoT onboard trainer to simulate/rehearse HTV unberthing and separation later this week (10/30).

Also in preparation for HTV demate/unberthing next Friday, Bob Thirsk reviewed SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) robotics operations and the updated POC DOUG (Portable Onboard Computers / Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) software material. [DOUG is a special application running on the MSS (Mobile Service System) RWS laptops that provides a graphical birdseye-view image of the external station configuration and the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System), showing its real-time location and configuration on a laptop during its operation.]

After verifying the serial number of a specific LHA (Lamp Housing Assembly) in the Kibo JPM (“GLA7 0065”), Nicole gathered parts & tools from the JLP (JEM Logistics Pressurized Segment) required for upcoming RFTA R&R (Recycle Filter Tank Assembly removal & replacement), Pretreat Tank R&R, and Urine Hose & Insert Filter R&R.

Nicole also started (later terminated) another 5-hr automatic sampling run (the 39th) with the EHS GC/DMS (Environmental Health System Gas Chromatograph/Differential Mobility Spectrometer), also known as AQM (Air Quality Monitor), controlled with “Sionex” expert software from the SSC-4 (Station Support Computer 4) laptop. [The AQM demonstrates COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) technology for identifying volatile organic compounds, similar to the VOA (Volatile Organics Analyzer). Today’s data will again to be compared with VOA and GSC (Grab Sample Container) measurements. 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. Yesterday, the AQM suffered a temporary “crash” in the middle of the run but was subsequently restored with a reboot (power-cycle). There is a possible loss of some scientific data.]

Suraev went looking for the current location of AVK emergency valve spares for the Vozdukh carbon dioxide scrubber (last time checked by Padalka & Romanenko on 6/29). [The AVKs are crucial because they close the Vozdukh's vacuum access lines in the event of a malfunction in the regular vacuum valves (BVK) or a depressurization in the Vozdukh valve panel (BOA). Access to vacuum is required to vent CO2 during the regeneration of the absorbent cartridges (PP).]

Maxim also performed another 30-min session with the ocean observations program DZZ-13 “Seiner” to obtain data on color field patterns and current cloud cover conditions over the south-east Pacific covering the operations area of the “Atlantida” fishery research vessel. [The experiment uses visual observation, videography (HDV camcorder, PAL mode) and selective photography (NIKON D2X with AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 80-200 mm lens) of color-contrast images and large discontinuities in cloud fields along the flight path, controlled from the RSK-1 laptop. Max’s photography had to be accompanied by a continuous non-stop video recording of underlying terrain using the HDV camera securely fixed above SM Window #8 precisely in nadir using the LIV adapter.]

The FE-1 did the daily IMS (Inventory Management System) 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.]

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.]

Nicole performed the periodic evacuation of the ARED (Advanced Resistive Exercise Device) cylinder flywheels to maintain proper vacuum condition and sensor calibration. [The pneumatic cylinder of the ARED continues to exhibit a small leak, and an onboard repair cannot be conducted at this time. The crew continues exercising with the current configuration, with frequent cylinder evacuations.]

As part of COLBERT/T2 treadmill ACO (Activation & Checkout), De Winne, Thirsk & Williams each conducted a long-duration run, followed by a passive (not motor-driven) running test. All tests were completed nominally.

The crew performed their regular 2-hr physical exercise on the TVIS treadmill (FE-1, FE-2, FE-3), ARED advanced resistive exerciser (CDR, FE-1, FE-2, FE-4, FE-5), T2 treadmill (CDR, FE-4, FE-5) and VELO cycle ergometer with bungee cord load trainer (FE-3).

Later, the CDR 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).

At ~4:15am EDT, De Winne tagged up with the ESA staff at Col-CC (Columbus Control Center) at Oberpfaffenhofen/Germany. [This conference is scheduled once every week, between ISS crewmembers and Col-CC via S/G2 (Space-to-Ground 2) audio.]

UPA Leak: On 10/24 (Saturday), following the daily urine transfer from EDV-U to the US UPA, tank quantity began decreasing at an increased rate after one hour of operation. In addition, there was no transfer of fluid back to WSTA (Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly) during drydown. It appears that about 8-10 lbs of pre-treat urine are unaccounted for. UPA and WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment) are currently “No Go” for use pending evaluation by ground engineers underway at this time. The crew has inspected exposed connections and areas internal & external to the UPA rack, with no visible fluids noted.

MDS Muffler: Later this week, the crew is scheduled to temporarily (for 24 hrs) remove the sound muffler from the front of the Mice Drawer System in ER4 (EXPRESS Rack 4) in the JPM to allow the ground to take humidity measurements of the mouse cages and determine the effect of the muffler’s presence on the higher-than-expected humidity levels (~70-80%) inside the MDS.

No CEO (Crew Earth Observation) photo targets uplinked for today.

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time, some changes possible):
10/27/09 — Ares I-X Flight Test (8:00am EDT)
10/29/09 — HTV1 hatch closing
10/30/09 — HTV1 unberthing (12:05pm EDT)
11/01/09 — Daylight Time ends/Standard Time begins
11/04/09 — HTV1 reentry (destructive)
11/10/09 — 5R/MRM-2 (Russian Mini Research Module 2) launch on Soyuz-U
11/12/09 — 5R/MRM-2 docking (SM zenith)
NET 11/16/09 — STS-129/Atlantis/ULF3 launch (ELC1, ELC2) 2:28pm EST — not earlier than
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 + 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

10/26/09: International Space Station On-Orbit Status Report.

Space and Astronautics News — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:45:29 +0000

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:43am EDT [= epoch])
Mean altitude – 343.3 km
Apogee height – 347.6 km
Perigee height – 338.9 km
Period — 91.40 min.
Inclination (to Equator) — 51.64 deg
Eccentricity — 0.0006469
Solar Beta Angle — 17.9 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day — 15.75
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours — 179 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) — 62663
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Underway: Week 3 of Increment 21.

FE-1 Suraev did the regular daily early-morning check of the new aerosol filters at the Russian Elektron O2 generator which he installed on 10/19 in gaps between the BZh Liquid Unit and the oxygen outlet pipe (filter FA-K) and 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.]

Oct 22: Nicole Stott, Expedition 21 flight engineer, installs hardware in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. Credit: NASA

Romanenko meanwhile cleaned the ventilation screen of the Russian LIV TVS Television System’s voltage converter.

Afterwards, Jeff put together a new KTO Solid Waste Container to be used in the US WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment) when needed.

No CEO (Crew Earth Observation) photo targets uplinked for today.

- courtesy of NASA’s Office of Space Operations