ISS On-Orbit Status 15 Jun 2004<br /> <br /> All ISS systems continue to function nominally except those noted<br />previously or below.<br /> <br />After morning inspection, before breakfast and first exercise, CDR Padalka<br />and FE/SO Fincke performed their fourth session of the periodic Russian<br />biomedical assessments PZEh-MO-8 (body mass measurement) and PZEh-MO-7 (calf<br />volume measurement). [Padalka set up the BMM mass-measuring device, which<br />uses calibrated springs to determine the subject's mass in weightless space,<br />and stowed it away after the tests. Calf measurements (left leg only) are<br />taken with the ISOG device, a custom-sewn fabric cuff that fits over the<br />calf, using the knee and lower foot as fixed reference points, to provide a<br />rough index of deconditioning in zero-G and effectiveness of<br />countermeasures.]<br /> <br />In the Service Module (SM), Gennady Padalka terminated the bake-out cycle on<br />the BMP micropurification system's channel 2 in the SM, moding the channel<br />back to Purify. This restored both filter beds to Purify mode. [The<br />regeneration of the air purifier filter beds is repeated every 20 days.<br />Each bakeout to space vacuum takes about 24 hours.]<br /> <br />Continuing long-term activities on the nonfunctioning Russian ASN satellite<br />navigation system, CDR Padalka, with ground support, installed a new<br />Progress-delivered navigation receiver module (NPM) behind the SM wall panel<br />containing the ASN hardware, which is cable-connected to the external<br />ASN2401-1 antenna. [BITS2-12 onboard telemetry and VD-SU control mode<br />(i.e., Elektron, SKV, BMP, Vozdukh) were deactivated for the operation,<br />later turn on again. When functioning, the ASN will use GLONASS/Uragan<br />satellites (the Russian equivalent of GPS) to correct the on-board state<br />vector (SV) information (i.e., ISS position & velocity referenced to a time<br />hack, or epoch). Up to now, SV corrections/updates have to be uplinked<br />daily from the ground, along with time setting, time synchronization and<br />various power bus checks, or require SV transfers from the U.S. segment from<br />time to time. ASN will also be critically important for the docking<br />operations of the European ATV (automated transfer vehicle). The ASN<br />equipment was originally installed in the SM before launch but was found<br />faulty and had to be returned to the ground. After repair it was shipped<br />again to the station on Progress 11P, re-installed by Yuri Malenchenko on<br />7/8/03, and subjected by TsUP controllers to several months of testing,<br />ending on 11/30/03. More testing was conducted this year, but the ASN still<br />has not worked.]<br /> <br />The crew began the first of three 48-hr. inflight diet logging sessions for<br />the BIOPSY experiment. Food consumption is being recorded in a spreadsheet<br />via the crewmember's PDA. [One of the human systems most affected by<br />extended stays in space is the neuromuscular system. Past space missions<br />have shown weightlessness can cause deterioration of muscle fiber, nerves<br />and physical strength. The BIOPSY (Effect of Prolonged Space Flight on Human<br />Skeletal Muscle) experiment investigates the reductions in limb muscle size,<br />force and power at the cellular level that are induced by microgravity.<br />This research will determine how long it takes for micro-G to affect<br />skeletal muscles, so predictions can be made regarding muscle changes that<br />may occur on a roundtrip flight to Mars. To help establish the cellular<br />effects of weightlessness, biopsies are taken from the calf muscle<br />(gastronemius) and foot-flexing muscle (soleus) 45 days before launch, and<br />again immediately upon return to Earth. MRI (magnetic resonance imagery)<br />also is taken of the calf muscle 90 and 30 days before launch, and again one<br />and 21 days after return to Earth.]<br /> <br />Mike Fincke worked in the Lab module, supporting the software upgrading of<br />EXPRESS Rack 3 (ER3) and EXPRESS Rack 5 (ER5). [This Release 4 upgrade<br />fixes known problems, improves RIC (rack interface controller) performance<br />and provides an improved ground-commanded rack reboot. ER3 is an ARIS rack<br />(i.e., equipped with the active rack isolation system), ER5 is a non-ARIS ra<br />ck. The crew procedure, requiring about 30 min per rack, is the same for<br />both racks.]<br /> <br />The FE also relocated the TEPC (tissue equivalent proportional counter) in<br />the Lab, moving the its spectrometer and detector about 7-8 ft to be<br />adjacent to the TeSS (temporary sleep station), which Fincke is using for<br />sleeping.<br /> <br />The crew completed their daily 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on TVIS<br />treadmill, RED (resistive exercise device) and VELO ergometer with load<br />trainer.<br /> <br />Mike also performed the monthly maintenance of the TVIS and of the RED<br />expander, including its bolts (to tighten them as required).<br /> <br />Gennady conducted the daily routine maintenance of the SM's SOZh life<br />support system, including the routine replacements in the ASU toilet system.<br /> <br />Later today, the CDR will break out the "Urolux" equipment, setting it up<br />for the Russian biochemical urine test (PZE MO-9) slated for tomorrow.<br />[The MO-9 analysis is standard requirement before and after Orlan-suited<br />activities. It uses the sophisticated in-vitro diagnostic apparatus<br /> "Urolux" developed originally for the Mir program.]<br /> <br />Shortly before sleeptime (5:30pm EDT), Mike Fincke is scheduled for a<br />15-min. teleconference with the CSA (crew support astronaut) team at MCC-H.<br /> <br />At 12:20pm, the crew downlinked, via standard Lab TV configuration and on<br />S/G 2 audio, a non-interactive comprehensive status report to MCC-H on the<br />upcoming EVA and related preparations. [Typical topics, suggested by PAO,<br />were the complexity of the EVA, conducting it in Orlan suits vs. EMUs,<br />expectations for the Orlan dry run and suit checkout, how the crew will use<br />the Strela boom, a basic chronological rundown of how the spacewalkers will<br />translate to the worksite and then change out the RPCM, etc.]<br /> <br />MCC-H uplinked another updated list of (now) 20 "yellow tag" items, down<br />from 21, including their constraints on usage aboard ISS, for an on-orbit<br />review by the crew. Before a yellow-tagged item can be used, the ground<br />needs to be consulted. [Yellow tags, more formally called "uncertified<br />dual ops tags", are used to identify items not certified for ISS Operations<br />(certification and/or paperwork not complete prior to launch); items which<br />have IP (international partner) segment-specific certification (can be used<br />in one IP segment but should not be used in anther IP segment); items that<br />could pose a safety hazard; and items that are broken or expired. Blank<br />yellow tags are flown so hardware can be tagged on-orbit as necessary.]<br /> <br />Since the ISS maneuvered to XPOP (x-axis perpendicular to orbit plane) on<br />6/3, the onboard GPS (global positioning system) has exhibited<br />larger-than-usual (for XPOP) differences between the GPS receivers and an<br />increased number of control filter resets for state vector corrections<br />compared to the RS ACS (Russian segment attitude control system)-determined<br />state vectors. An investigation of the phenomenon is underway. [These<br />filter resets may induce an increase in CMG (control moment gyroscope)<br />gimbal rates (still within limits). A possible cause of the GPS reception<br />problem is related to the current "parking" location of the SSRMS/Canadarm2,<br />known as a potential problem prior to going into XPOP.]<br /> <br />Last night (~7:20pm), the crew received a false fire indication in the FGB.<br />The IMV (intermodular ventilation) system was shut down by the FGB MDM in<br />nominal onboard response, as was the Elektron, SKV, and Vozdukh systems.<br />All cabin fans remained on. [The systems were brought back up. Telemetry<br />at this time shows no smoke detector trips occurring in the FGB. The<br />"Signal-VM" fire detection system (FDS) in the DC1 docking compartment was<br />reactivated later today. The FGB's FDS remains off until it has been<br />determined that the alarm was not set off by a short circuit.]<br /> <br />Over the weekend, Mike powered up the SSC-1 (station support computer 1) in<br />the Airlock for troubleshooting, but the IBM 760XD laptop reported an error<br />in the diagnostic check. It was powered down nominally and stowed. The<br />crew is waiting for further words from the ground.<br /> <br />While performing the psychological MedOps WinSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive<br />Assessment Tool) experiment on 6/11, the FE could not conclude the test due<br />to a computer input error. He will repeat the test on his free time next<br />week.<br /> <br />Last Friday (6/11), the crew performed O2 (oxygen) measurement comparisons<br />between the highly precise MCA (major constituent analyzer) and several<br />CSA-CP (compound specific analyzer-combustion products) units. [While MCA<br />O2 reading was 22.09% (ppO2=165.87 Torr/mmHg), the CSA-CPs read 21.8 %<br />(#1015), 22.2% (#1016), and 22.0% (#1003).]<br /> <br />Today's CEO (Crew Earth Observations) photo targets, limited in XPOP<br />attitude by flight rule constraints on the use of the science window, which<br />is available for only ~1/4 of each orbit when not facing forward (in "ram"),<br />were Aral Sea (obliques looking south allowed a view of the whole<br />waterbody), Dust event, E Iran (Dynamic event. South Asia [E Iran to<br />Pakistan, and north to the Aral Sea] has the greatest number of dust-event<br />days of any place on Earth. A major event has started up in the basins of E<br />Iran, and is extending southward. Looking left and right of track, and<br />trying for dust-mass margins), Internal waves, Newfoundland (the first<br />opportunity for this usually cloudy site in months. Looking half right for<br />any internal waves in the large area of shallow seas that stretch east and<br />south of Newfoundland [site size equivalent to almost three minutes ISS<br />flight time on this pass]. A second pass was nearer local noon so that the<br />glint point was closer to the spacecraft. This allowed more detailed images<br />if any waves are migrating across the Grand Banks), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia<br />(nadir pass), Saharan dust, E Atlantic (Dynamic event. Diffuse Saharan dust<br />is blowing into the Atlantic towards the Canary Islands. Looking for<br />boundaries of the mass. On this descending pass the crew could see the<br />northern boundary first. The southern boundary is marked strongly by a<br />change from a dusty atmosphere to the cloud band known as the ITC<br />[Inter-Tropical Convergence zone]. Trying to include any landmarks such as<br />the islands or coastline. Opportunity lasted ~ 3.5 minutes to traverse the<br />width of the plume), and Internal waves, Bahamas (looking far right and<br />shooting any waves that could be seen as the glint disc crossed the island<br />chain).<br /> <br />CEO images can be viewed at the websites.<br /> <br /> <br />http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov<br />http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov<br /> <br />See also the website "Space Station Challenge" at<br /> <br /> <br />http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/<br /> <br />U.S. & Russian Segment Status (as of today, 12:30pm EDT)<br /> <br />Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLSS) and Thermal Control (TCS):<br /> <br />Elektron O2 generator is On. Vozdukh CO2 scrubber is On. U.S. CDRA CO2<br />scrubber is Off. TCCS (trace contaminant control subsystem) is operating.<br />SM Gas Analyzer has been calibrated and is used for ppO2 & ppCO2 monitoring.<br />MCA (major constituents analyzer) is in Life Extending Mode (LEM). BMP<br />Harmful Impurities unit: absorbent bed #1 in Purify mode, bed #2 in Purify<br />mode. RS air conditioner SKV-1 is Off, SKV-2 is On (SM panel mods completed<br />4/8; SKV-2 activation failed 4/20; is now functioning again). SFOG slot #2<br />fan suspect (not usable).<br /> <br /> <br />SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) -- 742; temperature (deg C) --<br />24.8; ppO2 (mmHg) -- 148.9; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- 3.3.<br />SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) -- 751; temperature (deg C) --<br />20.0.<br />FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) -- 756; temperature (deg C) -- 24.7.<br />Node: Pressure (mmHg) -- 746.98; temperature (deg C) -- 24.1 (shell); ppO2<br />(mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- n/a.<br />U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) -- 750.88; temperature (deg C) -- 23.9; ppO2<br />(mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- n/a.<br />Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) -- 751.08; temperature (deg<br />C) -- 25.1; shell heater temp (deg C) -- n/a, ppO2 (mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2<br />(mmHg) -- n/a.<br /> <br /> <br />(n/a = data not available)<br /> <br /> <br />PMA-1: Shell heater temp (deg C) -- n/a<br />PMA-2: Shell heater temp (deg C) -- n/a.<br /> <br />Electrical Power Systems (EPS):<br /> <br />Both P6 channels fully operational. BGA (beta gimbal assembly) 2B and 4B<br />both in Autotrack (solar-tracking, "sun slicer", i.e., drag reduction-biased<br />by 47 deg).<br />SM batteries: All batteries (8) are on line in "Partial Charge" mode.<br />FGB batteries: Battery #5 is off line; all other batteries (5) are on line<br />in "Partial Charge" mode.<br /> <br /> <br />Plasma Contactor Unit PCU-1 is in Standby mode; PCU-2 is in Standby mode.<br /> <br />Command & Data Handling Systems:<br /> <br />C&C-1 MDM is prime, C&C-2 is backup, and C&C-3 is in standby.<br />GNC-2 MDM is prime; GNC-1 is backup.<br />INT-2 is operating; INT-1 is Off.<br />EXT-1 is On (primary), EXT-2 is Off (backup).<br />LA-1, LA-2 and LA-3 MDMs are all operating.<br />PL-1 MDM is Off; PL-2 MDM is Operational.<br />APS-1 (automated payload switch #1) and APS-2 are both On.<br />SM Terminal Computer (TVM): 2 redundant lanes (of 3) operational (string 1<br />dropped out 11/22/03).<br />SM Central Computer (TsVM): 2 redundant lanes (of 3) operational (string #3<br />dropped out 10/22/03).<br />FGB MDM-1 is Off (failed, 11/21/03); MDM-2 is Operational.<br /> <br />Propulsion System:<br /> <br />Total propellant load available: 4002 kg (8823 lb) as of 6/10/04; [SM(552)<br />+ FGB(2811) + Progress M(639)]. (Capabilities: SM -- 860 kg; FGB -- 6120<br />kg).<br /> <br />Attitude Control Systems:<br /> <br />2 CMGs on-line (CMG-1 failed, since 6/6/02; CMG-2's RPC-17 failed 4/21/04).<br />State vector source -- U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)<br />Attitude source -- U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)<br />Angular rate source -- RGA-1<br /> <br />Flight Attitude:<br /> <br />XPOP (x-axis perpendicular to orbit plane = "sun-fixed" [yaw: 0.5 deg,<br />pitch: -9.0 deg., roll: 0 deg]), with CMG TA (thruster assist), until 6/16<br />(for the standard solar array efficiency test).<br /> <br />Communications & Tracking Systems:<br /> <br />FGB MDM-1 is powered Off; FGB MDM-2 is operational.<br />All other Russian communications & tracking systems are nominal.<br />S-band is operating nominally (on string 2).<br />Ku-band is operating nominally (may require a mask).<br />Audio subsystem is operating nominally (IAC-1 is prime, IAC-2 is off).<br />Video subsystem operating nominally.<br />HCOR (high-rate communications outage recorder) is operating nominally.<br /> <br />Robotics:<br /> <br />SSRMS/Canadarm2 based at Lab PDGF/LEE A, operational on redundant string,<br />off on prime.<br />MBS: KA (keep alive) power on both strings.<br />MT: latched and mated at WS4.<br />POA: KA power on both strings.<br />RWS (robotics workstations): Lab RWS is On (DCP connected); Cupola RWS is<br />Off.<br /> <br />ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:46am EDT [= epoch]):<br /> <br />Mean altitude -- 361.7 km<br />Apogee -- 365.2 km<br />Perigee -- 358.2 km<br />Period -- 91.78 min.<br />Inclination (to Equator) -- 51.6327 deg<br />Eccentricity -- 0.0005191<br />Solar Beta Angle -- -25.9 deg<br />Orbits per 24-hr. day -- 15.69<br />Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours -- 65 m<br />Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. '98) -- 31805<br /> <br />For more on ISS orbit and worldwide ISS naked-eye visibility dates/times,<br />see<br /> <br /> http://www.hq.nasa.gov/osf/station/viewing/issvis.html