ISS On-Orbit Status, 07-07-2004

ISS On-Orbit Status 7 July 2004


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

For today's ADUM/Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Micro-G session, FE/SO
Fincke set up the equipment, after which the crewmembers performed the
ultrasound "Scan Z" bone scans on each other, taking turns as operator and
subject. Afterwards the hardware was deactivated. The scan heads were
cleaned and stowed as part of closeout operations. [After activation of
the HRF (Human Research Facility) and the video tape recorder (VTR) by the
ground early in the morning, Mike powered up the HRF computer and the ADUM
hardware. The bone scans were taken of the subject's shoulder, elbow, knee
and ankle, medically supported from the ground (POIC, Payload Operations &
Integration Center) via privatized video and VOX S/G. The data were also
recorded, and the scanning and post-scan activities were videotaped and
still-photographed for downlink.]

The two crewmembers conducted the standard fit check of the "Kazbeks", the
contoured shock absorbing seats in the Soyuz 8S descent capsule (SA).
[This required them to don their Sokol pressure suits, get in their seats
and use a ruler to measure the gap between the top of the head and the top
edge of the structure facing the head. The results were reported to TsUP.
Kazbek-U couches are designed to withstand g-loads during launch and orbital
insertion as well as during reentry and brake-rocket-assisted landing. Each
seat has two positions: cocked (armed) and noncocked. In the cocked
position, they are raised to allow the shock absorbers to function during
touchdown. The fit check assures that the crewmember whose body gains in
length during longer-term stay in zero-G, will still be adequately protected
by the seat liners for their touchdown in Kazakhstan. 8S return is
scheduled for October 19.]

CDR Gennady Padalka performed an IMS (inventory management system) audit of
medical items and equipment on board, transferring items specified on an
uplinked list to Progress 14P as trash. [Discarded gear includes
Plasma-03, Reflotron, Ecosfera, Urolux, Pulse and other kits used during
previous Increments, old cables, etc.]

The crew began the lengthy troubleshooting of the failed U.S. EMU
(extravehicular mobility unit) spacesuits #3013 and #3005, today focusing on
Part 1 of detailed procedures worked out by ground experts. [Prior to more
invasive troubleshooting (i.e., replacement of pump subassemblies or entire
fan assemblies), Part 1 activities dealt with reproducing known EMU
configurations to compare pre-failure motor currents (amperes) to present
failed signatures, in order to determine whether the pump rotors have locked
up. About two hours before the crew started the amperage testing in the
U.S. Airlock (A/L), MCC-Houston configured the A/L's air conditioner (CCAA,
common cabin air assembly) and ITCS LTL (internal thermal control system low
temperature loop) settings for A/L EVA operations. Also before start of the
procedures, Mike cleared out the A/L's Equipment Lock and Crew Lock so that
umbilicals and UIA (umbilical interface assembly) switches became
accessible.]

Padalka began another round of the monthly preventive maintenance of Russian
segment air ventilation systems, working one hour in the
Funktsionalnyi-Grusovoi Blok (FGB) for a cleanup of the protective mesh
screens of its central ventilation fans (TsV1 & TsV2). [The fans were
powered off for the task by ground command, later turned on again.]

Gennady also uninstalled and replaced the FGB's two dust collector filters
(PS1 & PS2).

MCC-Houston activated the Major Constituents Analyzer (MCA) for another
"zero" calibration. During its measurement operation, Padalka performed the
periodic calibration check of the IK0501 gas analyzer (GA) in the Service
Module (SM) via its IG-3 oxygen (O2) gas analyzer against the MCA.
Afterwards MCA was switched back to LEM (life extension mode) to preserve
its vacuum chamber's ion pump. [IK0501 is an automated system for
measuring CO2, O2, and H2O in the air, as well as the flow rate of the gas
being analyzed.]

The CDR completed the routine maintenance of the SM's SOZh environment
control & life support system, which today included the periodic checkout of
the IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS hatchways and FGB-to-Node
hatchway (last time done: 5/26).

Padalka also prepared the regular IMS "delta" file for IMS database update,
while Mike did the daily routine status checkup of the autonomous Lab
payloads (PCG-STES010, MAMS).

The crew unstowed the "Urolux" and PHS (periodic health status) equipment
and set it up for the next session with the PZE MO-9 biochemical urinalysis
test and PHS assessment, on tomorrow's schedule for both crewmembers. [PZE
MO-9 is conducted regularly every 30 days (and also before and after EVAs)
and is one of five nominal Russian medical tests adopted by NASA for US
crewmembers for IMG PHS (Integrated Medical Group/Periodic Health Status)
evaluation as part of the "PHS/Without Blood Labs" exam.]

As reported 7/5, currently there are only two functioning PCS on-line (one
in the SM, one in the Lab) after the shell failure of the laptop at the Lab
RWS (Robotics Workstation). This is the Flight Rule-allowed minimum.
Ground teams are working on a forward plan that includes
transitioning/converting an SSC (Station Support Computer) or MPSD-2
(Multi-Purpose Support Disc-2) computer to a PCS.

The CDR reported last night the completed transfer of two EDVs of liquid
waste (urine) into the Progress 14P Rodnik tanks.

Tonight at 7:20pm EDT (i.e., during crew sleep), TsUP/Moscow will attempt to
restart the SM's SUBA TsVM (Central Computer), which lost the second of its
three mutually redundant subsets on 7/2. [The restart completes in ~100
seconds. If, in a rare situation, context data are lost during the restart,
TsUP will uplink the missing set ASAP.]

Today's CEO (crew earth observations) photo targets, in the current LVLH
attitude no longer limited by flight rule constraints on the use of the Lab
nadir/science window, except for the shutter closure and
condensation-prevention plan (limited to 90 min. in 24 hours), were Cape
Town, South Africa (nadir pass. The city sprawls inland a long way from the
city center at the docks. More than one 180-mm image will be needed to
acquire this target), La Paz, Bolivia (nadir pass over this city that
stretches from the deep [and warmer] canyon on the Andean mountain front, up
onto the high [cold] desert plateau where the airport can be seen),
Pilcomayo River dynamics, N Argentina (this major river is the boundary
between Argentina and Paraguay. Both countries have an interest in
controlling the river, which displays the unusual behavior of blocking its
own bed and spilling its banks [at the present end point only 100 miles from
the mountain front]. A mapping swath from the mountain front out onto the
plains following the river is requested. Nadir pass, with the river
trending left of track as ISS proceeded away from the mountain front), and
Internal waves, Patagonian Shelf (a break in winter clouds may have allowed
a view of internal waves on the shelf just offshore of Patagonia. Looking
left and trying to include some shore features).

CEO images can be viewed at these websites:


http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov

See also the website "Space Station Challenge" at:


http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/

To view the latest photos taken by the expedition 9 crew visit:


http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/.../ndxpage1.html at
NASA's Human Spaceflight website.

U.S. & Russian Segment Status (as of today, 1:26pm EDT)

Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLSS) and Thermal Control (TCS):

Elektron O2 generator is On. Vozdukh CO2 scrubber is On. U.S. CDRA CO2
scrubber is Off. TCCS (trace contaminant control subsystem) is operating.
SM Gas Analyzer has been calibrated and is used for ppO2 & ppCO2 monitoring.
MCA (major constituents analyzer) is in Life Extending Mode (LEM). BMP
Harmful Impurities unit: absorbent bed #1 in Purify mode, bed #2 in Purify
mode. RS air conditioner SKV-1 is On, SKV-2 is Off (SM panel mods completed
4/8; SKV-2 activation failed 4/20; is now functioning again). SFOG slot #2
fan suspect (not usable).


SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) -- 742; temperature (deg C) --
25.8; ppO2 (mmHg) -- 178.1; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- 3.9.
SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) -- 751; temperature (deg C) --
20.7.
FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) -- 756; temperature (deg C) -- 22.0.
Node: Pressure (mmHg) -- 753.4; temperature (deg C) -- 22.9 (shell); ppO2
(mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- n/a.
U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) -- 755.6; temperature (deg C) -- 24.7; ppO2
(mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- n/a.
Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) -- 755.7; temperature (deg
C) -- 24.5; shell heater temp (deg C) -- n/a, ppO2 (mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2
(mmHg) -- n/a.


(n/a = data not available)


PMA-1: Shell heater temp (deg C) -- n/a
PMA-2: Shell heater temp (deg C) -- n/a.

Electrical Power Systems (EPS):

Both P6 channels fully operational. BGA (beta gimbal assembly) 2B and 4B
both in directed position (Dual angle/"blind" mode, non solar-tracking,
biased for drag reduction).
SM batteries: All batteries (8) are on line in "Partial Charge" mode.
FGB batteries: Battery #5 is off line; all other batteries (5) are on line
in "Partial Charge" mode.


Plasma Contactor Unit PCU-1 is in Standby mode; PCU-2 is in Standby mode.

Command & Data Handling Systems:

C&C-1 MDM is prime, C&C-2 is backup, and C&C-3 is in standby.
GNC-2 MDM is prime; GNC-1 is backup.
INT-2 is operating; INT-1 is Off.
EXT-1 is On (primary), EXT-2 is Off (backup).
LA-1, LA-2 and LA-3 MDMs are all operating.
PL-1 MDM is Off; PL-2 MDM is Operational.
APS-1 (automated payload switch #1) and APS-2 are both On.
SM Terminal Computer (TVM): 2 redundant lanes (of 3) operational (string 1
dropped out 11/22/03).
SM Central Computer (TsVM): 2 redundant lanes (of 3) operational (string #3
dropped out 10/22/03).
FGB MDM-1 is Off (failed, 11/21/03); MDM-2 is Operational.

Propulsion System:

Total propellant load available: 3928 kg (8660 lb) as of 7/1/04; [SM(552) +
FGB(2772) + Progress M(639)]. (Capabilities: SM -- 860 kg; FGB -- 6120 kg).

Attitude Control Systems:

3 CMGs on-line (CMG-1 failed, since 6/6/02; CMG-2's RPC-17 failed 4/21/04;
was replaced 6/30/04).
State vector source -- U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)
Attitude source -- U.S. SIGI-1 (GPS)
Angular rate source -- RGA-1

Flight Attitude:

LVLH XVV (local vertical/local horizontal = "earth-fixed": z-axis in local
vertical, x-axis in velocity vector [yaw: -10 deg, pitch: -9 deg, roll: 0
deg]), with CMG/TA (thruster assist) Momentum Management, until 6/28,
following the EVA.

Communications & Tracking Systems:

FGB MDM-1 is powered Off; FGB MDM-2 is operational.
All other Russian communications & tracking systems are nominal.
S-band is operating nominally (on string 2).
Ku-band is operating nominally (may require a mask).
Audio subsystem is operating nominally (IAC-1 is prime, IAC-2 is off).
Video subsystem operating nominally.
HCOR (high-rate communications outage recorder) is operating nominally.

Robotics:

SSRMS/Canadarm2 based at Lab PDGF/LEE A, operational on redundant string,
off on prime.
MBS: KA (keep alive) power on both strings.
MT: latched and mated at WS4.
POA: KA power on both strings.
RWS (robotics workstations): Lab RWS is On (DCP connected); Cupola RWS is
Off.

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 7:26am EDT [= epoch]):

Mean altitude -- 360.0 km
Apogee height -- 363.9 km
Perigee height -- 356.0 km
Period -- 91.7 min.
Inclination (to Equator) -- 51.6304 deg
Eccentricity -- 0.0005865
Solar Beta Angle -- 62.3 deg
Orbits per 24-hr. day -- 15.69
Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours -- 40 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. '98) -- 32150

For more on ISS orbit and worldwide ISS naked-eye visibility dates/times,
see http://www.hq.nasa.gov/osf/station/viewing/issvis.html. In addition,
information on International Space Station sighting opportunities can be
found at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/ on NASA's Human
Spaceflight website. The current location of the International Space Station
can be found at http://science.nasa.gov/temp/StationLoc.html at NASA's
Marshall Space Flight Center.



--
---------------------------

Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info