ISS On-Orbit Status, 12-05-2004

ISS On-Orbit Status 12 May 2004

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

CDR Gennady Padalka began the day by monitoring the temporary deactivation
of the 400 MHz (megahertz) PRD transmitter of the Russian/German Global
Timing System (GTS) by MCC-M/TsUP, to prevent interference with the
subsequent EVA spacesuit work by Mike Fincke. [GTS electronics are
installed in the Service Module (SM), with two transmitters broadcasting a
time signal at 400.1 MHz (1 watt) and 1428 MHz (0.5 watt) straight downward
(nadir) for worldwide clock synchronization. Because the 400 MHz signal
interferes with the WVS (Wireless Video System) and very likely also the
SSCS (Space-to-Space Communication System), both used for spacewalks, the
GTS 400 MHz transmitter is inhibited during EVAs, including EMU checkouts,
involving the Airlock (A/L).]

Afterwards, Padalka transferred water from five spherical 5-PT storage
containers, planned for disposal, to two empty EDV containers, to retain the
water for non-potable use. [This "technical" water will now be pumped
through the purification system for deionization and preparation for
electrolysis in the Elektron oxygen generator. For the transfer, Gennady
had to connect the 5-PTs one by one via a "Kolos-5D" adapter of the Rodnik
system and hoses to the EDV through a BP pumping unit ("blok perekachki").]

After activation of the A/L CCAA (common cabin air assembly) air conditioner
by the ground, FE/SO Michael Fincke worked on the water servicing system of
the EMU #3011 LCVG (extravehicular mobility unit/liquid cooling &
ventilation garment), to remove an amount of free air that had been ingested
during the recent mid-term checkout of #3011. [The traditional procedure
for "degassing" the feedwater system by first draining, then refilling it
with a fully charged payload water reservoir (PWR) was replaced by a rather
ingenious new procedure developed and checked out only last week on the
KC-135 aircraft flying zero-G parabolas at JSC/Houston. Essentially, it
involves the crewmember himself centrifuging the selected PWR by holding it
away from the body and applying a slow rotation of ~15 rpm to himself, to
separate air and water in the bag through centrifugal force, while
simultaneously squeezing out the air by cinching down on bungee cords
wrapped around the PWR.]

Later, the A/L CCAA was turned off again and the GTS 400MHz transmitter in
the Russian segment (RS) was reactivated.

Gennady Padalka worked on the old Orlan-M suit #23 to disassemble some
backpack hardware for removal of the Beta-08 electronics box of the ECG
(electrocardiograph) for return to Earth, then prepared the Orlan for
disposal.

FE Fincke terminated the recharge of the final set of two NiMH (Nickel Metal
Hydride) batteries started yesterday and reconfigured the SSC laptop to
support maintenance discharge of the next part of the EVA EMU battery
recovery efforts, then initiated the second round of EHIP battery recovery,
again limited to two batteries at a time due to the failure of battery
chargers BC1 and BC2.

Yesterday, another computer was lost in the RS when Laptop 2 (LT2) at the
Central Post (TsP) was declared failed. The crew today replaced the HDD
(hard disk drive) #6075 in LT1 (i.e., the IBM ThinkPad 760XD #6075 borrowed
from the U.S. segment) with the original LT1 HDD #6136 and then set up LT3
in place of LT 1 at the TsP. The old LT1 was then returned to stowage.
[The crew is now one LT failure away from not being able to issue commands
to the RS via the LT (manual commanding, e.g., pushing buttons, throwing
switches, etc., however, would remain possible). In addition, with the use
of LT3 at the SM KTsP-1 machine, Russian biomedical experiments requiring
LT3 cannot be performed. Russian specialists are working up a plan to
formally request another LT from the U.S.]

Mike conducted the daily leak check of the Lab window's inter-pane space
("Volume D"), using the "Aeolus" scopemeter with pressure probe. Today's
pressure reading was 449 Torr (mmHg), or 8.68 psi.

Gennady completed the daily routine maintenance of the SM's SOZh life
support system and prepared the daily "delta" file for updating the IMS
(inventory management system) database(s), while Mike attended to the
regular routine status checkup of autonomous Lab payloads (PCG-STES010,
SAMS, MAMS).

Both crewmembers again had 30-45 minutes for general station familiarization
and acclimatization, as is standard daily rule for the first two weeks after
starting station residency.

About an hour was scheduled for the crew today for loading disposable cargo
on 13P/Progress-260, based on a final detailed stowage list uplinked
overnight from TsUP. This activity will continue. [The disposal manifest
comprises 84 different equipment types, including filled waste bags,
discarded hardware parts, used-up batteries, foam material, etc.
Instructions emphasized the need for proper restraining of the stowed items
to prevent shifting during 13P departure on 5/24.]

The crew completed their daily 2.5-hr. physical exercise program on TVIS,
RED exerciser and VELO cycle with load trainer. Fincke performed the
prescribed weekly maintenance check of the treadmill and its wire ropes
(dampers). [Engineers continue to investigate the crew-reported problems
with the TVIS control panel (resets to zero in motorized mode). While
diagnostics is underway, Mike and Gennady are using the treadmill in passive
mode, but with VIS (vibration isolation system) active.]

At 12:50pm EDT, the crew downlinked two audio/video messages of general ISS
greetings on S-band & Ku-band. [One downlink was a generic ISS message for
use as NASA TV promo, the other a general NASA Visitor Centers greeting,
both similar to messages created during previous expedition flights and of
considerable value to public affairs and educational outreach programs.]

At 10:20am, the second round of the four-day loading of U.S. software (s/w)
on four MDM computers on the S0 truss element was completed, today
consisting of loading S0-2 MDM, the second subtier computer of the EXT MDMs,
with the s/w upgrade R2. [The procedure will be continued tomorrow and
Friday by transitioning the two EXT MDMs to version R4.]

The EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students, EK)
hardware has been active in the SM since its installation yesterday. It is
currently being used by 61 schools and over 3,680 students. The experiment
will run through Saturday when the crew will deactivate and stow the
hardware. [EK is using a Kodak ESC 460C electronic still camera with 50mm
(f/1.4) lens, now powered by 16Vdc from a 28 Vdc adapter, taking pictures by
remote operation from the ground, without crew interaction. The student
requests are uplinked in a camera control file to an IBM 760XD SSC laptop
which then activates the camera at specified times and receives the digital
images from the camera's storage card on its hard drive, for subsequent
downlink via OPS LAN.]

The BCC (Backup Control Center) and BAT (Backup Advisory Team) activation
exercise conducted on 5/10 went well, with "lessons learned" collected for
incorporation into appropriate documentation. The sim was a practice run
for the hurricane season, which starts 6/1. [In the event of a real threat
that did significant damage to Houston MCC, the BCC deployment team would be
expected to arrive in Moscow to support the HSG (Houston Support Group)
within seven days of MCC-H being declared unable to support operations. This
team would then be relieved after two-three weeks by a follow-on team.]

At the 14P SORR (Stage Operations Readiness Review) at JSC, unanimous Go was
given to Progress 13P undocking and 14P launch and docking as scheduled. A
reboost maneuver for ISS is planned for next week (5/18). [Note minimal
daily orbital decay of ISS, below, thanks to current flight attitude with
drag reduction bias for the SAWs.]

Today's CEO 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 Andean volcanoes, Peru (drill cores from ice caps on
tropical volcanoes are revealing environmental histories thousands of years
long [temperature, amount of precipitation, dustiness, source of rainfall].
One of the largest ice caps, Quelccaya [a Quechua name], was under ISS'
track on the east side of the Andean plateau, and has been the object of
expeditions and coring), La Paz, Bolivia (looking just left of track), Lake
Poopo (nadir pass. Shooting dry lakes surrounding Lake Poopo will help
understanding of the hydrology of this high desert plateau. Crew was also
asked to look for any dust plumes since the high Andes are a dust source in
southern winter. Handheld imagery has been responsible for the recognition
of this global dust source, one of the main sources in the southern
hemisphere. Looking right towards the driest parts of the plateau),
Falkland Islands (this is an oceans "sea-state site" [internal waves].
However, the site was included for interest and for the crew's orientation,
even though the phase of moon is not yet right for internal waves. The
Falklands lie just south of track), Tristan da Cunha, S Atlantic (looking
right for this small group of volcanic islands that are home to a few
families), and Palmerston Island, Central Pacific (looking slightly right of
track. Coral reef mapping is the subject of interest).

CEO images can be viewed at the websites.


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

See also the website "Space Station Challenge" at


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

U.S. and Russian Segment Status (as of today, 2:35pm 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). SFOG slot #2 fan suspect (not usable).


SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) -- 742; temperature (deg C) --
25.4; ppO2 (mmHg) -- 155.1; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- 3.4;
SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) -- 751; temperature (deg C) --
20.7.
FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) -- 752; temperature (deg C) -- 21.7.
Node: Pressure (mmHg) -- 747.71; temperature (deg C) -- 22.5 (shell); ppO2
(mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- n/a.
U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) -- 749.77; temperature (deg C) -- 25.0; ppO2
(mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- n/a.
Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) -- 749.87; temperature (deg
C) -- 21.2; 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 (blind, dual-angle mode with "night glider"/"sun
slicer" drag reduction sweep, non solar-tracking" 2B @ 235 deg, 4B @ 125
deg.)
SM batteries: Battery #6 is off line; battery #5 is in Cycle (RTs) mode;
all other batteries (6) are on line in "Partial Charge" mode.
FGB batteries: Battery #2 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.
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: 3725 (8212 lb) as of 5/5/04; [SM(693) +
FGB(2373) + Progress M-1(659)]. (Capability: SM -- 860 kg; FGB -- 6120 kg).

Attitude Control Systems:

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

Flight Attitude:

LVLH YVV (local vertical/local horizontal = "earth-fixed": z-axis in local
vertical, y-axis in velocity vector [yaw: -90 deg, pitch: -9 deg, roll: 1.7
deg]), with CMG/TA (thruster assist) Momentum Management.

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, 7:32am EDT [= epoch]):

Mean altitude -- 360.7 km
Apogee -- 368.2 km
Perigee -- 353.3 km
Period -- 91.76 min.
Inclination (to Equator) -- 51.63 deg
Eccentricity -- 0.0011087
Orbits per 24-hr. day -- 15.69
Mean altitude loss last 24 hours -- 53 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. '98) -- 31271

For more on ISS orbit and worldwide ISS naked-eye visibility dates/times,
see http://www.hq.nasa.gov/osf/station/viewing/issvis.html



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

Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info