ISS On-Orbit Status, 23-12-2003

ISS On-Orbit Status, 23 Dec 2003

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except as noted previously
or below. As of this morning, the station has circled Earth 29060 times
(equivalent to roughly the distance to Jupiter).

Early in the morning, after wakeup at 1:00am EST, FE Alexander Kaleri
deployed three 9V-battery-driven acoustic dosimeters in the Service Module
(SM), to take static sound level measurements at the Central Post, on the
Vozdukh panel, and as close to the TVIS treadmill as possible. In the
evening, after 16 hrs. of operation, the data will be recorded on the
computer and the hardware powercycled for another 24-hr. take.

Later, Alex Kaleri conducted performance testing on battery #8 in the SM.
[This 800A unit, the former #7 battery, has for the last several weeks been
in the #8 slot and off line in capacity restoration mode (ROM) for
troubleshooting. Its ZRU-8 charge/discharge unit was deactivated by
TsUP/Moscow beforehand and later reactivated. For the performance check,
Kaleri used the "Elektronika MMTs-01" multimeter to measure battery voltage
(expected value: ~25V).]

CDR/SO Michael Foale reviewed an OBT (onboard training) for today's
CBOSS-FDI (Cellular Biotechnology Support Systems-Fluid Dynamics
Investigation) activity. After the VTR was turned on for recording camcorder
video of the ops, Mike worked with the FDI for several hours, in three
sessions, to determine how quickly one person can perform syringe injections
into a TCM (tissue culture module), in preparation for other upcoming
experiments. [The session employs a new camera setup, using the MWA
(maintenance work area) and the previously created flash-shielding paper
tube for the Sony DCS-760 digital still camera with Nikon flash assembly;
this setup is also used to obtain imagery of FDI polystyrene beads in a
TCM.]

Kaleri performed the periodic functional closure test of the Vozdukh CO2
removal system's AVK emergency vacuum valves (last time done: 11/21). [The
AVKs are critical 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 carbon dioxide during the regeneration of the absorbent
cartridges (PP). During nominal operation, the AVK valves remain open.]

In the continuing long-term troubleshooting of the nonfunctioning Russian
ASN-2401 satellite navigation antenna system, Alex Kaleri, with ground
support, searched for the apparent fault in the connection to the ASN's A76
antenna subsystem, checking electric continuity by taking resistance
measurements between specific pins and connectors. [When operating, the ASN
will use GLONASS/Uragan satellites (the Russian equivalent of GPS) to
correct the on-board state vector (SV) information (i.e., ISS position &
velocity referenced to a time hack, or epoch). Up to now, SV
corrections/updates have to be uplinked daily from the ground, along with
time setting, time synchronization and various power bus checks, or require
SV transfers from the U.S. segment from time to time. ASN will also be
critically important for the docking operations of the European ATV
(automated transfer vehicle). The ASN equipment was originally installed in
the SM before launch but was found faulty and had to be returned to the
ground. After repair it was shipped again to the station on Progress 11P,
re-installed by Yuri Malenchenko on 7/8/03, and subjected by TsUP
controllers to several months of testing, ending on 11/30. It still has not
worked since.]

Foale performed the regular inspection of the RED (resistive exercise
device) and conducted the newly required weekly inspection of the TVIS
treadmill's wire ropes for signs of fraying.

The FE continued his current round of monthly preventive maintenance on RS
air ventilation systems, today in the "Pirs" DC-1 docking compartment, where
he cleaned the two PF1 & PF2 dust filters of its air duct system as well as
the protective mesh screens of the V1 & V2 ventilator fans (last time done:
11/6).

Kaleri removed the SRVK-2M condensate water processor's multifiltration unit
(BKO) that has reached its service life limit. The old BKO was replaced with
a new unit and stowed for deorbiting in Progress 12P. [BKO contains five
purification columns to rid the condensate of dissolved mineral and organic
impurities and has a service lifetime of ~450 liters throughput.]

CDR Foale prepared for and then performed another EPO (Educational Payloads
Operation) demonstration, today showing the behavior of magnets in
weightlessness. [Video and voice of the demo was downlinked in real-time, to
be used on the ground for educational purposes.]

With the Elektron oxygen generator continuing to operate, Sasha Kaleri
performed an inspection of its gas/liquid separator (GZhS) for possible
presence of gas bubbles. [The check involved temporary removal of the GZhS
to gain access to electrical connectors. The MMTs-01 was then used to
measure resistance (Ohms) on the liquid sensor (SNZh), before the GZhS was
reinstalled.]

Kaleri prepared the daily IMS (inventory management system) delta file for
automatic export/import to update the database.

The crew worked out according to their regular daily physical exercise
program of 2.5 hrs on the TVIS treadmill, RED exerciser, and VELO bike (with
load trainer).

As reported (12/18), the external lower outboard camera (LOOB) on the S1
truss has on several occasions failed to tilt down under temperatures at the
higher end of the nominal range. Further on-orbit troubleshooting and/or
tilt movement of this camera by the ground or crew has been suspended
(unless needed for critical operations) until engineers have had time to
investigate and develop a "forward" plan, to be presented to mission
management by about 1/9/2004.

While last month's crew inspection of the CMRS (crew medical restraint
system) showed no visible cracks on the strap-down board, close-up
photographs indicate what appears to be microfractures over metal screw
heads, which, if getting larger, could provide a high-voltage defibrillation
ground path from the patient to ISS structure. The crew was requested to
protect the CMRS in the indicated areas with Kapton tape, and also to verify
that a potentially loose torso strap buckle will remain in place during an
emergency. [The ironing-board-like CHeCS (crew health care systems) CMRS
allows strapping down a patient with a harness for medical attention by the
CMO (crew medical officer). The CMRS can be secured to the ISS structure
within two minutes to provide a patient restraint surface for performing
emergency medical procedures, such as during ACLS (advanced cardiac life
support). It can also be used to transport a patient between the station and
the Orbiter middeck. It isolates the crew and equipment electrically during
defibrillations and pacing electrical discharges, accommodates the patient
in the supine zero-G positions, provides cervical spine stabilization and,
for a three-person crew, can also restrain two CMOs (crew medical officers)
during their delivery of medical care.]

Mike Foale's inspection of the PFMI (Pore Formation & Migration
Investigation) hardware yesterday successfully pinpointed where further
troubleshooting efforts are to be concentrated. [The ground is preparing a
procedure to remove an upper gear wheel and perform some maintenance, to be
performed sometime next week.]

At 10:10am EST, both crewmembers participated in two successive interactive
televised PAO interviews (Ku-band & S-band) of ~10 min. each, with KNX Radio
in Los Angeles, CA, and NPR/National Public Radio (Scott Simon).

TsUP/Moscow conducted a series of tests involving the KURS rendezvous radio
navigation system via the FGB's Komparus portal and FGB avionics systems to
access the KURS. [Progress 12P, on the -Y axis of FGB/SM, served as test
target, after its thrusters were disabled and yaw and pitch control
transferred to the SM for the time. The checkout involved the FGB's
universal commutating unit (UKP), activation of the US22-1 matching unit to
the SM & Progress, and testing of TsUP's command program to Progress, as
well as command execution by onboard program pre-stored in the SPP automated
sequencer.]

No CEO targets uplinked for today.

U.S. and Russian Segment Status (as of 1:40pm EST).

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

Elektron O2 generator is powered On. Vozdukh CO2 scrubber is On (in Manual
Mode 5/3). U.S. CDRA CO2 scrubber is on Standby (ready in dual-bed mode).
TCCS (trace contaminant control subsystem) is operating. MCA (major
constituents analyzer) is off (in Life Extending Mode). BMP Harmful
Impurities unit: absorbent bed #1 in Purify mode, bed #2 in Purify mode. RS
air conditioner SKV-1 is Off: SKV-2 is Off.


SM Working Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) -- 742; temperature (deg C) -- 25.6;
ppO2 (mmHg) -- 148.7; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- 2.5
SM Transfer Compartment: Pressure (mmHg) -- 761; temperature (deg C) --
19.5.
FGB Cabin: Pressure (mmHg) -- 752; temperature (deg C) 22.3.
Node: Pressure (mmHg) -- 746.43; temperature (deg C) -- 23.5 (shell); ppO2
(mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- n/a.
U.S. Lab: Pressure (mmHg) -- 749.06; temperature (deg C) -- 24.8; ppO2
(mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2 (mmHg) -- n/a.
Joint Airlock (Equip. Lock): Pressure (mmHg) -- 749.26; temperature (deg
C) -- 24.0; shell heater temp (deg C) -- 24.0, ppO2 (mmHg) -- n/a; ppCO2
(mmHg) -- n/a.
PMA-1: Shell heater temp (deg C) -- 22.6
PMA-2: Shell heater temp (deg C) -- 11.2

(n/a = data not available)

Electrical Power Systems (EPS):

Both P6 channels fully operational. BGA (beta gimbal assembly) 2B and 4B
both in Directed Position (non-suntracking, "night glider"/"sun slicer" drag
reduction mode).
SM batteries: Battery #8, formerly known as #7, is still disconnected in
slot #8 for troubleshooting; all other batteries (7) are in "Partial Charge"
mode.
FGB batteries: Battery #5 is off (capacity restoration mode, ROM); all other
batteries (5) are in "Partial Charge" mode.
Plasma Contactor Unit PCU-1 in Standby mode; PCU-2 in Standby mode.

Command & Data Handling Systems:

C&C-1 MDM is prime, C&C-2 is back-up, and C&C-3 is in standby.
GNC-1 MDM is prime; GNC-2 is Backup.
INT-2 is operating; INT-1 is Off.
EXT-2 is On (primary), EXT-1 is Off (both now upgraded to R3).
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).
SM Central Computer (TsVM): 2 redundant lanes (of 3) operational (string #3
dropped out 10/22).

Propulsion System:

Total propellant load available:3680 kg (8113 lb) as of 12/11/03 [SM(755) +
FGB(2573) + Progress M(352) + Progress M-1(0)]. (Capability: SM -- 860 kg;
FGB -- 6120 kg).

Attitude Control Systems:

3 CMGs on-line (CMG-1 failed).
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: -89.9 deg, pitch: -8.9 deg, roll:
1.8 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.
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 MBS PDGF #1/LEE B, with Keep Alive (KA) power on
both strings.
MBS: KA 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, 7:09am EST [= epoch]):

Mean altitude -- 370.8 km
Apogee -- 374.9 km
Perigee -- 366.6 km
Period -- 92.0 min.
Inclination (to Equator) -- 51.63 deg
Eccentricity -- 0.0006083
Orbits per 24-hr. day -- 15.66
Mean altitude loss in last 24 hours -- 115
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. '98) -- 29060
For more on ISS orbit and worldwide naked-eye visibility dates/times, see
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/osf/station/viewing/issvis.html



--
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Jacques :-)

Editor: www.spacepatches.info