Expedition 33 ends with successful Return of Soyuz TMA-05M |
November 19, 2012 |
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The three International Space Station Expedition 32/33 crew members have successfully completed their mission, making a pre-dawn landing aboard their Soyuz Spacecraft on Monday morning in Kazakhstan. Soyuz TMA-05M and its three crew members, Yuri Malenchenko, Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide, undocked from ISS late on Sunday (UTC) and performed a short free flight before deorbit and landing, marking the first night-time landing of a Soyuz since back in 2006 when Soyuz TMA-7 returned the ISS Expedition 12 crew. The crew's mission was 127 days in duration and was one of the busiest ISS increments in history. >>>Full Story |
Photo: NASA
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Russian Mission Control loses Communications with Satellites & ISS
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Nov. 14, 2012
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Photo: NASA
Mission Control Moscow
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The Russian Space Agency’s Mission Control Center, Moscow, lost all communications with Russian satellites including the International Space Station.
Communications were interrupted on Wednesday when construction workers, working on the Shchelkovo Highway in the suburbs of Moscow, damaged the main data cable linking TsUP Moscow to the primary ground stations used to communicate with Russian spacecraft. The damage to this major data connections also affected other users such as the Moscow Stock Exchange. It could take up to 48 hours to repair the damage and restore communications. Apparently, there is no redundancy built into the Russian ground communications system linking TsUP to the tracking stations. The International Space Station is in a safe configuration as the US-based communication system involving the Data and Tracking Relay Satellites providing continuous telemetry, voice and video downlink and uplink to the Space Station. |
Russian teams can still get insight into their systems using the US communications system.
The exact circumstances of the incident at the construction site are being investigated and teams are busy troubleshooting the damage in order to get it repaired as quickly repaired as possible. Russian sources noted that the problem does not affect military satellites as they are operated from a different facility.
Initial reports also claimed that the undocking of Soyuz TMA-05M currently planned for Sunday, November 18, could be delayed by the communications problem because testing of the navigation system of the vehicle is accomplished via direct downlink to the ground. Also, the Soyuz requires ground stations for its short free flight, deorbit and landing. Later, reports noted that Roscosmos has not yet made any changes to the existing plan for TMA-05M’s return.
The exact circumstances of the incident at the construction site are being investigated and teams are busy troubleshooting the damage in order to get it repaired as quickly repaired as possible. Russian sources noted that the problem does not affect military satellites as they are operated from a different facility.
Initial reports also claimed that the undocking of Soyuz TMA-05M currently planned for Sunday, November 18, could be delayed by the communications problem because testing of the navigation system of the vehicle is accomplished via direct downlink to the ground. Also, the Soyuz requires ground stations for its short free flight, deorbit and landing. Later, reports noted that Roscosmos has not yet made any changes to the existing plan for TMA-05M’s return.
Week 8: Crew Departure Preparations begin aboard ISS |
November 11, 2012 |
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International Space Station Expedition 33 is approaching its end as crew members Suni Williams, Aki Hoshide and Yuri Malenchenko are slowly starting preparations for their return to Earth on November 19. Week 8 of Increment 33 was therefore dedicated to crew return preparations, science activities and Space Station Maintenance as well as handover operations between the resident crew members and the relatively new crew members that arrived aboard Soyuz TMA-06M in late October and are getting ready to operate the complex by themselves once Soyuz TMA-05M departs ISS.
On Monday, November 5, the crew members completed the regular morning inspections before starting their busy work day. Yuri Malenchenko worked inside the Poisk Module to perform the current twice-daily inspection of the KPT-21 PK-3+ Plasma Crystal-3+ (Plazmennyi-Kristall-3 plus) Telescience payload before starting the next run of the experiment. The experiment is conducted in automatic mode and creates a Plasma of fine particles excited by high frequency radio power. Its main objective is to study wave propagation and dispersion ratio in a dust plasma. Aki Hoshide completed his next Integrated Cardiovascular Resting Echo Scan inside the US Lab, being assisted by Suni Williams. The ESA-operated ICV Experiment involves periodic resting Echo Ultrasound-Scan and ambulatory monitoring sessions to evaluate the extent, time course, and clinical significance of cardiac atrophy and identify its mechanisms. USOS resident Kevin Ford concluded his first 24-hour NUTRITION experiment session with urine sampling and blood draw. The study is part of the Human Research Program and assesses changes in human physiology during long-duration space flight by examining bone metabolism, oxidative damage, chemistry and hormonal changes and the nutritional status of crew members. "This experiment also helps researchers understand the effectiveness of measures taken to counteract the effects of space flight, as well as the impact of exercise and pharmaceutical countermeasures on nutritional status and nutrient requirements for crewmembers," the official experiment overview notes. On the Russian side, Oleg Novitsky and Evgeny Tarelkin spent the majority of their day working with the newly arrived Russian biotechnology payloads. They retrieved the BTKh-26 KASKAD Bioreactor from the incubator, set it up in the Russian Science Glovebox and activating the reactor before placing it in a temperature-controlled incubator. Also, they configured the BTKh-39 ASEPTIK payload in the Glovebox for activation with bench cleaning followed by the collection of surface sampling to check sterility of the GB after the cleaning. ASEPTIK assesses methods of sterilizing the Glovebox to keep its cleanliness within requirements of scientific studies. Tarelkin and Novitsky also worked with the BTKh-10 KONYUGATSIYA Rekomb-K hardware, retrieving it from a cold incubator, activating the process and placing it in a warm incubator for several hours before returning the payload back to the cold TBU-V. Also, the two crew members set up the BTKh-43 KONSTANTA payload. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
Baltimore at Night
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Suni Williams spent some time preparing science equipment and she initiated a run of the Air Quality Monitor. Ford completed an inventory of Portable Emergency Provisions and their locations before working in Node 3, completing maintenance on the Water Recovery System followed by water sampling. Williams set up the SLAMMD (Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device) equipment in Columbus to use it to measure the body mass of the three USOS crew members. Malenchenko completed two hours of Progress cargo transfers while Aki Hoshide set up the BIORHYTHMS and Diagnostic Kit for 48-hour data acquisition sessions with him acting as test subject.
Tuesday started aboard the Russian Segment with the Xromatomass Study (Chromatomass) for Oleg Novitsky and another run of the Plasma Crystal Payload for Malenchenko. After getting up, Aki Hoshide terminated his first overnight session with the Diagnostic Kit recording his brainwaves. Commander Suni Williams started her final 5-day experiment session with Pro-K that she supported each day for the rest of the run. The full name of this study is Dietary Intake Can Predict and Protect against Changes in Bone Metabolism during Spaceflight and Recovery. It involves crew members sticking to a low salt or high salt diet for five days, logging their food intake, collecting and analysing urine and blood samples and preparing samples for analysis on the ground. Aki Hoshide also retrieved Pro-K equipment and set it up for his final session starting one day later. He later took care of the regular Aquatic Habitat Servicing. Other operations completed by Hoshide included the installation of a Portable Power Supply in Columbus, servicing his running BIORHYTHMS experiment, changing equipment batteries and taking documentary imagery inside the Airlock.
Working inside the Waste & Hygiene Compartment, Suni Williams and Kevin Ford spent several hours troubleshooting the toilet facilities that had not been functioning for several days.
In preparation for his return to Earth, Yuri Malenchenko worked out with the Chibis-M (“Lapwing”) suit completing the orthostatic hemodynamic endurance test protocol. The Chibis Suit Procedures are a standard measure that is performed by Russian Crew Members before returning from Zero-G. Malenchenko conducted an exercise protocol in the below-the-waist reduced-pressure device (ODNT, US: LBNP/Lower Body Negative Pressure) on the TVIS treadmill. Oleg Novitsky worked with a Russian Education Payload. After closing down the Vozdukh CO2 removal system in the Service Module and gathering tools & equipment, Malenchenko and Novitsky worked behind panel 425 to look for a leak of an adapter by test-replacing it with a spare, for the ground to check pressures. Meanwhile, Tarelkin conducted another run of the ASEPTIK payload.
Tuesday started aboard the Russian Segment with the Xromatomass Study (Chromatomass) for Oleg Novitsky and another run of the Plasma Crystal Payload for Malenchenko. After getting up, Aki Hoshide terminated his first overnight session with the Diagnostic Kit recording his brainwaves. Commander Suni Williams started her final 5-day experiment session with Pro-K that she supported each day for the rest of the run. The full name of this study is Dietary Intake Can Predict and Protect against Changes in Bone Metabolism during Spaceflight and Recovery. It involves crew members sticking to a low salt or high salt diet for five days, logging their food intake, collecting and analysing urine and blood samples and preparing samples for analysis on the ground. Aki Hoshide also retrieved Pro-K equipment and set it up for his final session starting one day later. He later took care of the regular Aquatic Habitat Servicing. Other operations completed by Hoshide included the installation of a Portable Power Supply in Columbus, servicing his running BIORHYTHMS experiment, changing equipment batteries and taking documentary imagery inside the Airlock.
Working inside the Waste & Hygiene Compartment, Suni Williams and Kevin Ford spent several hours troubleshooting the toilet facilities that had not been functioning for several days.
In preparation for his return to Earth, Yuri Malenchenko worked out with the Chibis-M (“Lapwing”) suit completing the orthostatic hemodynamic endurance test protocol. The Chibis Suit Procedures are a standard measure that is performed by Russian Crew Members before returning from Zero-G. Malenchenko conducted an exercise protocol in the below-the-waist reduced-pressure device (ODNT, US: LBNP/Lower Body Negative Pressure) on the TVIS treadmill. Oleg Novitsky worked with a Russian Education Payload. After closing down the Vozdukh CO2 removal system in the Service Module and gathering tools & equipment, Malenchenko and Novitsky worked behind panel 425 to look for a leak of an adapter by test-replacing it with a spare, for the ground to check pressures. Meanwhile, Tarelkin conducted another run of the ASEPTIK payload.
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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Kevin Ford performed hardware setups in support of ESAThree-Axis Telescope and ELITE-S2 (ELaboratore Immagini TElevisive - Space 2) which he later performed. This experiment assesses the differences in the way the brain controls conscious as well as unconscious motions such as breathing, sitting and standing in Zero-G and on Earth. The new crew members had an hour set aside for handovers and orientation while the remaining crew members took an hour for departure preparations.
Wednesday started with a session of the Reaction Self Test aboard the US Segment. The USOS residents performed a session with RST in the morning and after the day's operations were complete, conducting a short 5-minute simulation using a laptop computer to assess the effect fatigue has on crew members undergoing long-duration space flight. Hoshide and Williams continued Pro-K activities while Kevin Ford continued the Makita battery reconditioning in SMPA (Scope Meter Power Adapter) before working with thermal equipment for upcoming operations. The Soyuz TMA-05M crew, Williams, Hoshide and Malenchenko, joined for a fit check of their Kentavr anti-G suits for their return to Earth later this month, before they changed and performed leak checks of their Sokol Launch and Entry suits. Malenchenko also performed a checkout of the Kazbek seats inside the Soyuz to make sure the systems are ready for landing. Meanwhile, Kevin Ford completed his first Periodic Fitness Evaluation Protocol for which he exercised on the CEVIS cycle ergometer wearing biomed equipment for fitness evaluations. Later, he supported the ELITE-S2 Experiment by downlinking data that was acquired on Tuesday. Aki Hoshide continued the ongoing troubleshooting in the Waste & Hygiene Compartment, replacing its dose pump with a spare unit. In addition, he ended his run of the BIORHYTHMS experiment that studies circadian variations occurring in astronauts undergoing long duration space flights. Malenchenko completed his 8th session with the Russian Interactions study. Interactions has the ultimate goal to improve the ability of future crew members to interact safely and effectively with each other and with Mission Control. Evgeny Tarelkin spent more than two hours performing Progress M-17M cargo transfers moving supplies to the space station. The entire crew joined for two hours to conduct an onboard training session for emergency hardware familiarization followed by tagup with ground specialists. To complete their work day, the Russian Crew Members again supported biotechnical payloads and maintenance aboard the Russian Segment. Hoshide, Ford & Williams took turns as subjects for ocular research with the PanOptic eye test which requires application of eye drops (Tropicamide [Mydriacyl]) causing eye dilation for subsequent ophthalmic examination. Overnight, Yuri Malenchenko completed another session with the Sonokard Sleep Study that was terminated in the morning. Thursday began with ongoing science operations involving Pro-K and Plasma Crystal. Suni Williams again spent time troubleshooting the still dysfunctional Waste & Hygiene Compartment, performing a visual inspection, removing & replacing the pre-treat tank and WHC piping and pre-treat indicator. Ford and Hoshide performed handover operations, completing the regular servicing of the ARED advanced resistive exercise machine. The Russian crew members supported the KONSTANTA and KASKAD biotechnical payloads while Suni Williams underwent the ESA Integrated Cardiovascular Resting Echo Scan as well as ESA Vessel Imaging Ultrasound Scans. Working on the CEVIS ergometer, Kevin Ford performed the periodic inspection of the device. In preparation for the return of Soyuz TMA-05M, Yuri Malenchenko completed 75 minutes of pre-packing and stowing return cargo aboard the spacecraft. Aki Hoshide donated hair samples for the JAXA HAIR experiment with samples being stowed in the -95°C MELFI Freezer. |
Russian Maintenance for the day was dedicated to servicing the the toilet facility in the Service Module being performed by Oleg Novitsky who removed and replaced the E-K pre-treat tank and its hose. Evgeny Tarelkin spent 2.5 hours with preventive maintenance, cleaning ventilation systems in the Zarya module.
Working inside Kibo, Aki Hoshide serviced the Medaka Osteoclast payload and captured eight more Medaka fish for transfer to the Fish Fixation Apparatus C for fixating in Paraformaldehyde, before inserting the samples in MELFI-3.
The Russian crew members ended their day with educational payload support and symbolic activities while the USOS crew completed Health Maintenance System Tonometry measurements.
Friday began with Pro-K and eye scans for the Health Maintenance Systems Ultrasound 2 suite of investigations on the US side, and the SPRUT-2 experiment on the Russian side. The Sprut-2 Medical Study looks at distribution and behavior of human body fluids in zero gravity. The experiment hardware includes skin electrodes and a securing harness as well as software to record data. During the 5-minute data acquisition period, the crewmembers has to be at complete rest not making any movements. Williams started a 48-hour ICV ambulatory monitoring session and Yuri Malenchenko spent two hours performing Soyuz Cargo Loading. Inside Zarya, Evgeny Tarelkin continued the preventive maintenance and Novitsky did the same inside Rassvet. Malenchenko conducted his next orthostatic hemodynamic endurance test run while Hoshide continued his research with the Diagnostic Kit, measuring heart sounds and analyzing the data on the MEC. Later, he worked on the Aquatic Habitat, removing air bubbles from the water.
The three Russian crewmembers had 2 hours set aside for the standard “symbolic” activities with commemorative items, today signing & stamping envelopes. Kevin, Aki & Suni participated in signing the Roskosmos envelopes. The USOS completed more experiments, including VIABLE, Space Headache, Three-Axis Telescope and BIORHYTHMS. The crew members performed the standard weekly tagups with Mission Control Centers around the world to discuss ongoing and upcoming operations.
The weekend aboard the station was fairly quiet for the crew of six. On Saturday, they joined for the weekly 'Uborka' House Cleaning which is a 3-hour task and involves removing trash from the work area, cleaning of often touched surfaces and other minor tasks to keep ISS in perfect working condition and equipment sorted aboard the Station. They continued to support science operations including Pro-K and the Russian biotechnoloy experiments. The crew also enjoyed some Off-Duty Time on Saturday and Sunday and the weekly video conferences with their families and friends.
Working inside Kibo, Aki Hoshide serviced the Medaka Osteoclast payload and captured eight more Medaka fish for transfer to the Fish Fixation Apparatus C for fixating in Paraformaldehyde, before inserting the samples in MELFI-3.
The Russian crew members ended their day with educational payload support and symbolic activities while the USOS crew completed Health Maintenance System Tonometry measurements.
Friday began with Pro-K and eye scans for the Health Maintenance Systems Ultrasound 2 suite of investigations on the US side, and the SPRUT-2 experiment on the Russian side. The Sprut-2 Medical Study looks at distribution and behavior of human body fluids in zero gravity. The experiment hardware includes skin electrodes and a securing harness as well as software to record data. During the 5-minute data acquisition period, the crewmembers has to be at complete rest not making any movements. Williams started a 48-hour ICV ambulatory monitoring session and Yuri Malenchenko spent two hours performing Soyuz Cargo Loading. Inside Zarya, Evgeny Tarelkin continued the preventive maintenance and Novitsky did the same inside Rassvet. Malenchenko conducted his next orthostatic hemodynamic endurance test run while Hoshide continued his research with the Diagnostic Kit, measuring heart sounds and analyzing the data on the MEC. Later, he worked on the Aquatic Habitat, removing air bubbles from the water.
The three Russian crewmembers had 2 hours set aside for the standard “symbolic” activities with commemorative items, today signing & stamping envelopes. Kevin, Aki & Suni participated in signing the Roskosmos envelopes. The USOS completed more experiments, including VIABLE, Space Headache, Three-Axis Telescope and BIORHYTHMS. The crew members performed the standard weekly tagups with Mission Control Centers around the world to discuss ongoing and upcoming operations.
The weekend aboard the station was fairly quiet for the crew of six. On Saturday, they joined for the weekly 'Uborka' House Cleaning which is a 3-hour task and involves removing trash from the work area, cleaning of often touched surfaces and other minor tasks to keep ISS in perfect working condition and equipment sorted aboard the Station. They continued to support science operations including Pro-K and the Russian biotechnoloy experiments. The crew also enjoyed some Off-Duty Time on Saturday and Sunday and the weekly video conferences with their families and friends.
Week 7: ISS Crew welcomes Progress M-17M, completes busy EVA |
November 4, 2012 |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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Week 7 of International Space Station Expedition 33 was filled with a variety of operations for the crew of six as they supported science activities and maintenance as well as a Progress resupply spacecraft making an express rendezvous and a US-based Spacewalk.
On Monday, after the crew performed the regular morning inspections, the Russian crew members joined to perform a session with the Russian biomedical assessment PZEh-MO-7/Calf Volume Measurement that provides a rough index of deconditioning in zero-G and effectiveness of countermeasures. Afterwards, the three US crew members joined to complete body mass measurements with the same equipment. These data points are required for a number of different human research investigations. On the Russian side, all three crew members started handover work with Yuri Malenchenko performing the regular servicing of the Countermeasure System that removes harmful contaminants from the air inside the station. Later, Malenchenko configured hardware to perform his next session with the Pnevmokard experiment which measures arterial blood pressure to evaluate changes of the cardiorespiratory system of crewmembers on long duration space flights. Evgeny Tarelkin worked three hours inside the Russian Segment, performing air flow humidity measurements on air conditioner inlets and outlets while Oleg Novitsky set up Biorisk Experiment trays and took images for downlink before going to his Soyuz spacecraft where he dismantled two cameras and handed them to Malenchenko for return to Earth aboard Soyuz TMA-05M for re-use. Novitsky also took engineering photos of the docking interface between Soyuz and ISS. ISS Commander Suni Williams completed her next session with the Reversible Figures Experiment inside Columbus. This is an ESA-operated study that examines the adaptive nature of the human neuro-vestibular system in the processing of gravitational information related to 3D visual perception. |
Kevin Ford performed the regular servicing of the Aquatic Habitat inside the Kibo Module. Afterwards, Aki Hoshide took over and performed sample fixation, transferring eight fish from the Fish Carrier to the Fish Fixation Apparatus C for RNAlater KFU fixing. (KSC Fixation Tube)
Suni Williams performed the regular preventive maintenance in the three Nodes, cleaning ventilation systems. She also took care of the Waste & Hygiene Compartment servicing. Malenchenko spent two hours taking microflora samples from surfaces at 12 selected locations in the Service Module using special sample tubes that will return to Earth aboard his Soyuz. The crew members supported a number of ground-controlled payload operations and data downlinks. The USOS crew had a debrief during which they discussed Dragon SpX-1 Robotics. They also participated in medical conferences, supported PAO events and had time for more handover work.
On Tuesday, the USOS crew members started their work day with a session with the Reaction Self Test - a short 5-minute test using a computer application. RST is done twice a day, once in the morning and once just before going to bed after the day’s work is complete, and seeks to evaluate the effects fatigue has on crew members undergoing long duration space flight. Before breakfast, Oleg Novitsky set up the Xromatomass (Chromatomass) equipment and completed his first session with analysis of saliva & blood samples. Russian Cosmonaut Evgeny Tarelkin had three hours set aside for his first session with the Tipologia experiment. The study looks at typological features of operator activity of the ISS crews in long-term space flight phases, with the subject using a cap with electroencephalogram electrodes. During the experiment session the crewmember completes the Lüscher test and the games Minesweeper and Tetris.
Suni Williams performed the regular preventive maintenance in the three Nodes, cleaning ventilation systems. She also took care of the Waste & Hygiene Compartment servicing. Malenchenko spent two hours taking microflora samples from surfaces at 12 selected locations in the Service Module using special sample tubes that will return to Earth aboard his Soyuz. The crew members supported a number of ground-controlled payload operations and data downlinks. The USOS crew had a debrief during which they discussed Dragon SpX-1 Robotics. They also participated in medical conferences, supported PAO events and had time for more handover work.
On Tuesday, the USOS crew members started their work day with a session with the Reaction Self Test - a short 5-minute test using a computer application. RST is done twice a day, once in the morning and once just before going to bed after the day’s work is complete, and seeks to evaluate the effects fatigue has on crew members undergoing long duration space flight. Before breakfast, Oleg Novitsky set up the Xromatomass (Chromatomass) equipment and completed his first session with analysis of saliva & blood samples. Russian Cosmonaut Evgeny Tarelkin had three hours set aside for his first session with the Tipologia experiment. The study looks at typological features of operator activity of the ISS crews in long-term space flight phases, with the subject using a cap with electroencephalogram electrodes. During the experiment session the crewmember completes the Lüscher test and the games Minesweeper and Tetris.
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The two US Spacewalkers, Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide, underwent their nominal pre-EVA Health Maintenance System / Periodic Health Status evaluation with Kevin Ford acting as Crew Medical Officer. Afterwards, they printed out the latest EVA procedures manual and gathered for a review before discussing the EVA with ground specialists. Aki Hoshide and Kevin Ford prepared the camera equipment for the spacewalk. Williams ran the Air Quality Monitor for five hours and Hoshide prepared the Kibo MELFI for future operations.
Novitsky and Tarelkin had an hour to familiarize themselves with the IUS BKS Auxiliary Computer System in the Russian Segment while Malenchenko reviewed Soyuz TMA-05M cargo stowage lists. After that, they joined for a three-hour refresher training on Russian TORU operations which is done the day before every Progress docking. Afterwards, Yuri Malenchenko serviced the Matryoshka-R radiation payload and he completed a session with the Russian MedOps assessment MO-12 Experiment “Study of the Veins in the Lower Extremities." The newly arrived Cosmonauts performed regular water transfers with Malenchenko providing guidance. They also took care of the Inventory Management System, serviced Russian Life Support Systems and the IP-1 airflow sensors. The crew members supported PAO events and Ham radio sessions for education events. On Wednesday, the Russian crew members spent a large portion of their day with Progress M-17M Rendezvous and Docking Operations. For the USOS crew members, it was a half day as they were given the opportunity of getting some rest ahead of their EVA on Thursday. The day started for Oleg Novitsky with his first 3-hour Tipologia session. Tarelkin performed the Xromatomass experiment before joining with the other two Cosmonauts to take care of the daily Caution and Warning Panel checkout as part of handover operations. Kevin ford worked with the Medaka Osteoclast payload again before joining with Aki and Suni for a final review of EVA procedures using POC DOUG and tagging up with their ground support team to clear up some final questions. Suni and Aki then went to the Airlock to take two hours to configure tools, hardware, and bags required for the spacewalk, prepare the Airlock Equipment Lock and the EMUs, and installing batteries and METOX canisters in the spacesuits. With Yuri Malenchenko, the team prepared Russian PILLE radiation dosimeters for installation on the spacesuits. The Russian Progress M-17M Resupply Spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station, successfully performing the second Same-Day-Rendezvous in ISS history. Progress M-17M blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Wednesday at 7:41 UTC, being delivered to orbit in less than nine minutes to start the 4-Orbit Rendezvous Sequence, that could soon be a part of manned flights to the Space Station. Progress M-17M docked to the Zvezda Module of the Space Station at 13:33 UTC. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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Yuri Malenchenko monitored the approach of Progress M-17M and was joined by the other cosmonauts to monitor the rendezvous, standing by at the controls of the TORU console to assume control of the approach in the unlikely event of a technical problem. For all details on the Progress M-17M Mission, visit the dedicated Mission Updates Page.
Later in the day, Yuri Malenchenko performed a run of the KPT-21 PK-3+ Plasma Crystal-3+ (Plazmennyi-Kristall-3 plus) Telescience payload. The experiment is conducted in automatic mode and creates a Plasma of fine particles excited by high frequency radio power. Evgeny Tarelkin spent a large portion of his day preparing hardware for biotechnical science payloads that were inbound via Progress M-17M for unloading on Thursday. He prepared the Russian Experiment Glovebox, incubators and other science equipment.
On Thursday, the USOS crew members spent all day supporting US EVA-20, with Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide stepping outside to reconfigure the PVTCS Channel 2B. Kevin Ford supported them before the EVA during EMU ingress, ISLE pre-breathe and Airlock Operations. After the EVA, the crew members performed nominal post-EVA servicing of the spacesuits. For all details of the EVA and detailed background information, visit the EVA-20 updates site.
On the Russian side, the three crew members were busy working in the aft section of the Service Module, performing Progress leak checks for one hour before opening the hatches to the newly arrived vehicle and installing QD (quick disconnect) screw clamps to rigidize the coupling. They took the standard air samples inside the spacecraft and deactivated the vehicle before installing air ducts between the space station and the Progress. When these operations were complete, the crew members spent several hours unloading and setting up time-critical biotechnology payloads in thermostat-controlled containers aboard ISS. With Winter approaching Kazakhstan, the crew retrieved TZK-14 Thermal Protection Jackets that were delivered aboard the Progress and placed them inside the two Soyuz Spacecraft to protect the crew after an emergency return in cold climate. To complete the work day, Novitsky and Tarelkin participated in more handover operations and Yuri Malenchenko spent two hours taking microflora samples from surfaces inside the Zarya module.
Later in the day, Yuri Malenchenko performed a run of the KPT-21 PK-3+ Plasma Crystal-3+ (Plazmennyi-Kristall-3 plus) Telescience payload. The experiment is conducted in automatic mode and creates a Plasma of fine particles excited by high frequency radio power. Evgeny Tarelkin spent a large portion of his day preparing hardware for biotechnical science payloads that were inbound via Progress M-17M for unloading on Thursday. He prepared the Russian Experiment Glovebox, incubators and other science equipment.
On Thursday, the USOS crew members spent all day supporting US EVA-20, with Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide stepping outside to reconfigure the PVTCS Channel 2B. Kevin Ford supported them before the EVA during EMU ingress, ISLE pre-breathe and Airlock Operations. After the EVA, the crew members performed nominal post-EVA servicing of the spacesuits. For all details of the EVA and detailed background information, visit the EVA-20 updates site.
On the Russian side, the three crew members were busy working in the aft section of the Service Module, performing Progress leak checks for one hour before opening the hatches to the newly arrived vehicle and installing QD (quick disconnect) screw clamps to rigidize the coupling. They took the standard air samples inside the spacecraft and deactivated the vehicle before installing air ducts between the space station and the Progress. When these operations were complete, the crew members spent several hours unloading and setting up time-critical biotechnology payloads in thermostat-controlled containers aboard ISS. With Winter approaching Kazakhstan, the crew retrieved TZK-14 Thermal Protection Jackets that were delivered aboard the Progress and placed them inside the two Soyuz Spacecraft to protect the crew after an emergency return in cold climate. To complete the work day, Novitsky and Tarelkin participated in more handover operations and Yuri Malenchenko spent two hours taking microflora samples from surfaces inside the Zarya module.
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On Friday, Williams and Hoshide underwent the standard post-EVA medical exams with Periodic Health Status equipment. Before breakfast both, Novitsky and Tarelkin completed a session with the Russian MedOps test MO-10 "Hematokrit," looking at a well-known phenomenon of space flight that red blood cell count (normal range: 30-45%) tends to go down over time. Aki Hoshide opened the protective window shutters of the Lab WORF (Window Observational Research Facility) so that ground-operated imagery acquisition could take place.
Afterwards, he went to the Airlock to perform the standard post-Spacewalk servicing of the two EMUs that he and Williams wore during the EVA. Hoshide also performed the deconfiguration of the Quest Airlock, returning it to its nominal configuration. He returned tools that were used during the EVA to regular stowage to close out EVA operations. In addition, he powered down the two Robotics Work Stations of the Space Station in the Cupola and the Destiny Lab. |
Photo: NASA
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Yuri Malenchenko retrieved the two radiation dosimeters that went outside on the spacewalker's suits to download acquired data. Later, Malenchenko worked inside the Poisk Module performing another run of the Plasma Crystal-3+ Payload. Novitsky and Tarelkin serviced the newly arrived IOEMULSIYA payload, removing the Recomb-K bioreactor from the TBU-V thermostat-controlled container (+4degC) and activating it. Wearing protective gear, Williams worked in Node-3 on the WRS-2 (Water Recovery System) Rack 2 with Kevin Ford at her side for handover, replacing the UPA (Urine Processor Assembly)’s full RFTA (Recycle Filter Tank Assembly) with a new unit.
Working inside the newly arrived Progress, Novitsky installed the electronic LKT local temperature sensor commutator of the Russian onboard telemetry measurement system. Meanwhile, Tarelkin had 90 minutes set aside for Progress M-17M cargo operations. Later, the three Russian crew members worked with the Elektron Oxygen Generation System as part of handovers. They also joined for 60 minutes to complete symbolic activities, signing & stamping commemorative items like posters, photos and envelopes. To finish their work week, the cosmonauts performed another two hours of general handover work. On the US side, Kevin Ford filled out his Space Headache Questionnaire, a daily task for newly arriving crew members, and Suni Williams continued work on the Kibo MELFI Freezer, preparing the unit for upcoming operations.
The weekend aboard the station was fairly quiet for the crew of six. On Saturday, they joined for the weekly 'Uborka' House Cleaning which is a 3-hour task and involves removing trash from the work area, cleaning of often touched surfaces and other minor tasks to keep ISS in perfect working condition and equipment sorted aboard the Station. The crew only supported essential science operations such as servicing the biotech payloads delivered on Progress. They also tagged up with Mission Control Centers around the world to discuss upcoming operations. The crew members had time for their weekly private family video conferences on Sunday.
Working inside the newly arrived Progress, Novitsky installed the electronic LKT local temperature sensor commutator of the Russian onboard telemetry measurement system. Meanwhile, Tarelkin had 90 minutes set aside for Progress M-17M cargo operations. Later, the three Russian crew members worked with the Elektron Oxygen Generation System as part of handovers. They also joined for 60 minutes to complete symbolic activities, signing & stamping commemorative items like posters, photos and envelopes. To finish their work week, the cosmonauts performed another two hours of general handover work. On the US side, Kevin Ford filled out his Space Headache Questionnaire, a daily task for newly arriving crew members, and Suni Williams continued work on the Kibo MELFI Freezer, preparing the unit for upcoming operations.
The weekend aboard the station was fairly quiet for the crew of six. On Saturday, they joined for the weekly 'Uborka' House Cleaning which is a 3-hour task and involves removing trash from the work area, cleaning of often touched surfaces and other minor tasks to keep ISS in perfect working condition and equipment sorted aboard the Station. The crew only supported essential science operations such as servicing the biotech payloads delivered on Progress. They also tagged up with Mission Control Centers around the world to discuss upcoming operations. The crew members had time for their weekly private family video conferences on Sunday.
ISS performs successful Debris Avoidance Maneuver
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November 1, 2012
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The International Space Station performed a Debris Avoidance Maneuver on Wednesday at 23:08 UTC. Russian and US ballistics officers had been tracking a piece of Iridium 33 Debris that is one of countless pieces of debris that originated in the 2009 satellite collision between Iridium 33 and Kosmos 2251. The object would have made a total of six close approaches starting on Thursday at 1:20 UTC.
“This is a small, high drag object which makes tracking updates difficult and provides a very high prediction uncertainty,” a NASA report noted. Tracking was showing that the object will pass outside of the Station’s immediate vicinity, but due to the number of conjunctions and tracking uncertainty, Mission Controllers decided to go ahead and perform the DAM. “Currently, all PCs (Probabilities of Collision) are computed to be GREEN. |
Image: NASA
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However, some PCs have trended in an increasing direction while others have trended in a decreasing direction. It is not yet certain that all PCs will remain GREEN from here through TCA [Time of Closest Approach].”
The DAM was performed by the Progress M-16M Spacecraft that is currently docked to the DC-1 Module. The DAM was planned four DPO Engines of the Progress for a total duration of 6 minutes and 46 seconds changing the Station’s velocity by 0.5m/s resulting in a mean altitude change of about 1 Kilometer. The Burn started on time, but did only achieve a delta-V of 0.36m/s with two DPO engines burning for 10 minutes instead of four engines for 6:46. The slight DAM underperformance was not of concern to teams as the burn changed the Space Station's trajectory sufficiently to avoid the object. “This burn would occur about 9.5 hours after this morning’s 49P docking to SM aft and about 5 hours before the planned ISS attitude maneuver to +YVV in support of the EVA tomorrow,“ the report noted.
The DAM was performed by the Progress M-16M Spacecraft that is currently docked to the DC-1 Module. The DAM was planned four DPO Engines of the Progress for a total duration of 6 minutes and 46 seconds changing the Station’s velocity by 0.5m/s resulting in a mean altitude change of about 1 Kilometer. The Burn started on time, but did only achieve a delta-V of 0.36m/s with two DPO engines burning for 10 minutes instead of four engines for 6:46. The slight DAM underperformance was not of concern to teams as the burn changed the Space Station's trajectory sufficiently to avoid the object. “This burn would occur about 9.5 hours after this morning’s 49P docking to SM aft and about 5 hours before the planned ISS attitude maneuver to +YVV in support of the EVA tomorrow,“ the report noted.
Week 6: ISS welcomes new Crew Members, bids Farewell to Dragon
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October 28, 2012
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Week 6 of International Space Station Expedition 33 was incredibly busy aboard the complex orbiting Earth at an altitude of 410 Kilometers. This week, the three resident ISS crew members, Commander Suni Williams and Flight Engineers Aki Hoshide and Yuri Malenchenko, welcomed three new ISS crew members. Oleg Novitsky, Evgeny Tarelkin and Kevin Ford launched aboard Soyuz TMA-06M on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 and docked to ISS two days later - topping up the ISS crew to six, kicking off a busy handover period. In addition, the crew was busy with SpaceX Dragon operations towards the end of the week as the spacecraft bid farewell after an 18-day docked mission on Sunday, being released by the ISS Robotic Arm for a short Free Flight followed by a successful re-entry and splashdown landing.
Operations began on Monday morning with the usual inspections of systems on the Russian Segment, including Caution&Warning Panels, Life Support subsystems and the toilet facility. |
Photo: NASA
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Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide started their week with a session of the Reaction Self Test. RST is done twice a day, once in the morning and once just before going to bed after the day’s work is complete, and seeks to evaluate the effects fatigue has on crew members undergoing long duration space flight. Later, Suni worked on the Water Recovery System in Node-3, completing the regular water sampling and servicing procedure. She deployed four passive Formaldehyde Monitoring Kits for two days to absorb any atmospheric formaldehyde on a collector substrate for subsequent analysis on the ground.
The CDR also worked with the Air Quality Monitor, took air samples with Grab Sample Containers and completed the removal of a failed MELFI Electronic Unit. Yuri Malenchenko conducted maintenance on the Harmful Impurities Removal System and he performed 2.5 hours of functional closure tests on the BVK vacuum valves of the SOA Vozdukh CO2 (carbon dioxide) removal system.
The CDR also worked with the Air Quality Monitor, took air samples with Grab Sample Containers and completed the removal of a failed MELFI Electronic Unit. Yuri Malenchenko conducted maintenance on the Harmful Impurities Removal System and he performed 2.5 hours of functional closure tests on the BVK vacuum valves of the SOA Vozdukh CO2 (carbon dioxide) removal system.
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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JAXA astronaut Aki Hoshide worked inside Columbus to prepare the VO2max equipment for his next session that was performed on Tuesday. He also serviced the JEM MELFI (Minus Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS). Later, he serviced the Water Recovery System, cleaning stowed CWC-Is (Contingency Water Containers-Iodine) for use. Supporting cargo operations, Yuri Malenchenko spent two hours moving items for temporary stowage to the Progress M-16M Spacecraft. He also spent 30 minutes with the Seiner Earth Observatory study, obtaining camcorder footage of color bloom patterns in the waters of the South-Eastern Pacific.
Working inside Kibo, Aki Hoshide performed a demo session of the new JAXA RT/Resist Tubule experiment (Mechanisms of Gravity Resistance in Plants – From Signal Transformation & Transduction to Response). The study assesses gravity resistance that is a principal gravity response in plants, playing an important role in the transition of plant ancestors from an aquatic environment to a terrestrial environment and the establishment of land plants known today. To finish his work day, Aki performed calibrations of sensors on the two CSA-O2 (Compound Specific Analyzer-Oxygen) units. Suni and Aki teamed up for three hours to perform an EVA Procedures Review for their upcoming Spacewalk that will take place on November 1. Visit the EVA-20 Updates Site for all details about the upcoming spacewalk. On Tuesday, at 10:51 UTC, a Soyuz FG Launch vehicle lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome carrying the Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft to orbit in less than 10 minutes. The spacecraft then started its 34-orbit trip to ISS featuring a number of orbit adjustments to set the stage for Rendezvous on Thursday. Aboard the Space Station, Russian Crew Member Yuri Malenchenko started his work day with saliva and blood sampling in support of the Xromatomass (Chromatomass) study. ISS Commander Suni Williams spent time working on the Node-3 Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly performing extensive maintenance on the unit. Later, she worked in Columbus to set up the Multi-purpose End-To-End Robotic Operations Network payload conducting a Operations & Communications Test of the Rover Control Software, in parallel with an actual rover on the ground in Germany. This is done as a pathfinder for future exploration missions that could involve robots/androids on the surface of celestial bodies remotely operated from orbit by astronauts. METERON will perform in-orbit testing of communication strategies for these scenarios. Aki Hoshide completed his 4th session with the Sprint VO2max study. During the experiment session, the crew members have to exercise on the CEVIS Treadmill while hardware is used to measure oxygen uptake, cardiac output, and more. The full name of the Experiment is Evaluation of Maximal Oxygen Uptake & Submaximal Estimates of VO2max before, during and after long-duration space station missions. Afterwards, Suni Williams reconfigured the equipment for her next VO2max session that was performed the next day. She also serviced the long-term VIABLE experiment (eValuatIon And monitoring of microBiofiLms insidE the ISS). |
Suni and Aki joined for 30 minutes to perform an Onboard Training refresher of Dragon Unberthing and Release Procedures. Later, the three Expedition 32/33 crew members donned their Sokol Launch and Entry Suits to perform a regular fitcheck of their Kazbek Seats inside Soyuz TMA-05M. Afterwards, Yuri Malenchenko started preparations for the arrival of Soyuz TMA-06M, configuring cameras and communication systems. He also continued the current round of preventive maintenance on the Russian Side, cleaning ventilation systems and fans. Aki spent time with the JAXA RST study once again. Suni went on a search for components of the SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites) Payload including covers and empty CO2 bottles that were planned to be returned to Earth for refurbishment. To complete the work day, the crew members completed hardware checks and setups before calling it a day.
On Wednesday, Aki Hoshide spent most of his work day inside Kibo working on the Aquatic Habitat to prepare the payload for the arrival of 32 Medaka Fish that were inbound via Soyuz TMA-06M. He performed checkouts of the pH sensor of the Payload and hooked up the water bag and waste bag to the WCU (Water Circulation Unit for exchanging their water contents.
On Wednesday, Aki Hoshide spent most of his work day inside Kibo working on the Aquatic Habitat to prepare the payload for the arrival of 32 Medaka Fish that were inbound via Soyuz TMA-06M. He performed checkouts of the pH sensor of the Payload and hooked up the water bag and waste bag to the WCU (Water Circulation Unit for exchanging their water contents.
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The Aquatic Habitat will house small fresh water fish. They will be monitored for several generations as they grow and adept to the space environment to understand the changes that occur in these small, model vertebrates. The Payload includes two transparent aquariums that have been specially designed for the Microgravity Environment. It includes environmental control systems as well as camera equipment to monitor the fish. The camera equipment consists of standard still cameras and infrared imagers.
Soyuz TMA-06M delivered 32 Medaka Fish in four carriers. 16 of those were placed in Aquarium 1 & 2 for the long term experiment, 8 fish in carrier 3 are provided for initial fixation and the remaining 8 are to be fixed after three or four days. Feeding of the fish will be performed three times a day and water analysis will be made two or three times per week with occasional re-fills. The other ISS crew members completed nominal operations on Wednesday. Yuri Malenchenko started his day with a session of the MO-9/Biochemical Urinalysis involving visual urine assessments. Suni performed her VO2max session, conducted microbial sample analysis and performed spacewalk preparations. Spending three hours in the Zvezda Service Module, Malenchenko completed a 3-hour routine maintenance task on the Russian ASU Toilet Facility replacing aging parts with new components. He also checked air flow sensors and performed an experiment session with the Interactions study. Suni Williams worked with the new Micro-6 experiment and supported SpX-1 Cargo Operations. Thursday was largely dedicated to Soyuz TMA-06M docking operations. The spacecraft made an early docking at 12:29 UTC and the three new ISS Residents ingressed the space station after leak checks and hatch opening to get started with nominal arrival operations that include a video conference with Mission Control Moscow, a standard ISS safety briefing and transfers of time critical cargo. Visit the Soyuz TMA-06M updates site for a full account of Thursday's activities. |
Image: NASA
Photo: NASA
Soyuz Rocket Launch Trail seen from ISS
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Before the Soyuz arrival, Suni Williams completed more operations with Micro-6. Micro-6 is part of a suite of fundamental space biology experiments that are examining the "fundamental nature of life in order to enhance our understanding of how life responds to physical phenomena and physical forces on Earth and serve as the basic biological foundation in support of exploration." (NASA) Aki Hoshide made final preparations for the arrival of the Medaka Fish. After Soyuz arrival, Oleg Novitsky handed the fish to Aki who then took care of initial MOST operations.
In addition, the Russian Crew was busy transferring biotechnology experiments from the Soyuz to ISS and to perform the regular Soyuz servicing and deactivation. Kevin Ford and Suni Williams joined for several hours to perform handover operations.
Friday was the first full day aboard ISS for the Soyuz TMA-06M crew. All three crew members were planned to perform handover activities, assisting the Expedition 32/33 crew members with daily ISS operations to observe and familiarize themselves with the procedures. CDR Williams and FE Hoshide started the day with the Reaction Self Test and on the Russian Side, the standard vehicle-to-vehicle TORU test between ISS and Progress M-16M was performed. The Russian Crew Members serviced the Identification Experiment that gathers data on ISS structural dynamics. Oleg Novitsky unloaded the DOSIS 3D (Dose Distribution Inside the ISS 3D) PDPs (Passive Detector Packs) payload from Soyuz and handed it over to Williams who installed the dosimeters in COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) and performed photodocumentation of the installations. Williams powered off the METERON Equipment and worked with Micro-6 before joining Aki Hoshide to perform Dragon Cold Stowage Operations. Oleg Novitsky and Evgeny Tarelkin had several hours set aside for Soyuz Cargo Operations while the USOS crew members performed preparations and onboard training sessions for upcoming Dragon operations. The rest of the day was dedicated to science operations and handover activities.
The Weekend was also pretty busy as the Space Station Crew Members supported Dragon's departure.
The Russian crew had a nominal weekend, supporting science operations and performing maintenance, but also enjoying some free time. They completed the weekly Uborka House Cleaning on Saturday which was also used for handover operations.
In addition, the Russian Crew was busy transferring biotechnology experiments from the Soyuz to ISS and to perform the regular Soyuz servicing and deactivation. Kevin Ford and Suni Williams joined for several hours to perform handover operations.
Friday was the first full day aboard ISS for the Soyuz TMA-06M crew. All three crew members were planned to perform handover activities, assisting the Expedition 32/33 crew members with daily ISS operations to observe and familiarize themselves with the procedures. CDR Williams and FE Hoshide started the day with the Reaction Self Test and on the Russian Side, the standard vehicle-to-vehicle TORU test between ISS and Progress M-16M was performed. The Russian Crew Members serviced the Identification Experiment that gathers data on ISS structural dynamics. Oleg Novitsky unloaded the DOSIS 3D (Dose Distribution Inside the ISS 3D) PDPs (Passive Detector Packs) payload from Soyuz and handed it over to Williams who installed the dosimeters in COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) and performed photodocumentation of the installations. Williams powered off the METERON Equipment and worked with Micro-6 before joining Aki Hoshide to perform Dragon Cold Stowage Operations. Oleg Novitsky and Evgeny Tarelkin had several hours set aside for Soyuz Cargo Operations while the USOS crew members performed preparations and onboard training sessions for upcoming Dragon operations. The rest of the day was dedicated to science operations and handover activities.
The Weekend was also pretty busy as the Space Station Crew Members supported Dragon's departure.
The Russian crew had a nominal weekend, supporting science operations and performing maintenance, but also enjoying some free time. They completed the weekly Uborka House Cleaning on Saturday which was also used for handover operations.
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On Saturday, the three USOS crew members closed-out the Dragon Spacecraft and closed its hatch. When Dragon's Hatch was closed once again, the crew began working the Vestibule Outfitting task to prepare the cavity between the two spacecraft for unberthing. Jumpers were removed and vestibule covers were installed before the task was stopped for the day to leave one power jumper in place overnight. On Sunday, the vestibule outfitting was finished and the Harmony Module's hatch was closed to begin leak checks. Once everything was ready, Dragon was unberthed by the Space Station's Robotic Arm that was controlled from Mission Control to move Dragon to its release position.
Release occurred at 13:29 UTC on Sunday and Dragon departed the vicinity of the Space Station for a five-hour free flight leading up to a successful re-entry and splashdown landing. Click here to go to the SpX-1 Mission Updates Site. |
Photo: NASA
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Week 5: EVA Preparations, Cargo Transfers and Science Operations |
October 21, 2012 |
Photo: NASA
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The fifth Week of three-crew operations aboard the International Space Station as part of Expedition 33 was another busy one for the crew of Suni Williams, Aki Hoshide and Yuri Malenchenko as preparations for one or possibly two upcoming US-based spacewalks have gotten underway. In addition, the week was filled with maintenance operations as well as science activities aboard the complex that also received a small boost on October 17 from the Russian Service Module's engines.
On Monday, the crew members began their work week with the usual inspections of Life Support Hardware and computer systems before getting started with nominal operations. For JAXA crew member Aki Hoshide, it was Day 10 of his ongoing ENERGY study which was the final day of the session. During long Duration Space Flights, Astronauts lose a large amount of Body and Bone Mass. This is partly due to the systematic ongoing negative energy balance in micro-G, in addition to disuse. |
The reason for such an unbalanced match between intake and output is not clear, but previous studies indicate a relation between the degree of energy deficit and the exercise level prescribed as a countermeasure. ENERGY will measure changes in energy balance during long term space flight, adaptations in the components of the Total Energy Expenditure and it will derive an equation for the energy requirements of astronauts. For the crew members, ENERGY includes a special diet, urine sampling, oxygen uptake measurements and diet logging. An armband monitor is being worn for the entire 10-day period.
Hoshide also underwent another session with the Reaction Self Test that looks at the effects fatigue has on astronauts completing long-duration space missions. Suni Williams started her work week with a run of the Air Quality Monitor to assess the cabin air of ISS and she also supported the Payload Operations & Integration Center, Huntsville, by preparing the Combustion Integrated rack for ground-controlled experiment operations.
For the upcoming EVA - tentatively scheduled for November 1 - Aki Hoshide started equipment preparations on Monday by beginning the spacesuit battery charge, configuring EVA tethers and starting METOX (Metal Oxide) cartridge regeneration.
Hoshide also underwent another session with the Reaction Self Test that looks at the effects fatigue has on astronauts completing long-duration space missions. Suni Williams started her work week with a run of the Air Quality Monitor to assess the cabin air of ISS and she also supported the Payload Operations & Integration Center, Huntsville, by preparing the Combustion Integrated rack for ground-controlled experiment operations.
For the upcoming EVA - tentatively scheduled for November 1 - Aki Hoshide started equipment preparations on Monday by beginning the spacesuit battery charge, configuring EVA tethers and starting METOX (Metal Oxide) cartridge regeneration.
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Yuri Malenchenko collected air samples for return to Earth aboard Dragon using AK-1M absorbers for air and Freon, and Draeger tubes for CO and NH3 monitoring. He also collected and downloaded data from the Russian PILLE-ISS radiation dosimetry payload that consists of 11 dosimeters placed in various locations on the Russian Segment. Working inside Kibo, Hoshide performed set up tasks routing camera cables for the ELaboratore Immagini TElevisive - Space 2 (ELITE-S2) Payload. This experiment assesses the differences in the way the brain controls conscious as well as unconscious motions such as breathing, sitting and standing in Zero-G and on Earth. Performing another maintenance task in the Waste & Hygiene Compartment, Suni Williams removed an replaced a Pump/Separator ORU (Orbit-Replaceable Unit) after the unit failed on October 8 when transitioning to its process mode. Williams also spent time performing water transfers while Aki Hoshide completed another session of the Japanese Profile of Mood States Experiment that is a psychological study consisting of different questionnaires.
Working together, Suni and Aki transferred biomed samples from an ISS-based MELFI to the GLACER Freezer in the Dragon Spacecraft for return. Yuri Malenchenko worked with the Russian Relaksatsiya Payload to support ongoing Earth Observation studies. Aki Hoshide supported the new JAXA experiment 'Resist-Tubule/Mechanisms of Gravity Resistance in Plants – From Signal Transformation & Transduction to Response' - short: JAXA RST. The study assesses gravity resistance that is a principal gravity response in plants, playing an important role in the transition of plant ancestors from an aquatic environment to a terrestrial environment and the establishment of land plants known today. To finish the work day, Suni Williams conducted the Micro-6 experiment delivered via Dragon. Micro-6 is part of a suite of fundamental space biology experiments that are examining the "fundamental nature of life in order to enhance our understanding of how life responds to physical phenomena and physical forces on Earth and serve as the basic biological foundation in support of exploration." (NASA) After the normal morning inspections, the crew's work day on Tuesday began for Suni Williams with servicing tasks on the European Modular Cultivation System and Combustion Integrated Rack. She also completed an acoustic survey of ISS taking measurements with the Sound Level Meter in 27 location on ISS. Yuri Malenchenko worked inside the Zarya Module, making leak checks on the KVD Pressure Equalization Valve between the FGB Instrumentation Cargo Compartment and the SU Vestibule to the Service Module, as well as the KVD valve between Poisk and the SM SU from PkhO (SM Transfer Compartment). Later, Yuri completed his next on-Orbit hearing Assessment. Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide conducted water system maintenance and sampling before joining for a 90-minute procedures review for the upcoming US spacewalk. They also worked in the airlock on EMU maintenance. Later, Hoshide supported the Microbe-3 experiment once again. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
Wake Island
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Malenchenko conducted his second periodic fitness evaluation - a 90-minute task during which he exercised on the TVIS Treadmill wearing biomed sensors. He also performed more operations with Relaksatsiya, performed UHF communications test when flying over Russian Ground Stations, and he took care of the daily Inventory Management System maintenance. Before sleeptime, Aki Hoshide began his next session with the ESA CHRYT study. The Circadian Rhythms Study will examine the role of synchronized circadian rhythms and possible maintenance during long-duration spaceflight and addresses the impacts to crew members’ health and wellbeing. Understanding how the dark/light cycle and sleep shifting affects circadian rhythms and with that the performance of the crew members will enable scientists to develop new sleep shifting techniques for crew members in space and shift workers on Earth.
On Wednesday, the Space Station completed a short Reboost. A one-burn reboost was performed using two of the Russian Service Module Engines at 15:24 UTC. The burn had a duration of 19 seconds achieving a velocity change of 0.33m/s increasing the Station's mean altitude by 0.59 Kilometers to set up phasing for the launch of Soyuz TMA-06M and Progress M-17M.
Suni Williams started her day with the regular maintenance calibration on the sensors of the two Compound Specific Analyzer-Oxygen units. She also continued ongoing water system maintenance and water transfers. Yuri Malenchenko supported the ALBEDO and Relaksatsiya Payloads before spending several hours performing preventive maintenance on Russian Ventilation Systems. Aki Hoshide and Suni Williams gathered for two hours to review EVA-20 procedures. They also started EVA tool configurations and reviewed training material on dealing with fluid QDs (Quick Disconnect) hardware carrying toxic ammonia (NH3). Ground Specialists tagged up with the crew to discuss EVA operations. To complete his work day, Yuri Malenchenko made preparations for the Removal & Replacement of a pump in the KOB2 cooling loop in the Service Module.
On Wednesday, the Space Station completed a short Reboost. A one-burn reboost was performed using two of the Russian Service Module Engines at 15:24 UTC. The burn had a duration of 19 seconds achieving a velocity change of 0.33m/s increasing the Station's mean altitude by 0.59 Kilometers to set up phasing for the launch of Soyuz TMA-06M and Progress M-17M.
Suni Williams started her day with the regular maintenance calibration on the sensors of the two Compound Specific Analyzer-Oxygen units. She also continued ongoing water system maintenance and water transfers. Yuri Malenchenko supported the ALBEDO and Relaksatsiya Payloads before spending several hours performing preventive maintenance on Russian Ventilation Systems. Aki Hoshide and Suni Williams gathered for two hours to review EVA-20 procedures. They also started EVA tool configurations and reviewed training material on dealing with fluid QDs (Quick Disconnect) hardware carrying toxic ammonia (NH3). Ground Specialists tagged up with the crew to discuss EVA operations. To complete his work day, Yuri Malenchenko made preparations for the Removal & Replacement of a pump in the KOB2 cooling loop in the Service Module.
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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Starting their day on Thursday, Aki Hoshide and Suni Williams completed a session with the Reaction Self Test. The commander then worked on the Node-3 Water Recovery System replacing the Urine Processor Assembly's full Recycle Filter Tank Assembly with a new unit, wearing mitts, goggles and a dust mask. Following that, she performed urine transfers using Russian equipment. Aki Hoshide terminated his ESA CHRYT Session and downloaded sensor data. Later, he worked inside Kibo reconfiguring the Aquatic Habitat after the recent ground-controlled functional checkout.
Williams set up computers and personal equipment in preparation for the arrival of the ISS Expedition 33/34 crew. Yuri Malenchenko supported the running Identification Payload inside MRM1 downloading structural dynamics data acquired by the sensors. He also serviced the deployed Matryoshka-R radiation payload before starting a lengthy maintenance task removing and replacing the 4SPN2 replaceable pump panel with a spare. Williams and Hoshide undertook a training session to refresh procedures associated with proper NH3 (Ammonia) leak contamination response. They also worked on the space suits in the Airlock initiating Extravehicular Mobility Unit Battery Change. The commander worked inside the Columbus module, replacing the Centralized Cabin Filter with a spare and working on the Portable Pulmonary Function System removing a broken Turbine Flow Meter. Friday was another day filled with water system operations and transfers for Suni Williams. The two USOS crew members filled out their Food Frequency Questionnaires that is then reviewed by ground teams to help maintain optimal crew health. Yuri Malenchenko serviced the Relaksatsiya Payload and went through two hours of Progress M-17M Cargo transfers. Afterwards, Malenchenko cleaned up inside the Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft as part of nominal Soyuz on-orbit maintenance. He also completed a 30-minute Seiner Earth Observation Session and he verified the performance of the Vozdukh System and IP-1 air flow sensors. Aki Hoshide performed reconfigurations on the JAXA RST Payload and cleaned up inside Kibo while Suni Williams worked for 90 minutes, collecting surface samples. Later, both of them worked inside the Quest Airlock preparing two SAFER (Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue) units for EVA-20. They also configured EMU batteries and EVA Radiation Environment Monitor before conducting a 50-minute conference with the EVA team on the ground to discuss EVA operations. The crew members also participated in PAO and Education Events and they performed the standard weekly tagup with Control Centers to discuss any issues and upcoming operations. Over the weekend, the crew had some well-deserved off-duty time - performing nominal weekend operations. On Saturday, the three crew members completed the Uborka House-Cleaning task taking about three hours. During the procedure, crew members remove waste items from the work area, clean compartments with a vacuum cleaner, clean up the dining area and crew quarters and using a standard cleaning solution to clean often-touched surfaces. |
The crew performed private medical conferences and private family conferences over the weekend.
The crew is now getting ready for the arrival of Soyuz TMA-06M, visit the Mission Updates Page for up-to-date information about this mission.
The crew is now getting ready for the arrival of Soyuz TMA-06M, visit the Mission Updates Page for up-to-date information about this mission.
ISS Expedition 33 - Week 4: Taming the Dragon |
October 14, 2012 |
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Week 4 of International Space Station Expedition 33 was another busy one for the the Crew Members aboard the orbiting complex. Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide spent most of the week on SpaceX Dragon operations while Yuri Malenchenko was all hands on deck to keep the Russian ISS segment and its scientific studies in operating condition. For all Dragon related operations, refer to the CRS-1 Mission Updates Site with coverage from pre-launch to post-landing.
Last week, the Space Station Program made the decision to extend Expedition 33 by one week, pushing back the return of Soyuz TMA-05M to November 19, 2012 (UTC) to give teams more time to complete handover operations on orbit once Soyuz TMA-06M arrives on October 25. In addition, this could give teams more time to plan and execute a required Spacewalk to perform maintenance on the exterior of the Space Station. |
Photo: NASA
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The ISS Program is evaluating the addition of up to two EVAs to ISS Expedition 33 to complete two maintenance tasks on the outside of the Space Station.
The first would be related to a known problem on the P6 Integrated Equipment Assembly 2B Channel Photovoltaic Thermal Control System that has been showing ammonia leakage since 2006. The leak was rather small and the system lost about 0.7 Kilograms per year requiring periodic refills of the system to keep the total amount of NH3 above the critical limit to keep the system up and running. During Space Shuttle Mission STS-134 in May 2011, the 2B PVTCS system was refilled and teams assumed that another refill would be needed 4 years after that, assuming leakage remained constant. Recently, leakage started trending up to about 2.5kg per year and the system is currently approaching its limit much quicker than expected with quick-look assessments indicating that this threshold would be hit in January 2013. Teams are now looking at EVA procedures and possible troubleshooting tasks to isolate the leak. Program managers would likely prefer an EVA late in Expedition 33 since the next US Spacewalking crew does not arrive at the Station until late December - which could come close to the current estimate in early 2013. The EVA has to take place before the departure of the two Spacewalkers Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide on November 19, 2012.
Another issue that could require an EVA is the current failure of the 3A power channel of the Space Station. This problem emerged on September 1, 2012 when when power channel 3A went offline due to a DCSU overload - presumably due to a major short somewhere in the 3A system. Troubleshooting of this power channel is currently underway.
The work week aboard the Space Station started on Monday with nominal inspections aboard the Russian Segment that are conducted every week to make sure the life support system is in good condition and all circuit breakers are in the correct configuration. Malenchenko continued with computer reconfigurations and other maintenance and servicing tasks on the Russian side.
The first would be related to a known problem on the P6 Integrated Equipment Assembly 2B Channel Photovoltaic Thermal Control System that has been showing ammonia leakage since 2006. The leak was rather small and the system lost about 0.7 Kilograms per year requiring periodic refills of the system to keep the total amount of NH3 above the critical limit to keep the system up and running. During Space Shuttle Mission STS-134 in May 2011, the 2B PVTCS system was refilled and teams assumed that another refill would be needed 4 years after that, assuming leakage remained constant. Recently, leakage started trending up to about 2.5kg per year and the system is currently approaching its limit much quicker than expected with quick-look assessments indicating that this threshold would be hit in January 2013. Teams are now looking at EVA procedures and possible troubleshooting tasks to isolate the leak. Program managers would likely prefer an EVA late in Expedition 33 since the next US Spacewalking crew does not arrive at the Station until late December - which could come close to the current estimate in early 2013. The EVA has to take place before the departure of the two Spacewalkers Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide on November 19, 2012.
Another issue that could require an EVA is the current failure of the 3A power channel of the Space Station. This problem emerged on September 1, 2012 when when power channel 3A went offline due to a DCSU overload - presumably due to a major short somewhere in the 3A system. Troubleshooting of this power channel is currently underway.
The work week aboard the Space Station started on Monday with nominal inspections aboard the Russian Segment that are conducted every week to make sure the life support system is in good condition and all circuit breakers are in the correct configuration. Malenchenko continued with computer reconfigurations and other maintenance and servicing tasks on the Russian side.
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Aki Hoshide continued his ongoing ESA ENERGY Session. During long Duration Space Flights, Astronauts lose a large amount of Body and Bone Mass. This is partly due to the systematic ongoing negative energy balance in micro-G, in addition to disuse. The reason for such an unbalanced match between intake and output is not clear, but previous studies indicate a relation between the degree of energy deficit and the exercise level prescribed as a countermeasure. ENERGY will measure changes in energy balance during long term space flight, adaptations in the components of the Total Energy Expenditure and it will derive an equation for the energy requirements of astronauts. For the crew members, ENERGY includes a special diet, urine sampling, oxygen uptake measurements and diet logging. An armband monitor is being worn for the entire 10-day period.
Suni Williams worked inside the US Lab to set up equipment to perform her 4th SPRINT leg scan with remote guidance from ground teams. "SPRINT (Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Training Study) evaluates the use of high intensity, low volume exercise training to minimize loss of muscle, bone, and cardiovascular function in ISS crewmembers during long-duration missions," the official NASA experiment overview notes. Aki served as crew medical officer for the SPRINT Scan before starting water system servicing and water sampling. Malenchenko serviced the Identification payload inside the Rassvet module that records structural dynamics aboard the Space Station. The crew performed preparations for Dragon's arrival, participated in education events and did their daily exercise to close out the work day. On Tuesday, Aki Hoshide started his day with a session of the Reaction Self Test. The Reaction Self Test involves two daily sessions with a computer application - once after getting up and once when the day's work is complete - to examine the effects fatigue has on crew members undergoing long duration space flights. He also continued ENERGY. Suni Williams performed water sample analysis, water transfers and Contingency Water Container degassing. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
Salar de Coipasa, Bolivia
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Later, she started preparations of Vestibule Outfitting Equipment that was needed for Dragon Vestibule Outfitting on Wednesday after the vehicle had arrived at the Space Station. Yuri Malenchenko performed a session with the Russian SPRUT-2 investigation that looks at the distribution and behavior of body fluids in zero-gravity. He also performed a session with the KPT-10 “Kulonovskiy Kristall” (Coulomb Crystal) experiment inside Mini-Research Module 2. KPT-10 studies dynamic and structural characteristics of the Coulomb systems formed by particles in a Zero-G Environment. Suni Williams reviewed procedures of NanoRacks setup and operations of NanoRacks Microscope-1 and Microscope-2. Hoshide initiated another run of the Japanese MICROBE-3 Experiment starting the ASD (Air Sampling Device) and Particle Counter attached on the bottom of the Kobairo Rack GHF (Gradient Heating Furnace), and later inserting the processed samples in a MELFI Freezer.
Afterwards, the two USOS crew members met for several hours to perform final Dragon Capture simulations and procedure reviews as well as teleconferences with ground teams to make the final preparations for Dragon's arrival.
Yuri Malenchenko finished its day with maintenance operations on various systems aboard the Russian Segment and the Progress that is currently docked with the Space Station.
Afterwards, the two USOS crew members met for several hours to perform final Dragon Capture simulations and procedure reviews as well as teleconferences with ground teams to make the final preparations for Dragon's arrival.
Yuri Malenchenko finished its day with maintenance operations on various systems aboard the Russian Segment and the Progress that is currently docked with the Space Station.
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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Wednesday was a long day for the crew aboard the Space Station that got an early start on operations to configure the Space Station and its robotic systems for Dragon's arrival. The Station Crew had a busy morning filled with preparatory steps such as setting up cameras and configuring the Robotics Work Station in the Cupola and the backup station in the Destiny Laboratory. Also, they activated the CUCU - the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Communication Unit (CUCU). This unit is used to send UHF-Commands to Dragon during proximity operations which then responds accordingly.
When Dragon entered the ISS Approach Ellipsoid, the two USOS crew members began to monitor the vehicle as it slowly got closer to ISS, acquired the R-Bar and made a number of stops while coasting up the R-Bar before arriving at the Capture Point. Aki Hoshide was in charge of robotics and he captured Dragon at 10:56 UTC on October 10 - marking the arrival of the first operational Commercial Resupply Spacecraft at ISS. Berthing operations got underway right away as the crew skipped their break to continue operations. Dragon was put through maneuvers to be placed in its pre-berthing position for a thorough investigation of the Common berthing Mechanism. Once Mission Control gave the green light for first stage capture, the crew closed four latches and started driving bolts. When First Stage Capture was complete, the Station's Robotic Arm was commanded to go limp to set the stage for Second Stage Capture. For second stage capture, four sets of four bolts were driven in a choreographed manner to secure Dragon in place. At 13:03 UTC, second stage capture was confirmed and Dragon officially became a part of the Space Station. The crew was ahead of schedule all day, showing that the entire Rendezvous, Capture and Berthing operation was by the book without any issues. The crew continued to work and performed vestibule outfitting and hatch opening to ingress Dragon. The hatch was opened at 17:40 UTC - setting the stage for a busy cargo mission that was already started by the crew late on Thursday. For a detailed reports and updates of Dragon's mission, visit the Dragon CRS-1 Mission Updates site that has all details about Rendezvous, Capture, Berthing and Hatch Opening Operations. Yuri Malenchenko also helped with Dragon operations, using Russian Equipment for air sampling once Dragon was berthed, but before that, he was able to complete nominal ISS operations. He had 3 hours of his day set aside to perform a session with the Russian Tipologia Study - setting up equipment and performing the experiment. The study looks at typological features of operator activity of the ISS crews in long-term space flight phases, with the subject using a cap with electroencephalogram electrodes. During the experiment session the crewmember completes the Lüscher test and the games Minesweeper and Tetris. |
Afterwards, Yuri uninstalled the Freon leak analyzer unit (FIT) of the Russian gas analyzer (GA) and pre-packed it for return on Dragon capsule. He also performed another session of KPT-10 and performed air quality measurements aboard the Russian Segment. Overnight, he performed a session with the Sonokard Sleep Study that uses compact equipment to ease the process of performing sleep studies in space. The session was terminated the next morning.
On Thursday, the crew started with nominal procedures, continuing experiments and making equipment verifications. Suni Williams used the Air Quality Monitor for measurements and she conducted routing maintenance operations on the Water Recovery System. Williams and Hoshide performed several hours of transfer operations, moving delivered equipment from Dragon to the Space Station, performing a stowage briefing once they were done. Meanwhile, Yuri Malenchenko performed another KPT-10 experiment session. He also spent several hours performing preventive maintenance on the Russian Segment Ventilation System. Suni Williams worked inside the US Lab to deconfigure the backup Robotics Work Station that was no longer needed after Dragon had arrived. She also conducted the continuing preventive inspection & cleaning of accessible AR (Atmosphere Revitalization) system bacteria filters in the three nodes. Aki Hoshide performed a search for some equipment that he successfully located and he also performed some minor activities such as servicing the Device for the Study of Critical Liquids & Crystallization Experiment. The crew supported PAO events and worked on normal activities aboard ISS including their training operation.
On Thursday, the crew started with nominal procedures, continuing experiments and making equipment verifications. Suni Williams used the Air Quality Monitor for measurements and she conducted routing maintenance operations on the Water Recovery System. Williams and Hoshide performed several hours of transfer operations, moving delivered equipment from Dragon to the Space Station, performing a stowage briefing once they were done. Meanwhile, Yuri Malenchenko performed another KPT-10 experiment session. He also spent several hours performing preventive maintenance on the Russian Segment Ventilation System. Suni Williams worked inside the US Lab to deconfigure the backup Robotics Work Station that was no longer needed after Dragon had arrived. She also conducted the continuing preventive inspection & cleaning of accessible AR (Atmosphere Revitalization) system bacteria filters in the three nodes. Aki Hoshide performed a search for some equipment that he successfully located and he also performed some minor activities such as servicing the Device for the Study of Critical Liquids & Crystallization Experiment. The crew supported PAO events and worked on normal activities aboard ISS including their training operation.
Photo: NASA
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On Friday, Aki Hoshide continued his ENERGY study, serviced the Microbe-3 experiment and he also performed the routine Water Recovery System Total Organic Carbon Analyzer Waste Water Bag R&R. Suni Williams continued ongoing water system maintenance and water container inventory operations.
Malenchenko worked on the Russian ASN-M Satellite Navigation System performing troubleshooting operations. Suni Williams filled out her Food Frequency Questionnaire and she reviewed materials for the Dragon-delivered Micro-6 experiment (Full name: Genotypic and Phenotypic Responses of Candida albicans to Spaceflight). Micro-6 is part of a suite of fundamental space biology experiments that are examining the "fundamental nature of life in order to enhance our understanding of how life responds to physical phenomena and physical forces on Earth and serve as the basic biological foundation in support of exploration." (NASA) |
Aki Hoshide worked inside Kibo to pressurize the JEM Airlock in preparation for the transfer of the Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform back inside the station after it was used for last-week's deployment of five small satellites. Yuri Malenchenko was busy with Russian maintenance, inventory operations and experiments, in particular Matryoshka-R, Identification and Interactions. The three crew members performed an emergency procedures review for any contingencies involving the SpX-1 spacecraft. Later, Suni and Aki spent time once again to perform Dragon Cargo Operations. By the end of the week, Dragon cargo operations were essentially complete - all delivered items were transferred to ISS and all nominal return cargo was loaded inside Dragon, except any time-critical experiment materials that will be loaded just before hatch closure later this month.
The weekend aboard ISS was normal with the crew being off duty and only performing essential science tasks such as ENERGY, Microbe-3 and Micro-6, and servicing ongoing long-term studies. On Saturday, the weekly ISS house-cleaning was conducted by the entire crew. The crew members had time for their weekly private family video conferences on Sunday.
The weekend aboard ISS was normal with the crew being off duty and only performing essential science tasks such as ENERGY, Microbe-3 and Micro-6, and servicing ongoing long-term studies. On Saturday, the weekly ISS house-cleaning was conducted by the entire crew. The crew members had time for their weekly private family video conferences on Sunday.
SpaceX Dragon arrives at ISS for busy Resupply Mission
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October 10, 2012
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Photo: NASA
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The SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft has arrived at the International Space Station, being captured by the Space Station’s Robotic Arm on Wednesday after a flawless Rendezvous following the bumpy start of the Mission. Dragon is now set to start a 18-day docked mission to deliver supplies to the Space Station and bring equipment and science material back to Earth. >>>Full Story & Mission Updates |
Week 3: Maintenance and Preparations for Dragon's Arrival |
October 7, 2012 |
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Week 3 of International Space Station Expedition 33 was filled with variety of activities for the Crew of three: Commander Suni Williams and Flight Engineers Aki Hoshide and Yuri Malenchenko. The two USOS crew members were busy with preparations for the upcoming SpaceX Cargo Mission to ISS while Yuri Malenchenko was all hands on deck for Russian Maintenance to keep the Russian Orbital Segment up and running and in good condition. On the US side, a number of maintenance operations was completed as well.
On Monday, October 1, the crew started their work week with the nominal check-up of Environmental and Life Support Systems as well as Caution and Warning Panels that are completed on a regular basis aboard the complex. Yuri Malenchenko completed periodic checks of circuit breakers inside Mini Research Module 2. Suni Williams began her week with a planned upgrade of the software of the EXPRESS Rack 2 Rack Interface Controller that she did not finish due to some issues, while Aki Hoshide performed the weekly Water Recovery System sample analysis. In the Destiny Lab, Hoshide opened the protective window shutters of the Window Observational Research Facility for the ISS Agriculture so ground images can be captured by ground commanding. He continued to work inside the US Lab, conducting the standard In-Flight Maintenance on the ventilation system, inspecting and cleaning Intermodule Ventilation Equipment. Yuri Malenchenko supported more checkouts of the Laser Communications System inside the Russian Service Module before spending 150 minutes performing preventive maintenance on the Russian ventilation system. Working inside Node-3, Suni Williams completed the periodic removal & replacement of the E-K pre-treat tank and its hose on the Waste & Hygiene Compartment, discarding the old units as trash. The CDR also supported the Delay Tolerant Network working with the systems laptop. The majority of her work day, Suni Williams spent working on the Microgravity Science Glovebox finishing the set-up of the InSPACE-3 Experiment (Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions 3). |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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With ATV-3 gone, Yuri Malenchenko disassembled and stowed the ATV Proximity Equipment. Later, he reviewed procedures and performed the OBR-2/Mati-75 Education Experiments which are demonstrations related to material science. Aki Hoshide set up the Robotics Work Station and was joined by Suni Williams for another Dragon Offset Grapple Training Session using the ROBoT Trainer followed by tagups with ground specialists. Aki performed an update of the Data Management Unit of the Human Research Facility 2 Pulmonary Function System to fix a communications problem. He also filled out a questionnaire for the Profile of Mood States Experiment.
Photo: NASA
Evidence of ATV-3's fiery demise is seen from the Space Station
ATV-3 Mission Updates |
Tuesday began with a session of the Reaction Self Test for Suni Williams. RST is done twice a day, once in the morning and once just before going to bed after the day’s work is complete, and seeks to evaluate the effects fatigue has on crew members undergoing long duration space flight. Yuri Malenchenko performed the periodic maintenance of the active Harmful Impurities Removal System on the Russian Segment. Aki Hoshide performed his third ESA Integrated Cardiovascular Resting Echo Scan assisted by Suni Williams acting as crew medical officer. The ESA-operated ICV Experiment involves periodic resting Echo Ultrasound-Scan and ambulatory monitoring sessions to evaluate the extent, time course, and clinical significance of cardiac atrophy and identify its mechanisms. Malenchenko completed the monthly health test, called Study of the Bioelectric Activity of the Heart at Rest using the TVIS treadmill and biomed hardware to collect data.
On October 2, the Laser Communications System made its first active Communication Session being supported by Yuri Malenchenko. He also completed more ATV equipment clean ups, stowing the ATV Command Panel for future use. |
Suni Williams started preparations for a major In-Flight Maintenance on the Oxygen Generation System Activated Carbon/Ion Exchange filter cartridge that she performed on Wednesday. She also gathered material to provide for an alternate power source for the US Lab Robotics Work Station where a trip of a Robotic Workstation Remote Controller Module occurred earlier. The Destiny RWS has to be in hot-backup as a requirement for SpaceX Dragon Rendezvous.
Aki Hoshide spent time working inside the Waste and Hygiene Compartment in Node-3 after Suni Williams ran into some problems during her Monday maintenance activity. She also worked on the EXPRESS 2 Rack Interface Controller again to finish the software load. Yuri Malenchenko meanwhile had several hours set aside for Progress M-16M Cargo Operations. Williams also set up the SLAMMD (Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device) equipment in Columbus and worked with Hoshide on more Dragon Capture simulations.
On Wednesday, Aki Hoshide completed his next RST sessions and he and Malenchenko completed a pre-breakfast session with the Russian MedOps test MO-10 "Hematokrit," taking blood samples to measure red blood cell count looking at a well-known phenomenon of space flight that red blood cell count (normal range: 30-45%) tends to go down over time. Malenchenko then started a 90-min checkout test of the new Russian experiment TEKh-62 ALBEDO using the FSS Photo Spectrum System in the Service Module. Later, he cleaned the Group B fan system in the Service Module. Suni Williams re-initiated radiation data collection with the Anomalous Long Term Effects on Astronauts Shield Payload. Aki Hoshide began his 3rd ESA Integrated Cardiovascular Ambulatory Monitoring Session donning the Actiwatches and harness and donning the Cardiopres for 48 hours of monitoring. Williams performed preventive maintenance on the ventilation system in all the Nodes. Hoshide had two hours set aside for pre-packing SpX-1 cargo set for a ride back to Earth aboard Dragon. He also completed more activities with the MICROBE-3 Experiment in Kibo. The crew supported PAO Events and other equipment reconfigurations and maintenance operations to close-out their work day.
Aki Hoshide spent time working inside the Waste and Hygiene Compartment in Node-3 after Suni Williams ran into some problems during her Monday maintenance activity. She also worked on the EXPRESS 2 Rack Interface Controller again to finish the software load. Yuri Malenchenko meanwhile had several hours set aside for Progress M-16M Cargo Operations. Williams also set up the SLAMMD (Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device) equipment in Columbus and worked with Hoshide on more Dragon Capture simulations.
On Wednesday, Aki Hoshide completed his next RST sessions and he and Malenchenko completed a pre-breakfast session with the Russian MedOps test MO-10 "Hematokrit," taking blood samples to measure red blood cell count looking at a well-known phenomenon of space flight that red blood cell count (normal range: 30-45%) tends to go down over time. Malenchenko then started a 90-min checkout test of the new Russian experiment TEKh-62 ALBEDO using the FSS Photo Spectrum System in the Service Module. Later, he cleaned the Group B fan system in the Service Module. Suni Williams re-initiated radiation data collection with the Anomalous Long Term Effects on Astronauts Shield Payload. Aki Hoshide began his 3rd ESA Integrated Cardiovascular Ambulatory Monitoring Session donning the Actiwatches and harness and donning the Cardiopres for 48 hours of monitoring. Williams performed preventive maintenance on the ventilation system in all the Nodes. Hoshide had two hours set aside for pre-packing SpX-1 cargo set for a ride back to Earth aboard Dragon. He also completed more activities with the MICROBE-3 Experiment in Kibo. The crew supported PAO Events and other equipment reconfigurations and maintenance operations to close-out their work day.
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Yuri Malenchenko started his day on Thursday with checkouts of different payloads including the Russian Matryoshka-R radiation detectors. Aki Hoshide serviced MICROBE-3 and the Potable Water Dispenser while Suni Williams set up the Dragon COTS UHF Communication Unit in the Cupola followed by testing of the unit with ground support. She also put the redundant power supply for the Lab RWS in place to mitigate concerns for SpX-1. Also in preparation for Dragon's arrival, Aki Hoshide set up the Station's two Robotics Work Stations, in the Cupola and Destiny. Later, the two USOS residents conducted another Dragon Grapple Training Session. For the rest of the day, Williams and Hoshide supported the Deployment of five small Cube Satellites from ISS. This was the first-of-its-kind satellite deployment from ISS, using the Japanese Robotic Arm and mechanical satellite deployers to release the small CubeSats. Previously, small satellites were released from ISS via spacewalking astronauts, throwing the payloads over board to deliver them to orbit. For more details, see the dedicated update right below this one.
Malenchenko had about an hour set aside for another “symbolic” activity with commemorative items, today signing & stamping envelopes. He also recorder PAO video greeting and congratulating participants of the Solemn Event dedicated to the 100th birthday of G. P. Kravchenko. On Friday, Yuri Malenchenko performed a session with the Coulomb Crystal Telescience Payload that was on-hold for some time. KPT-10 studies dynamic and structural characteristics of the Coulomb systems formed by particles in a Zero-G Environment. He also conducted the monthly maintenance of the TVIS Treadmill and performed more Progress cargo stowage, serviced the Matryoshka-R payload, continued the current round of periodic preventive maintenance of RS ventilation systems and took care of the daily Inventory Management System updates. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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Aki Hoshide started a session with ESA ENERGY. During long Duration Space Flights, Astronauts lose a large amount of Body and Bone Mass. This is partly due to the systematic ongoing negative energy balance in micro-G, in addition to disuse. The reason for such an unbalanced match between intake and output is not clear, but previous studies indicate a relation between the degree of energy deficit and the exercise level prescribed as a countermeasure. ENERGY will measure changes in energy balance during long term space flight, adaptations in the components of the Total Energy Expenditure and it will derive an equation for the energy requirements of astronauts. For the crew members, ENERGY includes a special diet, urine sampling, oxygen uptake measurements and diet logging. An armband monitor is being worn for the entire 10-day period.
Finally on Friday, CDR Williams completed the EXPRESS Rack 2 Rack Interface Controller upgrade attempted several times over the course of the week. She later conducted several runs of the InSPACE3 Payload in the Microgravity Science Glovebox. On Friday, the crew completed the nominal tagup with control centers around the world to discuss ongoing and upcoming Space Station operations.
The weekend aboard the station was fairly quiet for the crew of six. On Saturday, they joined for the weekly 'Uborka' House Cleaning which is a 3-hour task and involves removing trash from the work area, cleaning of often touched surfaces and other minor tasks to keep ISS in perfect working condition and equipment sorted aboard the Station. The crew only supported essential science operations such as the ongoing ENERGY session. On Sunday, the crew members had some well deserved off duty time and all of them had the opportunity to talk to their families and friends via private video conferences.
Finally on Friday, CDR Williams completed the EXPRESS Rack 2 Rack Interface Controller upgrade attempted several times over the course of the week. She later conducted several runs of the InSPACE3 Payload in the Microgravity Science Glovebox. On Friday, the crew completed the nominal tagup with control centers around the world to discuss ongoing and upcoming Space Station operations.
The weekend aboard the station was fairly quiet for the crew of six. On Saturday, they joined for the weekly 'Uborka' House Cleaning which is a 3-hour task and involves removing trash from the work area, cleaning of often touched surfaces and other minor tasks to keep ISS in perfect working condition and equipment sorted aboard the Station. The crew only supported essential science operations such as the ongoing ENERGY session. On Sunday, the crew members had some well deserved off duty time and all of them had the opportunity to talk to their families and friends via private video conferences.
Photo: NASA
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Meanwhile, the crew was informed on October 5, that the ISS Program is evaluating the addition of up to two EVAs to ISS Expedition 33 to complete two maintenance tasks on the outside of the Space Station. The first would be related to a known problem on the P6 Integrated Equipment Assembly 2B Channel Photovoltaic Thermal Control System that has been showing ammonia leakage since 2006. The leak was rather small and the system lost about 0.7 Kilograms per year requiring periodic refills of the system to keep the total amount of NH3 above the critical limit to keep the system up and running. During Space Shuttle Mission STS-134 in May 2011, the 2B PVTCS system was refilled and teams assumed that another refill would be needed 4 years after that, assuming leakage remained constant. Recently, leakage started trending up to about 2.5kg per year and the system is currently approaching its limit much quicker than expected with quick-look assessments indicating that this threshold would be hit in January 2013. Teams are now looking at EVA procedures and possible troubleshooting tasks to isolate the leak.
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Program managers would likely prefer an EVA late in Expedition 33 since the next US Spacewalking crew does not arrive at the Station until late December - which could come close to the current estimate in early 2013. The EVA has to take place before the departure of the two Spacewalkers Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide on November 12, 2012.
Another issue that could require an EVA is the current failure of the 3A power channel of the Space Station. This problem emerged on September 1, 2012 when when power channel 3A went offline due to a DCSU overload - presumably due to a major short somewhere in the 3A system. Responsible for managing the primary power coming from the Solar Arrays (actually from the SSUs) are Direct Current Switching Units - DCSUs - which control initial power distribution. During orbital day, the eight DCSUs send a portion of the primary power to the Station's MBSUs to go to the users while the other portion of the primary power is transferred to BCDUs - Battery Charge/Discharge Units that control the charging and discharging of each of the batteries - managing the available battery power. During night passes when no new power is generated by the solar arrays, power is sent from the Battery Charge/Discharge Units back to the Direct Current Switching Units which then passes it along to the Main Bus Switching Units. Space Station primary power operates at a voltage range of 137 to 173 volts direct current.
Once Dragon arrives at the Space Station, teams will begin troubleshooting the problem to make sure they understand the failure and can begin developing EVA procedures.
Dragon SpX-1 (CRS-1): Mission Updates
Another issue that could require an EVA is the current failure of the 3A power channel of the Space Station. This problem emerged on September 1, 2012 when when power channel 3A went offline due to a DCSU overload - presumably due to a major short somewhere in the 3A system. Responsible for managing the primary power coming from the Solar Arrays (actually from the SSUs) are Direct Current Switching Units - DCSUs - which control initial power distribution. During orbital day, the eight DCSUs send a portion of the primary power to the Station's MBSUs to go to the users while the other portion of the primary power is transferred to BCDUs - Battery Charge/Discharge Units that control the charging and discharging of each of the batteries - managing the available battery power. During night passes when no new power is generated by the solar arrays, power is sent from the Battery Charge/Discharge Units back to the Direct Current Switching Units which then passes it along to the Main Bus Switching Units. Space Station primary power operates at a voltage range of 137 to 173 volts direct current.
Once Dragon arrives at the Space Station, teams will begin troubleshooting the problem to make sure they understand the failure and can begin developing EVA procedures.
Dragon SpX-1 (CRS-1): Mission Updates
55 Years after Sputnik - Five new Satellites released from ISS |
October 4, 2012 |
Photo: NASA
First Deploy
Photo: JAXA
MPEP with two J-SSODs
Photo: NASA
Second Deploy
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On the 55th anniversary of the Launch of Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite marking the beginning of the space age, five new satellites have been released into orbit from the International Space Station. This was the first-of-its-kind satellite deployment from ISS, using the Japanese Robotic Arm and mechanical satellite deployers to release the small CubeSats. Previously, small satellites were released from ISS via spacewalking astronauts, throwing the payloads over board to deliver them to orbit.
The new CubeSat Deployment System for the International Space Station was delivered to the complex on H-II Transfer Vehicle 3 and consists of the Multi Purpose Experiment Platform (MPEP) with two JEM-Small Satellite Orbital Deployers (J-SSODs). Along with that hardware, five small Satellites were delivered to be the first payloads released via this mechanism. The two J-SSODs were attached to the MPEP by ISS Crew Member Aki Hoshide before the five small satellites were inserted in the Deployers. Before that, Hoshide activated and inspected the small satellites to make sure all were ready for launch. The MPEP is a flat-plate about 50 by 50 centimeters and the J-SSODs are similar to the PPODs that are used to deploy satellites from launch vehicles. Each J-SSOD can hold three 1-Unit Cubesats (100x100x113.5mm), one 3-Unit Cubesat (100x100x340.5mm) or a single 1-Unit and a single 2-Unit (100x100x227.5mm) spacecraft. The mechanism was delivered to the outside of the International Space Station via the Japanese Experiment Module's Airlock which is equipped with a slide table that can the used to place hardware outside the station. The airlock can be used for equipment, but does not function as an Airlock for Astronauts. The slide table allows ISS crew members to load experiments onto it inside the module, sliding it into the airlock, close the hatch and depressurize it before the external hatch is opened and the table can be placed outside the module - within reach of the Japanese Robotic Arm that can then be used to handle the payloads. For the CubeSat Deployment, the MPEP was be grappled by the JEM RMS that placed it in the proper position to release the spacecraft on the desired trajectory. Deployment occurred via the springs of the J-SSODs that pushed the vehicles out of the mechanism while small rails were used to guide the CubeSats out of the deployer. The deployment occurred into the nominal ISS orbit into the nadir direction with a deployment speed of 80 to 99 centimeters per second into an 18-degree cone for ISS safety reasons. Thursday's deployment was done in two parts. J-SSOD1 released its three satellites at 14:37 UTC as Aki Hoshide operated the mechanism from inside the Kibo Module. The second Deployment occurred at 15:44 UTC with J-SSOD2 initiating its springs to release the remaining two CubeSats which was completed successfully to conclude the operation. The second deploy was commanded from the ground, by Mission Controllers in Tsukuba, Japan, to demonstrate the capability of releasing satellites via ground control. The MPEP and J-SSODs will be brought back inside for future re-use to deploy more satellites. |
Deploying CubeSats from ISS has a number of benefits. Launching the vehicles aboard the logistics carrier of ISS visiting vehicle's reduces the vibration and loads they have to encounter during launch.
In addition, they can be packed in protective materials so that the probability of CubeSat damage during launch is reduced significantly. Also, once arriving at the Space Station, the satellites can be checked pre-deployment, making sure any damage is detected before committing them to flight.
Photo Gallery: Cube Sat Deploy
In addition, they can be packed in protective materials so that the probability of CubeSat damage during launch is reduced significantly. Also, once arriving at the Space Station, the satellites can be checked pre-deployment, making sure any damage is detected before committing them to flight.
Photo Gallery: Cube Sat Deploy
CubeSat Overview
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Credit: http://www.fit.ac.jp
FITSAT-1
Image: Aaron Cohen/SJSU
TechEdSat
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Week 2: ATV-3 bids farewell after 6-month Docked Mission
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September 30, 2012
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Week 2 of International Space Station Expedition 33 was dedicated to ISS Science Operations and visiting vehicles support as Automated Transfer Vehicle 3 departed the Space Station after a 6-month stay. The ISS crew of Commander Suni Williams and Flight Engineers Yuri Malenchenko and Aki Hoshide also made more preparations for the upcoming flight of the SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft to ISS. Visit the respective mission pages for all details on ATV-3’s departure and the upcoming SpX-1 mission.
On Monday, the three crew members conducted nominal inspections that are performed every week and include inspections of life support and computers systems to make sure ISS is in good shape for another week of ISS Operations. Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide spent two hours performing an on-board training session practicing offset and misaligned grapples of Dragon with SSRMS followed by a debriefing with Mission Controllers. |
Photo: NASA
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Hoshide later serviced the VIABLE experiment by touching and blowing the top of each of 4 VIABLE bags in the FGB where they are stowed to collect environment samples. Working aboard the Russian Segment, Yuri Malenchenko performed the servicing of the Russian Life Support System, the regular laptop reconfiguration and the daily Inventory Management System maintenance.
Suni Williams worked inside Node 3 for several hours performing an in-flight maintenance operation on the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly, removing and replacing the system’s Air Selector Valves. Hoshide went to ATV-3 later in the day to install a REBR Unit – Re-Entry Breakup Recorder while Yuri Malenchenko had two hours for final hatch closure preparations and tool setups. This included the removal of ATV equipment such as fire extinguishers, light fixtures, smoke detectors, air ducts, hand rails and other useful equipment for use aboard ISS. Afterwards, Hoshide and Malenchenko went through hatch closure operations, closing the two hatches between ATV and the Zvezda Module before making the standard one-hour leak check. They also performed a final ATV undoking on-board training session to practice ATV-3 departure procedures.
On Tuesday, September 25, the crew shifted their sleep cycles to support ATV-3 operations, extending the work day by 5-hours with a nap period in the middle of the day. Before having breakfast, Yuri Malenchenko performed a session of the Russian biomedical routine assessment PZEh-MO-7/Calf Volume Measurement. Afterwards and he was joined by the other two crew members to use the equipment to make body mass measurements to gather data needed for other studies. Commander Williams performed the weekly Water Processor Assembly sample acquisition and analysis.
Suni Williams worked inside Node 3 for several hours performing an in-flight maintenance operation on the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly, removing and replacing the system’s Air Selector Valves. Hoshide went to ATV-3 later in the day to install a REBR Unit – Re-Entry Breakup Recorder while Yuri Malenchenko had two hours for final hatch closure preparations and tool setups. This included the removal of ATV equipment such as fire extinguishers, light fixtures, smoke detectors, air ducts, hand rails and other useful equipment for use aboard ISS. Afterwards, Hoshide and Malenchenko went through hatch closure operations, closing the two hatches between ATV and the Zvezda Module before making the standard one-hour leak check. They also performed a final ATV undoking on-board training session to practice ATV-3 departure procedures.
On Tuesday, September 25, the crew shifted their sleep cycles to support ATV-3 operations, extending the work day by 5-hours with a nap period in the middle of the day. Before having breakfast, Yuri Malenchenko performed a session of the Russian biomedical routine assessment PZEh-MO-7/Calf Volume Measurement. Afterwards and he was joined by the other two crew members to use the equipment to make body mass measurements to gather data needed for other studies. Commander Williams performed the weekly Water Processor Assembly sample acquisition and analysis.
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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Working inside the Kibo Module, Aki Hoshide serviced the Nano Step Payload, replacing samples for upcoming operations. Nano Step is part of the Solution Crystallization Observation Facility and its objective is to study the growth mechanisms and the perfection of protein crystals. Each sample is monitored for 35 days to look at the state & speed of the crystal grown in space. Observations are being performed with an interferometer.
Malenchenko performed an experiment session to support the ‘Study of the Veins in the Lower Extremities.’ He also inspected air flow sensors on the Russian side, made adjustments to the Pressure Control & Atmospheric Monitoring System and cleaning a number of systems. Meanwhile, Suni Williams performed the ESA Integrated Cardiovascular Resting Echo Scan with Aki Hoshide acting as Crew Medical Officer. The ICV Experiment involves periodic resting Echo Ultrasound-Scans and ambulatory monitoring sessions to evaluate the extent, time course, and clinical significance of cardiac atrophy and identify its mechanisms. The commander also replaced a full RFTA (Recycle Filter Tank Assembly) of the Water Recovery System 2 Urine Processor Assembly. Hoshide spent time inside the Columbus Laboratory performing his third VO2max Experiment Session. During the experiment session, the crew members have to exercise on the CEVIS Treadmill while hardware is used to measure oxygen uptake, cardiac output, and more. The full name of the Experiment is Evaluation of Maximal Oxygen Uptake & Submaximal Estimates of VO2max before, during and after long-duration space station missions. Later in the day, after having a three-hour nap period, the crew members joined to perform final ATV-3 undocking preparations. Yuri Malenchenko and Aki Hoshide were in charge of operating the ATV Command Panel monitoring the departure of the vehicle, ready to respond to problems on the spacecraft. |
Suni Williams was on photo duty. During final command link testing, the undocking sequence was aborted because ATV-3 did not respond to commands sent by the crew due to a false ATV Command Panel Setting. The vehicle was secured and the operation was closed out for the day to give Mission Controllers in Houston and Moscow, and ATV Controllers in Toulouse a chance of assessing the situation and prepare a new undocking attempt. For all details, visit the ATV-3 site.
On Wednesday, Suni Williams began her next Pro-K experiment session. The full name of the experiment is Dietary Intake Can Predict and Protect against Changes in Bone Metabolism during Spaceflight and Recovery. It involves crewmembers sticking to a low salt or high salt diet, logging their food intake, collecting and analysing urine and blood samples and preparing samples for analysis on the ground. Aki Hoshide completed a run of the Air Quality Monitor. Yuri Malenchenko completed a 75-minute session with the Russian Pnevmokard study. PNEVMOKARD attempts to obtain new scientific information to refine the understanding about the mechanisms used by the cardiorespiratory system and the whole body organism to spaceflight conditions.For that, the crew member's electrocardiogram, impedance cardiogram, low-frequency phonocardiogram (seismocardiogram), pneumotachogram (using nose temperature sensors) and finger photoplethismogram are recorded and downlinked.
Next, Yuri Malenchenko performed cargo transfers, moving trash into Progress M-16M for disposal. Also working cargo operations, Suni Williams pre-packed cargo for return to Earth aboard Dragon during SpX-1. In addition, the commander performed inspections of contingency equipment at a number of locations aboard ISS. This included Portable Emergency Provisions as well as the Automated External Defibrillator of ISS. Malenchenko performed a session with Interactions, a study that looks at psychological aspects of long duration space flight during which different cultures come together aboard a Spacecraft such as ISS. He also serviced the Identification Experiment hardware that gathers structural data aboard the Space Station. The Russian TEKh-39 Laser Communications System was activated for a checkout session by Yuri Malenchenko. The crew members completed more hardware reconfigurations and equipment preparations for upcoming operations to finish their work day.
On Wednesday, Suni Williams began her next Pro-K experiment session. The full name of the experiment is Dietary Intake Can Predict and Protect against Changes in Bone Metabolism during Spaceflight and Recovery. It involves crewmembers sticking to a low salt or high salt diet, logging their food intake, collecting and analysing urine and blood samples and preparing samples for analysis on the ground. Aki Hoshide completed a run of the Air Quality Monitor. Yuri Malenchenko completed a 75-minute session with the Russian Pnevmokard study. PNEVMOKARD attempts to obtain new scientific information to refine the understanding about the mechanisms used by the cardiorespiratory system and the whole body organism to spaceflight conditions.For that, the crew member's electrocardiogram, impedance cardiogram, low-frequency phonocardiogram (seismocardiogram), pneumotachogram (using nose temperature sensors) and finger photoplethismogram are recorded and downlinked.
Next, Yuri Malenchenko performed cargo transfers, moving trash into Progress M-16M for disposal. Also working cargo operations, Suni Williams pre-packed cargo for return to Earth aboard Dragon during SpX-1. In addition, the commander performed inspections of contingency equipment at a number of locations aboard ISS. This included Portable Emergency Provisions as well as the Automated External Defibrillator of ISS. Malenchenko performed a session with Interactions, a study that looks at psychological aspects of long duration space flight during which different cultures come together aboard a Spacecraft such as ISS. He also serviced the Identification Experiment hardware that gathers structural data aboard the Space Station. The Russian TEKh-39 Laser Communications System was activated for a checkout session by Yuri Malenchenko. The crew members completed more hardware reconfigurations and equipment preparations for upcoming operations to finish their work day.
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On Thursday, ATV-3 was standing by to perform a Debris Avoidance Maneuver to move ISS out of harms way – avoiding a conjunction with two pieces of orbital debris, but tracking of the objects showed that the probability of collision did not violate the red thresholds and the DAM was canceled. The crew was not impacted by these operations.
Aboard the complex, the day started with more operations of the Russian Laser Communication System and Pro-K procedures for Suni Williams. She also downlinked data acquired from her earlier ICV sessions and conducted a VO2max session inside Columbus. Aki Hoshide, working in Kibo, performed a double session of the JAXA MICROBE-3 experiment starting the ASD (Air Sampling Device) and Particle Counter attached on the bottom of the Kobairo Rack GHF (Gradient Heating Furnace), and later inserting the processed samples in a MELFI Freezer. He also completed water transfer operations. Aboard the Russian Segment, Yuri Malenchenko spent several hours continuing the preventive maintenance operation on the ventilation system of the RS. He also had two hours set aside for more Progress Cargo Operations. Aki Hoshide completed a 3-hour maintenance operation on the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device. Working together, Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide, used the Dragon ROBoT trainer performing a training session in preparation for SpX-1 capture. The crew members also supported public affairs events and filled out different questionnaires associated with different studies. On Friday, the three ISS Residents had to adjust the length of their work day again to support the second ATV-3 undocking attempt. Before ATV departure operations began, the crew completed standard operations, starting their day with a session of the Reaction Self Test. The Reaction Self Test involves two daily sessions with a computer application - once after getting up and once when the day's work is complete - to examine the effects fatigue has on crew members undergoing long duration space flights. Suni Williams supported Pro-K operations, before the entire crew gathered inside their Soyuz Spacecraft for a 3-hour Emergency Descent Drill that is a regular on-orbit procedure for each ISS crew. Afterwards, Suni Williams performed maintenance on the electrical system removing and replacing a failed Remote Power Controller Module. Aki Hoshide performed cargo operations inside Kibo in preparation for SpX-1. They participated in a number of Russian PAO Events before having a nap period to set the stage for ATV-3 undocking operations. Edoardo Amaldi departed the Space Station on Friday at 21:44 UTC ending a 184-day docked mission. ATV-3 delivered 2,200 Kilograms of dry cargo to the Space Station that included ISS supplies as well as experiment materials. In addition, ATV-3 delivered 100 Kilograms of pressurized gas that was used to repressurize the Station’s atmosphere. 284 Kilograms of potable water were transferred to ISS and 820kg of Russian propellant was transferred to ISS tanks for use by the Station’s Propulsion System. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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ATV-3 spent nearly 3,400kg of propellants burning its own engines to perform ISS Reboosts and Attitude Maneuvers increasing the Station’s Mean Altitude by 26 Kilometers over the course of its stay. After ATV-3 departure, the crew closed out equipment that was used before turning in for the day.
The weekend aboard the orbiting outpost was quiet for the crew that supported essential science operations such as Pro-K, more checkouts of the Laser Communication System and hardware inspections. On Saturday, the three crew members completed the Uborka House-Cleaning task taking about three hours. During the procedure, crew members remove waste items from the work area, clean compartments with a vacuum cleaner, clean up the dining area and crew quarters and using a standard cleaning solution to clean often-touched surfaces. The crew performed private medical conferences and private family conferences over the weekend.
The weekend aboard the orbiting outpost was quiet for the crew that supported essential science operations such as Pro-K, more checkouts of the Laser Communication System and hardware inspections. On Saturday, the three crew members completed the Uborka House-Cleaning task taking about three hours. During the procedure, crew members remove waste items from the work area, clean compartments with a vacuum cleaner, clean up the dining area and crew quarters and using a standard cleaning solution to clean often-touched surfaces. The crew performed private medical conferences and private family conferences over the weekend.
Week 1: ISS Crew gets ready for ATV Departure & SpX-1 Arrival |
September 23, 2012 |
Photo: NASA/GCTC
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International Space Station Expedition 33 began last Sunday with the departure of Soyuz TMA-04M that made a picture-prefect landing in Kazakhstan to bring the Expedition 31/32 crew of Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineers Sergei Revin and Joe Acaba back to Earth.
The remaining ISS Crew Members, Commander Suni Williams and Flight Engineers Yuri Malenchenko and Aki Hoshide, will be performing three-crew operations until Soyuz TMA-06M arrives at the Station in late October after its launch was delayed by a week. To read more about the departure and landing of Soyuz TMA-04M, visit the Mission Updates Page. On Monday, the crew had a light duty day after having a very busy weekend supporting the Soyuz Departure. In addition, they had to shift their sleep cycles back to normal after working late to support the nightly undocking (UTC). They performed regular inspections and supported essential science operations. |
Aki Hoshide stowed four passive FMK (Formaldehyde Monitoring Kit) sampling assemblies which are used to catch any harmful Formaldehyde inside a collector. He also started preparations for the arrival of Soyuz TMA-06M by relocating emergency equipment. Williams opened the protective window shutters of the Window Observational Research Facility for the ISS Agriculture Camera equipment, so ground images can be captured by ground commanding. Hoshide performed maintenance on the ARED Exercise Device and Yuri Malenchenko performed inspections around the Russian segment. The rest of the day was off duty for the crew.
On Tuesday, September 18, Yuri Malenchenko performed his share of the three-hour Uborka House-Cleaning task that he couldn't perform over the weekend due to Soyuz TMA-04M activities. Working inside Columbus, Suni Williams activated the Erasmus Recording Binocular 2 System for ground-controlled operations for 80 minutes. The system is capable of recording 3D video using the stereoscopic ERB-2. Later, she conducted a WinSCAT experiment session. MedOps WINSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows) is a computer based psychological evaluation that investigates concentration, verbal working memory, attention, short-term memory, spatial processing, and math skill of humans exposed to microgravity for extended periods of time.
On Tuesday, September 18, Yuri Malenchenko performed his share of the three-hour Uborka House-Cleaning task that he couldn't perform over the weekend due to Soyuz TMA-04M activities. Working inside Columbus, Suni Williams activated the Erasmus Recording Binocular 2 System for ground-controlled operations for 80 minutes. The system is capable of recording 3D video using the stereoscopic ERB-2. Later, she conducted a WinSCAT experiment session. MedOps WINSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows) is a computer based psychological evaluation that investigates concentration, verbal working memory, attention, short-term memory, spatial processing, and math skill of humans exposed to microgravity for extended periods of time.
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Aki Hoshide began ATV-3 close-out operations to prepare the vehicle for its undocking planned for September 25. He moved cargo bags around, secured racks and took documentary imagery. Later, he performed regular water system operations, taking samples, transferring water and urine and performing sample analysis. Suni Williams completed her third session with the Reversible Figures Study. This is an ESA-operated study that examines the adaptive nature of the human neuro-vestibular system in the processing of gravitational information related to 3D visual perception. The study involves pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight tests. Afterwards, she serviced the two MERLIN Freezers, replacing old desiccant packs and leaving one of the units open for a 24-hour dry-out. MERLINs are used to store crew food and drink.
Malenchenko serviced the running Identification Payload that records structural dynamics aboard the Space Station. Suni and Aki had 90 minutes set aside to perform the first On-Board Training Session for the upcoming SpX-1 CRS-1 Mission. The crew reviewed Rendezvous and Dragon Capture Operations focusing on Crew Command Panel Operations. On Wednesday, the three ISS Crew Members donned their Sokol Launch and Entry Suits and worked inside their Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft to perform the standard fit checks of their custom-made Kazbek Seat Liners. Yuri Malenchenko moved an EVA O2 repress tank and he serviced the Pille-ISS Radiation Payload, downloading data from 11 radiation dosimeters that are set up in various spots aboard ISS. Suni Williams worked inside the Kibo module to reconfigure the Medium Rate Data Link of the Image Processing Unit connecting it to the Saibo Rack Utility Interface Panel. She also configured the Lab Robotics Work station for a test of the Node-2 Centerline Berthing Camera that will be used for the SpX-1 Dragon Berthing. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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The testing activity became necessary after the unit did not function as expected and was unavailable for HTV-3 unberthing from Harmony. This operation required Suni to install the camera and associated avionics to active the system and check video quality.
Yuri Malenchenko worked inside Automated Transfer Vehicle 3 performing the standard pre-undocking leak check of the Water Delivery System Tank Bladder.
Aki Hoshide conducted the MICROBE-3 Experiment in the Japanese Experiment Module by starting the ASD (Air Sampling Device) and particle counter attached on the bottom of the Kobairo Rack GHF (Gradient Heating Furnace). He reconfigured computer equipment, performed ARED maintenance and also serviced the Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion Products before performing the preventive maintenance operation in all three nodes, removing dust from ventilation systems. Later, he underwent his 4th session with MedOps WinSCAT and completed an emergency medical training session.
Yuri Malenchenko performed experiment preparations, he serviced the Matryoshka Radiation Payload Suite and updated the inventory maintenance system.
On Thursday, the two USOS Residents performed their regular Reaction Self Test Session. RST looks at the effects fatigue has on the crew member's performance during long duration space missions. Also before breakfast, Yuri Malenchenko and Aki Hoshide performed a session with the Russian crew health monitoring program's medical assessment MO-9/Biochemical Urinalysis that involves visual urine analysis. Spending a large portion of her workday, Suni Williams conducted a COTS UHF Communication Unit Software update to the R3.3 version of its operating software ahead of the SpX-1 arrival. She and Hoshide also made more robotics preparations and simulations. Meanwhile, Yuri Malenchenko performed three hours of urine transfers to ATV-3 tanks for disposal.
Yuri Malenchenko worked inside Automated Transfer Vehicle 3 performing the standard pre-undocking leak check of the Water Delivery System Tank Bladder.
Aki Hoshide conducted the MICROBE-3 Experiment in the Japanese Experiment Module by starting the ASD (Air Sampling Device) and particle counter attached on the bottom of the Kobairo Rack GHF (Gradient Heating Furnace). He reconfigured computer equipment, performed ARED maintenance and also serviced the Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion Products before performing the preventive maintenance operation in all three nodes, removing dust from ventilation systems. Later, he underwent his 4th session with MedOps WinSCAT and completed an emergency medical training session.
Yuri Malenchenko performed experiment preparations, he serviced the Matryoshka Radiation Payload Suite and updated the inventory maintenance system.
On Thursday, the two USOS Residents performed their regular Reaction Self Test Session. RST looks at the effects fatigue has on the crew member's performance during long duration space missions. Also before breakfast, Yuri Malenchenko and Aki Hoshide performed a session with the Russian crew health monitoring program's medical assessment MO-9/Biochemical Urinalysis that involves visual urine analysis. Spending a large portion of her workday, Suni Williams conducted a COTS UHF Communication Unit Software update to the R3.3 version of its operating software ahead of the SpX-1 arrival. She and Hoshide also made more robotics preparations and simulations. Meanwhile, Yuri Malenchenko performed three hours of urine transfers to ATV-3 tanks for disposal.
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The three crew members joined for a 90-minute Contingency Training rehearsing emergency procedures by simulating a ISS Cabin Leak. They worked through procedures to isolate the leak together with personnel in Mission Control Centers Houston and Moscow. Later, Aki Hoshide spent time inside ATV-3, relocating cargo items and securing the cargo racks to adjust the vehicle's Center of Gravity that is important for vehicle maneuvering after undocking. He took photos so that ATV Controllers can assess the CG. Suni Williams supported ground-controlled science operations by activating and configuring the Combustion Integrated Rack. On the Russian Side, Yuri Malenchenko performed verifications of IP Airflow Sensors before updating the inventory maintenance system and performing water transfers.
Yuri Malenchenko started his day on Friday with a 90-minute fitness evaluation on the TVIS Treadmill which is a standard medical check for Russian Cosmonauts undergoing long-duration missions. While performing the exercise, he wore the Kardiokassette KK-2000 belt with three chest electrodes to provide biomed data. Later, he spent time working inside Mini Research Module 2, having two hours set aside to dismantle and check a smoke detector. Suni Williams had 90 minutes to locate the ELITE-S2 (ELaboratore Immagini TElevisive - Space 2) hardware that was stowed aboard ISS for a long time. The Interface Management Unit of the hardware was relocated to Kibo to provide support to ground operations. Afterwards, Williams completed a medical training session, filled out the Food Frequency Questionnaire and began her third ESA Integrated Cardiovascular Ambulatory Monitoring Session. The ESA-operated ICV Experiment involves periodic resting Echo Ultrasound-Scan and ambulatory monitoring sessions to evaluate the extent, time course, and clinical significance of cardiac atrophy and identify its mechanisms. Aki Hoshide completed the routine maintenance on the Water Recovery System before working inside Kibo to begin preparations for the Satellite Deployment planned for September 27 via the JRMS. Read our Expedition 33 preview for detailed information about this first of-its-kind satellite deploy from the Space Station. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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Yuri Malenchenko supported communications checks in preparation for ATV-3 undocking. He was also involved in other communication related reconfigurations on the various systems of the RS. On Friday, the three crew members performed the weekly planning conference and tagups with the ISS Control Centers around the world to discuss upcoming operations as well as problems and open items.
The weekend aboard ISS was fairly quiet for the three crew members. They joined for the regular Uborka House Cleaning on Saturday to clean up the interior of the Station, removing trash and no-longer-needed items from the work area and cleaning up often touched surfaces and ducts. Essential science operations, such as Suni's ongoing ICV session, were supported over the weekend. In addition, Yuri Malenchenko worked with ground controllers on checkouts of the TEKh-39 Laser Communications System.
The crew is now getting ready for a busy week that will be dedicated to Automated Transfer vehicle Departure Preparations and its undocking after a six-month docked mission. Also, the CubeSat Deploy via the Japanese Robotic Arm is planned along with more SpX-1 arrival preparations.
The weekend aboard ISS was fairly quiet for the three crew members. They joined for the regular Uborka House Cleaning on Saturday to clean up the interior of the Station, removing trash and no-longer-needed items from the work area and cleaning up often touched surfaces and ducts. Essential science operations, such as Suni's ongoing ICV session, were supported over the weekend. In addition, Yuri Malenchenko worked with ground controllers on checkouts of the TEKh-39 Laser Communications System.
The crew is now getting ready for a busy week that will be dedicated to Automated Transfer vehicle Departure Preparations and its undocking after a six-month docked mission. Also, the CubeSat Deploy via the Japanese Robotic Arm is planned along with more SpX-1 arrival preparations.
Expedition 33 begins with successful Soyuz Undocking & Landing |
September 17, 2012 |
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The Soyuz TMA-04M and its crew of three International Space Station residents have successfully completed its long-duration space flight returning to Earth on September 17, 2012 making a safe landing north of Arkalyk, at the Steppes of Kazakhstan at 2:53 UTC. The crew of Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineers Sergei Revin and Joe Acaba undocked with their Soyuz at 23:09 UTC on Sunday, completed two-and-a-half hours of free flight and re-entered the atmosphere before making a successful Touchdown to conclude a 125-day Space Flight.
The crew was part of ISS Expeditions 31 and 32, being a part of a truly historic ISS increment that featured a busy schedule and lots of premier events taking place at the Orbiting Complex that is circling the Earth at an altitude of 417 Kilometers. >>>Full Story |
Photo: NASA
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