31 May 2008 21:02 GMT. Landing Date: 2008-06-14 15:15:00 PM. Flight Time: 13.76 days. Other Name: ISS-1J. Flight Up: STS-124. Flight Back: STS-124. Call Sign: Discovery. Crew: Kelly Mark, Ham, Nyberg, Garan, Fossum, Hoshide. Program: ISS. Delivered to the ISS and installed the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module Pressurized Module (JEM-PM) and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System (JEM RMS). Prior to the Columbia disaster the mission was scheduled for February 2005 as STS-125, although no crew had been named at that time.
Discovery delivered to the International Space Station the Kibo Pressurized Module, the primary element of the Japanese portion of the station.
Half an earth away from jettison of external tank ET-128, a 76 m/s OMS-2 burn at 21:40 GMT put the Shuttle in its low-altitude chase lorbit. Discovery docked at the PMA-2 port of the station at 18:03 GMT on 2 June. Using the shuttle and station's robotic arms, with assistance from spacewalking astronauts, the Kibo module was attached to the station's Harmony module at 23:01 GMT on 4 June. The previously-delivered Japanese Logistics Module was transferred from Harmony to Kibo on 6 June at 20:04 GMT. The Shuttle undocked from the station on 11 June at GMT and landed on 14 June at 15:15 GMT at the Kennedy Space Center. The STS-124 payload bay cargo manifest totalled 17,530 kg and consisted of:
- Orbiter Docking System: Bays 1-2 - 1800 kg
- with spacesuits EMU 3015, 3017 - 260 kg
- APC/SPDU: Bay 3 port - 100 kg
- Kibo PM: Bays 5-12 - 14,800 kg
- APC/ECSH: Bay 13 port - 100 kg
- RMS 301 robotic arm: Sill - 410 kg
STS-124 Chronology - 2008 Jan 29 - ISS On-Orbit Status 01/29/08
FE-1 Malenchenko set up the pumping equipment and initiated (later closed out) the periodic transfer of urine from five EDV-U containers in the SM (Service Module) to the Rodnik BV2 tank of Progress M-62/27P. With the Elektron-VM O2 (oxygen) generator currently off, a one-hour cabin air refresh was to be performed by the FE-1 from Progress 27P storage (SrPK) if required. CDR Whitson conducted the periodic (every two weeks) 10-min inspection of the RED (Resistive Exercise Device) canister cords and accessory straps as well as the canister bolts for re-tightening if required. Malenchenko completed today's routine maintenance of the SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the SM, including ASU toilet facilities systems/replaceables. Working off his 'time permitting' discretionary job list, Yuri performed the daily 20-min. IMS maintenance, updating/editing its standard 'delta file' including stowage locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur). At ~8:45am EST, the crew conducted a teleconference with the Shuttle crew of STS-122/1E, scheduled for launch on 2/7. At ~9:40am, Peggy, Dan and Yuri tagged up with EVA specialists at MCC-H to discuss final arrangements for tomorrow's EVA-14 spacewalk. Spending time in the Airlock (A/L) for final preparations for EVA-14, Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani - Configured the DCS-760 digital camera and flash attachment to be taken outside,
Recharged three batteries for the EVA EMU-prebreathe period, to be installed in the EVA photo flash unit and EVA camera just prior to the spacewalk (when off station power),
Prepared the A/L EL (Airlock Equipment Lock) for the Campout & spacewalk,
Tagged up with ground specialists at ~9:40am EST for reviewing EVA particulars, and
Underwent the standard pre-EVA PMC (Private Medical Conference) via S- & Ku-band audio/video.
Yuri prepared three Russian 'Pille-MKS' radiation dosimeters, recorded their dosages and equipped each of the two EMUs (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) with a radiation sensor (A0309/CDR & A0310/FE-2). (A third sensor, A0308, was placed in the SM on the PULT reader for background readings.) The CDR powered down the ham radio equipment in SM (Service Module) and FGB at ~12:30pm to prevent RF interference with the EMUs during the spacewalk. Peggy also closed the protective Lab science window shutters. The crewmembers completed their regular 2.5-hr. physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (CDR, FE-2), TVIS treadmill (FE-1, FE-2), RED resistive exercise device (CDR, FE-2), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1). Whitson then transferred the crew's exercise data file to the MEC for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM data of the workouts on RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week). At ~2:50pm EST, Whitson and Tani began their overnight Campout prebreathe and lockout in the A/L. With METOX (Metal Oxide) canisters for CO2 removal in the A/L, the two spacewalkers performed PBA (Portable Breathing Apparatus) mask prebreathe for denitrogenation, while readying their equipment, then depressed the A/L to 10.2 psi for the campout. After the 8.5-hr sleep period before the spacewalk, the A/L CL (Crewlock) hatch will be cracked at ~1:00am EST for a hygiene break/with mask prebreathe for Whitson and Tani, after spending the night on 10.2 psi. Around 2:10am, the hatch will be closed again by IV Yuri Malenchenko for EVA preparations in 10.2 psi, followed by EMU purge & prebreath. Afterwards, Yuri will support CL depressurization and EV1 & EV2 will egress (~5:20-5:30am). CEO photo targets uplinked for today were IPY - Aurora Borealis; Heard Island, S. Indian Ocean (clear weather windows continue to be present in the region of Heard Island at the time of the ISS orbit pass. Looking to the right of track as ISS approached Antarctica. Mapping photography of the island was requested to capture snow and ice extent. The island of Kerguelen may also be visible to the northwest of Heard Island), and Patagonian Glaciers, S. America (this orbit track provided a traverse across the central portion of the Patagonian ranges. Overlapping, nadir mapping frames of glaciers on the western side of the mountains were requested).
- 2008 Feb 29 - ISS On-Orbit Status 02/29/08
Today is February's fifth Friday, because of its 29 Leap Year days; the last time February had 5 Fridays was in 1980 and next time will be in 2036. Before breakfast and exercise, FE-2 Eyharts performed his first PHS (Periodic Health Status) w/Blood Labs examination. CDR Whitson assisted in drawing blood and using the U.S. PCBA(Portable Clinical Blood Analyzer). The second part of PHS, Subjective Clinical Evaluation, was performed later in the day. (The PHS exam, with PCBA analysis and clinical evaluation, is guided by special software (IFEP, In-Flight Examination Program) on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer). While PCBA analyzes total blood composition, the blood's hematocrit is particularly measured by the Russian MO-10 protocol.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 02/29/08.
- 2008 Mar 4 - ISS On-Orbit Status 03/04/08
In the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), FE-2 Leo Eyharts had an hour allotted to perform troubleshooting on a structural element which earlier (2/17) had prevented installation of a K-BAR (Knee-Brace Assembly Replacement) capture mechanism on the overhead F2 rack, as required for relocating of the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) and EXPRESS Rack 3 (ER3). (Today's troubleshooting dealt with repair and cleaning of a threaded hole on a standoff element for the right K-BAR capture fitting. The FE-2 used a vacuum cleaner to remove FOD (Foreign Object Debris) plus safety goggles, rubber gloves and a surgical mask for his protection.) Leo also continued COL commissioning, today unlocking (but not completely removing) the AVM (Anti-Vibration Mount) locking bolts of the module's ISFA (Intermodular Ventilation Supply Fan Assembly) and IRFA (Intermodular Ventilation Return Fan Assembly). (The two fan assemblies are located at opposite sidewalls of the module, both behind cover panels.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 03/04/08.
- 2008 Mar 5 - ISS On-Orbit Status 03/05/08
In the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), FE-2 Leo Eyharts had an hour allotted to perform troubleshooting on a structural element which earlier (2/17) had prevented installation of a K-BAR (Knee-Brace Assembly Replacement) capture mechanism on the overhead F2 rack, as required for relocating of the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) and EXPRESS Rack 3 (ER3). (Today's troubleshooting dealt with repair and cleaning of a threaded hole on a standoff element for the right K-BAR capture fitting. The FE-2 used a vacuum cleaner to remove FOD (Foreign Object Debris) plus safety goggles, rubber gloves and a surgical mask for his protection.) Leo also continued COL commissioning, today unlocking (but not completely removing) the AVM (Anti-Vibration Mount) locking bolts of the module's ISFA (Intermodular Ventilation Supply Fan Assembly) and IRFA (Intermodular Ventilation Return Fan Assembly). (The two fan assemblies are located at opposite sidewalls of the module, both behind cover panels.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 03/05/08.
- 2008 Mar 23 - ISS On-Orbit Status 03/23/08
Sunday - J/A Flight Day (FD) 13/14. Ahead: Week 23 of Increment 16. HAPPY EASTER! Congratulations, Shuttle & ISS crews: Five EVAs in a row, all successful. What a great Easter gift! >>>>Today at ~7:43am EDT, the ISS, specifically its FGB module, completed 53,500 orbits of the Earth, having covered a distance of 2.25 billion kilometers (1.4 billion st.miles) in 3411 days. The 19,300 kg (42,600 lbs) Zarya ('Dawn') was launched on a Russian/Khrunichev Proton from Baikonur over nine years ago (11/20/1998) as the first element of the multi-national space station.<<<<
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 03/23/08.
- 2008 Mar 27 - ISS On-Orbit Status 03/27/08
Welcome back, Endeavour! STS-123/Endeavour returned to Earth last night after 15d 18h 11m in space, the longest Shuttle mission to ISS so far, touching down at KSC on the second opportunity at 8:39pm EDT, after 250 orbits & 6.6 million miles (first opportunity waived off due to cloud layer). (During the perfectly executed ISS 1J/AE mission, its seven-member crew conducted a record five EVAs, delivered & installed the JAXA JLP (Japanese Experiment Module Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section) and the Canadian SPDM Dextre, brought up new Expedition 16 crewmember Garrett Reisman and returned his predecessor Leopold Eyharts who spent 48 days in space (44 aboard the station). It was the 122nd flight of a Space Shuttle, the 25th Shuttle mission to visit the station, the 21st for Endeavour and the second of six Shuttle missions planned for 2008. Next up: STS-124/Discovery/1J on 5/25 with JAXA's JEM Pressurized Module 'Kibo', racks & the JEM RMS.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 03/27/08.
- 2008 Apr 3 - ISS On-Orbit Status 04/03/08
ATV1 'Jules Verne' docked successfully at the SM (Service Module) aft port at 10:45am EDT. SM hooks were closed at 10:56am. The docking was essentially a repeat of Demo Day 2 except for the final approach from S41 (~12m) to Contact and Hooks Closed. (The 19-ton unmanned ATV maneuvered from a holding position 39 km behind the ISS and conducted a 4-hour staged approach with several stops at reference points for checks. It autonomously computed its own position through relative GPS (Global Positioning System) data, comparing with GPS data received from ISS, and in close range it used VDM (Videometer) lasers pointed at LRRs (Laser Retroreflektors) on the SM for distance & orientation determination relative to its target. Final approach was at a relative velocity of 7 cm/s and with an accuracy of better than 10 cm. The cargo transport, which remains docked for the next four months, is delivering 1,150 kg of dry cargo, including food, clothes and equipment as well as two original manuscripts handwritten by Jules Verne and a 19th Century illustrated edition of his novel 'From the Earth to the Moon'. The cargo also includes 856 kg of propellant, 270 kg of drinking water and 21 kg of oxygen, to be transferred to the SM.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 04/03/08.
- 2008 Apr 9 - ISS On-Orbit Status 04/09/08
Soyuz TMA-12/16S, with Expedition 17 crewmembers CDR Sergei Alexandrovich Volkov (CDR) and Oleg Dmitrievich Kononenko (FE-1), plus Korean SFP (Spaceflight Participant) So-Yeon Yi, 14th Visiting Crewmember (VC) to spend time on the station, continues to catch up with the ISS for the docking tomorrow morning at ~9:02am EDT. (FD1 activities yesterday included the first two maneuver burns, DV1 (10:57am) & DV2 (11:50am), both with the SKD main engine. FD2 activities, started yesterday afternoon with Soyuz crew wakeup at ~4:05pm on Orbit 12, include systems & crew health status reports to TsUP, preparation of the Soyuz Habitation Module (SA) workspace, building attitude for and executing the DV3 burn, placing Soyuz back in its sun-spinning "barbecue" mode (ISK), and swapping CO2 absorption cartridges (LiOH) in the BO. Afterwards, the crewmembers will put on their Sokol suits and PKO biomed harnesses, transfer to the SA, activate its air purification system (SOA) and close the hatch to the Descent Module (BO). After activation of the active Kurs-A system on Soyuz and of the passive Kurs-P on the Service Module (SM), with a short Kurs-A/P test and several additional adjustment burns during automated rendezvous, station fly-around to align with the DC1 Docking Compartment will begin tomorrow at ~8:37am at ~400m range, followed by station keeping at ~160m (~8:46am) and docking at the DC1 port at ~9:02am. Volkov & Kononenko will replace Expedition 16 CDR Whitson & FE-1 Malenchenko. FE-2 Dr. Garrett Reisman remains on the station, joining Expedition 17 until early June when he is replaced by U.S. Astronaut Gregory E. Chamitoff on STS-124/1J. So-Yeon Yi, the 30-year old biotechnologist student from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology) and South Korea's first astronaut, will return with Peggy & Yuri on 4/19 in Soyuz TMA-11/15S.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 04/09/08.
- 2008 Apr 10 - ISS On-Orbit Status 04/10/08
The ISS crew's work/sleep cycle shifted this morning, from wakeup at 2:00am to 5:00am EDT (sleeptime tonight at 9:30pm, from 5:30pm). Work period will shift again tomorrow (6:20am -5:50pm) and on 4/12 (2:10am -5:40pm).
Yest kasaniya! Soyuz TMA-12/16S docked smoothly at the DC1 port at 8:57am EDT, five minutes ahead of time, with Expedition 17 crewmembers CDR Sergei Volkov and FE-1 Oleg Kononenko, plus Korean SFP (Spaceflight Participant) So-Yeon Yi, 14th Visiting Crewmember (VC). After about 1.5 hrs spent in Soyuz on pre-transfer activities, the crew opened hatches, followed by crew transfer, the traditional joyful welcome event and the installation of the BZV QD (quick disconnect) clamps by Volkov and Kononenko at ~12:10pm. (After successful "kasaniya" (contact), automatic "sborka" (closing of Soyuz & DC1 port hooks & latches) took place shortly thereafter (~9:07am) while ISS was in free drift. Attitude control authority had been handed over to the Russian MCS (Motion Control System) at ~5:25am and was returned to US CMG control at ~10:05am. For the 16S docking, Russian thrusters were disabled during Soyuz volume pressurization and clamp installation; they were afterwards returned to active attitude control (~12:30pm). Before hatch opening, the crew performed leak checks of the Soyuz modules and the Soyuz/ISS interface vestibule. They then doffed their Sokol suits and set them up for drying (~1:05pm), deactivated the Atmosphere Purification Unit (BOA) in the Descent Module (SA), replaced the Soyuz ECLSS LiOH cartridges, equalized Soyuz/ISS pressures, and put the spacecraft into conservation mode on ISS integrated power.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 04/10/08.
- 2008 Apr 13 - ISS On-Orbit Status 04/13/08
Day 4 of joint E16/E17 operations by CDR-16 Peggy Whitson, FE-1-16 Yuri Malenchenko, FE-2-17 Garrett Reisman, CDR-17 Sergei Volkov, FE-1-17 Oleg Kononenko and SFP/VC14 So-Yeon Yi. Sunday. Ahead: Week 26 of Increment 16. The crew's work/sleep cycle again was adjusted slightly, from yesterday's wakeup at 2:20am to 2:10am EDT (sleeptime tonight at 5:40pm). Tomorrow, work period will be adjusted by 5 min (to 2:15am -5:45pm). Aboard ISS, the E16/E17 crew rotation/handover period went underway with full activity schedules for all six residents involved. Whitson, Volkov, Malenchenko and Kononenko had several hours crewtime between them for dedicated CDR/CDR & FE/FE handover activities. In addition, there are 'generic' handovers where crewmembers are scheduled together to complete various designated standard tasks.
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 04/13/08.
- 2008 Apr 17 - ISS On-Orbit Status 04/17/08
Day 8 of joint E16/E17 operations by CDR-16 Peggy Whitson, FE-1-16 Yuri Malenchenko, FE-2-17 Garrett Reisman, CDR-17 Sergei Volkov, FE-1-17 Oleg Kononenko and SFP/VC14 So-Yeon Yi. Day 190 in space for Peggy & Yuri.
Yesterday, Peggy Whitson set a new US endurance record of 374 days for the longest cumulative time spent in space, held before by Mike Foale (heading the list: Sergei Krikalev with 803 days). With undocking time on 4/19 approaching, the ISS crew went on an irregular sleep/wake cycle: Wake #1 this morning: 2:00am - 10:00am EDT;
'Nap': 10:00am - 2:00pm
Wake #2: 2:00pm - 1:00am (4/18)
Tomorrow: Sleep: 1:00am - 12:30pm
Wake for E16/E17: 12:30pm - 4:45am (4/19) - E16 departs @ 1:06am
Saturday:
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 04/17/08.
- 2008 Apr 21 - ISS On-Orbit Status 04/21/08
Underway: Week 1 of Increment 17 (with CDR Sergei Volkov, FE-1 Oleg Kononenko, FE-2 Garrett Reisman). The crew enjoyed a full rest day. Having passed Day 30 of his flight, FE-2 Reisman ended his latest session with the NASA/JSC experiment NUTRITION w/Repository by collecting a final urine sample upon wakeup for storage in the MELFI (Minus-Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS). The sampling kit was then stowed away. (The current NUTRITION project is the most comprehensive in-flight study done by NASA to date of human physiologic changes during long-duration space flight. It includes measures of bone metabolism, oxidative damage, nutritional assessments, and hormonal changes, expanding the previous Clinical Nutritional Assessment profile (MR016L) testing in three ways: Addition of in-flight blood & urine collection (made possible by MELFI), normative markers of nutritional assessment, and a return session plus 30-day (R+30) session to allow evaluation of post-flight nutrition and implications for rehabilitation.) In the JLP (Japanese Experiment Module Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section), Garrett Reisman performed the periodic checkup on JLP status and shell temperatures by using the MKAM (Minimum Keep Alive Monitor), then called down the results of the temperature check via S-band. CDR Volkov conducted the routine maintenance of the SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the Service Module (SM), including ASU toilet facilities systems/replaceables. The crewmembers completed their regular 2.5-hr. physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1, FE-2), RED resistive exercise device (FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR, FE-1). Afterwards, Garrett downloaded the crew's exercise data file to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) data of the workouts on RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week). At ~1:45pm EDT, FE-2 Reisman powered up the SM's amateur radio equipment (Kenwood VHF transceiver with manual frequency selection, headset, and power supply) and at 1:50pm conducted a ham radio exchange with children at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida. (Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida, is one of 8 hospitals under the Orlando Regional Healthcare umbrella and addresses the unique medical needs of children in the Central Florida area, including a level one trauma center. The children who participated in this contact are patients at the hospital. It was an exciting surprise and enriching experience that made their hospital stay a memorable event. Questions to Garrett were uplinked beforehand. 'What kind of food do you eat, and is it good?'; 'How long can you stay out on a spacewalk?'; 'What experiments are you doing in space?'; 'What duties are yours on the Space Station?'; 'How do you communicate with your family?'; 'What do you do if you get sick in space?'; 'What can you see on Earth from Space?'; 'How long will the Space Station last?'; 'What skills do I need to be an astronaut?'; 'What is your favorite thing to do on the Space Station?') ATV Reboost Test: The single-burn reboost firing test of the ATV 'Jules Verne' overnight at 12:10am-1:52am was conducted successfully. Burn duration was 4m 33s, with a delta-V of 1.04 m/s (3.41 ft/sec). Mean altitude gain was ~1.49 km. The purpose of the reboost was to test the ATV main engines prior to the scheduled reboost on 4/25 (Friday). ISS attitude control authority was handed over to the Russian MCS (Motion Control System) thrusters at ~12:00am and returned to US momentum management at ~2:47am. CEO photo target uplinked for today was Central Asia dust event (Dynamic event. A major dust event is taking place in the Takla Mayan Desert of western China. This desert basin is often much hazier than surrounding areas due to blowing dust. Images were to include the mountainous margins of the basin so that researchers can gauge the altitude of the top of dusty air mass. The Takla Mayan is one of the dustiest places on Earth, with its dust frequently falling on Beijing and Japan).
- 2008 Apr 25 - ISS On-Orbit Status 04/25/08
FE-2 Reisman continued his support of the experiment CSLM-2 (Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures 2) in the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox), today concluding the processing of SPU-8 (Sample Processing Unit 8), transferring the data from the ECU (Electronics Control Unit) to the MSG laptop, then removing SPU-8 from the WV (Work Volume) and installing SPU-7 for the next run. MSG was later powered down from its A31p laptop (~8:30am EDT). (CSLM-2 examines the kinetics (e.g., growth rate) of 'competing' particles within a liquid matrix. During this process, small particles shrink by giving up atoms to larger particles, causing the larger particles of tin, suspended in a liquid comprised of molten lead/tin alloy ('matrix'), to grow in size ('coarsen'). This study defines the mechanisms and rates of coarsening that govern the manufacture with metals from turbine blades to dental amalgam fillings.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 04/25/08.
- 2008 Apr 28 - ISS On-Orbit Status 04/28/08
Underway: Week 2 of Increment 17. First thing in the morning, FE-2 Garrett Reisman worked in the JLP (Japanese Experiment Module Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section), performing the periodical status & shell temperature check from the MKAM (Minimum Keep-Alive Monitor) panel and calling down the temperatures via S-band. Later Reisman continued his support of the CSLM-2 (Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures 2) experiment in the activated MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) facility, initiating another evacuation sequence in preparation for final experiment operations scheduled Wednesday (4/30). (Evacuation activities consisted in closing vacuum vent valves, checking for acceptable humidity levels, and opening the SPU (Sample Processing Unit) water valve to initiate unattended vacuum prep, followed later by closing the SPU water valve, checking again for humidity levels in the sample chamber, and opening the vent valve and vacuum valve to initiate a vacuum draw on the sample chamber. The steps were later repeated for another SPU. CSLM-2 examines the kinetics of competitive particle growth within a liquid matrix. During this process, small particles shrink by losing atoms to larger particles, causing the larger particles to grow (coarsen) within a liquid lead/tin matrix. This study defined the mechanisms and rates of coarsening that govern the manufacture with metals from turbine blades to dental amalgam fillings.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 04/28/08.
- 2008 Apr 30 - ISS On-Orbit Status 04/30/08
Upon wake-up, FE-1 Kononenko terminated his first MBI-12 SONOKARD experiment session, started last night, by taking the recording device from his SONOKARD sports shirt pocket and later copying the measurements to the RSE-MED laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground. At ~5:20pm EDT, just before sleep time, CDR Volkov will start his first overnight MBI-12 session. (SONOKARD objectives are stated to (1) study the feasibility of obtaining the maximum of data through computer processing of records obtained overnight, (2) systematically record the crewmember's physiological functions during sleep, (3) study the feasibility of obtaining real-time crew health data. Investigators believe that contactless acquisition of cardiorespiratory data over the night period could serve as a basis for developing efficient criteria for evaluating and predicting adaptive capability of human body in long-duration space flight.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 04/30/08.
- 2008 May 1 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/01/08
Russian holiday: Spring and Labor Day. Also: Labor Day in Europe. Upon wake-up, CDR Volkov terminated his first MBI-12 SONOKARD experiment session, started last night, by taking the recording device from his SONOKARD sports shirt pocket and later copying the measurements to the RSE-MED laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground. (SONOKARD objectives are stated to (1) study the feasibility of obtaining the maximum of data through computer processing of records obtained overnight, (2) systematically record the crewmember's physiological functions during sleep, (3) study the feasibility of obtaining real-time crew health data. Investigators believe that contactless acquisition of cardiorespiratory data over the night period could serve as a basis for developing efficient criteria for evaluating and predicting adaptive capability of human body in long-duration space flight.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/01/08.
- 2008 May 2 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/02/08
CDR Sergey Volkov conducted the periodic auditing and restocking of the Russian SSVP (Docking and Internal Transfer System) accessory kits, located in the Soyuz BO (Orbital Compartment), FGB GA (Pressurized Adapter), FGB PGO (Instrumentation Cargo Compartment), Service Module PrK (SM Transfer Compartment), and DC1 (Docking Compartment). (Support equipment in the SSVP kits includes handles, caps, screwdrivers, extenders, quick-disconnect clamps, wrenches, etc.) FE-1 Oleg Kononenko serviced the Russian BMP (Harmful Impurities Removal System), starting the "bake-out" cycle to vacuum on absorbent bed #2 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system. The regen process will be terminated tonight at ~5:15pm EDT. (Regeneration of each of the two cartridges takes about 12 hours and is conducted only during crew awake periods. Filter bed 1 was regenerated yesterday. In order to assist in atmosphere scrubbing after last Tuesday's (4/29) Freon-218 spill from the SKV-2 air conditioner, the BMP's regeneration cycle was moded to 5 days instead of the regular 20 days.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/02/08.
- 2008 May 5 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/05/08
Underway: Week 3 of Increment 17. >>>Today 47 years ago (1961), the first U.S. Astronaut, Navy Commander Alan 'Big Al' Shepard Jr., launched into a suborbital flight of 15 minutes duration, reaching an altitude of 116 miles. This restored faith in the U.S. space program only 23 days after the Soviet space program launched Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin into orbit around the planet.<<< FE-2 Reisman supported the Japanese CW/RW (Cell Wall/Resist Wall) experiment in the MSG EMCS (Microgravity Science Glovebox/European Modular Cultivation System), removing and relocating EC1 (Experiment Container 1) and EC2 on Rotor A and Rotor B. (CW/RW operates in the EMCS facility in eight special ECs (Experiment Containers) which Garrett recently (3/30) installed on the centrifuges of the facility. The EMCS rack contains two rotating centrifuges, Rotor A & Rotor B, which can support a wide range of small plant & animal experiments under partial gravity conditions.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/05/08.
- 2008 May 6 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/06/08
Using the RSE1 laptop, CDR Volkov and FE-1 Kononenko spent three more hours on their test program with the new KPT-2 BAR-RM payload equipment begun yesterday. (Today's measurements were taken with the AU-1, Kelvin-Video, Iva-6A & TTM-2 instruments near welds along SM (Service Module) structural rings and near the shell ring in the FGB for subsequent downlinking via BSR-TM channel. At the FGB pressurized shell ring, the two cosmonauts also inspected structural elements, equipment, and cable bundles for moisture, mold, or evidence of corrosion. The BAR-RM data are being used for experimenting with ISS leak detection based on environmental data anomalies (temperature, humidity, and ultrasound emissions) at possible leak locations, in order to develop a procedure for detecting air leakage from ISS modules. The payload uses a remote infrared thermometer (Kelvin-Video), a thermohygrometer (Iva-6A), a heat-loss anemometer/thermometer (TTM-2), an ultrasound analyzer (AU-1), and a leak detector (UT2-03) to determine physical background signs of loss of ISS pressure integrity which could be indicative of leaks in the working compartments of the station. Measurements are taken in specific zones in SM PkhO, FGB and DC1, both with lights, fans & ASU pump turned on and off.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/06/08.
- 2008 May 7 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/07/08
FE-1 Kononenko completed the periodic servicing of the active Russian BMP (Harmful Impurities Removal System) by starting the "bake-out" cycle to vacuum on absorbent bed #1 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system. The regen process will be terminated before sleeptime, at ~4:55pm EDT. Regeneration of bed #2 follows tomorrow. (Regeneration of each of the two cartridges takes about 12 hours and is conducted only during crew awake periods. In order to assist in atmosphere scrubbing after the Freon-218 (Khladon) spill from the SKV-2 air conditioner on 4/24, the BMP's regeneration cycle was moded to 5 days instead of the regular 20 days.) CDR Volkov continued the current outfitting of the FGB with new stowage enclosures delivered by the ATV1 (Automated Transfer Vehicle 1), built in Russia to provide more efficient stowage spaces behind FGB panels and improve airflow/circulation. (Today's outfitting involved two more containers transferred in pieces from ATV stowage and their installation in the FGB zones 26 (panel 416) & 23B (panel 414), with bonding straps used for 23B.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/07/08.
- 2008 May 12 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/12/08
Underway: Week 4 of Increment 17. From the US voluntary 'job jar' task list, after wakeup and before breakfast, FE-2 Reisman downloaded the SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy & Light Exposure during Spaceflight) experiment data from his Actiwatch to the HRF-1 (Human Research Facility 1) laptop. (To monitor his sleep/wake patterns and light exposure, Garrett wears a special Actiwatch device which measures the light levels encountered by him as well as his patterns of sleep and activity throughout this week, for the last time. The log entries are done within 15 minutes of final awakening for seven consecutive days.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/12/08.
- 2008 May 13 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/13/08
From the US voluntary 'job jar' task list, after wakeup and before breakfast, FE-2 Reisman downloaded the SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Exposure during Spaceflight) experiment data from his Actiwatch to the HRF-1 (Human Research Facility 1) laptop. (To monitor his sleep/wake patterns and light exposure, Garrett wears a special Actiwatch device which measures the light levels encountered by him as well as his patterns of sleep and activity throughout this week, for the last time. The log entries are done within 15 minutes of final awakening for seven consecutive days.) CDR Volkov completed the periodic servicing of the active Russian BMP (Harmful Impurities Removal System) by starting the "bake-out" cycle to vacuum on absorbent bed #1 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system. The regen process will be terminated before sleeptime, at ~5:15pm EDT. Regeneration of bed #2 follows tomorrow. (Regeneration of each of the two cartridges takes about 12 hours and is conducted only during crew awake periods. In order to assist in atmosphere scrubbing after the Freon-218 (Khladon) spill from the SKV-2 air conditioner on 4/24, the BMP's regeneration cycle was moded to 5 days instead of the regular 20 days.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/13/08.
- 2008 May 15 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/15/08
Progress M-64/29P launched nominally yesterday at Baikonur at 4:22:56pm EDT, when ISS was leading with 152 deg phase angle. Ascent was nominal, all appendages (antennae & solar arrays) deployed nominally, and the vehicle reached orbital insertion at 4:31:41pm. Corrective maneuvers DV1 & DV2 were conducted as per plan at 8:12:27pm (delta-V 22.62 m/s) and 8:50:36pm (23.71 m/s). 29P is scheduled to dock to the ISS FGB nadir port tomorrow evening (5/16) at 5:37pm. Congratulations, Baikonur! (The cargo ship will deliver more than 2.3 tons of various supplies to the ISS, including oxygen, water and food supplies, propellant, a new Sokol KV-2 spacesuit, consumables, scientific hardware and equipment. The spacecraft was injected into a reference near-earth elliptical orbit with 51.65 ° inclination, min/max altitudes of 193.9/245.9 km and 88.57 min revolution. Onboard systems are operating as designed as the 'chase' is on.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/15/08.
- 2008 May 16 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/16/08
Yest kasaniye! Progress M-64 (29P), approaching from below the station, docked smoothly at the FGB nadir port at 5:39pm EDT, followed by docking probe retraction and hook closure ('sborka') after motion damp-out, while the ISS was in LVLH (local vertical/local horizontal) attitude. All Progress systems operated nominally from Automated Rendezvous start. (Launched on 5/14 (4:22:56pm EDT), the 29P resupply drone delivered about 2.5 tons (4657 lbs) of cargo for the ISS crews, including propellants (~770 lbs) for the Russian thrusters, fresh water (~925 lbs), oxygen and air (~100 lbs), food, and dry cargo (~2850 lbs), i.e., spare parts, repair gear, life support and science experiment hardware.) Since the time of docking was the crew's regular bedtime, their work/sleep cycle was shifted this morning by 3.5 hrs, i.e., wakeup - 5:30am EDT, sleep - 9:00pm. (Tomorrow: Wakeup - 5:30am; sleep back at 5:30pm)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/16/08.
- 2008 May 17 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/17/08
Saturday - light duty day for CDR Volkov, FE-1 Kononenko and FE-2 Reisman. Due to last night's extended duty after the Progress 29P arrival (5:39pm EDT), the crew had an additional 3.5 hrs sleep time this morning, i.e., wakeup - 5:30am EDT; sleep time tonight is back at the regular 5:30pm. For the ongoing US Sleep study, currently on his voluntary 'job jar' task list, FE-2 Garrett Reisman downloaded the SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy & Light Exposure during Spaceflight) experiment data after wakeup and before breakfast from his Actiwatch to the HRF-1 (Human Research Facility 1) laptop. (To monitor his sleep/wake patterns and light exposure, the Flight Engineer wears a special Actiwatch device which measures the light levels encountered by him as well as his patterns of sleep and activity throughout this week, for the last time. The log entries are done within 15 minutes of final awakening for seven consecutive days.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/17/08.
- 2008 May 19 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/19/08
Crew off-duty day. Underway: Week 5 of Increment 17. In the JLP (Japanese Experiment Module Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section), FE-2 Reisman performed the periodical status and shell temperature check from the MKAM (Minimum Keep-Alive Monitor). The crew jointly reviewed the Robotics pre-launch checkout activities ahead, including the updated DOUG (Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) software uplinked for tomorrow's scheduled SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) operations and the procedures for starting up the DOUG. (Tomorrow (5/20) Reisman will check out both RWS (Robotics Workstations), as during the 1 JA prelaunch checkouts. Afterwards, the CDR and FE-2 also have some DOUG setup time and then maneuver the SSRMS into an ATV survey position using a Joint OCAS (Operator Commanded Auto Sequence) to look at two areas for possible MLI (Multi-Layered Insulation) damage. After the survey, the SSRMS will be maneuvered to grapple the MBS PDGF-3 (Mobile Base System/Power & Data Grapple Fixture 3), followed by a base change by ground commanding to prepare for the next day. On 5/21, the crew will release the other end of the arm at the Node-2 PDGF and maneuver to the 1J Docking position. DOUG is a special application running on the MSS (Mobile Service System) RWS laptops that provides a graphical birdseye-view image of the external station configuration and the SSRMS arm, showing its real-time location and configuration on a laptop during its operation.) The FE-2 also set up the video configuration for the Robotics ops by putting in place the necessary cable hook-up of the UOP DCP (utility outlet panel/display & control panel) power bypass cable at the CUP RWS (Cupola Robotic Work Station). In preparation for the STS-124 spacewalks, Garrett initiated recharge procedures on REBA (Rechargeable EVA Battery Assemblies), HL (Helmet Light), PGT (Pistol Grip Tool), and EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) batteries in the US Airlock. (This is the first of two recharges that will be required to prepare all batteries for flight, including three contingency batteries for return on STS-124.) Kononenko completed the routine maintenance of the SM's SOZh/ECLSS system, including ASU toilet facilities systems/replaceables. (Regular daily SOZh maintenance consists of replacement of the KTO & KBO solid waste containers, replacement of an EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine container, and processing U.S. condensate water as it becomes available in a filled CWC from the Lab humidifier.) The crew conducted their regular 2.5-hr. physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (FE-2), TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1), RED resistive exercise device (FE-2), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR, FE-1). Afterwards, Reisman transferred the crew's exercise data file to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as the daily wristband HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) data of the workouts on RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week). At ~5:30am EDT, Sergey Volkov & Oleg Kononenko downlinked a PAO TV message of greetings to the participants of the joint conference 'Space for Mankind' of the International Astronautics Academy (IAA) and the K. E. Tsiolkovsky Russian Cosmonautics Academy in Korolev near Moscow, to be replayed at the conference opening on 5/21. (' €¦The ISS is a place where human achievements in space exploration for the past 50 years have special appreciation. Scientific experiments and practical results obtained in this field have already produced significant impact on the development of the world civilization and on life on Earth and will be doing so in the future €¦.We are proud to note that such a representative conference is taking place in Korolev, the birth place of practical cosmonautics, a place where MCC-M is located, which along with Houston and other centers, controls and operates the ISS; Korolev also is the home base of Energia corporation, whose Soyuz vehicles are used for ISS crew rotations €¦') At ~5:30am EDT, the crew conducted a telephone conference radio exchange with the editor of the Russian COSMOS Magazine, Yekaterina Timofeyevna Beloglazova At ~4:10pm EDT, Garrett is scheduled for his weekly PFC (Private Family Conference) via S-band/audio and Ku-band/MS-NetMeeting application (which displays the uplinked ground video on an SSC laptop). US Condensate Processing Update: Troubleshooting continued on Lane 3 of the SRVK. The failure of the separator unit was confirmed; to be replaced next week. Teams are working on procedure for pumping US condensate into ATV tanks. ISS will have condensate tanks empty prior to 1J if possible without the water dump. ATV to check whether they can support prep tasks for pumping of US condensate into ATV tanks as early as May 22. No (Crew Earth Observations) photo targets uplinked for today.
- 2008 May 20 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/20/08
CDR Volkov and FE-1 Kononenko had several hours between them for Progress 29P unloading and cargo transfers, while logging movements in the IMS (Inventory Management System). FE-2 Reisman meanwhile spent 2.5 hrs in the US Airlock (A/L) completing the previously initiated EVA tool configuration in preparation for the STS-124/1J spacewalks. Later, Reisman used the G1 video camcorder to take documentary footage of the EVA tools in their final configuration and the current state of the A/L, including mini workstations and contents of the ORU bags to be used, for review by EVA specialists on the ground. With the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) powered up and the VDS (Video Distribution Subsystem) configured by ground commanding, the FE-2 conducted the pre-launch checkout of the RWS (Robotics Workstations).
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/20/08.
- 2008 May 22 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/22/08
CDR Volkov conducted the periodic servicing of the active Russian BMP (Harmful Impurities Removal System) by starting the "bake-out" cycle to vacuum on absorbent bed #1 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system. The regen process will be terminated before sleeptime, at ~5:15pm EDT. Regeneration of bed #2 follows tomorrow. (Regeneration of each of the two cartridges takes about 12 hours and is conducted only during crew awake periods. In order to assist in atmosphere scrubbing after the Freon-218 (Khladon) spill from the SKV-2 air conditioner on 4/24, the BMP's regeneration cycle was moded to 5 days instead of the regular 20 days.) Volkov & Kononenko spent another 2 hrs working jointly on cargo transfers & stowage from Progress 29P, tracking the moves in the IMS (Inventory Management System).
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/22/08.
- 2008 May 23 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/23/08
Before breakfast, CDR Volkov, FE-1 Kononenko and FE-2 Reisman began their workday with the periodic session of the Russian biomedical routine assessments PZEh-MO-7/Calf Volume Measurement and PZEh-MO-8/Body Mass Measurement (second for CDR and FE-1, third for FE-2), using the IM mass measurement device which Oleg Kononenko afterwards broke down for stowage. (Calf measurements (left leg only) are taken with the IZOG device, a custom-sewn fabric cuff that fits over the calf, using the knee and lower foot as fixed reference pints, to provide a rough index of deconditioning in zero-G and effectiveness of countermeasures. For determining body mass in zero-G, where things are weightless but not massless, the Russian IM "scales" measure the inertial forces that arise during the oscillatory motion of a mass driven by two helical metering springs with known spring constants. By measuring the time period of each oscillation of the unknown mass (the crewmember) and comparing it to the period of a known mass, the crewmember's mass is calculated by the computer and displayed.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/23/08.
- 2008 May 25 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/25/08
Sunday - crew off duty. Ahead: Week 6 of Increment 17. The CDR conducted the routine daily servicing of the SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the SM, including the weekly collection of the toilet flush (SP) counter and water supply (SVO) readings for calldown to TsUP. (Regular daily SOZh maintenance consists, among else, of checking the ASU toilet facilities, replacement of the KTO & KBO solid waste containers and replacement of EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine containers.) Sergey also gathered weekly data on Total Operating Time & 'On' durations of the Russian POTOK-150MK (150 micron) air filter unit of the SM's SOGS air revitalization subsystem for reporting to TsUP.
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/25/08.
- 2008 May 26 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/26/08
US Holiday: Memorial Day. Ahead: Week 6 of Increment 17. FE-2 Garrett Reisman worked on the EDR (European Drawer Rack) in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), installing a restraint on the EDR seat track for the PCDF EU (Protein Crystallization Diagnostic Facility Electronic Unit). Later, the PCDF EU was activated by the ground with crew support. Afterwards, Reisman performed the periodical status and shell temperature check In the JLP (Japanese Experiment Module Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section) from the MKAM (Minimum Keep-Alive Monitor).
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/26/08.
- 2008 May 27 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/27/08
FE-2 Garrett Reisman continued activities in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), today replacing a failed locking actuator on BLB (Biolab) and taking detailed photos of the bellows and shutter above rotor A. Later, Reisman deactivated the COL EDR (European Drawer Rack) and PCDF EU (Protein Crystallization Diagnostic Facility Electronic Unit), concluding with some close-up imaging using the COL's VCA1 (Video Camera Assembly 1). In preparation for the subsequent VSPLESK installation (which required turning off the BITS2-12 Onboard Telemetry Measurement System), FE-1 Kononenko supported TsUP-Moscow in deactivating the Elektron O2 generator. As part of the standard deactivation process the Elektron was purged with N2 (nitrogen), controlled from laptop. (Elektron will be reactivated on 5/29.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/27/08.
- 2008 May 28 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/28/08
For the long-term Russian sleep study, FE-1 Oleg Kononenko terminated his third MBI-12 SONOKARD experiment session upon wake-up by taking the recording device from his SONOKARD sports shirt pocket and later copying the measurements to the RSE-MED laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground. CDR Sergey Volkov in turn will start his third overnight MBI-12 session tonight. (SONOKARD objectives are stated to (1) study the feasibility of obtaining the maximum of data through computer processing of records obtained overnight, (2) systematically record the crewmember's physiological functions during sleep, (3) study the feasibility of obtaining real-time crew health data. Investigators believe that contactless acquisition of cardiorespiratory data over the night period could serve as a basis for developing efficient criteria for evaluating and predicting adaptive capability of human body in long-duration space flight.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/28/08.
- 2008 May 29 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/29/08
Upon wake-up, CDR Sergey Volkov terminated his third MBI-12 SONOKARD experiment session for the long-term Russian sleep study, by taking the recording device from his SONOKARD sports shirt pocket and later copying the measurements to the RSE-MED laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground. (SONOKARD objectives are stated to (1) study the feasibility of obtaining the maximum of data through computer processing of records obtained overnight, (2) systematically record the crewmember's physiological functions during sleep, (3) study the feasibility of obtaining real-time crew health data. Investigators believe that contactless acquisition of cardiorespiratory data over the night period could serve as a basis for developing efficient criteria for evaluating and predicting adaptive capability of human body in long-duration space flight.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/29/08.
- 2008 May 30 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/30/08
FE-2 Reisman conducted 'Week 6' sampling of potable water for chemical and microbial analysis from the SVO-ZV tap and two SRV-K taps, the latter after preliminary heating of the water (four heating cycles) and flushing. (Garrett collected three 450 mL samples (for postflight microbial analysis) and two 750 mL samples (for postflight chemical analysis) from each of three ports (SRV-K hot, SRV-K warm, SVO-ZV) for return on STS-124/1J. The small amounts of water used for flushing the equipment were later reclaimed from the flush bag.) CDR Volkov serviced the Russian BMP (Harmful Impurities Removal System), starting the "bake-out" cycle to vacuum on absorbent bed #2 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system. The regen process will be terminated tonight at ~5:15pm EDT. Filter bed #1 was regenerated yesterday. (Regeneration of each of the two cartridges takes about 12 hours and is conducted only during crew awake periods.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/30/08.
- 2008 May 31 - ISS On-Orbit Status 05/31/08
Saturday - a light-duty but long day for CDR Volkov, FE-1 Kononenko and FE-2 Reisman. STS-124/Discovery (ISS-1J) lifted off right on time (5:02pm EDT) with all systems performing nominally, for ISS rendezvous on Monday (6/2), to dock at ~1:54pm EDT. At launch, the ISS was off Halifax/Canada, at 42.8 deg N Lat, 57.6 deg W Long. The Orbiter is carrying the seven-member crew of CDR Mark Kelly, PLT Ken Ham, MS1 Karen Nyberg, MS2 Ron Garan, MS3 Mike Fossum, MS4 Akihiko Hoshide & MS5 Greg Chamitoff. Chamitoff will replace ISS Flight Engineer 2 Garrett Reisman who returns on 6/14 (nominal) with STS-124. STS-124 is the 123rd space shuttle flight, the 35th flight for Discovery, the 26th flight to the station and the third Shuttle flight in 2008. Its primary payload, the largest so far, is the 32,000-lbs, 36.7-ft long JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module) with its RMS (Remote Manipulator System). We are off to another great mission! (The eighth crewmember on board is a stow-away: Buzz Lightyear.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 05/31/08.
- 2008 Jun 1 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/01/08
Sunday - a busy pre-docking day for CDR Volkov, FE-1 Kononenko and FE-2 Reisman. Ahead: Week 7 of Increment 17. Aboard ISS, the shifted wake/sleep cycle began this morning at 6:32am EDT, with sleep time tonight at 10:02pm. (Setting the crew up for tomorrow's docking.) STS-124/Discovery (ISS-1J) continues its catch-up flight for the FD3 docking at ~1:54pm, to begin ISS Stage 1J. (Catch-up rate ~480 nmi. per revolution of ~91.5 min.). (Hatch opening expected at ~3:10pm, followed by Safety Briefing (~4:02pm), Soyuz seat liner transfer (for the Reisman/Chamitoff exchange), and preparations for the first spacewalk, EVA-1, by EV1 Fossum & EV2 Garan on 6/3, preceded by their overnight Campout tomorrow night in the Airlock (A/L) for denitrogenation/pre-breathe. Objectives of the nominal 14-day mission: Delivering & installing the JAXA Kibo laboratory, delivering new ISS-17 crewmember Greg Chamitoff, bringing Garrett Reisman back home and conducting a total of three EVAs. Landing will nominally be at KSC on FD15 (6/14) at ~11:02am EDT. OMS Anomaly: During ascent, the left OMS (Orbital Maneuvering System) secondary TVC (Thrust Vector Control) positions failed to null in both pitch and yaw, most likely due to a failure in its (independent) power supply. Left OMS is now parked, aligned through EOM CG (End-of-Mission Center-of-Gravity). Remaining on-orbit OMS burns will be single-engine using right OMS only. The deorbit burn will be dual-engine using the (active) primary TVC of the left OMS.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/01/08.
- 2008 Jun 2 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/02/08
Underway: Week 7 of Increment 17. Flight Day 3 (FD3) of STS-124/1J. ISS crew work cycle today: wake 6:32am EDT; sleep 10:02pm. STS-124/Discovery docked smoothly at the PMA-2 (Pressurized Mating Adapter-2) port at 2:03pm EDT, nine minutes behind timeline, in darkness (orbital sunset ~1:23pm), after successfully completing the RPM (R-Bar Pitch Maneuver) in daylight at ~1:08pm and arriving at +V-Bar (straight in front of ISS) at ~1:11pm. The station now hosts ten occupants again as Mission 1J is underway. (The combined crew is comprised of ISS CDR Volkov, FE-1 Oleg Kononenko, FE-2 Garrett Reisman, STS CDR Mark Kelly, PLT Ken Ham, MS1 Karen Nyberg, MS2 Ron Garan, MS3 Mike Fossum, MS4 Akihiko Hoshide (Japan), and MS5/FE-2-17 Greg Chamitoff who replaces Reisman as FE-2, as the latter returns on Discovery as MS-5.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/02/08.
- 2008 Jun 3 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/03/08
Flight Day 4 (FD4) of STS-124/1J. ISS crew work cycle remains unchanged: wake 6:32am EDT; sleep 10:02pm. Welcome to Expedition 17, Greg Chamitoff! Mission 1J's EVA-1 was completed successfully by Mike Fossum & Ron Garan in 6h 48min, accomplishing all its objectives. (During the spacewalk, Fossum (EV1) & Garan (EV2) - released an SRMS (Shuttle Remote Manipulator System) elbow camera launch lock,
supported the transfer of the OBSS (Orbiter Boom Sensor System) from ISS to Shuttle RMS (~1:45pm),
checked out MCAS RTL (Mobile Servicing System Common Attach System/Ready-to-Latch) operation (in preparation for ULF-2),
prepared Node-2 port ACBM (Active Common Berthing Mechanism) for the installation of the JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module) laboratory,
opened Node-2 the nadir hatch window cover (in preparation for ULF-2),
prepared the JPM for installation, i.e., disconnected/stowed an LTA (Launch-to-Activation) cable, removed Passive CBM contamination covers, and released the JPM forward window launch lock (~4:10pm)
inspected the 'Datum A' surface of the Starboard SARJ (Solar Alpha Rotary Joint),
performed a Stbd SARJ cleaning test using a scraper, wipes and a special grease, and
re-installed the Stbd SARJ TBA-5 (Trundle Bearing Assembly #5) ~4:42pm.
Official start time of the spacewalk was 12:22pm EDT, about 50 minutes behind the timeline (due to an issue with Fossum's 'Snoopy' comm cap), and it ended at 7:10pm. Total EVA duration (PET = Phase Elapsed Time) was 6h 48min. It was the 109th spacewalk for ISS assembly & maintenance and the 81st from the station (59 from Quest, 22 from Pirs, plus 28 from Shuttle) totaling 499h 35min, the first for Expedition 17 and the 10th so far this year. After today's EVA, a total of 139 spacewalkers (107 NASA astronauts, 21 Russians, and 11 astronauts representing Japan-1, Canada-4, France-1, Germany-2 and Sweden-3) have logged a total of 687h 57min outside the station on building, outfitting and servicing. It was the 131st spacewalk involving U.S. astronauts. Today was also the 43rd anniversary of the first US EVA, by Ed White on Gemini 4 (June 3, 1965).)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/03/08.
- 2008 Jun 3 - STS-124 MCC Status Report #07
Closely choreographed spacewalking and robotics work led to the installation of a new, and the largest, laboratory on the International Space Station. Additional Details: STS-124 MCC Status Report #07.
- 2008 Jun 4 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/04/08
Flight Day 5 (FD5) of STS-124/1J. ISS crew work cycle remains unchanged: wake 6:32am EDT; sleep 10:02pm.
Arigato Gozaimasu! Congratulations, JAXA! There is Hope in space! At ~5:09pm EDT, the JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module) of the JEM 'Kibo' laboratory complex was opened and ingressed by Aki Hoshide and Karen Nyberg for the first time, joined later by the rest of the crew who clearly enjoyed the voluminous super laboratory. (Kibo is permanently attached at the Node-2 (Harmony) portside hatch since last night.)
FE-1 Oleg Kononenko performed the periodic (currently daily) checkout/verification of IP-1 airflow sensors in the various RS (Russian Segment) hatchways, including the DC1-to-Soyuz tunnel, and the FGB-to-Node passageway. (This is especially important when the ventilation/circulation system has to cope with a larger crew on board, currently ten persons, and one of the two Russian SKV air conditioners off (SKV-1).)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/04/08.
- 2008 Jun 5 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/05/08
Flight Day 6 (FD6) of STS-124/1J. ISS crew work cycle remains unchanged: wake 6:32am EDT; sleep 10:02pm. Crew activities aboard the ISS today centered on three major areas: (1) The second 1J spacewalk, (2) activation of the JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module) Kibo, and (3) preparations for tomorrow's relocation of the JLP (Japanese Logistics Pressurized Module). Mission 1J's EVA-2 was completed successfully by Mike Fossum & Ron Garan in 7h 11min, accomplishing all its objectives. (During the spacewalk, Fossum (EV1) & Garan (EV2) -
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/05/08.
- 2008 Jun 6 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/06/08
Flight Day 7 (FD7) of STS-124/1J. ISS crew work cycle shift begins with an earlier sleeptime: wake 6:32am EDT; sleep 9:32pm (Shuttle crew remaining at 10:02pm). Crew activities aboard the ISS today centered on three major areas: (1) JLP (JEM Logistics Pressurized Module) relocation, (2) JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module) Kibo outfitting, and (3) start of JEM RMS (Robotic Manipulator System) activation & checkout. JLP was successfully installed at its final location on the Kibo JPM at 4:04pm EDT. (After JLP/Node-2 vestibule demating and depressurization, MS1 Nyberg and FE-2-17 Chamitoff used the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) to grapple, unberth, transfer and reberth the JLPon Kibo's overhead port (1st stage capture 3:54pm, SSRMS wrist limped 3:58pm, 2nd stage capture with all 16 bolts 4:04pm). Karen, Greg & Aki Hoshide then latched the JPM overhead hatch via ratchet & crank handle, pressurized the connecting vestibule partially and initiated the standard vestibule gross leak check, later configuring the gear for the usual overnight fine leak check. After the installation, ISS attitude was maneuvered to the new TEA (Torque Equilibrium Attitude) which the addition of the JLP has changed. JLP was delivered on orbit by STS-123/Endeavour and docked at the Node-2 zenith port on 3/14.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/06/08.
- 2008 Jun 6 - STS-124 MCC Status Report #13
Ever closer to its final configuration, the Japanese Kibo laboratory now has its storage module attached. The logistics module was repositioned from its temporary location atop Harmony, and now sits in its permanent location on top of the large laboratory.
Additional Details: STS-124 MCC Status Report #13 .
- 2008 Jun 7 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/07/08
Saturday -- Flight Day 8 (FD8) of STS-124/1J.
ISS crew work cycle shifted another 30 min to the left: wake-up 6:02am EDT; sleep 9:02pm (Shuttle crew 30 min later: 9:32pm).
Crew activities aboard the ISS centered on three major areas: (1) Initial deployment of JEM RMS (Japanese Experiment Module Robotic Manipulator System) activation & checkout, (2) JLP (JEM Logistics Pressurized Module) post-relocation outfitting (Part 1), (3) Preparations for EVA-3 & EV1/EV2 Campout. Before breakfast, FE-2 Reisman & FE-2-17 Chamitoff collected a 'wet' saliva sample (the third for Greg) for the biomed experiment INTEGRATED IMMUNE (Validating Procedures for Monitoring Crew member Immune Function). (IMMUNE protocol requires the collection to occur first thing post-sleep, before eating, drinking and brushing teeth, and all samples are stored at ambient temperature. Along with NUTRITION (Nutritional Status Assessment), INTEGRATED IMMUNE samples & analyzes participant's blood, urine, and saliva before, during and after flight for changes related to functions like bone metabolism, oxidative damage and immune function to develop and validate an immune monitoring strategy consistent with operational flight requirements and constraints. The strategy uses both long and short duration crewmembers as study subjects. The saliva is collected in two forms, dry and liquid. The dry samples are collected at intervals during the collection day using a specialized book that contains filter paper. The liquid saliva collections require that the crewmember soak a piece of cotton inside their mouth and place it in a salivette bag; there are four of the liquid collections during docked operations.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/07/08.
- 2008 Jun 8 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/08/08
Sunday -- Flight Day 9 (FD9) of STS-124/1J. Ahead: Week 8 of Increment 17. ISS crew work cycle shifted another 30 min. to the left: wake-up 5:32am EDT; sleep 8:32pm (Shuttle crew 30 min later: 9:02pm). Crew activities aboard the ISS centered on three major areas: (1) Spacewalk #3 (EVA-3), (2) more JLP (JEM Logistics Pressurized Module) outfitting, and (3) sample collections from Kibo air & surfaces plus Node-2 ITCS coolant. Mission 1J's EVA-3 was completed successfully by Mike Fossum & Ron Garan in 6h 33min, accomplishing all its objectives.
(During the spacewalk, Fossum (EV1) & Garan (EV2) -
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/08/08.
- 2008 Jun 9 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/09/08
Flight Day 10 (FD10) of STS-124/1J. Underway: Week 8 of Increment 17. ISS crew work cycle shifted another 30 min. to the left: wake-up 5:02am EDT; sleep 8:02pm (Shuttle crew 30 min later: 8:32pm). Crew activities aboard the ISS addressed five major areas: (1) IWIS Dedicated Thruster Firing, (2) JEM RMS Final Deployment, (3) R&R of two A/L BCMs (Airlock Battery Charger Modules), (4) JLP/JPM vestibule final outfitting plus JLP ingress, (5) crew media conference & photo. For the biomed experiment INTEGRATED IMMUNE (Validating Procedures for Monitoring Crew member Immune Function), FE-2 Reisman collected a 'wet' saliva sample before breakfast while FE-2-17 Chamitoff collected his first dry saliva samples, five times during the day. (IMMUNE protocol requires the collection to occur first thing post-sleep, before eating, drinking and brushing teeth, and all samples are stored at ambient temperature. Along with NUTRITION (Nutritional Status Assessment), INTEGRATED IMMUNE samples & analyzes participant's blood, urine, and saliva before, during and after flight for changes related to functions like bone metabolism, oxidative damage and immune function to develop and validate an immune monitoring strategy consistent with operational flight requirements and constraints. The strategy uses both long and short duration crewmembers as study subjects. The saliva is collected in two forms, dry and liquid. The dry samples are collected at intervals during the collection day using a specialized book that contains filter paper. The liquid saliva collections require that the crewmember soak a piece of cotton inside their mouth and place it in a salivette bag; there are four of the liquid collections during docked operations.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/09/08.
- 2008 Jun 10 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/10/08
Flight Day 11 (FD11) of STS-124/1J. JAXA/Japan to IMMT: 'Arigato Gozaimasu! This flight was 100% successful for the Kibo elements. Thank you to everyone involved for the excellent support in preparation and execution of this mission!' ISS crew work cycle (now including Greg Chamitoff) shifted another 30 min. to the left: wake-up 4:32am EDT; sleep 7:32pm (Shuttle crew 30 min later: 8:02pm, now including Garrett Reisman). Crew activities aboard the ISS stack addressed five major areas: (1) Waste water dump from the Orbiter, (2) installation of JEM RMS Backup drive system, (3) PAO event, (4) Crew Sayonara, (5) hatches closing & ODS leak check.
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/10/08.
- 2008 Jun 11 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/11/08
ISS and STS-124/Discovery are flying in separate orbits again. ISS crew wake-up shifted another 30 min. to the left (4:00am EDT), and CDR Sergey Volkov, FE-1 Oleg Kononenko and FE-2 Gregory (Taz) Chamitoff will go to bed two hours earlier tonight (~5:30pm) to move their circadian cycle back to the nominal schedule. For the Russian Sleep study, FE-1 Oleg Kononenko terminated his fourth MBI-12 SONOKARD experiment session upon wake-up by taking the recording device from his SONOKARD sports shirt pocket and later copying the measurements to the RSE-MED laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground. CDR Sergey Volkov in turn will start his fourth overnight MBI-12 data take tonight. (SONOKARD objectives are stated to (1) study the feasibility of obtaining the maximum of data through computer processing of records obtained overnight, (2) systematically record the crewmember's physiological functions during sleep, (3) study the feasibility of obtaining real-time crew health data. Investigators believe that contactless acquisition of cardiorespiratory data over the night period could serve as a basis for developing efficient criteria for evaluating and predicting adaptive capability of human body in long-duration space flight.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/11/08.
- 2008 Jun 14 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/14/08
Saturday - off-duty day for CDR Volkov, FE-1 Kononenko and FE-2 Chamitoff. STS-124/Discovery returned to Earth this morning after 13d 18h 13min in space, touching down at KSC on the first landing opportunity at 11:15am EDT, after 217 orbits & 5.7 million miles. (During the ISS 1J mission, executed with stellar perfection, its seven-member crew conducted three EVAs, delivered & installed the JEM (Japanese Experiment Module) Kibo with its RMS (Robotic Maneuvering System), brought up new Expedition 17 crewmember Gregory Chamitoff and returned his predecessor Garrett Reisman who spent 95d 8h 47m in space (with ~89d on board ISS). It was the 123rd flight of a Space Shuttle, the 26th Shuttle mission to visit the station, the 35th for Discovery and the 69th landing at KSC. Welcome back, Discovery! Next up: STS-125/Atlantis on 10/8, on Service Mission 4 (SM4) to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST).)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/14/08.
- 2008 Jun 14 - Landing of STS-124
- 2008 Jun 22 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/22/08
Sunday -- off-duty for CDR Volkov, FE-1 Kononenko and FE-2 Chamitoff. Ahead: Week 10 of Increment 17. Sergey Volkov conducted the routine daily servicing of the SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the Service Module (SM), including the weekly collection of the toilet flush (SP) counter and water supply (SVO) readings for calldown to TsUP-Moscow. (Regular daily SOZh maintenance consists, among else, of checking the ASU toilet facilities, replacement of the KTO & KBO solid waste containers and replacement of EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine containers.) The CDR also gathered weekly data on Total Operating Time & 'On' durations of the Russian POTOK-150MK (150 micron) air filter unit of the SM's SOGS air revitalization subsystem for reporting to TsUP. For some power switching by the PRO (Payload Rack Officer) at POIC (Payload Operations & Integration Center) on the ER4 (EXPRESS Rack 4) via ground commanding, FE-2 Chamitoff stopped sampling mode on the ANITA (Analyzing Interferometer for Ambient Air) payload, exited the software and powered down the laptop. Later, the procedures were reversed and ANITA powered up again with re-launched software. (ANITA will be returned on STS-126/ULF-2.) Gregory also deinstalled the UOP DCP (Utility Outlet Panel/Display & Control Panel) bypass power cable to the VTR (Video Tape Recorder) at the Lab RWS (Robotics Work Station), now no longer required for a while. At ~4:45am EDT, Kononenko powered up the SM's amateur radio equipment (Kenwood VHF transceiver with manual frequency selection, headset, and power supply) and at 4:50am conducted a ham radio exchange with representatives of the Kursk State Technical University who are participating in the Slavic Commonwealth Forum at the Dagomys (a giant resort complex/hotel near the Black Sea town of Sochi). (Oleg was asked to take a few photos showing how he operated the ham radio and the equipment itself with cables going to the RSK-2 laptop, for downlink to TsUP-Moscow.) The three crewmembers conducted their regular 2.5-hr. physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1, FE-2), RED resistive exercise device (CDR, FE-1, FE-2), and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR, FE-1). At ~1:15pm, Greg Chamitoff had his weekly PFC (Private Family Conference) via S-band/audio and Ku-band/MS-NetMeeting application (which displays the uplinked ground video on an SSC laptop). Working off his suggested 'time permitting' task list, CDR Volkov continued the session of the Russian GFI-8 "Uragan" (hurricane) earth-imaging program begun yesterday, using the NIKON D2X still camera and the Japanese HDV (High Definition) video camera provided by SFP Charles Simonyi. (Uploaded targets were wooded areas in the Orenburg steppe, the Yasnyi Cosmodrome in nadir, the Irtysh river valley, video of the northern part of Taiwan, the confluence of the Desna and Seym rivers, Ugra National Park, the steppe 100 km south of Voronezh, one of the Chernozem river valleys, Yuri Gagarin's landing site, the Aral Sea, glaciers on the northern slopes of Kirghiz range to the west from lake Issyk-Kul, Tibet and Himalaya, remediation of the Soviet Army weaponry range to the south of Berlin, vestiges of flooding in Stavropol, floods in Volga-Aktyubinsk alluvial plain (photos downlinked in real time via BSRTM channel), and oil deposits in Kazakhstan.) Also working from the discretionary task list, the CDR conducted another run, his sixth, of the Russian DZZ-2 "Diatomeya" ocean observations program, using the NIKON-F5 DCS still camera and the HDV (high-definition) video camcorder from SM window 8 for ~20 min to record high production water areas for obtaining data on color field composition in dynamic regions of the ocean and in near-estuary areas of large rivers, plus the current cloud cover above these waters, its rating, and special forms of cloud formation. (Target zones today in the North Atlantic were waters off Newfoundland Island, the Bay of Biscay and West Saharan offshore areas.) For the FE-1, a discretionary task list job was another session for Russia's Environmental Safety Agency (EKON), making observations and taking KPT-3 aerial photography of environmental conditions of the Baikonur Cosmodrome using the Nikon D2X with the SIGMA 300-800mm telephoto lens. Still remaining on the voluntary task list item for Kononenko & Volkov today was an audit of expired Expedition 16 food rations, with repacking & preparation of food packages for disposal on the ATV. (To clear storage space for cargo items delivered on Progress M-64/29P.) No CEO (Crew Earth Observation) photo targets uplinked for today.
- 2008 Jun 23 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/23/08
Underway: Week 10 of Increment 17. CDR Volkov, FE-1 Kononenko and FE-2 Chamitoff began their workday before breakfast with the periodic session of the Russian biomedical routine assessments PZEh-MO-7/Calf Volume Measurement & PZEh-MO-8/Body Mass Measurement (fourth for CDR & FE-1, second for FE-2), using the IM mass measurement device which Sergey Volkov broke down afterwards for stowage. (Calf measurements (left leg only) are taken with the IZOG device, a custom-sewn fabric cuff that fits over the calf, using the knee and lower foot as fixed reference pints, to provide a rough index of deconditioning in zero-G and effectiveness of countermeasures. For determining body mass in zero-G, where things are weightless but not massless, the Russian IM "scales" measure the inertial forces that arise during the oscillatory motion of a mass driven by two helical metering springs with known spring constants. By measuring the time period of each oscillation of the unknown mass (the crewmember) and comparing it to the period of a known mass, the crewmember's mass is calculated by the computer and displayed.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/23/08.
- 2008 Jun 25 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/25/08
Crew sleep cycle shift: After wake-up at the regular 2:00am EDT this morning, the crew will begin their sleeptime at 2:30pm. Three hours earlier than usual, followed by a late-night wakeup at 11:00pm, to adjust the planned Orlan-suited dry-run & Soyuz ingress training for live VHF telemetry/comm visibility over RGS (Russian Groundsites). Tomorrow's sleep period begins at 3:30pm and extends to the regular 2:00am on 6/27 (Friday). The crew will then have half the day off to recover from the sleep shift. Upon wake-up, FE-1 Kononenko terminated his fifth MBI-12 SONOKARD experiment session, started last night, by taking the recording device from his SONOKARD sports shirt pocket and later copying the measurements to the RSE-MED laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground. (SONOKARD objectives are stated to (1) study the feasibility of obtaining the maximum of data through computer processing of records obtained overnight, (2) systematically record the crewmember's physiological functions during sleep, (3) study the feasibility of obtaining real-time crew health data. Investigators believe that contactless acquisition of cardiorespiratory data over the night period could serve as a basis for developing efficient criteria for evaluating and predicting adaptive capability of human body in long-duration space flight.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/25/08.
- 2008 Jun 26 - ISS On-Orbit Status 06/26/08
Today at ~9:55am EDT, the ISS (specifically its FGB module) completed 55,000 orbits of the Earth, having covered a distance of 2. 2 billion kilometers (1.45 billion st.miles) in 3506 days. The 19,300 kg (42,600 lbs) Zarya ('Dawn') was launched on a Russian/Khrunichev Proton from Baikonur over 9.5 years ago (11/20/98) as the first element of the multi-national space station.<<<< Current sleep cycle: Crew wakeup last night: 11:00pm EDT; sleeptime today: 3:30pm. Wakeup tomorrow: back at 2:00am, for a half-duty day. Crew activities focused on a thorough Orlan systems checkout and suited exercise in preparation for the EVA-20a on 7/10. The successful Orlan-suited dry run demonstrated that in the case of a contingency situation during the spacewalk, the crew would be able to ingress the Soyuz module while still in their Orlan suits. The activities were recorded on VTR (Video Tape Recorder) by camcorder equipment set up by FE-2 Chamitoff. (Plans for live TV downlink during the run had to be scrapped because a necessary drag-through cable could not be located in time.)
Additional Details: ISS On-Orbit Status 06/26/08.
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