Updates ESA's ATV-2 "Johannes Kepler"

[C3PO]

I would have thought that it would line up after capture. I remember seeing this on a Soyuz or Progress (can't remember which) docking. We didn't see that view after hard-dock, so it might have lined up by then.

 

[Urwumpe]

I would have thought that it would line up after capture. I remember seeing this on a Soyuz or Progress (can't remember which) docking. We didn't see that view after hard-dock, so it might have lined up by then.

Possible. it can tolerate a bit of misalignment before hard-dock.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Possible. it can tolerate a bit of misalignment before hard-dock.

Basically, so long as the probe hits anywhere in the drogue, then it'll be guided into alignment.

 

[Urwumpe]

Basically, so long as the probe hits anywhere in the drogue, then it'll be guided into alignment.

Yes. That is why the docking system requires the ATV to fire its engines on contact, so the probe is really forced into the receptacle of the drogue. The probe can even tilt a few degrees to the side if you have a small misalignment.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

NASA TV Video: European Cargo Ship Docks to ISS.​

Video: ATV-2 Johannes Kepler Docking Timelapse.​

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mELFX-07dN4"]YouTube - ATV-2 johannes kepler Docking Timelapse[/ame]

 

[N_Molson]

Excellent automatic navigation and perfectly smooth docking !! The size of this cargo is impressive :thumbup:

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 24/02/2011.

ATV-2 (Automated Transfer Vehicle-2) "Johannes Kepler" docked successfully at the SM (Service Module) Aft port at 3:59 PM GMT. ATV hooks were closed at 4:06 PM GMT, SM hooks at 4:09 PM GMT. Congratulations, ESA! [At ~10:53 AM GMT, the 20.7 ton unmanned ATV maneuvered from a holding position 39km behind and 5km below the ISS, set up a direct link with the Station and conducted a 4 hour staged approach with several stops at reference points for checks. At a distance of 249m, the ATV computers autonomously computed its own position through RGPS (Relative Global Positioning System) data, comparing with GPS data received from ISS and in close range using VDM (Videometer) lasers pointed at LRRs (Laser Retroreflectors) on the SM for distance & orientation determination relative to its target. Final approach was at a relative velocity of 7cm/s and with an accuracy of better than 10cm. The cargo transport, which remains docked for the next four months, is delivering 1,600kg of dry cargo, including food, clothes and equipment; 4534kg of ISS reboost/attitude control propellants, 850kg of ISS refuel propellant to be transferred, and 100kg gaseous oxygen. Note: Prior to the start of closing maneuvers, ATV-CC (ATV-Control Center/Toulouse) experienced a problem with one of its console tools which resulted in loss of ability to independently verify correct onboard boost computation, as required to monitor two Flight Rules (FRs). After discussion, these FRs were waived since the vehicle remained safe without these checks being performed, and in the knowledge that the NASA VVO (Visiting Vehicle Officer) console tools can perform a similar check to provide a level of confidence in the onboard boost computations. Later, the Russian Simvol display in the SM failed while ATV was at the S3 station keeping point. TsUP-Moscow performed troubleshooting and recovered Simvol. This caused an approximately 15 minute delay in ATV leaving S3. As for the ATV itself: all systems performed flawlessly during the docking.]

In preparation for the docking:

• FE-5 Paolo Nespoli powered down the amateur/ham radio equipment in the SM to prevent RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) with the cargo ship [it was turned back on later in the day].
• Paolo also configured the SM STTS communications panel 2 for the docking, taking out the RSA-2 channel to prevent possible echo/feedback.
• FE-6 Cady Coleman closed the shutters of the US Lab, Cupola and JPM (JEM Pressurized Module) to protect them against thruster effluents [reopened before sleep time].
• FE-2 Oleg Skripochka activated & verified proper operation of the Russian TEKh-15/DAKON-M IZGIB ("Bend") experiment in the SM for taking structural dynamics data during the ATV-2 berthing [afterwards, Oleg downlinked the data to the ground and shut off DAKON. IZGIB has the objective to help update mathematical models of the ISS gravitation environment, using accelerometers of the Russian SBI Onboard Measurement System, the GIVUS high-accuracy angular rate vector gyrometer of the SUDN Motion Control & Navigation System and other accelerometers for unattended measurement of micro-accelerations at science hardware accommodation locations - (1) in operation of onboard equipment having rotating parts (gyrodynes, fans), (2) when establishing and keeping various ISS attitude modes, and (3) when performing crew egresses into space and physical exercises].
• Oleg also activated & tested the Ku-band video "scheme" for transferring & downlinking streaming video via the MPEG-2 (Moving Pictures Expert Group-2) encoder, after Paolo had activated the A31p laptop in the FGB for the video conversion to US NTSC format.
• FE-1 Alexander Kaleri & Paolo configured the PCE (Proximity Communications Equipment; Russian: MBRL) in the SM for the docking [involving the MBRL AFU (Antenna Feeder Unit) and ATV PU Hand Controller].
• Monitored the approach & docking.

After the docking, Alexander disconnected & removed the ATV PU Hand Controller unit with its power cable, covered the ATV connectors and stowed PU in the FGB.

ATV Reboost:
Tomorrow morning at 10:33 AM GMT, a one-burn ISS test reboost with ATV-2 OCS (Orbit Correction System) thrusters will be conducted for a duration of 198 seconds and a delta-V of 0.5m/s. Purpose of the reboost is to test the ATV OCS thrusters as well as set up phasing for Soyuz TMA-01M/24S landing and Soyuz TMA-21/26S launch.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Some ATV docking photos!

These three are from Paolo Nespoli:

Hi-res version.

Hi-res version.

Hi-res version.

These three are from Dimitri Kondratyev:

And finally, there's this image from Cady Coleman (can't embed as it's a Twitpic).

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 25/02/2011.

FE-1 Alexander Kaleri & FE-5 Paolo Nespoli focused most of their work today on accessing the newly arrived European ATV-2 (Automated Transfer Vehicle-2), docked at the SM (Service Module) Aft port.

After Paolo reviewed an OBT (Onboard Training) drill covering ATV APO (Attached Phase Operations) procedures to refresh his proficiency:

• Alexander & Paolo conducted the one-hour leak check on the SM PrK (Transfer Tunnel)/ATV vestibule (timing critical at 3:39 PM GMT).
• Alexander & Paolo installed the BZV quick release screw clamps of the SSVP docking mechanism.
• FE-2 Oleg Skripochka sampled the air with the Russian AK-1M and Draeger IPD-CO sampling equipment.
• Alexander installed & started the Russian air cleaner to scrub the ATV atmosphere (~4:00 PM GMT; timing critical because the scrubbing may take up to 8 hours).
• Paolo completing final Ingress (wearing dust respirator & vacuum cleaner) with Oleg repeating air samplings.

Time-sequenced with Oleg's AK-1M sampling, CDR Scott Kelly used the US GSC (Grab Sample Container) equipment to collect air samples in the center of the ATV.

At ~11:23 PM GMT, all six crewmembers are scheduled for a 15 minute Post-ATV Arrival Additional Emergency Steps Drill, supported by specialist tagup via S-band. [Objectives of the OBT are to familiarize everyone with the location of ATV hardware to be used in emergencies, and to review the main features of ATV emergency response. Focus is on leak isolation, fire in ATV and setting maximum power consumption mode.]

ATV Reboost Update:
A one-burn reboost of ISS was performed successfully this morning at 10:33 AM GMT using the ATV-2 OCS (Orbit Correction System) thrusters. Burn duration was 3 minutes 18 seconds; delta-V: 0.5 m/s (1.6 ft/s); mean altitude gain: 0.86 km (0.43 nmi). Purpose of the reboost was to test the ATV OCS thrusters as well as set up phasing for Soyuz TMA-01M/24S landing and Soyuz TMA-21/26S launch.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Some ATV hatch opening & ingress photos from Paolo.

Hi-res version.

Hi-res version.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Some great footage of ATV's interior in this video from ESA.​

 

[Izack]

Hmm, they said in the video that they can't use the station's engines for reboosting because it destroys the microgravity environment, and yet ATV-2's engines are okay...?

Has Esa developed some new reactionless drive they haven't told us about yet?? :lol:

 

[C3PO]

I think it's the language barrier. Most of her statements didn't really make sense. Or maybe the editing took some things out of context.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 18/03/2011.

In ATV-2 (Automated Transfer Vehicle-2) "Johannes Kepler", Paolo configured the spacecraft’s GDS (Gas Delivery System) for a 10 mmHg O2 (oxygen) delivery and then opened the valve of the GCP's (Gas Control Panel's) gas line #1 for the repressurization, closing it ~3 hours later.

While the repress was going on, Paolo & Cady performed cargo transfer activities in the ATV. [Activities in ATV included TSR (Temporary Stowage Rack) deployment, removal of large stowage bags (M-Bags) from the rack front and stowing them temporarily out of the way, retrieving a delivered RFTA (Recycle Filter Tank Assembly) & transferring it to the PMM for stowage, and removing two adapter plates to access rack cargo. Special attention was given to the location of a CTB (Cargo Transfer Bag) with ESA's FSL (Fluid Science Laboratory) experiment "Geoflow" which will be set up tomorrow. Background: ATV cargo was loaded in Kourou, French Guiana, in a time-consuming process into racks which have specially designed shelves that accommodate the CTBs without wasting any available volume. For ATV-2 the racks were upgraded to hold 25% more volume than on ATV-1 "Jules Verne" and to take advantage of the previously unused curved volume at the rear of the rack. In addition, on the front of the racks, new adapter plates were installed which allow the mounting of either triple-size CTBs or very large M-Bags. For ATV-2, four M-01 bags were loaded (two on the lower port side rack, two on the lower starboard rack). Since ATV-2 arrived with six racks, two rack bays were empty. There are also two TSRs onboard ATV-2, made of cloth, which Paolo & Cady installed today in the empty bays. The old "Jules Verne" racks could carry 1 cubic meter of cargo, the new racks 1.25 cubic meters. The TSRs are of ATV-1 design and hold only 1 cubic meter of volume.]

ATV-2 Reboost Update:
The one-burn reboost of ISS was completed nominally this morning at 6:00 AM GMT using the ATV-2 OCS (Orbit Correction System) thrusters. Burn duration was 14 minutes 43 seconds, resulting in a delta-V of 2.22 m/s (7.28 ft/s), vs. planned 2.16/7.09. Mean altitude gain: 3.8 km (2.05 nmi), vs. planned 3.70/2.00. The burn used 290 kg of prop from ATV-2 tanks, and 29 kg of prop from RS (Russian Segment) tanks for attitude control. Purpose: To set up phasing for the Soyuz TMA-21/26S (NET 04/04) and STS-134/ULF-6 (19/04) launches.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

ATV-2 has gained an extra 10 days in space! Undocking has slipped to 20th June.

ESA's ATV-2 Blog: "ATV undocking set for 20 June".

 

[Notebook]

ATV Johannes Kepler 21 June.

On 21 June, Johannes Kepler will fire its engines twice to descend from orbit. The first burn, at 17:07 GMT (19:07 CEST) will drop it towards Earth. The second burn, at 20:05 GMT (22:05 CEST), will direct it precisely towards its Pacific target.

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMAX1E1XOG_index_0.html

N.

 

[kevin580]

Where is it possible to see the re-entry?

 

[Notebook]

BBC article about Tuesday's re-entry.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13795156

Might get some pictures back.

N.

 

[garyw]

Where is it possible to see the re-entry?

On a boat or aircraft off the south eastern coast of New Zeland.

 

[N_Molson]

BBC article about Tuesday's re-entry.

Tuesday... Again ?? :blink: