Updates ISS UPDATES

[Orbinaut Pete]

Space Adventures Concludes Agreement to Offer Commercial Spaceflight Opportunities to the International Space Station.

Three seats available beginning in 2013

Space Adventures, the only company that has provided human space mission opportunities to the world marketplace, announced today the conclusion of an agreement with the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation (FSA) and Rocket Space Corporation Energia (RSC Energia) to commercially offer three seats on the Soyuz spacecraft bound for the International Space Station (ISS), beginning in 2013.

These seats will be made available through the increase of Soyuz production, from four to five spacecraft per year. Each flight will be short duration, approximately 10 days, and will contribute to the increase of launch capacity to the ISS.

"We are extremely excited to announce this agreement and would like to thank our Russian partners in increasing Soyuz production and providing Space Adventures these well sought-after transportation services on the only commercially available manned spacecraft currently in operation," said Eric Anderson, Chairman of Space Adventures. "Since Guy Laliberte's mission, there has been an increase of interest by private individuals, organizations and commercial entities seeking ways to access the space station. We have been speaking with these parties about science, education and multi-media programs and hope to make some major announcements in the coming year."

Space Adventures became world-renowned 10 years ago with the launch of Dennis Tito, the world's first privately-funded space explorer. Since then, the company has arranged seven additional missions to the ISS. Cumulatively, our clients have spent almost three months in space, traveling over 36 million miles, and have been true ambassadors in sharing their experience and explaining to millions of people around the world why it's important to explore space," continued Mr. Anderson.

"We are very pleased to continue space tourism with Space Adventures. Also, the addition of a fifth Soyuz spacecraft to the current manifest will add flexibility and redundancy to our ISS transportation capabilities. We welcome the opportunity to increase our efforts to meet the public demand for access to space," said Alexei Krasnov, Director of Human Spaceflight of FSA.

In support of the continued partnership between FSA, Energia and Space Adventures, Vitaly Lopota, President of RSC Energia, commented, "We were first in the space tourism marketplace and we are glad to expand our capabilities by adding a fifth Soyuz and to use these three additional opportunities for commercial flight participants, starting in 2013."

Space Adventures, the company that organized the flights for the world's first private space explorers, is headquartered in Vienna, Va. with an office in Moscow. It offers a variety of programs such as the availability today for spaceflight missions to the International Space Station and around the moon, Zero-Gravity flights, cosmonaut training, spaceflight qualification programs and reservations on future suborbital spacecraft. The company's advisory board includes Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, Shuttle astronauts Sam Durrance, Tom Jones, Byron Lichtenberg, Norm Thagard, Kathy Thornton, Pierre Thuot, Charles Walker, and Skylab/Shuttle astronaut Owen Garriott.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 12/01/2011.

FE-4 Dimitri Kondratyev & FE-2 Oleg Skripochka had another ~3 hours reserved for continuing preparations for their Russian EVA-27 on 21/01 and the suited dry-run on 18/01, today configuring equipment and readying the SM (Service Module) PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1) for the spacewalk.

FE-1 Alexander Kaleri continued his outfitting of the SM with ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) PCE (Proximity Communications Equipment; Russian: MBRL) hardware (which he had taken out on 05/11/10). [Specifically, Sasha today connected BKS cabling laid out yesterday, installed the ATV PU control panel & ATV hand controller, and mated the electronic components to the BITS2-12 onboard telemetry system.

After setting up the Node 2 video camcorder for live "over-the-shoulder" viewing of the crew from the ground and configuring the laptop-based ROBoT (Robotics On Boart Trainer), FE-5 Paolo Nespoli and FE-6 Cady Coleman worked their way through the OBT (Onboard Training) #1 training course for HTV-2 (H-II Transfer Vehicle-2) berthing procedures. Afterwards, Paolo tore down the equipment and stored it and the video gear. [The lesson walked through the HTV-2 steps in the rendezvous procedures and provided representative RWS (Robotics Workstation) and PCS (Portable Computer System) screenshots for each step. In addition, the lesson gave an overview of the HTV commands that are available to the crew and explained how to execute the commands via both the HCP (Hardware Command Panel) and the HTV PCS pages.]

At ~6:25 PM GMT, CDR Scott Kelly & Cady conducted a teleconference with ground specialists to discuss the on-board making of special power cabling for the HTV-2 berthing. [The backup power cable will be needed to supply power to HTV-2 in the event that it needs to be relocated to the Node 2 Zenith CBM (Common Berthing Mechanism) prior to the upcoming STS-133/ULF-5 mission currently scheduled to launch NET (No Earlier Than) 24/02.]

Reboost:
A one-burn reboost of ISS will be performed tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM GMT using the Progress M-07M/39P DPO rendezvous & docking thrusters. Burn duration will be 11 minutes 4 seconds; delta-V: 1.4 m/s (4.6 ft/s). The purpose of the reboost is to set up orbit phasing for the HTV-2 and ULF-5 launches.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "ISS Orbit Boosted".

In accordance with the International Space Station mission ballistics support program, ISS reboost was carried out on Jan. 13.
The maneuver was assisted by 8 attitude thrusters of the Progress M-07M cargo vehicle attached to the Zvezda instrumentation compartment. The engines were started at 12:00 Moscow time (09:00 GMT). The maneuver brought the ISS into orbit with the following parameters:
Min altitude – 350.3 km
Max altitude – 371.4 km
Revolution – 91.55 min
Inclination – 51.67 deg.
The operation is aimed at providing favorable conditions for further landing of Soyuz TMA-M crew vehicle scheduled for March 16.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

ESA: "Studying Paolo's brains".

ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli, now working as a flight engineer on the International Space Station, is busy with a range of scientific experiments. The latest is peering inside his head to help understand how the human brain works.

Our brains are changing all the time – nerves are rearranging themselves and the connections between the nerve cells are reforming as the brain memorises new information, stores the old and continuously adapts to new situations.

New experiences, learning, physiological changes, sleep disturbance and fatigue are among the most influential factors.

Sometimes, especially after an accident or a cerebral stroke, the recover power of brain tissue is simply mind-boggling: the remaining healthy tissue can take over the functions of damaged areas.

Space is a stress factor

The weightlessness in orbit is also a big change for brains. Not only are there changes in blood circulation and other physical conditions, but the way that cognitive functions of daily life are managed also alter dramatically.

Adapting to the multitudinous effects that gravity has on the human body and the way the brain deals with them is perhaps the greatest demand that the nervous system has to face in space. The increased load on the cognitive capacity is accompanied by a multitude of stresses on the brain.

On 21 December, his second full working day on the Station, Paolo set up the Neurospat experiment with assistance from crewmate Cady Coleman.

Neurospat aims to detect the brain’s mechanisms involved in the altered behaviour in weightlessness and to locate the crucial parts of the cerebral cortex.

Helping life on Earth

Neurospat uses a laptop computer with a special program, a visor to focus on the computer without external visual distractions and an electroencephalograph to record brain activity.

By recording this activity, European scientists are probing the activity that underlies cognitive processes involved in four different tasks: visual-motor tracking, perception of how the body is oriented, 3D navigation and discriminating the orientation of objects.

 

[Wishbone]

Just imagine what Paolo could do with a functional magnetic resonance imager instead of EEG...

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

NASA TV Video: European Astronaut Discusses Life in Space with Britain's "Beeb".​

BBC News'/Jonathan Amos' "Spaceman" Blog: "Hello, Paolo. This is London calling"!

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 13/01/2011.

CDR Scott Kelly & FE-6 Cady Coleman spent several hours on retrieving components & connectors and then assembling them into cables & jumpers for the HTV-2 (H-II Transfer Vehicle-2) berthing on 27/01 at Node 2, using the MWA (Maintenance Work Area.) [The backup power cable will be needed to supply power to HTV-2 in the event it needs to be relocated to the Node 2 Zenith CBM (Common Berthing Mechanism) prior to the upcoming STS-133/ULF-5 mission (which will carry new power cables), currently scheduled to launch NET (No Earlier Than) 24/02.]

As next steps in the Russian EVA-27 preparation timeline, FE-2 Oleg Skripochka & FE-4 Dimitri Kondratyev today spent several hours on gathering replaceable Orlan-MK spacesuit elements & equipment (SMEG), activating & servicing the suits and readying personal gear, supported by ground specialist tagup. [Replaceable components installed on the Orlans were the primary BK-3M tanks, batteries in the BRTA radio telemetry units, LP-9 LiOH canisters for the dry-run exercise, moisture collectors, FOR filters and the Valsalva Eustachian tube-clearing devices.]

Afterwards, Oleg & Dmitri worked on preparing DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1) with its BSS Orlan interface unit for the EVA dry-run & EVA-27, including the degassing of the Orlan and BSS cooling loops in DC-1.

In preparation the for HTV-2 arrival on 27/01, FE-5 Paolo Nespoli unlatched the Node 2 Nadir & Zenith hatches, to minimize possible effects of a hatch mechanism jam which would preclude opening the hatches.

Scott conducted IFM (Inflight Maintenance) on the OGS (Oxygen Generation System), performing resistance/continuity tests on a contingency OGS cable built during the Expedition 24 Pump Module failure.

Paolo & Cady worked through an OBT (Onboard Training) course, Part 1, for the MSS (Mobile Servicing System) ROBoT (Robotics On Board Trainer) activities during the HTV-2 capture and berthing. Later, Paolo disconnected the SSC-14 (Station Support Computer-14) laptop from the setup and returned it to the OpsLAN network.

In preparation for the upcoming rotation of the ER-3 (ExPrESS Rack-3) in COL (Columbus Orbiting Laboratory), Paolo removed all cabling from the EMCS (European Modular Cultivation System).

Reboost Update:
A one-burn reboost of ISS was performed successfully this morning at 9:00 AM GMT using the Progress M-07M/39P DPO rendezvous & docking thrusters. Burn duration was 11 minutes 4 seconds; delta-V: 1.39 m/s (4.59 ft/s). Mean altitude gain: 2.4 km (1.3 nmi). Purpose: Set up phasing for the HTV-2 and ULF-5 launches.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 14/01/2011.

Continuing their carefully paced preparations for Russian EVA-27 next week (21/01) and the preceding suited dry-run (18/01), FE-2 Oleg Skripochka & FE-4 Dimitri Kondratyev:

• Conducted a one-hour procedures review.
• Completed individual fit sizing (central strap, lateral strap, hip strap, calf strap, arm cable and shoulder size, front & rear) on their Orlan-MK spacesuits.
• Adjusted the palm sizing bars of their GP-10KM suit gloves as required.
• Ran leak checks & valve functionality tests on the Orlans and their BSS interface units in DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1) & SM (Service Module) PkhO (Transfer Compartment) from the EVA support panels (POVs).
• Conducted pressure checks on the SM BK-3 O2 (oxygen) tanks and the BNP portable repress O2 tank in DC-1.

In Node 2, CDR Scott Kelly removed stowage to free access to the OVHD 0-01 panel preparatory to the routing of the HTV-2 (H-II Transfer Vehicle-2) backup power cabling, stowing the items temporarily per crew preference. After the cable installation, the stowage was replaced.

Then, Scott & FE-6 Cady Coleman spent more time routing their custom-building cable to support the HTV-2 berthing on 27/01. [The contingency power cable, using scavenged connectors and components from the LGPK (Large Gauge Pin Kit), is needed in the event the HTV-2 requires a backup power feed while berthed to the Node 2 Zenith CBM (Common Berthing Mechanism). HTV-2 will initially berth to the Node 2 Nadir CBM, but will be relocated to the Node 2 Zenith CBM prior to the STS-133/ULF-5 mission. After the cable was built, its conductivity and insulation was successfully confirmed.]

Scott installed & checked out the CBCS (Centerline Berthing Camera System) at the Node 2 Nadir hatch, with its power, video and control unit connections, for the HTV-2 berthing.

FE-1 Alexander Kaleri continued the checkout of the PCE (Proximity Communications Equipment; Russian: MBRL) for the European ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) in the RS (Russian Segment). [Activities focused on testing the MBRL, MBRL AFU (Antenna Feeder Unit) and ATV Hand Controller.]

Starting final preparations for the undocking of Progress M-08M/40P on 24/01, Alexander removed two handles from the Progress internal hatch cover.

Afterwards, Alex installed the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma) between Progress and the DC-1 Nadir port. [StM is the "classic" probe-and-cone type, consisting of an active docking assembly (ASA) with a probe (SSh), which fits into the cone (SK) on the passive docking assembly (PSA) for initial soft dock and subsequent retraction to hard dock. The ASA is mounted on the Progress' cargo module (GrO), while the PSA sits on the docking ports of the SM, FGB, DC-1, MRM-1 & MRM-2.]

After yesterday's removal of all cables of the EMCS (European Modular Cultivation System) in COL (Columbus Orbiting Laboratory) to allow tilting of ER-3 (ExPrESS Rack-3) away from the wall and today setting up the VCA-1 (Video Camera Assembly-1) for activity monitoring by the ground, FE-5 Paolo Nespoli accessed the WOOV-8 (Water On-Off Valve-8) and worked on it to free the movement of the stuck valve. [This had already been tried, unsuccessfully, by Tracy Caldwell-Dyson on 03/09/2010. Afterwards, ER-3 was rotated back, connected to its cabling (umbilicals for GN2 (Gaseous Nitrogen) supply, vacuum exhaust) and the EMCS cables were re-connected. Documentary photography was then taken of all WOOVs, specifically of the area below the hand wheel, and of any deposits in the area.]

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Flightglobal: "ESA presses for greater agreement on spaceflight".

European Space Agency director general Jean-Jacques Dordain has renewed calls for all spacefaring nations to press for agreement on a joint transport system to ensure reliable, flexible and economical access to the International Space Station.

Wide agreement that space exploration beyond the ISS could succeed only as a partnership between many nations also implied the need for a common transport policy Dordain said this morning at ESA's headquarters in Paris.

To move beyond the age of unilateral decisions about what systems to develop - and Dordain admitted ESA's bid to develop its Automated Transfer Vehicle cargo system, now being readied for its second launch to the ISS, fell into this category - it would be necessary to decide collectively where there needed to be redundancy and on a set of common interface standards.

Only then, said Dordain, would it be possible to assess the current spacecraft and launcher inventory and decide which systems should be retained and what needed to be developed. Then, he said, it could be agreed "who does what".

All countries must recognise that "good individual decisions are not necessarily good collective decisions", said Dordain.

Redundancy was a critical issue, he pointed out. When the Space Shuttle fleet was retired this year after its final two flights, the only crew transport to the ISS would be by Russian Soyuz rockets, he said. If, for any reason, Soyuz could not fly, "we would all be grounded".

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

My latest NASASpaceflight article: NASA Managers Discuss Prospect of Bigelow Inflatable on ISS.

Bigelow inflatable module on ISS = super duper cool! :woohoo:

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "RSC-Energia Approves Draft Design New ISS Module".

Draft design of a new docking compartment for the International Space Station has been approved by Rocket Space Corporation Energia’s Scientific Board.
The module for the ISS Russian segment is intended to provide attachment of the two scientific power modules, as well as additional docking ports for Soyuzes and Progresses. The module is to be attached to Multi-Purpose Module; both are expected to arrive at the ISS in 2012.
The docking compartment weights 4 t, with internal volume of 14 cub m.
RSC-E Board chaired by First Deputy General Designer Victor Legostayev also approved draft design of module vehicle Progress M-UM to be used to deliver the docking compartment to the station, Progress M-UM upper composite, and Soyuz modification to respect Progress M-UM mission.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From RSC Energia:

A meeting of the Corporation's Scientific and Technical Council was held at S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia to review conceptual designs of:

• Node Module (NM) of the Russian Segment (RS) of the International Space Station (ISS),
• cargo transportation spacecraft/module Progress M-NM to deliver NM to ISS,
• payload unit containing spacecraft/module Progress M-NM,
• adaptation of Soyuz launch vehicle for spacecraft/module Progress M-NM.

Presiding at the meeting was a first deputy general designer of RSC Energia, Chairman of the Scientific and Technical Council, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.P. Legostaev.

Taking part in the Scientific and Technical Council were the Corporation President and General Designer V.A. Lopota and First Vice President of the Corporation and first deputy general designer N.I. Zelenshchikov.

Having heard reports and statements from RSC Energia project managers and heads of scientific and technical centers, representatives of the RSC Energia Experimental Machine-building Plant, Central Research Institute for Machine-building (TsNIIMash) and other participants in the conceptual design efforts, and having reviewed and discussed these results, the Scinetific and Technical Council has decided to approve presented materials.

For reference:

NM is being developed by RSC Energia in order to support the docking to ISS RS of two scientific and power modules during the final stage of the segment assembly and to provide on this segment additional docking ports to receive Soyuz TMA and Progress M spacecraft.

The module can be docked with the Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) developed by RSC Energia in cooperation with leading companies in the industry. NM and MLM are to be incorporated into ISS in 2012.

NM mass is 4 tons, the pressurized cabin volume is 14 cubic meters.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 17/01/2011.

Assisted by FE-2 Oleg Skripochka, FE-1 Alexander Kaleri spent several hours preparing Progress M-08M/40P for its undocking on 24/01. Activities included:

• Installing the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma) between Progress and the DC-1 Nadir port (done 14/01) [the StM is the "classic" probe-and-cone type, consisting of an active docking assembly (ASA) with a probe (SSh), which fits into the cone (SK) on the passive docking assembly (PSA) for initial soft dock and subsequent retraction to hard dock. The ASA is mounted on the Progress' cargo module (GrO), while the PSA sits on the docking ports of the SM, FGB, DC-1, MRM-1, and MRM-2].
• Uninstalling & removing the LKT local temperature sensor commutator (TA251MB) of the BITS2-12 onboard measurement telemetry, along with its ROM unit (Read Only Memory, TA765B) for re-use.
• Activating the spacecraft’s electronics and taking out the ventilation/heating air duct.
• Closing the DC-1/40P hatches on TsUP Go (~9:50 AM GMT).
• Removing the QD (Quick Disconnect) screw clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer mechanism (SSVP) which rigidized the joint [during clamp removal and leak checking, Russian thrusters were inhibited due to load constraints].
• Starting the standard one-hour leak checking of the SU docking vestibule and fuel/oxidizer transfer line interface between Progress and DC-1.
• Downlinking Alexander's formal report on loading completion and the video depicting the close-out activities, for review by ground specialists.

CDR Scott Kelly, FE-6 Cady Coleman & FE-5 Paolo Nespoli had ~1 hour 30 minutes set aside for an OBT (Onboard Training) session with the MSS (Mobile Servicing System) SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System), performing Robotics proficiency procedures on the ROBoT (Robotics On Board Trainer). [The training was supported by ground instructor tagup and followed by a teleconference to discuss particulars.]

In preparation of the Orlan suited dry-run tomorrow and the Russian EVA-27 on 21/01, Scott readied two D2Xs EVA still cameras and worked with Oleg on installing US EHIP (Extravehicular mobility Helmet Interchangeable Portable) lights and WVS (Wireless Video System) camera on the Russian Orlan-MK spacesuits.

Working in DC-1 Oleg & FE-4 Dimitri Kondratyev:

• Installed the portable O2 (oxygen) tanks (BK-3) and portable air repress bottles (BNP).
• Set up Orlan BRTK "Korona" and BSS (EVA Interface Unit) comm configuration, running voice checks and testing medical parameter acquisition of the BETA-08 ECG (electrocardiograph) harnesses with the "Gamma-1M" med complex from the PKO med exam panel for vital signs & equipment monitoring.
• Installed Orlan attached hardware (OTA) and took photos of the outfitted Orlans for downlink [OTA equipment includes: right-hand swing arm with tool caddy, small trash bag, wire ties, tethers, camera, wrench and cutters].
• Prepared auxiliary NASA equipment to be used in Orlan plus taking photos of the outfitted Orlans for downlink.
• Mounted the Fresnel lens viewing aid in the helmets.
• Unstowed EVA emergency first-aid medical packs and staged them in the SM (Service Module) PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and DC-1.

Oleg, Dmitri & Paolo had about an hour set aside for reviewing/studying EVA-27 flight procedures.

Cady:

• Reconfigured the PIP (Plug In Plan) power equipment for the Robotics activities ahead [by moving SSC-20 (Station Support Computer-20) and its power string to another UOP (Utility Outlet Panel) and then deploying a new power string and a spare laptop to replace SSC-20 for use with the ROBoT application].
• Set up the EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) payload components in the Lab WORF (Window Observational Research Facility) rack and activated camera & software when the ground could be seen for camera focusing [using the new EarthKAM software on SSC-20 which replaces the version used for the DCS 760 camera. This is the first use of the D2Xs Camera by EarthKAM and the first time that any images will be taken from the WORF. Students around the world are anxiously awaiting use of the higher resolution images].
• Closed the protective window shutters in Lab, Cupola and JPM (JEM Pressurized Module) to protect against RS (Russian Segment) thrusters taking over control temporarily overnight for the Progress M-08M/40P propellant line purge (~5:40 AM GMT).

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Kedr to Make Space Mission".

Launch campaign of the Progress M-09M cargo vehicle continues at Baikonur.
Last week a small spacecraft was loaded into the vehicle together with other standard cargo items.
The satellite name was adopted by Yu.A. Gagarin call sign in his historical flight, namely Kedr. The satellite’s signal will be transmitted at radio amateur frequency of 145.95 MHz. Kedr has radio amateur call sign RS1S.
Kedr is to be launched by Russian cosmonauts during the future EVA.
The satellite is to be delivered to the ISS by Progress M-09М to begin its mission on Jan. 28.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

My latest NASASpaceflight article: NASA Managers Discuss Prospect of Bigelow Inflatable on ISS.

Bigelow inflatable module on ISS = super duper cool! :woohoo:

Apparently, Node 4 is not required for this module, and it will be delivered by either HTV or Dragon! :thumbup:

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 18/01/2011.

After yesterday's completion of all Orlan-MK suit preparations, EVA-27 Dry-run activities began today at ~9:10 AM GMT with FE-2 Oleg Skripochka tearing down & removing the air ducts between the SM (Service Module) PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1), including their V3 ventilation fan, to make room for the subsequent suited exercise. [Removals included the IP-1 airflow sensor in the hatch between PkhO & DC-1, reinstalled afterwards.]

At the same time, FE-4 Dimitri Kondratyev worked on configuring the STTS communications systems in DC-1 for the exercise.

After another functionality & leak check of the Orlan-MK suits, their equipment and their BSS interface units in DC-1 & PkhO, Oleg & Dimitri began donning EVA gear at ~10:00 AM GMT, i.e., putting on personal gear bags, biomed harness, thermal underwear, LCG (Liquid Cooling Garment), low-noise headset, gloves, etc.

After more checkouts of comm hookups & biomedical parameter telemetry via the BSS Orlan interface system for vital signs & equipment monitoring, suiting up then culminated in ingress in the Orlans (~10:00 AM GMT) through their "backdoors" and sealing off of the backpacks.

Next in line were:

• More functionality checkouts of the suits and their BSS controls (e.g., temperature control handling, water cooling system ops, preliminary Orlan & BSS leak checks).
• Preliminary dimensional suit fit checks at reduced suit pressure of 0.4 atm (5.9 psi).
• About 1.5 hours of testing/training of suited mobility & translation inside DC-1, beginning at ~11:30 AM GMT.

[These "intramural" exercises included translation to all DC-1 work stations with mated fluid umbilical, assessment of how the interior DC-1 config impacts operations with various gear & accessories such as the POV (EVA support panel) and BSS, moving the BRT (Body Restraint Tether) with a CLB (Crew Lock Bag) and securing the BRT on a handrail, retrieving the Kodak 760 camera from the KPU tool carrier and stowing it temporarily on the OTA swing arm, etc. The dry-run was successful; no major issues were reported.]

Oleg & Dmitri's egress from their Orlan-MKs was at about 12:30 AM GMT, followed by restoration of communication settings in DC-1 to nominal ops and post-training close-out activities, including air duct assembly.

Afterwards, Oleg & Dimitri replaced the Orlan replaceable elements, filling the water tanks and generally readying their spacesuits for Friday's EVA.

After the EVA dry-run, CDR Scott Kelly turned around (readied) the NIKON D2Xs cameras for Friday's EVA.

Scott then performed troubleshooting on the T2 treadmill which is currently NO-GO due to the call down yesterday about a "loose bolt." The ground requested more data.

 

[orb]

Roscosmos:
Kondratiev and Skripochka Prepare for Year's First Spacewalk
:: 19.01.2011

Roscosmos PAO:

Russian cosmonauts Dmitry Kondratyev and Oleg Skripochka are preparing to conduct this year's first spacewalk scheduled for Friday, Russia's Mission Control said.

The spacewalk will have several objectives: installation of Russian high-speed data transmission equipment on the Zvezda service module, dismounting of the impulse plasma injector and installation of a camera on the Rassvet module.

The spacewalk is to begin at 5.20 p.m. at expected to last for around six hours.
________________________________________

RIA Novosti: Russian cosmonauts prepare for year's first spacewalk.
________________________________________

A couple of last photos posted by Dmitry Kondratiev on his blog:

"Training what to do in case of fire" (January 16, 2011)

"Haircut" (January 19, 2011)

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

NASA Television To Air Space Station Spacewalk.

Two Russian cosmonauts on the International Space Station will conduct a spacewalk Friday, Jan. 21, to prepare the complex for future assembly and experiment work. The spacewalk will air live on NASA Television beginning at 8 a.m. CST.

Expedition 26 Flight Engineers Dmitry Kondratyev and Oleg Skripochka will perform the six-hour spacewalk.They will install an experimental Russian radio transmission system, retrieve existing experiments and install a TV camera on the Rassvet mini-research module that will assist in future dockings of vehicles to that port.

The Russian cosmonauts will exit the Pirs docking compartment airlock around 8:20 a.m. in their Russian Orlan spacesuits. The spacewalk will be the first for Kondratyev, who will wear the spacesuit marked with red stripes, and the second for Skripochka, who will wear the suit with blue stripes. Skripochka's first spacewalk was Nov. 15, 2010, and lasted six hours and 27 minutes.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Cosmonauts to Perform 27th Russian Space Station Spacewalk.

Two Russian cosmonauts will venture outside the International Space Station on Jan. 21 to complete installation of a new high-speed data transmission system, remove an old plasma pulse experiment, install a camera for the new Rassvet docking module and retrieve a materials exposure package.

Expedition 26 Flight Engineers Dmitry Kondratyev and Oleg Skripochka are scheduled to float outside the Pirs airlock at 9:20 a.m. EST to begin the six-hour excursion. Both spacewalkers will wear Russian Orlan-MK spacesuits.

Kondratyev will be designated as Extravehicular 1 (EV1), with a red stripe on his suit, and Skripochka will be EV2, with a blue stripe on his suit. Skripochka also will wear a NASA-provided wireless television camera system and helmet lights to provide live point-of-view video to Mission Control-Moscow, which will provide ground support for the spacewalk. Mission Control-Houston will monitor the spacewalk as well.

Before the spacewalk begins, Commander Scott Kelly and Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri will climb into their Soyuz 24 spacecraft, which is docked to the Poisk module on the opposite side of Zvezda from the airlock, and seal the hatches between Zvezda and Poisk. This protects against the unlikely possibility of a sudden station depressurization and also allows for the use of the forward portion of Zvezda as a backup airlock if necessary. Flight Engineers Cady Coleman and Paolo Nespoli will be in the U.S. segment and will have access to their Soyuz 25 spacecraft, which is docked to the Rassvet module adjacent to Pirs on the Zarya control module, therefore they do not need to be sequestered.

As a sunrise dawns on the station, Kondratyev and Skripochka will open the Pirs hatch and begin exiting the Russian segment of the station. They’ll take with them a spacewalk tool carrier, an antenna and cable reel for the data transmission system, and protective covers for the experiments they will bring back inside the station. All will be temporarily affixed to the Zvezda service module’s exterior for handy access near the respective work sites.

The first job will be to deploy the antenna for the Radio Technical System for Information Transfer, an experimental system designed to enable large data files to be downlinked using radio technology at a speed of about 100 megabytes a second from the Russian segment of the station. The system is similar to the NASA system already in use. Later in the spacewalk, the crew also will route external cabling to connect the antenna to patch panels connecting it to the cabling and computer systems already installed inside the station. They’ll also jettison the antenna’s hatbox-shaped cover and the cable reel.

Next, the spacewalkers will remove a plasma pulse generator on the port side of Zvezda that was part of an experiment to investigate disturbances and changes in the ionosphere from space station impulse plasma flow. The generator failed early on and will be covered, removed and returned inside the station. They’ll also remove the commercial Expose-R experiment from the port side of Zvezda. The joint Russian and European Space Agency package contains a number of material samples that have been left open to space conditions. They’ll return both to the Pirs airlock and stow them there, along with a tool carrier that was needed for the tasks earlier in the spacewalk. The plasma generator eventually will be disposed of in a departing Progress resupply craft, while the Expose-R experiment’s three cassettes will be removed inside the station, sealed and returned to Earth for study on a returning Soyuz.

While in the airlock, they’ll grab the new docking camera for the Rassvet module and carry it to the worksite on Rassvet. During Russian spacewalk 26 in November, the crew had trouble installing the camera due to interference with multi-layer insulation adjacent to the camera mount. So, once outside again, Kondratyev and Skripochka will use a special cutter to rip the threads on some of the insulation material to allow full access to the camera mount. Once the camera is installed, they’ll mate the camera’s cable to a pre-wired connector that will route the video into the station. The camera isn’t crucial to Soyuz and Progress dockings on Rassvet, but provides additional information and situational awareness for remote-control operations when necessary.

With all tasks complete, Kondratyev and Skripochka will re-enter the Pirs airlock and end their spacewalk.

The duo also will conduct the next Russian spacewalk, planned for Feb. 16. That spacewalk will focus on installation of two more scientific experiments on the Zvezda module. The first is called Radiometria, and is designed to collect information useful in seismic forecasts and earthquake predictions. The second is Molniya-Gamma, which will look at gamma splashes and optical radiation during terrestrial lightning and thunderstorm conditions using three sensors.

They’ll also retrieve two Komplast panels from the exterior of the Zarya module, and deploy a small satellite named ARISSat-1. The panels contain materials exposed to space, and are part of a series of international experiments looking for the best materials to use in building long-duration spacecraft.

They’ll deploy ARISSat-1, the first of a series of educational satellites being developed in a partnership with the Radio Amateur Satellite Corp. (AMSAT), the NASA Office of Education ISS National Lab Project, the Amateur Radio on ISS (ARISS) working group and RSC-Energia. ARISSat satellites can carry up to five student experiments and the data from these experiments will be transmitted to the ground via an amateur radio link. In addition, ARISSat will transmit still frame video Earth views from four onboard cameras, commemorative greetings in native languages from students around the world, and a Morse code tracking beacon. ARISSat also will function as a world-wide space communications utility for use by amateur radio operators.

› View spacewalk graphics

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 19/01/2011.

CDR Scott Kelly worked in the JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), checking out the ICS (Inter-orbit Communication System) in preparation for the HTV-2 (H-II Transfer Vehicle-2) arrival on 27/01. [For the checkout, Scott connected the headset and its adapter cable to the ICS rack and called down via JEM S/G-1 (Space-to-Ground-1) to SSIPC (Space Station Integration & Promotion Center)/Tsukuba, MCC-Houston & COL-CC (Columbus Control Center/Oberpfaffenhofen).]

FE-1 Alexander Kaleri spent several hours on closing up Progress M-08M/40P (#408) docked at DC-1 Nadir, in preparation for the EVA-27 out of DC-1 and 40P undocking on 24/01 (12:43 AM GMT). Specifically, the usual close-out steps included:

• Activating the spacecraft's electronics and taking out the ventilation/heating air duct.
• Removing the QD (Quick Disconnect) screw clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer mechanism (SSVP) which rigidized the joint [during clamp removal and leak checking, Russian thrusters were inhibited due to load constraints].
• Closing the hatches on TsUP Go, assisted by FE-2 Oleg Skripochka (~10:40 AM GMT).
• Starting the standard one-hour leak checking of the SU docking vestibule and fuel/oxidizer transfer line interface between Progress and DC-1.
• Downlinking Sasha's formal report on loading completion and the video depicting the close-out activities, for review by ground specialists.

In the US Lab, FE-6 Cady Coleman had ~3 hours to consolidate & relocate cargo items in location O5 (Overhead 5) to reduce some of the stowage in that rack bay. [Bay O5 will be emptied at a later time to support the rack moves during the PMM (Permanent Multipurpose Module) reconfiguration.]

FE-5 Paolo Nespoli & Cady worked through Part 3a of the OBT (Onboard Training) course for the MSS (Mobile Servicing System) SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) ROBoT (Robotics On Board Trainer) activities during the HTV-2 capture and berthing, using the ROBoT Simulator for ~2 hours, supported by ground training instructor tagups.

Oleg & FE-4 Dimitri Kondratyev prepared the SM (Service Module) PkhO (Transfer Compartment) for the EVA-27 dry-run, then conducted Orlan-suited translation training in PkhO, assisted by Alexander. Oleg later replaced the BK-3 O2 (oxygen) tank in the PkhO.