Updates ISS UPDATES

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 28/01/2011.

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the new cargo ship Progress M-09M/41P (#409) was launched this morning on time at 1:31:39 AM GMT on a Soyuz-U rocket when ISS led by a phase angle of 187 degrees. Ascent was nominal, and all spacecraft systems were without issues. First stage (four strap-on boosters) separation was at 1m 53s at ~49 km altitude (velocity ~1.76 km/s); second stage (core) sep took place at 4m 45s at ~167 km (velocity ~3.88 km/s); third stage sep & orbit insertion was at 8m 49s, at ~202 km and 7.50 km/s velocity. Docking to the ISS at the DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1) Nadir port is planned for Sunday 30/01 at ~2:39 AM GMT. All arrays and antennas deployed nominally (2 solar arrays, 5 KURS antennas, 1 Rassvet-M antenna for TORU, 1 SBI/M-BITS onboard measurement / telemetry system antenna).

After the successful capture & berthing of JAXA's HTV-2 (H-II Transfer Vehicle-2) "Kounotori" (Stork) yesterday at 11:39 PM GMT and HTV-2 was transitioned from internal batteries to ISS power to prevent further drain on its non-rechargeable batteries, the crew got ahead on the timeline. FE-6 Cady Coleman & FE-5 Paolo Nespoli successfully performed the vestibule outfitting, includiung removal of the CDC (Center Disk Cover), mating of a power jumper and a MIL-STD-1553 data jumper from Node 2 to HTV, etc. The crew ingressed the HTV at 8:47 PM GMT (instead of today). FE-2 Oleg Skripochka sampled the air in the HTV using a Russian AK-1M absorber. CDR Scott Kelly reported that the interior of the HTV was bright, clean and had a good atmosphere.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 29/01/2011.

Following the docking of Progress M-09M/41P to the DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1) Nadir port tomorrow morning at 2:39 AM GMT, the crewmembers will conduct the standard one-hour leak checking of the docking vestibule and fuel/oxidizer transfer line interface between Progress and DC-1.

Afterwards, the Russian crewmembers will:

• Open the hatches (~6:30 AM GMT) and install the QD (Quick Disconnect) screw clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer mechanism (SSVP) to rigidize the coupling.
• Perform the standard air sampling inside Progress with the Russian AK-1M air sampler.
• Power down the spacecraft and install the ventilation/heating air duct.
• Take photographs of the internal docking surfaces for subsequent downlinking.
• Dismantle the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma) between Progress and DC-1.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 30/01/2011.

Yest kasaniye! At 2:39 AM GMT this morning, Progress M-09M/41P (#409) docked successfully to the DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1) Nadir port under precise automatic Kurs control. [Kurs antenna retraction was nominal. Kasaniya (contact) was followed by a final DPO post-contact thrusting burn, docking probe retraction and Sborka (hook closure, ~2:59 AM GMT) after motion damp-out while the ISS was in free drift for 20 minutes (2:39-2:59 AM GMT). At "hooks closed" signal, the SM returned to active attitude control, maneuvering the ISS to LVLH (Local Vertical/Local Horizontal) TEA (Torque Equilibrium Attitude). Control authority returned to US Momentum Management at ~3:40 AM GMT. Next was the standard 1 hour leak checking, opening of the hatches (~6:30 AM GMT) and installation of the QD (Quick Disconnect) screw clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer mechanism (SSVP) to rigidize the coupling, followed by the standard air sampling inside Progress with the Russian AK-1M air sampler, powering down the spacecraft and installing the ventilation/heating air duct, taking photographs of the internal docking surfaces for subsequent downlinking, and dismantling the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma) between Progress and the DC-1.]

Conjunction Alert:
Flight controllers are following a conjunction with object 37117 (COSMOS 2252 Debris) for the past 24 hours. Tracking on the object is sparse and USSTRATCOM has increased tasking. The small radial miss distance of the object (0.115 km) warrants close monitoring and could lead to DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) planning. 41P docking perturbations were in the noise of tracking uncertainties and thus did not have an impact on the situation. The TCA (Time of Closest Approach) of the conjunction is during EP (Exposed Pallet) robotics operations scheduled Tuesday, 01/02, morning. The standard template of performing the DAM as close to the TCA as possible (thus buying time to cancel if not required) would place the TIG (Time of Ignition) at 8:14 AM GMT on 01/02, which is during a period of ACS (Attitude Control System) thruster being disabled. Initial coordination with FCT (Flight Control Team) led to an acceleration of the TIG by 3 orbits to allow the robotics operations to continue as planned. It is assumed the decision points for PPCR and Cyclogram Go/No Go Development need to be accelerated as well. An ISS reboost of 0.6 m/s is planned on 09/02 to set up FD-3 (Flight Day-3) phasing for STS-133/ULF-5 and Soyuz TMA-01M/24S landing constraints. Engineers are investigating if the DAM could replace this reboost meeting the same constraints which ensuring a safe trajectory from the conjunction.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 31/01/2011.

Conjunction Update:
Additional tracking has been received on the conjunction object 37117 (COSMOS 2252 Debris) from independent sensors. The updated data confirms the conjunction is no longer a threat. The total miss distance moved out and the PC (Probability of Collision) dropped to 2.4E-16 which is below all threshold violations. Therefore, it has been recommended to stand down from DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) planning.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

EXPOSE-R back inside the ISS!

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 01/02/2011.

Working on the newly arrived Progress M-09M/41P cargo ship, docked at DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1) Nadir, FE-1 Alexander Kaleri dismantled the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma) between Progress and DC-1. Alexander then attached two handles on the Progress external hatch and installed the electronic LKT local temperature sensor commutator (TA251MB) of the BITS2-12 onboard telemetry measurement system and its PZU-1M ROM (Read Only Memory) in the ship, using recycled boxes from stowage.

FE-2 Oleg Skripochka & FE-4 Dimitri Kondratyev started the lengthy work of unloading 41P, transferring equipment to the ISS and logging moves in the IMS (Inventory Management System). 41P Unloading was also placed on the discretionary US "Job Jar" task list for CDR Scott Kelly, FE-5 Paolo Nespoli & FE-6 Cady Coleman.

Dimitri prepared the FGB and MRM-1 for US cargo transfers from 41P.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "The First ISS Module to Make its 70,000 Orbit".

Zarya Functional Cargo Block of the International Space Station will make its 70,000 fly-around the Earth today.
The jubilee orbit will begin for ISS FGB at 12:26:58 MSK and finish at 13:58:30 MSK, Mission Control Center ballistics service reported.
Zarya was the first brick of the ISS, launched by Proton from Baikonur on Nov. 20, 1998, at 9:40 MSK. In almost 10 min, FGB reached its orbital destination.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

International Partners Discuss Space Station Operations.

The International Space Station partner agencies met Thursday, Feb. 3, by videoconference to discuss coordinating the increased use of the space station as a research laboratory. The agencies want to continue using the station as a test-bed for exploration and find innovative ways to reduce costs while increasing use.

The Multilateral Coordination Board (MCB) meeting included senior representatives from NASA; the Canadian Space Agency (CSA); the European Space Agency (ESA); the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos); and the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). As the senior management board, the MCB meets periodically to ensure coordination of station operations and activities among the partners.

The MCB reaffirmed its commitment to reduce operational costs, develop an integrated transportation plan and maximize return by increasing research aboard the station while developing techniques for future exploration outside Earth's orbit.

The MCB members reviewed ongoing international use of the station as a laboratory for scientific research, technology development and testing and educational activities. In the six months between March and September 2010, the five partner agencies have provided 195 research opportunities on the orbiting outpost for 385 investigators from 29 countries. Increasing the station's use as a unique laboratory is of paramount importance to the international partners. The International Space Station has proven to be an important platform for research in biology and biotechnology, Earth and space science, human physiology, physical science, technology development and education.

The partners also renewed their commitment to use station resources and observation capability to assist in humanitarian needs such as aiding in disaster recovery, tracking oil spills and monitoring climate change.

All of the partners also recognize the station's role in inspiring students around the world to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. More than 30 million students have participated in human spaceflight through communications downlinks and interactive experiments with station astronauts.

The governments of Japan and the Russian Federation have approved continued ISS operations beyond 2016. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 extended operations until at least 2020. ESA and CSA are working with their respective governments to reach consensus about the continuation of the station.

For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
www.nasa.gov

For more information about the CSA, visit:
www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng

For more information about the ESA, visit:
www.esa.int/spaceflight

For more information about Roscosmos, visit:
www.federalspace.ru

For more information about MEXT, visit:
www.mext.go.jp/english

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "US Space Agency Seeks Soyuz Launch Extension to 2017".

The US space agency NASA is interested in seeking an extension until 2017 for its astronauts to be carried into space by Russia's Soyuz capsule, Moscow space officials said Thursday.
Anatoly Perminov, head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, told Echo Moskvy radio of NASA's wish to extend the programme.
The current contract on Soyuz launches for US astronauts runs until 2013, with two launches each scheduled for 2012 and 2013. NASA is to pay Roskosmos 306 million dollars for the four launches.
NASA is to end its legendary Space Shuttle programme this year, after 30 years of service.
After that, the US would have no capacity of its own to carry humans or materials into space, relying instead solely on the Soyuz.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 04/02/2011.

This morning at about 9:45 AM GMT, the ISS (specifically its FGB [Functional Cargo Block] "Zarya" module) completed 70,000 orbits of the Earth, having covered a distance of 2.956 billion kilometers (1.847 billion st. miles) in 4459 days. [The 19,300 kg / 42,600 lbs Zarya ("Dawn") was launched on a Russian Khrunichev Proton from Baikonur on 20/11/1998, as the first element of the multi-national space station.]

 

[orb]

Roscosmos:
Operations and Experiments in the International Space Station (February 7-13, 2011)
:: 05.02.2011

Roscosmos and MCC-M PAO:

February 7, Monday:

• ISS attitude control with USOS CMG assistance
• ATV-2 pre-docking satellite navigation hardware test
• Pre-EVA testing of the Pirs docking compartment and Zvezda transfer compartment control panels
• Pre-EVA testing of the Pirs docking compartment pressure equalization valve
• Shadow-Mayak experimental SW reburning and program testing in RSE1 computer
• Dakon HW transfer and accommodation in Poisk module
• Accommodation of the cargo to be disposed of in Progress M-07M
• ECLSS (Environment Control and Life Support System) maintenance operations
• Space ray research: BTN-Neutron (registration of high-energy neutron flows)
• Study of the physical conditions in the ISS environment: Matreshka-R (study of radiation environment dynamics in the station and improvement of space dosimeter)
• Space bio-technology: Biotrek (study of space radiation heavy particle flows influence on genetic properties of producing cells in biologically active substances), Lactolen (study of the space environment effects on growing, genetic and physiological parameters of the lactolen producent strain)
• Life-science experiments: Biorisk (exposure of the sets with passive samples)
• Geophysics and studies of the near-Earth space: Vsplesk (Splash)(monitoring of the seismic effects in near-Earth space), Uragan (Hurricane) (experimental validation of space and ground system designed for natural and human-caused emergency prediction and focused on mitigation of their effects, as well as development of classification and decoding criteria)
• Technical studies and experiments: Vector-T (development of the ISS motion experimental high-accurate prediction system (on the basis of the GPS-ASN system data)), Bar (validation of the ISS leak detection methods)
• Medical test: evaluation of the hands’ muscles

February 8, Tuesday:

• ISS attitude control with USOS CMG assistance
• ATV-2 pre-docking satellite navigation hardware test
• Monitoring of the environmental micro-ecological status
• Soyuz TMA-M descent OBT
• Charging accumulator batteries of IR-thermometer Kelvin-video for Bar experiment
• Crew pre-EVA training
• Check of the Molniya-Gamma experiment setup
• Accommodation of the cargo to be disposed of in Progress M-07M
• ECLSS maintenance operations
• Space bio-technology: Biotrek, Lactolen
• Study of the physical conditions in the ISS environment: Matreshka-R
• Studies of the Solar system: BTN-Neutron
• Life-science experiments: Biorisk
• Geophysics and studies of the near-Earth space: Vsplesk
• Technical studies and experiments: Vector-T

February 9, Wednesday:

• ISS attitude control handover to RS GNC
• Single-burn ISS reboost assisted by 8 thrusters of Progress M-07M
• ISS attitude control with USOS CMG assistance
• Monitoring of the environmental micro-ecological status
• Crew pre-EVA training
• Accommodation of the cargo to be disposed of in Progress M-07M
• ECLSS maintenance operations
• Space bio-technology: Biotrek, Lactolen
• Study of the physical conditions in the ISS environment: Matreshka-R
• Studies of the Solar system: BTN-Neutron
• Life-science experiments: Biorisk
• Geophysics and studies of the near-Earth space: Vsplesk
• Technical studies and experiments: Vector-T, Identification (refining ISS math model parameters), Izgib (Curve) (registration of the levels in micro-accelerations which are provided by the equipment functioning on-board), Sreda (Environment) (integrated study of the ISS parameters as industrial environment for different research)
• Medical test: evaluation of the cardio-vascular system status upon data under dozed physical loads

February 10, Thursday:

• ISS attitude control with USOS CMG assistance
• Filling Electron water containers
• Pre-EVA processing of the space suits
• Accommodation of the cargo to be disposed of in Progress M-07M
• ECLSS maintenance operations
• Space bio-technology: Biotrek, Lactolen
• Studies of the Solar system: BTN-Neutron
• Life-science experiments: Biorisk
• Study of the physical conditions in the ISS environment: Matreshka-R
• Geophysics and studies of the near-Earth space: Vsplesk
• Medical test: evaluation of the cardio-vascular system status upon data under dozed physical loads

February 11, Friday:

• ISS attitude control with USOS CMG assistance
• Pre-EVA processing of the space suits
• Mounting Progress M-09M docking mechanism
• Reactivation of Progress M-09M
• Removal of the QD-screws in the docking system
• Closure of the Progress M-09M transfer hatches, leak check
• Recording of the Identification experimental results into the laptop
• ECLSS maintenance operations
• Space bio-technology: Biotrek, Lactolen
• Studies of the Solar system: BTN-Neutron
• Life-science experiments: Biorisk, Sprut-2 (study of the liquids in the human body)
• Study of the physical conditions in the ISS environment: Matreshka-R
• Geophysics and studies of the near-Earth space: Vsplesk, Uragan
• Technical studies and experiments: Vector-T

February 12, Saturday:

• ISS attitude control with USOS CMG assistance
• Weekly ISS cleaning
• Crew rest
• ECLSS maintenance operations
• Space bio-technology: Biotrek, Lactolen
• Studies of the Solar system: BTN-Neutron
• Life-science experiments: Biorisk
• Study of the physical conditions in the ISS environment: Matreshka-R
• Geophysics and studies of the near-Earth space: Vsplesk

February 13, Sunday:

• ISS attitude control with USOS CMG assistance
• ECLSS maintenance operations
• Crew rest
• Space bio-technology: Biotrek, Lactolen
• Studies of the Solar system: BTN-Neutron
• Life-science experiments: Biorisk, Sonocard (validation of the medical system by using contactless monitoring of the crew physiological parameters during sleeping time)
• Study of the physical conditions in the ISS environment: Matreshka-R
• Geophysics and studies of the near-Earth space: Vsplesk

Nomenclature and sequence of the operations to be performed may vary depending on real circumstances.

 

[orb]

RIA Novosti: Russian cosmonauts to conduct spacewalk Feb. 16.
________________________________________
Roscosmos:
Kedr to Begin its Space Mission on Feb. 16
:: 08.02.2011

Russian cosmonauts Dmitry Kondratiev and Oleg Skripochka are preparing to conduct another spacewalk scheduled for Feb.16.

The cosmonauts prepare EVA equipment, test control panels in Zvezda and Pirs modules. This week they will go on with consultations and preparations.

This is to be second joint EVA for Kondratiev and Skripochka. During the first EVA of 2011, on Jan. 21, they completed the program successfully 30 min ahead the schedule.

This time, Russian cosmonauts are to launch small spacecraft Kedr developed under the RadioSkaf experiment. The satellite’s 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.

RadioSkaf is implemented in the framework of UNESCO’s student space education program.
________________________________________
Roscosmos:
RSC-Energia Hosted Training Session for Next ISS Crew
:: 07.02.2011

The training sessions under the crew training program for the next Increment of the International Space Station were held at S.P. Korolev Rocket & Space Corporation Energia.

The specialists told Andrew Kuipers and Donald Pettit (ISS-30/31 prime crew) with photo and video equipment available on the ISS Russian Segment, as well as devices and instruments required to perform operations for maintenance and repair both inside and outside the Station.

The astronauts were also trained on operations with the ISS RS docking assembly and multifunctional indicator unit.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 08/02/2011.

FE-1 Alexander Kaleri checked out the newly assembled Russian GFI-17 "Molniya" FOTON-GAMMA experiment, delivered on Progress M-08M/40P for external installation during EVA-28. [GFI-17 "Molniya GAMMA" investigates atmospheric gamma-ray bursts and optical radiation in conditions of thunderstorm activity.]

FE-2 Oleg Skripochka & FE-4 Dimitri Kondratyev had another 3 hours for a joint review of EVA-28 procedures and timeline. [On 16/02, hatch opening is scheduled at ~1:15 PM GMT, hatch closing at ~7:23 PM GMT, for a total spacewalk duration of 6 hours 8 minutes. EVA-28 objectives are: Installation, connection & deployment of the RK-21-8 radiometric system on the URM-D platform on Plane II of SM RO (Work Compartment) LD (Large Diameter); installation & connection of "MOLNIYA-GAMMA" monoblock on URM-D on Plane IV of SM RO LD; removal of "YAKOR" foot restraint ("Ferrozond") on SM RO LD; removal of "KOMPLAST" panels #2 & #10 on FGB; and deployment of the ARISSat "RADIOSKAF-2" nano-satellite. Two items will be jettisoned; three other items (Molniya MLI and cover) will be brought back inside.

In Node 3, FE-6 Cady Coleman worked several hours on the AR (Atmosphere Revitalization) OGS (Oxygen Generation System) to collect recirculation loop samples for subsequent analysis for pH value (which has been of concern for some time). [For the extensive task, Cady first rotated the OGS rack at location Aft 5 (A5) down to gain access for sampling adapter installation, then collected samples and later removed the adapter and rotated the rack up to restore its regular position. Cady & CDR Scott Kelly then used the Fluid Conductivity Meter to analyze the samples for conductivity for its subsequent correlation to pH value.]

In the SA (Descent Module) of Soyuz TMA-01M/24S (#701, docked at MRM-2), Alexander installed new Neptun software in the Neptun-ME crew console (PKSA) and InPU-1 Integrated Control Panel from RS1 laptop, then conducted checkout tests of the new software load and of the connections of the four M4294M Microamperemeter assemblies which he installed on 02/02 at instrument panel locations. Ground specialist tagup provided support. Documentary photography was then taken and downlinked for a tagup with ground specialists. [The new Microammeter installation in 24S provides the backup capability to monitor the control of the vehicle during descent.]

Reboost:
A one-burn reboost of ISS will be performed tomorrow at 9:37 PM GMT using the Progress M-07M/39P DPO rendezvous & docking thrusters. Burn duration will be 4 minutes 12 seconds; delta-V: 0.5 m/s (3.0 ft/s); expected mean altitude increase: 0.9 km (0.5 nmi). The purpose of the reboost is to set up orbit phasing for STS-133/ULF-5 and Soyuz TMA-21/26S.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "About Upcoming ISS Reboost".

In accordance with the International Space Station mission ballistics support program, ISS reboost is scheduled for Feb. 10.
The maneuver is to be assisted by 8 attitude thrusters of the Progress M-07M cargo vehicle attached to the Zvezda instrumentation compartment. The engines will be started at 00:37:30 Moscow time (21:37:30 GMT). Estimated value of the burn is 0.5 mps. After the burn, which is to last 263 sec, the altitude of the station shall become 0.9km higher, or to achieve 352,3 km.
The operation is aimed at providing favourable conditions for further landing of Soyuz TMA-M crew vehicle scheduled for March 16.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

NASA Participates In United Nations Outreach Seminar On The International Space Station.

NASA participated today in a seminar to create awareness among United Nations member states on potential uses of the International Space Station. At the request of the U.N.'s Office for Outer Space Affairs, NASA and its international partner agencies attended the outreach seminar in Vienna.

Representatives from NASA; the Canadian Space Agency; the European Space Agency; the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency; and the Russian Federal Space Agency presented information on their respective capabilities available on the orbiting outpost. They discussed the station's management structure, research facilities, research accomplishments, education outreach activities and mechanisms for cooperation.

"This was an opportunity for NASA and our international partners to share the capabilities of the space station with the international community," said International Space Station Program Scientist Julie Robinson, who presented at the seminar. "Now that the station has shifted from construction to research and technology development, we are working as a partnership to optimize its use as a laboratory."
The seminar was the first activity under the U.N.'s Human Space Technology Initiative, a new program that builds awareness among U.N. member states on the benefits of using human space technology to contribute to international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.

The seminar occurred during the 48th session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS). UNCOPUOS members who participated gained a greater understanding of the space station and its research, utilization and educational opportunities. As a result, countries not currently part of the International Space Station partnership now will be able to assess better the opportunities for collaborative research aboard the station.

For more information on research and technology aboard the International Space Station, visit:
www.nasa.gov/iss-science

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

My latest NASASpaceflight article: International Resupply Vehicles Impact ISS On-Orbit Stowage.

 

[tblaxland]

OnOrbit: Photos: Working Inside the Space Station

There are 4 different shots there, but this one stood out:

NASA astronaut Catherine (Cady) Coleman, Expedition 26 flight engineer, is pictured inside a coil of cable in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. ISS026-E-021187 (27 Jan. 2011)

Who teaches these guys to coil cables? It's not the first time I have seen it on station either. ISS Crew, if you are reading Orbiter-Forum: how to coil cables with zero net-twist :thumbup:

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 09/02/2011.

At ~2:30 PM GMT, CDR Scott Kelly & FE-5 Paolo Nespoli conducted a teleconference with ground specialists to discuss their upcoming tasks of routing and installing coax cabling for the SGANT (Space to Ground ANTenna).

Reboost:
A one-burn reboost of ISS will be performed tonight at 9:37 PM GMT using the Progress M-07M/39P DPO rendezvous & docking thrusters. Burn duration will be 4 minutes 12 seconds; delta-V: 0.5 m/s (3.0 ft/s); expected mean altitude increase: 0.9 km (0.5 nmi). The purpose of the reboost is to set up orbit phasing for STS-133/ULF-5 and Soyuz TMA-21/26S. [Attitude control authority was handed over to US Momentum Management at 7:55 PM GMT and will return to RS MCS (Motion Control System) at ~10:40 PM GMT.]

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Spacewalk From International Space Station Will Air On NASA TV.

Two Russian cosmonauts will step outside the International Space Station on Wednesday, Feb. 16. They will install and retrieve experiments on the Russian segment of the complex and deploy a small ham radio satellite. NASA Television coverage of the spacewalk will begin at 6:45 a.m. CST.

Expedition 26 Flight Engineers Dmitry Kondratyev and Oleg Skripochka, wearing their Russian Orlan spacesuits, will emerge from the Pirs Docking Compartment airlock for the second time in four weeks at about 7:15 a.m.

During the nearly six-hour spacewalk, they will install two experiments. One will collect information useful in seismic forecasts and earthquake predictions, and the second will look at gamma splashes and optical radiation during terrestrial lightning and thunderstorms. The spacewalkers also will retrieve a pair of panels exposed to space as part of an experiment to identify the best materials for building long-duration spacecraft.

The cosmonauts also will deploy an experiment called ARISSat-1, or Radioskaf-V, a boxy 57-pound nanosatellite that houses congratulatory messages commemorating the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's launch to become the first human in space. The ham radio transmitter will enable communications with amateur radio operators around the world for three to six months. It is the first of a series of educational satellites being developed in a partnership with the Radio Amateur Satellite Corp.; the NASA Office of Education International Space Station National Lab Project; the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station working group; and RSC-Energia.

The spacewalk will be the second for Kondratyev, who will wear the spacesuit marked with red stripes, and the third for Skripochka, who will wear the suit with blue stripes.

For more information about the International Space Station and its crew members, visit:
www.nasa.gov/station

For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit:
www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about ham radio on the space station, visit:
www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/reference/radio

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Some fantastic hi-res photos of the SPDM ops. I've been waiting for these!

Hi-res version.

Hi-res version.

Hi-res version.

Some great views of the failed PM on the POA in these last two.

Hi-res version.

Hi-res version.