Updates ISS UPDATES

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ESA: André’s PromISSe mission extended on Space Station:

28 February 2012

ESA astronaut André Kuipers will stay on the International Space Station for more than a month longer than originally planned. In addition to his normal routine he will spend some of the extra time conducting scientific experiments.

The Station partners have agreed that this expedition will be prolonged following a delay in the launch of the next Soyuz crew ferry.

Routine testing revealed problems in the original Soyuz spacecraft, requiring that it be replaced. The new date for André and his crewmates to return to Earth is 1 July – he will now stay on the Space Station for over six months.

The extra time André has in space does not mean he will have time for extra work because the science and maintenance activities continue regardless of which astronaut is available to do the job.

Owing to the delay, the Space Station will operate with only three crewmembers for a longer period than originally planned.

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[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 28/02/2012.

Working on the Lab MWA WSA (Maintenance Work Area | Work Surface Area), CDR Dan Burbank had ~4h 10m set aside for installing the EPIC (Enhanced Processor & Integrated Communications) upgrade on the PL-2 (Payload-2) MDM (Multiplexer/Demultiplexer) computer, replacing the EIOCU cards. [Activities included removing the MDM from the AV-3 (Avionics-3) Rack, installing the new EPIC card, Ethernet Cable, and MDM front cover, and replacing the MDM into the AV-3 Rack. The upgrade of PL-1 MDM will follow tomorrow (2/29), after PL-2 has been promoted to primary. Also tomorrow, patches will be loaded to the PCS (Portable Computer System) laptops. On 3/1, the PMM (Permanent Multipurpose Module) MDM software will be upgraded to version 1.3. Since there is only one PMM MDM, the PMM will be briefly deactivated during the software transition.]

Conjunction Update:
The two conjunctions with Object 28471 (Chinese CZ-4B rocket body) has now been reduced to one in the FD (Flight Director) notification box: tomorrow (Wednesday) at a TCA (Time of Closest Approach) of 12:41 AM GMT. The prior ISS reboost tomorrow will provide separation from the object in excess of FR (Flight Rule) requirements.

ISS Reboost:
A one-burn reboost of the ISS will be performed tomorrow at 10:12 AM GMT using the two KD engines of the SM's (Service Module's) ODU (Integrated Propulsion System) for a burn duration of 1m 16s and a planned Delta-V of 1.2 m/s, increasing mean altitude by 2.11 km. The purpose of the reboost is to set up proper phasing for Progress M-15M/47P launch, Soyuz TMA-22/28S undock/landing & Soyuz TMA-04M/30S launch.

 

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RIA Novosti: Space Station Orbit Readjusted for Progress Docking


Current parameters of ISS' orbit, after the reboost:

• PeA: 383.52 kilometers;
• ApA: 420.91 kilometers;
• T: 92.32 minutes;
• Inc: 51.66 degrees.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 29/02/2012.

CDR Dan Burbank had ~4 hrs for continuing his upgrading of MDM (Multiplexer/Demultiplexer) computers and PCS (Portable Computer System) laptops, today installing the EPIC (Enhanced Processor & Integrated Communications) hardware in the PL-1 (Payload-1) MDM, replacing the old EIOCU cards, after the PL-2 MDM, upgraded yesterday, was promoted to primary. [Activities included removing the MDM from the AV-3 (Avionics-3) Rack, installing the new EPIC card, Ethernet Cable, and MDM front cover, and replacing the MDM into the AV-3 Rack. Tomorrow (3/1), the PMM (Permanent Multipurpose Module) MDM software will be upgraded to version 1.3. Since there is only one PMM MDM, the PMM will be briefly deactivated during the software transition.]

Preparatory to the planned launch of more Russian Luch (Altair) communications satellites, Oleg Kononenko used the FSH3 spectrum analyzer to take measurements of Lira antenna feeder parameters, supported by ground specialist tagup. [The Lira system is a two-way communication system between the ISS RS and TsUP Mission Control via the Russian Luch relay satellite system (when it is complete). The RS comm subsystem can receive commands directly from RGS (Russian Ground Station) through the Regul subsystem and can receive commands from the Luch satellite through Lira or Regul. Efforts are underway to rebuilt the Luch relay satellite system after many years of funds-related absence. Luch-5A was successfully launched on a Proton on 12/11/2011. Luch-5B & Luch 4 are scheduled for launch this year and 2013. This should provide the RS with 45 minutes of coverage per orbit via Lira and Regul.]

ISS Reboost Update:
A one-burn reboost of the ISS was performed this morning as planned at 10:12 AM GMT using the two KD engines of the SM's ODU (Integrated Propulsion System) for a burn duration of 76 sec, achieving a Delta-V of 1.24 m/s (planned: 1.2 m/s), increasing mean altitude by 2.1 km (planned: 2.0 km). After the burn, ISS was at 391.31 km mean altitude, with 408.9 km apogee height and 373.7 perigee height. The purpose of the reboost was a DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver), to avoid two conjunctions with Object 28471 (CZ-4B rocket body), and to set up proper phasing for Progress M-15M/47P launch, Soyuz TMA-22/28S undock/landing & Soyuz TMA-04M/30S launch.

 

[orb]

Spaceflight Now:

• Canada announces support for space station extension
  
  
• What is the International Space Station's weakest link?

 

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NASA: RELEASE : 12-066 - International Space Station Heads of Agencies Joint Statement:

March 1, 2012

WASHINGTON -- The heads of the International Space Station (ISS) agencies from Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and the United States met in Quebec City, Canada, on March 1, 2012, to review the scientific, technological, and social benefits being produced through their collaboration, and to discuss plans for further broadening these benefits by continuing to advance the human exploration of space.

In reviewing the history of ISS development and the recent transition to a productive research and applications phase, three major areas of success were discussed: the historic engineering achievements, the unprecedented international partnership, and the ongoing progress being made through science. The heads noted that human exploration of space continues to yield valuable benefits to society and is strengthening partnerships among space-faring nations.

The heads also recognized the new opportunities for discovery made possible by maximizing the research capabilities of the ISS, as well as the growth in commercial endeavors and positive educational impact brought about by this permanent human presence in space. Biology, biotechnology, and human physiology research are producing new insights into human health on Earth with the development of promising applications supporting future medical therapies. Also a wide range of fluids and materials research yields a promising way for better and smarter materials and production processes on Earth. Observations captured from the ISS in the fields of x-ray astronomy, high-energy particle physics, and Earth remote sensing hint at discoveries to come as the ISS is increasingly used as a platform for the installation and operation of a wide variety of instruments supporting Earth and Space Sciences. Technology demonstrations in environmental control, robotic servicing, and advanced telecommunications and teleoperations are making it possible to eventually further extend human presence in space and continue to broaden improvements to the quality of life on Earth.

Recognizing the inspirational nature of the ISS as a human-tended outpost in space, the agency leaders applauded its strong role in motivating young people around the world to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. More than 40 million students have participated in human spaceflight to date through communications downlinks and interactive experiments with station crew members.

Highlighting the continued growth in the international user community, the first biannual “International Space Station Utilization Statistics” was released. The partnership also published “International Space Station Benefits for Humanity,” illustrating specific successful humanitarian accomplishments in education, human health, Earth observation and disaster response that will improve the lives of many throughout the world.

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[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 01/03/2012.

MT Translation:
Tonight/tomorrow during the 2-hr period of 11:40 PM-1:40 AM GMT, the MT (Mobile Transporter) with the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) will be moved from WS5 (Worksite 5) to WS2 by Robotics ground control in preparation for next week's ground-controlled RRM (Robotics Refuelling Mission). For the translation, Russian thrusters will be temporarily disabled from 11:40 PM-1:40 AM GMT for load relief.

 

[orb]

Parabolic Arc: Canadian Government Renews ISS Commitment, Introduces Two New Space Projects

 

[orb]

Parabolic Arc: ABB Canada Welcomes Government’s Commitment to ISS


JAXA Press Release: Public Release of Observation Data of the Superconducting Submillimeter-Wave Limb-Emission Sounder (SMILES) aboard Japanese Experiment Module “KIBO” on the International Space Station


Parabolic Arc: Will China, India Join International Space Station Partnership?

 

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NASA:
MEDIA ADVISORY : M12-037
NASA Holds Briefings To Preview Space Station Expeditions

Mar. 05, 2012

HOUSTON -- NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston will hold two briefings Tuesday, March 20, to preview the upcoming International Space Station Expedition 32 and 33 missions. NASA Television and the agency's website will broadcast the briefings live.

At 11 a.m. CDT, the International Space Station Program and Science Overview Briefing will cover mission priorities and objectives, which include hundreds of research experiments, a Russian spacewalk, international and commercial cargo deliveries to the complex, and a commercial cargo demonstration flight.

The briefing participants include:

• Michael Suffredini, International Space Station Program manager
• Dina Contella, Expedition 32 lead flight director
• Tara Ruttley, associate International Space Station Program scientist

At 1 p.m., Expedition 32/33 crew members Sunita Williams of NASA, Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Yuri Malenchenko of the Russian Federal Space Agency will discuss their mission. They are set to launch to the space station aboard the Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft July 15 and return to Earth in November.

Williams, Hoshide and Malenchenko are three of the six crew members comprising Expeditions 32 and 33. When they arrive at the station, they will join NASA astronaut Joseph Acaba, and Russian cosmonauts Gennady Padalka and Sergei Revin.

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RIA Novosti: Russia Unveils Android for Space Missions:

Russia has built a space android to work in orbit, its first space robot in more than two decades, Izvestia daily said on Tuesday.

The robot, S-400, can perform simple tasks such as screwing bolts and searching the spacecraft for damage.

It will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) within two years' time, and will also be joining future missions to the Moon and Mars, the paper said.

Cosmonaut Sergei Avdeyev said S-400's trip to the ISS will be a "test" before "more interesting tasks."

Oleg Saprykin, a senior official at Russia's space agency Roscosmos, said S-400 was the country's "first step towards a robot cosmonaut."

"Manipulators were designed for [the Soviet space shuttle] Buran and the Mir space station, but they did not get into space in the end," Saprykin told Izvestia.

Andrei Nosov, an engineer at the firm which made S-400, said the robot would be able to send tactile sensations to an operator down on Earth.

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Parabolic Arc: Dextre to Begin Robotic Refueling Mission Today

 

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NASA: Robotic Refueling Mission Begins With Space Station Robotics

Aviation Week: Dextre Demos Satellite Refueling

Parabolic Arc: CSA Extends MDA Contract for ISS Support

 

[orb]

The crew aboard the International Space Station try out a novel new
design in microgravity teacup technology.


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z67aR-QgfE"]Thin Film Physics - YouTube[/ame]
NASA astronaut Don Pettit examines the behavior of thin films of water
aboard the International Space Station. Distributed as part of a
collaboration between NASA and the American Physical Society.​

 

[Donamy]

Zero-g really wreaks havoc on you sinus' doesn't it ?

 

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Parabolic Arc: Dextre’s Log: Robotic Refueling Mission Day 1

Aviation Week: ISS Team Conducts Sat Refueling Demonstration

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 08/03/2012.

RRM Update:
Yesterday, the Robotic Refueling Mission began its ground-commanded demonstration of satellite servicing (refueling & repairing) capabilities using SSRMS with SPDM (Space Station Remote Manipulator System w/Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator) and GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center)-provided tools and task boards. During yesterday’s activities, SPDM successfully unstowed and operated the SCT (Safety Cap Tool), the WCT (Wire Cutter Tool) and the MFT (Multi-Function Tool) for their functional checkout. The SPDM body was then maneuvered to position for wire cutting and launch lock release operations on the RRM top (port facing) panel. These initial tasks continue through Friday. RRM will perform several demonstration operations over the next couple of years. Remote satellite servicing is finally getting underway!

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 09/03/2012.

RRM Update:
The Robotic Refueling Mission will conclude its ground-commanded demonstration of satellite servicing (refueling & repairing) capabilities overnight, using SSRMS with SPDM (Space Station Remote Manipulator System w/Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator) and GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center)-provided tools and task boards. During yesterday’s activities, SPDM successfully released all seven launch locks on the four MFT (Multifunction Tool) adapter receptacles, using the MFT’s hexagonal interface via commands from the OTCM (ORU Tool Changeout Mechanism). The next major step was to cut the lockwires on the Ambient Cap and T-Valve on the CVP (Coolant Valve Panel) with the WCT (Wire Cutter Tool). The WTC and MFTs are to be stowed tonight. RS thruster firings will be disabled for load reasons from 4:20 AM to 10:40 AM GMT tomorrow morning. RRM will perform several demonstration operations over the next couple of years.

 

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Another great article by Orbinaut Pete:

NASASpaceflight: Dextre and RRM complete record breaking week of robotics on ISS

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 13/03/2012.

FE-6 Don Pettit had several hours set aside for more testing activities of Robonaut, covered by cabin video for ground monitoring in near real-time from Node 2. Don installed a heat sink in both forearms of the manikin, and the ground then took over to put Robonaut in its Ready Pose and run sign language scripts for Robonaut’s arms, hands and fingers. At the end, Pettit and Robonaut shook hands. [After fixing a loose connector of the motion stop function, Don installed Robonaut and supporting hardware at the Lab P2 seat track location, made the necessary cable connections, powered on the hardware, activated Robonaut GUI (Graphic User Interface) and telnet windows and verified configuration readiness for ground take-over. Later, FE-6 held the Motion Stop while the ground executed the script to bring Robonaut to Stow Pose, and subsequently disassembled the equipment. Note: Robonaut powered operations should not exceed 5 hrs due to a touch temperature constraint.]

 

[IronRain]

Robonaut 2 Speaks Sign Language

Robonaut 2 goes through a series of dexterity tests as it spells out "Hello world" in sign language while Flight Engineer Don Pettit looks on.