Updates ISS UPDATES

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NASA:
Space Station Team Undertakes 'EPIC' Event

Jan. 4, 2012

Anyone who has ever been involved in a computer upgrade knows that they can be complicated, and that you have to take your time, be careful, and go step-by-step if you want to be successful.

That’s exactly what the Expedition 30 crew and International Space Station team in Mission Control are doing as they install a set of Enhanced Processor and Integrated Communications (EPIC) computer cards in the seven primary computers on the station.

EPIC is the shorthand name the team is using to describe this upgrade of the main processor cards. The seven computers, which are formally called Multiplexer/Demultiplexers, are used for Guidance, Navigation, & Control; Command and Control; and Payload, or experiment, control. The new cards have faster processors, more memory, and an Ethernet connection for data output. Astronauts use laptop computers to control station systems through these main computers.

In addition to the hardware upgrade, the crew and ground teams are also updating the station’s software to what is known as Command and Control Software Revision 10 (X2 R10).

The upgrade is enabling the operation of more controlled experiments at one time, which will help maximize the research capacity of the multinational laboratory as it continues to operate until at least 2020. Under the old hardware and software setup, approximately 12 different experiments could be operated at one time. The upgrade will support more than 25 simultaneous experiments, which meets the ground team’s support capability given existing staffing levels.

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Expedition 30 Flight Engineer Don Pettit, working in chorus with the International Space Station team in Houston’s Mission Control Center, inspects hardware as he installs a set of Enhanced Processor and Integrated Communications (EPIC) computer cards in one of seven primary computers onboard.

Credit: NASA TV​

|Working in chorus with the International Space Station team in Houston’s Mission Control Center, this astronaut and his Expedition 30 crewmates on the station install a set of Enhanced Processor and Integrated Communications (EPIC) computer cards in one of seven primary computers onboard. The upgrade will allow more experiments to operate simultaneously, and prepare for the arrival of commercial cargo ships later this year.

Credit: NASA​

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The upgrade also is needed to support operations for upcoming commercial visiting vehicles, such as the SpaceX resupply ship Dragon that is scheduled to launch Feb. 7. The upgrade affects communications between the station and visiting vehicles, including robotic arm and Common Berthing Mechanism operations on the ports that the vehicles will be connected to when they arrive, allowing the crew to transfer their contents inside.

The EPIC process included an additional level of complexity, because last fall NASA discovered problems on several EPIC cards on Earth. As a result, the crew had to go through an additional step of testing each card before installation. The good news: all of the suspect cards passed.

The EPIC upgrade is occurring in two phases, with Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank and Flight Engineer Don Pettit doing the majority of the work on orbit.

The first involves upgrading the three Command and Control and the two Guidance, Navigation and Control computers. This phase began during the last week of December and should be completed by January 7. So far, all installed cards are performing well.

In the second phase, the team will upgrade the two Payload computers and add Ethernet support for the Command and Control and Payload computers. This Ethernet support will provide a faster path for data being downlinked to Earth and will be completed before Expedition 30 ends.

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[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 05/01/2012.

CDR Dan Burbank & FE-6 Don Pettit spent most of their work day with remaining EPIC (Enhanced Processor & Integrated Communications) transition activities, today upgrading the last 2 MDMs (Multiplexer/Demultiplexer) computers with the EPIC card and supporting the upgrade by the ground of associated PCSs (Portable Computer System) laptops with patches. [In the Lab, GNC-1 (Guidance, Navigation & Control-1) and C&C-3 (Command & Control-3) MDMs were upgraded with the new EPIC card. Afterwards, GNC-1 was left in Backup and C&C 3 MDM in Standby, with the station now no longer one GNC MDM failure away from a Loss of ISS Attitude Control. Next, Non-EPIC PCS laptops were connected on MCC-H Go, including return of the temp stowed Non-EPIC PCS laptops to the A/L (Airlock) and Node 3 and their connecting for receiving their EPIC patches. When finished, there is an extra patch that will be deployed on all PCSs to complete the transition.]

 

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SPACE.com: Space Station Astronauts Answer SPACE.com Readers' Questions

 

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Orbinaut Pete's new article about ISS -

NASASpaceflight: ISS performs hardware and software upgrades to support inaugural Dragon visit​

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 11/01/2012.

CDR Dan Burbank worked several hours installing the spare CUCU (COTS UHF Communications Unit) into ER-6 (ExPrESS Rack-6) in support of an upcoming software update. [Activities included gathering the spare CUCU, removing a currently-installed stowage locker, installing the spare CUCU and restowing the removed locker.]

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 12/01/2012.

Note:
The ARED (Advanced Resistive Exercise Device) has been declared No Go due to a load jump issue (perhaps due to the load crank handle, the ball screw or the ball nut) and has been replaced with other exercise equipment for today while an exercise strategy is developed. There are Athletic Exercise Bands on orbit that can be used at the crew’s discretion during their ARED exercise time. For the longer term, the ASCRs/Exercise Specialists will be evaluating a more structured approach for using these exercise bands, depending on how long it takes to get ARED operational again.

Conjunction Alert:
Flight Controllers are tracking a conjunction with Object 34984 (Iridium 33 Debris) with two TCAs (Times of Closest Approach) at Friday, 01/13, at 6:38 PM GMT, and 8:10 PM GMT. This object is exhibiting a decay rate approximately 50 times that of ISS which leads to a rather large uncertainty in its predicted position at TCA as well as being sensitive to small changes in the predicted atmospheric density due to solar activity between now and TCA. Solar activity is expected to be quiet with a possibility of increasing to unsettled or even active conditions over the next 24-48 hours. The PC (Probability of Collision) is currently YELLOW. Due to the PC, the late-notification aspect of these conjunctions and the debris’ sensitivity to small changes in atmospheric conditions, Controllers are logging this conjunction as a high-concern level for now and is actively planning a DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) with an estimated TIG (Time of Ignition) of 4:20 PM GMT on Friday.

 

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Conjunction Alert:
Flight Controllers are tracking a conjunction with Object 34984 (Iridium 33 Debris) with two TCAs (Times of Closest Approach) at Friday, 01/13, at 6:38 PM GMT, and 8:10 PM GMT. {...} Due to the PC, the late-notification aspect of these conjunctions and the debris’ sensitivity to small changes in atmospheric conditions, Controllers are logging this conjunction as a high-concern level for now and is actively planning a DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) with an estimated TIG (Time of Ignition) of 4:20 PM GMT on Friday.

Universe Today: ISS Will do Manuever Friday to Avoid Collision with Satellite Debris:

The thrusters on the Zvezda service module are planned to burn at 1610 UTC (11:10 a.m. EST) on Friday.

Florida Today - The Flame Trench: Station Poised To Dodge Space Junk

 

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Florida Today - The Flame Trench: Space station dodges satellite debris

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 13/01/2012.

With the video camcorder set up to view activities, CDR Dan Burbank retrieved the Amine Swingbed hardware from the PMM (Permanent Multipurpose Module) and connected the previously assembled hardware outside of ER-8 (ExPrESS Rack-8). Other steps for Dan included connecting the VES/VRS (Vacuum Exhaust System / Vacuum Resource System) jumper, opening the manual vacuum valve in support of POIC to perform the evacuation, checking visually for loose beads, and other activities after the vacuum check. [The hardware consists of the Amine Swingbed, Controller with Vacuum Line, Amine Swingbed Mounting Plate, Amine Swingbed Mounting Hardware, Strain Relief Mounting Hardware, Electrostatic Symbol Decal and other items needed for assembly.

Conjunction Update:
After tracking updates on the conjunction with Object 34984 (Iridium 33 Debris) indicated a PC (Probability of Collision) with a risk remaining above the Red threshold, the station performed a DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) with the SM main engine at 4:10 PM GMT of 0.85 m/s delta-V. Phasing impacts of this maneuver have been evaluated, and it was confirmed that the prime and backup launch phasing constraints are being met for Progress M-14M/46P launch/docking on 01/25 & 01/27, respectively. As a result, this DAM replaces the ISS reboost that had been planned for 01/18.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 14/01/2012.

ISS Reboost Update:
A one-burn reboost of the ISS was performed yesterday as planned at 4:10 PM GMT using the two KD engines of the SM’s ODU (Integrated Propulsion System) for a burn duration of 54 sec, achieving a Delta-V of 0.85 m/s (planned: 0.85 m/s), increasing mean altitude by 1.47 km (planned: 1.5 km). After the burn, ISS was at 391.3 km mean altitude, with 400.4 km apogee height and 382.1 perigee height. The purpose of the reboost was a DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver), to avoid a conjunction with Object 34984, and to set up phasing for the Progress M-14M/46P launch on 01/25. This DAM replaces the reboost that had been planned for 01/18.

JAXA Marangoni Experiment:
This weekend, JAXA will perform the Marangoni Experiment each night on 01/14 & 01/15, and a "LONG" liquid bridge will be developed on 01/15. At 11:00 PM-5:00 AM GMT, the crew should pay scrupulous attention to not to generate disturbances since taller liquid bridges are much more sensitive to g-jitter. This is the 24th and 25th of 28 planned runs in Increment 29/30.

 

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Universe Today: A Space Moonrise (and the PromISSe of a New Future)

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 16/01/2012.

CDR Dan Burbank began the initial deployment of the R14 software in PCS (Portable Computer System) laptops, first installing 2 PCS R14 HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), then waiting until C&C MDM (Command & Control | Multiplexer/Demultiplexer) transition was performed by the ground, and finally installing, on MCC-Houston Go, the 5 remaining PCS R14 HDDs. All old R13 HDDs were stowed. [C&C reconfiguration, PCS patch installations, etc. were later conducted by the ground.]

 

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SPACE.com: Next Space Station Crew Confident in Russian Rocket Safety

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 17/01/2012.

X2R11 Upgrade:
Yesterday, the upgrade of all seven PCSs (Portable Computer System) laptops to Version R14 and their reconnection went without issues. All PCSs were then updated by the ground with the latest patches. This completed the X2R11 Day 2 tasks. Today, ground controllers are loading INTSYS R7 to the INT MDMs and the Standby C&C MDM (C&C-2) with CCS R11 and MSS 7.1, completing Phase 1 of the X2R11 transition. Phase 2 of the X2R11 transition is planned to begin on 01/29/12, after Progress M-14M/46P docking.

 

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NASA:
RELEASE : 12-023
NASA TV Covers Space Station Cargo Ship Launch and Arrival

Jan. 19, 2012

HOUSTON -- NASA Television will provide live coverage of the launch and docking of the next spacecraft to resupply the International Space Station.

Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank of NASA and his five crewmates will be standing by as the unpiloted Russian ISS Progress 46 resupply craft launches Wednesday, Jan. 25, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, to deliver almost three tons of food, fuel and supplies to the complex.

The new Progress craft is scheduled to launch at 5:06 p.m. CST on Jan. 25 (5:06 a.m. Baikonur time Jan. 26). NASA TV coverage will begin at 4:45 p.m.

Two days later, on Friday, Jan. 27, the Progress 46 will automatically dock to the Pirs Docking Compartment at 6:08 p.m. NASA TV coverage of the new Progress' arrival at the station will begin at 5:30 p.m.

An older Progress resupply ship currently at the Pirs docking port will undock on Monday, Jan. 23, to make room for the new cargo ship. The undocking of Progress 45 will not be broadcast live.

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[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 19/01/2012.

CDR Dan Burbank spent several hours on updating the spare CUCU (COTS UHF Communications Unit) which he had installed in ER-6 (ExPrESS Rack-6) on 01/11. [Telemetry contention prevented the ground from completing the post-update ground checkout of the Spare CUCU and subsequent reconfig back to the Primary CUCU today. The software update config gear is being cleaned up by the ground, and both CUCUs are left powered off overnight for finishing up the final checkouts and reconfig tomorrow afternoon. Final config will leave the Prime CUCU powered on for continued performance characterization by SpaceX.]

FE-1 Anton Shkaplerov activated the Progress M-13M/45P cargo ship. Closure of the DC-1/SU transfer hatch was to be completed later before sleeptime upon TsUP-Moscow Go.

Anatoly & Anton prepared for the deployment of the GFI-28 Chibis-M MIKROSPUTNIK from Progress 45P after undocking by readying the Progress StA docking ring and installing the TPK transport launch container with the MS Microsatellite on StA. [45P will undock from ISS on 01/23 with Chibis deploy a day later on 01/24.]

STP-H3 (Space Test Program-Houston 3) Inspection:
Yesterday, controllers successfully translated the MT (Mobile Transporter) from WS-2 (Worksite-2) to WS-7 and successfully retrieved the SPDM (Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator) from the MBS PDGF-2 (Mobile Base System | Power & Data Grapple Fixture-2). During the operation, MT translation was automatically aborted at WS-7 when one of the microswitches that indicate whether the MT is properly positioned at the worksite did not transition as expected. This has happened before. The remainder of the translation was nominal and occurred within thermal limits. Today, the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) with SPDM successfully inspected the STP-H3 payload. The SPDM was successfully returned to MBS PDGF-2. Later today, the MT was translated from WS-2 to WS04. Tomorrow the SSRMS will walk off to the Node 2 PDGF in support of upcoming operations associated with the SpaceX Demo flight.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 20/01/2012.

CDR Dan Burbank continued the troubleshooting of the failed ARED (Advanced Resistive Exercise Device), today creating a temporary fix for the Crank Handle Locking Pin to prevent the loads from spinning down so that ARED can be used for exercise. [Spare parts for a permanent fix are to arrive on Progress M-14M/46P. For the temporary fix Dan inserted a fastener into the Crank Handle and secured it with Velcro. The installed fastener will interface with the Crank Handle locking mechanism and prevent it from spinning down.]

Oleg Kononenko joined with Anton Shkaplerov to prepare Progress M-13M/45P for undocking, by depressurizing the GRO cargo compartment of the spacecraft to vacuum (a nonstandard procedure), in two steps: first to ~550 mmHg, followed by a leak check, then partially depressing the SO-SU transfer vestibule for another leak check, and finally completing the evacuation. The protective window shutters in Lab, Cupola & JPM were closed beforehand by Andre Kuipers. [For the depressurization, ISS maneuvered to a specific attitude, for which attitude authority was handed over to RS MCS (Russian Segment | Motion Control System) thrusters at ~7:50 PM GMT, to be returned to US Momentum Management CMGs (Control Moment Gyroscopes) at ~1:10 AM GMT.]

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 21/01/2012.

Weekly Science Update (Expedition Thirty/Thirty-One -- Week 18).

STP-H3 (Space Test Program – Houston 3): The STP-H3 video survey using the SSRMS/SPDM was performed on 01/19. The survey revealed that the VADER VED3 has been damaged. A picture of the damaged VED is included on the STP-H3 tab, linked below. The VADER PD will analyze the video to determine the probable cause(s) of the damage. Also the STP-H3 thermal and voltage telemetry from the Serial Interface Unit (SIU) are currently off nominal and the SIU reset has not been performed since other temperature telemetry is in the Science data downlink. An investigation is in progress on the conditions that might cause this SIU condition and the SIU may be reset in the next few weeks. MHTEX is repriming in preparation for further testing. Canary plans to collect data during the 45P propellant purge. VADER is continuing lifetime testing of the VEDs at a reduced cycle rate. DISC has taken more imagery this week and is processing images that were taken in previous weeks.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 22/01/2012.

With the Robotics survey of the STP-H3 (Space Test Program - Houston 3) external payload completed on 01/19 and the MT (Mobile Transporter) translated back to WS-4 (Worksite-4), today the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) was walked off the MBS (Mobile Base System) to the Node 2 PDGF (Power & Data Grapple Fixture) by ground commanding for CDR Dan Burbank to take photographs of the LEE A (Latching End Effector A) on the arm. [At least one of three photo opportunities was to be used for the ground to inspect the snare wires.]