Updates ISS UPDATES

[orb]

Lots of PR silliness with the Kedr, which somehow lost one antenna...

Although with damaged one antenna, Kedr is functioning properly. Roscosmos confirms that there have been already 19 signals acknowledged on the ground. (Source: Roscosmos - in Russian)

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 03/08/2011.

Hurricane/BCC Planning:
With the opening of hurricane season, BCC (Backup Control Center) planning has been conducted for the case of JSC/MCC-Houston closure (as happened during Hurricane Ike in September 2008). BCC and BAT (BCC Advisory Team), which will have different FCTs (Flight Control Teams), are not tied to MCC-H; all communications are routed through MSFC/Huntsville. Action starts at Level 4 (= threat within 72 hrs), with BAT in control of ISS/USOS operations approximately 4 hrs before JSC is at Level 2 (= threat within 36 hrs). IMMT (ISS Mission Management Team) members will be notified when JSC goes to Level 4, and also if JSC closes down at Level 2 and ops are handed over to BAT. IMMT meetings will be conducted during BCC ops.

RPCM R&R Preparations:
Last night, ground controllers successfully installed the CTC (Cargo Transportation Container) on the SPDM EOTP (Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator | Enhanced ORU Temporary Platform). The SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) is currently in a park configuration with the CTC (containing 5 spare RPCMs) on EOTP side 1 and RRM (Robotic Refuelling Mission) on EOTP side 2. The ops originally scheduled for last night to prepare for the RPCM R&R (Remote Power Controller Module | Removal & Replacement) will be rescheduled for later this week or next week. Checkout of the CTC still needs to be completed prior to the RPCM R&R (which is currently planned for 08/15 & 08/16).

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 04/08/2011.

In final close-out activities after the EVA-29 spacewalk, CDR Andrey Borisenko worked at the SM (Service Module) Aft port to re-integrate the Progress M-11M/43P (#411) cargo ship, docked at the port, with the ISS by:

• Conducting a leak check on the SM/43P vestibule.
• Opening the SM/SU & SU/43P hatches and installing the QD (Quick Disconnect) screw clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer mechanism (SSVP) to rigidize the coupling.
• Deactivating the cargo ship.
• Installing the ventilation/heating air duct.
• Dismantling the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma) between the cargo ship and the SM.

FE-3 Ron Garan & FE-5 Satoshi Furukawa joined up for Day 3 of the JEM RMS SFA (Japanese Experiment Module | Remote Manipulator System | Small Fine Arm) functional checkout. With MPEG-2 (Moving Pictures Expert Group-2) encoder set up to transmit monitor views, FE-5 & FE-3 activated the RLT (Robotics Laptop), CCP (Camera Control Panel) and RMS Monitors and then went through today's final checkout maneuvers. [Steps included configuring proper switch settings, activating & starting the JEM RMS ABM (Arm Bus Monitor), maneuvering SFA to the Joint Zeroing Start Position by Joint OCAS (Operator Commanded Auto Sequence) mode. Next came joint angle zeroing, so that accurate encoder values of the (absolute) joint angles can be monitored, maneuvering MA (Main Arm) with SFA to the SFA Function Checkout position, performing the final checkout, then steering MA with SFA to Pre-Berth Position at the SSE (SFA Stowage Equipment). All equipment was then powered down by Satoshi, including the MPEG video system. Berthing/installation of the SFA in the SSE is scheduled tomorrow (08/05).]

Solar Particle Event:
Early this morning, at ~5:00 AM GMT, an ESPE (Energetic Solar Particle Event) occurred which is resulting in higher dose rates at brief time intervals today and tomorrow. Proton levels are above alert condition thresholds, but not high enough to require crew intervention. Recent passes through the high geomagnetic latitudes, where radiation is enhanced, have not resulted in a perceptible increase in onboard dose as measured by the TEPC (Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter).

RS Thrusters Inhibit:
Russian attitude thrusters were inhibited from 1:40 PM - 6:20 PM GMT for Progress M-11M/43P hatch opening (clamps installation) and JEM RMS SFA operations.

 

[orb]

Upcoming Expedition 29/30 cosmo/astro-nauts are training spacewalking in Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center:

(Source: Roscosmos: В Центре подготовки космонавтов (ЦПК) им. Ю.А.Гагарина завершается предполетная подготовка экипажа 29/30 экспедиции на Международную космическую станцию)

 

[Wishbone]

Any shots from Mr.Furukawa playing Lego?

Working in the USOS (US Segment), Satoshi Furukawa gathered the Lego equipment & guide book and then performed the education experiment “Lego Brick Building”, while Ron Garan used the HD video camcorder to record the activity for downlink to SSIPC (Space Station Integration & Promotion Center)/Tsukuba. Completion of the Lego Brick activity was deferred.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 05/08/2011.

FE-3 Ron Garan & FE-5 Satoshi Furukawa joined up for Day 4 of the JEM RMS SFA (Japanese Experiment Module | Remote Manipulator System | Small Fine Arm) functional checkout. With MPEG-2 (Moving Pictures Expert Group-2) encoder set up to transmit monitor views, Satoshi & Ron activated the RLT (Robotics Laptop), CCP (Camera Control Panel) and RMS Monitors and then went through today's final checkout maneuvers. [Steps included configuring proper switch settings, activating & starting the JEM RMS ABM (Arm Bus Monitor), maneuvering SFA to the SSE (SFA Stowage Equipment) Approach Position, installing the SFA on SSE, closing SSE Latching Arm for SFA capture and maneuvering to and grappling Tool Fixture 2 on SSE. The final steps, ungrappling SFA after "limping" the joint and moving JEM RMS to Stowed Position, were deferred. Satoshi then copied ABM data to SSC using USB memory stick and then deactivated ABM, disconnect power cables from UOP (Utility Outlet Panel) b2 J3 and RLT3 for reconnection to PLT2. All equipment was then powered down, including the MPEG video system.]

RS Thrusters Inhibit:
Russian attitude thrusters were inhibited from 9:00 AM – 10:05 AM GMT for the JEM RMS SFA operations.

 

[orb]

SPACE.com: Why Doesn't the International Space Station Have a Name?

 

[Capt_hensley]

It's called "Alpha", Found that in a NASA document somewhere, it's a throwback from the Space Station Freedom days. It's also the official call sign. Would someone check me on this?

 

[liber]

It's called "Alpha", Found that in a NASA document somewhere, it's a throwback from the Space Station Freedom days. It's also the official call sign. Would someone check me on this?

Freedom or alpha.

http://www.worldspaceflight.com/iss/

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 10/08/2011.

FE-6 Mike Fossum inspected the WHC COT (Waste & Hygiene Compartment / Wring Collector), particularly its T-Adapter A8T connection and Pump Separator Vent Port. [Purpose: to ascertain if the amount of PT (Pre-Treat) fluid in the COT has changed since yesterday. If not, WHC continues to be Go for use. This late-added activity replaced the originally scheduled completion of the UMS (Urine Monitoring System) validation, which was postponed after several trips of the UMS circuit breaker. Near the time these trips were occurring, the WHC went down. A small amount of Pre-Treat solution was seen at the bottom of the COT. Once the WHC was verified as functional once again, the crew was given a Go to use it overnight. Today's COT check for possible additional PT was to provide data on any possible degradation of the pump separator (which had failed in 2010 in similar fashion).].

Working in the Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module) and JLP (JEM Logistics Platform), FE-5 Satoshi Furukawa installed EEGS (Emergency Egress Guidance System) glow-in-the-dark decals near hatches on the egress paths of the Japanese modules.

In the JPM, FE-3 Ron Garan later disconnected the ICS (Inter-orbit Communication System) main power umbilical in support of SSIPC (Space Station Integration & Promotion Center/Tsukuba) in troubleshooting an ICS trip. [The trip (short) happened on 07/31 on RPC-5 (Remote Power Controller-5) of the JPM PDU (Power Distribution Unit), which feeds power to the ICS rack. At the same time an overcurrent was observed at the Node 2 DDCs (DC-to-DC-Converter Units), upstream of JEM Channel A. To help in identifying where the short circuit exists, Ron disconnected the power cable on the ICS Z-panel, isolating the ICS rack from the JPM. Results of further tests by SSIPC will determine the troubleshooting scheduled for 08/12.]

SPDM Checkout:
More checkout activities of the SPDM (Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator) "Dextre" will be conducted tonight by ground control in preparation of the RPCM R&R. No onboard exercise is allowed from 7:45 PM-3:45 AM GMT, and the Russian ACS (Attitude Control System) thrusters will be disabled during this period for load reasons.

Conjunction Alert:
Flight controllers are tracking a conjunction with Object #30187, debris from the Chinese satellite Fengyun 1C. TCAs (Times of Closest Approach) are 1:59 AM and 3:31 AM GMT on 08/12 (Friday). This conjunction is classified as of Medium concern because of the small radial miss distance (0.801 km) and the high-drag characteristics of the debris object. Due to the Soyuz TMA-21/26S landing constraint on 09/08, a DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) delta-V will be limited to no more than about 0.5 m/s. If required, the DAM would be conducted tomorrow at ~11:41 PM GMT.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 11/08/2011.

In the JAXA JPM, FE-5 Satoshi Furukawa supported more JEM RMS (Japanese Experiment Module | Remote Manipulator System) operations. [Activities included first activating the RLT (Robotics Laptop Terminal), CCP (Camera Control Panel) plus RMS Monitors and configuring settings for JEU (Joint Expedited Undocking) Resolver & MDP (Management Data Processor) mode, then ungrappling the SFA (Small Fine Arm) at its stowage site and maneuvering the RMS MA (Main Arm) back to Stowed position.]

Conjunction Update:
Flight controllers continue to monitor the conjunction with Object #30187, debris from the Chinese satellite Fengyun 1C, now classified as below the threshold for scheduling a DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver). No maneuver was necessary for tonight's two TCAs (Times of Closest Approach), with POC (Probability of Collision) calculated to be zero.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Check out this great presentation "Using Existing ISS Hardware to Prepare for Exploration Beyond LEO" (93.9 MB, .zip file), which includes some amazing graphics and downright awesome video of Node 4/DHS, an inflatable module, and other new modules! :thumbup:

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 12/08/2011.

In the JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), FE-3 Ron Garan continued troubleshooting the JAXA ICS (Inter-orbit Communication System) which experienced a short on 07/31, tripping the RPC-5 (Remote Power Controller-5) of the JPM PDU a1 (Power Distribution Unit a1), which feeds power to the ICS rack. [Part 1 of the troubleshooting, on 08/10, determined that the ICS system itself is the source of the issue and not the rack. Today's Part 2 was to locate the shorted circuit in the power feed path from PDU a1 to the JPM ICS Rack, using the Multimeter instrument to check continuity (measuring resistances) in order to find short circuits in the cable.]

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 13/08/2011.

T2 Maintenance:
Yesterday's maintenance of the T2 treadmill was completed successfully after some issue with a spacer bar fastener. FE-6 Mike Fossum replaced the Sorbothane lining in 3 of the 4 T2 snubber cups which were in need of replacement. Ground experts reviewed downlinked photographs and gave the crew the Go for nominal use of the T2.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 14/08/2011.

This morning at ~10:46 AM GMT, the ISS (specifically its FGB "Zarya" module) completed 73,000 orbits of the Earth, having covered a distance of 3.09 billion kilometers (1.92 billion st.miles) in about 4650 days. [The 19,300-kg/42,600-lbs Zarya ("Dawn") was launched on a Russian/Khrunichev Proton from Baikonur almost 13 years ago, on 11/20/1998, as the first element of the multi-national space station.]

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 15/08/2011.

FE-5 Satoshi Furukawa was to look for at least one of two hatch thermal covers, with 4 corner struts, in Node 1 (P4_A2). [One hatch thermal cover will be used to prevent stowage in PMA-2 (Pressurized Mating Adapter-2) from impacting the Node 2 Fwd hatch. With no Shuttle dockings scheduled anymore for the ISS, PMA-2 will be used for stowage.]

MRM-1 Computer Issue:
As reported by Energia/Moscow this morning, the TVU-2 Terminal Computing Device in MRM-1 "Rassvet" had an issue last week which interrupted "Rassvet" telemetry. TsUP switched MRM-1 to TVU-1 and is currently assessing the TVU-2 computer.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Preparation work for Dextre's space electrician task is complete

Dextre completed the preparation phase for the replacement of a failed circuit-breaker box on the International Space Station on August 10, 2011. Supported by Canadarm2, the space station robotic handyman opened and closed the storage container with its grappling tool, also called robotic micro-conical tool, to check it out. The storage box had already been stowed on Dextre's workbench on August 2, 2011.

Dextre is now ready to play his role as "space electrician" on August 28 and 29. On these dates, he will replace the failed circuit-breaker box with a new one, restoring part of the orbiting lab's backup electrical systems.

 

[orb]

NASA:
Robotic Refueling Module, Soon To Be Relocated to Permanent Space Station Position

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Click on the image to enlarge​

The Robotic Refueling Mission module, installed on its temporary platform on the International Space Station’s Dextre robot. RRM will demonstrate robotic servicing technology and lay the foundation for future missions.​

Credit: NASA​

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NASA’s groundbreaking Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) will reach a key milestone in September when the International Space Station (ISS) robots transfer the module to its permanent home on space station’s ExPRESS Logistics Carrier-4. Robotic operations for the technology demonstration are currently slated to begin soon afterwards.

A joint effort between NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, RRM is designed to demonstrate the technologies, tools, and techniques needed to robotically service satellites, especially those not built with servicing in mind.

The results of this two-year technology test bed are expected to the reduce risks associated with satellite servicing as well as lay the foundation and encourage future robotic servicing missions. Such future missions could include the repair and repositioning of orbiting satellites.

President Obama called the RRM demonstration “innovative” during a July 15 phone call to STS-135 astronauts onboard the ISS noting its potential future benefits to the commercial satellite industry. “It’s a good reminder of how NASA technology and research often times has huge spillover effects into the commercial sector, and makes it all that much more important in terms of peoples’ day to day lives.”

Launched to the ISS in July onboard the last shuttle mission, RRM marks the first use of the space station’s Dextre robot beyond robotic station maintenance for technology research and development. It is also the first on-orbit demonstration to test, prove and advance the technology needed to perform robotic servicing on spacecraft not designed for refueling and repair.

"Robotic refueling and satellite servicing could extend the lifetimes of satellites, offering significant savings in delayed replacement costs," said Frank Cepollina, Associate Director of the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office (SSCO) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. "Such servicing has the potential to allow human and robotic explorers to reach distant destinations more efficiently and effectively."

The RRM module is about the size of a washing machine and weighs approximately 550 pounds, with dimensions of 33" by 43" by 45.” RRM includes 0.45 gallon (1.7 liters) of ethanol that will be used to demonstrate fluid transfer on orbit.

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Click on the image to enlarge​

Spacewalker Mike Fossum carries the Robotic Refueling Mission module from shuttle Atlantis to its temporary platform on the International Space Station on July 12, 2011. A robotic maneuver in September 2011 will transfer RRM to its permanent location on station’s ExPRESS Logistics Carrier-4.​

Credit: NASA​

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{...}

(Read full article @ NASA)

 

[Wishbone]

Ethanol? I thought the Station's a dry ship...

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

First 3D video transmission live from space

Half a century after humankind entered outer space, an ESA-developed camera produced live-streaming 3D images for the first time in the history of space travel – showing the International Space Station like never before.

On 6 August, NASA astronaut Ron Garan operated the Erasmus Recording Binocular (ERB-2) camera to open a new window on the ISS through stereoscopic eyes, in high-definition quality. As Flight Engineer for Expedition 28 and a video blogger himself, Garan set up the futuristic-looking camera in Europe's Columbus laboratory. While talking about the work on board the ISS, he enhanced the sense of depth and presence by playing with an inflatable Earth globe.

Not much bigger than a shoebox, with high-definition optics and advanced electronics, the ERB-2 is the second generation of ESA's stereoscopic camera family developed by Cosine BV (Leiden, the Netherlands) and Techno System (Naples, Italy).

On the ground at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands, viewers wore polarised glasses similar to those used in cinemas and were amazed by the quality of the images. These near-real 3D images not only change the whole viewing experience, but can also be used in supporting science operations on the Station.

This premiere was a long-awaited commissioning test of the live mode transmission, proving that all systems and procedures are ready to be used for future ERB-2 live-streaming events.

Apart from broadcasting stereo images in real-time for live programmes, ESA's ERB-2 coordinator Massimo Sabbatini dreams about filming extravehicular activities. "The camera could also be used in the future outside the ISS to support the astronauts' spacewalks or other critical robotic operations. This really felt like being in space with an astronaut by your side," he said.

Coming soon to a theatre near you

Get your 3D glasses ready. The first ERB-2 images will be soon posted on the new ESA YouTube 3D channel. "If you already have a new generation 3D-enabled plasma TV at home, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the world of the Space Station without leaving your sofa. These videos will turn more people into real space fans," said Sabbatini.

ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli already recorded his life on board the ISS during his MagISStra mission. His colleague André Kuipers will also contribute to the 3D immersion: he is being trained to use the ERB-2 camera during his six-month mission to ISS starting in November this year.