Author Topic: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)  (Read 105141 times)

Offline Space Pete

Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #60 on: 04/02/2013 02:47 pm »
I heard there are some bolds that are not fitting properly. What's going on there? What are the results if they cannot fix that ontime? What are the current effects? Except the loss of all 4 video downlink channels. I heard there were a temp loss of voice comm in the russian segment, but that is online again. I also heard the crew sends down MPC video downlink of the current activities of the HRCS ops.

Today's activities include the removal of the Video Baseband Signal Processor (VBSP) from the Avionics 3 (AV-3) rack in the US Lab, and replacing it with the new Ku Comm Unit 2. I imagine this bolt problem is due to the new Ku Comm Unit not seating properly in the space previously occupied by the VBSP.

If they can't get it fixed, they can re-install the VBSP - but obviously that means no upgrades will have been made.
« Last Edit: 04/02/2013 02:48 pm by Space Pete »
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Online Targeteer

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6153
  • near hangar 18
  • Liked: 3364
  • Likes Given: 1138
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #61 on: 04/02/2013 07:17 pm »
From the DPC.  The Ku band unit is partially installed, powered on, and is  is talking to the onboard systems.  MCC -H will monitor temps before loading software.
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Online jacqmans

  • Moderator
  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 21709
  • Houten, The Netherlands
  • Liked: 8562
  • Likes Given: 320
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #62 on: 04/02/2013 07:54 pm »
International Space Station (ISS) Management Center (IMC) Daily Summary Report
Increment 34 Operations – Stage 35-6
04/01/13 4:00 pm Central Daylight Time (CDT)
091/21:00 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
 


New Status:
Fluids Control and Pump Assembly (FCPA) Remove and Replace (R&R):  Friday night, the Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) experienced a failure and was shut down. An error message was generated because the FCPA pump speed sensor did not match the FCPA pump motor speed sensor. Ground teams reviewed the data and recommended removing and replacing the FCPA.  Flight Engineer (FE)-6 Tom Marshburn completed the R&R this morning but when the UPA was commanded to standby, there was a high current fault on the V4 valve cluster. Engineering teams reviewed the data and recommended attempting another standby command.  The V4 valve cluster operated but there was another high current. Specialists researched the history of the spare unit and discovered that this particular spare FCPA had not been cycled for over a year, and that the valves were “packed” tighter during assembly than previous valve blocks to help prevent leakage.  The UPA FCPA valves will be checked tomorrow in their 4 possible configuration positions to characterize the performance of the valve block and valve motor.

ENERGY Experiment: Saturday and Sunday Marshburn completed days 4 and 5 of metabolic measurements and completed day 6 today.  A loss in astronauts’ body mass is a systematic observation during space flight. The aim of ENERGY is to measure changes in energy balance during long term space flight; measure adaptations in the components of the Total Energy Expenditure (consumption); and to derive an equation for the energy requirements of astronauts.

Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) Experiment: Saturday, Marshburn installed a canister in the Protein Crystallization Research Facility (PCRF) and set up the cables in preparation for the high quality Protein Crystal Growth experiment which was subsequently started. The aim of this experiment is the growth of crystals of biological macromolecules by the counter-diffusion technique. The main objective of the JAXA PCG experiment is to produce the fine quality protein crystals under microgravity environment. These space-grown crystals will be applied to structural biology and pharmaceutical activity.

Crew Handover: Commander (CDR) Hadfield performed a handover to newly arrived crewmember FE-3 Chris Cassidy. Topics covered were recommendations for suggested on-orbit practices and lessons learned related to ISS systems and payloads. Recent deltas to the configuration of ISS systems were also reviewed as it may have been a month or more since the oncoming crew was briefed on ISS system status.

Emergency Roles and Responsibilities Review: All 6 crewmembers participated in this review to bring the 3 newly arrived crewmembers up to speed on their roles and responsibilities in the event of an ISS emergency. Top priority during an emergency is safety of crew followed by safe configuration of the Station. Various subjects were covered to meet these priorities including crew accountability, escape vehicle access, maintenance of Soyuz configuration, ISS Commander responsibility, and communication and coordination.

Countermeasures System (CMS) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device ARED Exercise Rope R&R: Hadfield and Cassidy completed this routinely scheduled maintenance activity today.
Jacques :-)

Offline Fuji

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1231
  • Japan
  • Liked: 234
  • Likes Given: 14
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #63 on: 04/03/2013 12:49 am »
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition35/e35_040213.html

Marshburn and Commander Chris Hadfield spent much of their day on the installation of the new High Rate Communications System hardware that will increase the number of station downlink video channels from four to six, and the number of space-to-ground audio channels from two to four. They removed the Video Baseband Processor in the old system with no issues, but struggled for a while to install the new Ku Comm Unit 2 due to tight tolerances and some stripped bolts. A workaround was devised to apply Braycote lubricant on the threads of the bolts and the installation was completed.

The redundant Ku Comm Unit 1 is set to be installed a week from Thursday (April 11). There will be no downlink video on Wednesday due to the checkout of the new equipment.

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/738774main_040213_2_full.jpg

Online Targeteer

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6153
  • near hangar 18
  • Liked: 3364
  • Likes Given: 1138
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #64 on: 04/03/2013 03:11 pm »
ISS and the ground centers are conducting comm checks on the new space to ground 3 and 4 channels thanks to the Ku band upgrade. The quality and clarity were mixed and less than existing channels as expected per the planning document on L2.  Tests were not conducted with Moscow--I don't know if they are planned to have access.
« Last Edit: 04/03/2013 03:23 pm by Targeteer »
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Online Targeteer

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6153
  • near hangar 18
  • Liked: 3364
  • Likes Given: 1138
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #65 on: 04/03/2013 03:22 pm »
Tests of video, IP phone, OCA, and remote computer logon are ongoing but successful so far according to Houston.
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Space Pete

Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #66 on: 04/03/2013 04:19 pm »
Apparently, the downlink video is now much clearer! :)
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline russianhalo117

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8755
  • Liked: 4672
  • Likes Given: 768
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #67 on: 04/03/2013 05:20 pm »
ISS and the ground centers are conducting comm checks on the new space to ground 3 and 4 channels thanks to the Ku band upgrade. The quality and clarity were mixed and less than existing channels as expected per the planning document on L2.  Tests were not conducted with Moscow--I don't know if they are planned to have access.
When it was mentioned a couple of years back, I remember understanding that USOS only tests would occur first with just MCC-Houston and POC-Huntsville and then with USOS partner MCC's and POC's before tests between USOS and RS would be carried out one channel at a time. I also remember some mention that RS Avionics hardware and software would require changeout/upgrade of a few or so boxes, two of which are located next to each other in FGB Zarya Module.

Eventual future R&R of two cables (data cables between FGB computers and Unity and Z1 I am assuming that these are external but I am not completely sure) with upgraded higher capacity cables providing additional backup capability if RS loses an antenna in the future. RS Avionics software upgrades will pave way for full operational use of Luch data relay satellite system across entire ISS as required and provides a backup antenna to USOS Ku antennas if a problem arises that prevents use of both antennas until a spacewalk.

An added benefit to the ISS Avionics upgrades on the software side is added support for navigation and position location via EU's Galileo global navigation satellite system once it become operational.

Offline Space Pete

Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #68 on: 04/03/2013 06:46 pm »
Live on the ISS stream now - the new "bluescreen of LOS". The old LOS screens displaying orbital backgrounds are now history, as the new Ku system cannot support them.
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Online Targeteer

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6153
  • near hangar 18
  • Liked: 3364
  • Likes Given: 1138
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #69 on: 04/03/2013 07:09 pm »
DPC reports Ku upgrade testing has gone very well except for payload data download which they suspect is a configuration problem.
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Fuji

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1231
  • Japan
  • Liked: 234
  • Likes Given: 14
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #70 on: 04/03/2013 11:37 pm »
A vast improvement  :D

Quote
The HRCS Ku Comm Unit upgrades will:

· increase Ku-band downlink bandwidth from 150 Mbps to 300 Mbps;
· increase Ku-band uplink bandwidth from 3 Mbps to 25 Mbps; 
· add Space to Ground (S/G) 3 and S/G 4 voice channels;
· increase downlink standard definition video channels from 4 to 6;
· replace the Video Tape Recorders (VTRs) with solid state video recording for standard definition;
· replace Orbital Communications Adapter (OCA);
· add the ability to command US core systems through Ku-band if S-band fails.

http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/reports/iss_reports/2013/ISS_Daily_Summary__040213.html

Offline John44

  • Elite Veteran
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3887
  • Netherlands
    • space-multimedia
  • Liked: 258
  • Likes Given: 0

Online Targeteer

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6153
  • near hangar 18
  • Liked: 3364
  • Likes Given: 1138
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #72 on: 04/05/2013 12:55 am »
ISS and the ground centers are conducting comm checks on the new space to ground 3 and 4 channels thanks to the Ku band upgrade. The quality and clarity were mixed and less than existing channels as expected per the planning document on L2.  Tests were not conducted with Moscow--I don't know if they are planned to have access.
When it was mentioned a couple of years back, I remember understanding that USOS only tests would occur first with just MCC-Houston and POC-Huntsville and then with USOS partner MCC's and POC's before tests between USOS and RS would be carried out one channel at a time. I also remember some mention that RS Avionics hardware and software would require changeout/upgrade of a few or so boxes, two of which are located next to each other in FGB Zarya Module.

Eventual future R&R of two cables (data cables between FGB computers and Unity and Z1 I am assuming that these are external but I am not completely sure) with upgraded higher capacity cables providing additional backup capability if RS loses an antenna in the future. RS Avionics software upgrades will pave way for full operational use of Luch data relay satellite system across entire ISS as required and provides a backup antenna to USOS Ku antennas if a problem arises that prevents use of both antennas until a spacewalk.

An added benefit to the ISS Avionics upgrades on the software side is added support for navigation and position location via EU's Galileo global navigation satellite system once it become operational.

I did hear an extended (for testing?) test by Houston with the Russian segment on SG 3 only today.

A test of commanding via Ku causing loss of  SG 1/2 was delayed.  SG 3/4 will be available during the test.
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Fuji

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1231
  • Japan
  • Liked: 234
  • Likes Given: 14
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #73 on: 04/05/2013 04:52 am »
International Space Station (ISS) Management Center (IMC) Daily Summary Report
Increment 35 Operations – Stage 35-6
04/04/13 4:00 pm Central Daylight Time (CDT)
094/21:00 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
 


New Status:
KU Communications Unit 2 Payload Telemetry Recovered: ISS KU band payload telemetry was lost yesterday afternoon with the Payload Operations Integration Center (Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC)), but was restored at 5:26 pm Wednesday after additional troubleshooting by Ground teams. The issue was due to incorrect MAC addresses from Automated Payload Switch (APS) 1 & 2 to the KU Comm Unit.  Payload operations and commanding were resumed and are nominal.

High-Rate Communications System (HRCS) KU Communications Unit 2 Installation/Checkout (Day 3): Today’s activities consisted of additional checkouts on the new system.  The Crew supported a checkout of the Audio/Video format encoder, which included a communications check with the Russian Crew in the Service Module (SM) on Space to Ground (S/G)-3. Ground teams performed a test of the Ku-Band Contingency Command and Telemetry (CCT) mode with test commands from Columbus Control Center (COLCC), Space Station Integrated Promotion Center (SSIPC), and POIC. Since the checkouts were successful the legacy High-rate Communication Outage Recorder (HCOR) and High Rate Frame Multiplexer (HRFM) units were deactivated, possibly for the last time.  The Floating Point Measurement Unit (FPMU) video being routed to the ground via the Ku Comm Unit is not decoding properly, and ground teams are assessing the data.

Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) Status: Yesterday the crew cycled the Quick Disconnects (QDs) on the hose between the Distillation Assembly (DA) and the purge pump. The UPA was moded to standby and the purge pump was still unable to draw down the DA pressure. Tomorrow, Marshburn will pull out the Fluids Control Pump Assembly (FCPA) shelf (without uninstalling the FCPA) to inspect for possible pinching of the hose behind the FCPA.
Health Maintenance System (HMS) Ultrasound 2 Scan and Tonometry Eye Exam:  Commander (CDR) Hadfield and Flight Engineer (FE)-6 Marshburn, acting alternately as Crew Medical Officer (CMO) and subject, set up the equipment and performed their periodic tonometry eye exams. These activities are a part of the nominal medical testing on ISS crewmembers to gather information on intraocular pressure and eye anatomy.

Burning and Suppression of Solids (BASS) Hardware Setup: FE-3 Cassidy participated in a crew conference with the principal payload investigator to discuss BASS operations scheduled to begin tomorrow. He then configured the Smoke Point in Co-Flow Experiment (SPICE) hardware in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) to support the BASS payload. Setup also includes configuring the BASS Control Box and performing a BASS igniter test, a video camera test and a still camera test.

Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-3 (BCAT-3) Hardware Setup Check: Hadfield and Cassidy verified hardware setup and settings on the camera, flash and laptop in preparation for BCAT-3 operations. The crew will take Multi-Flash-Angle (MFA) photos of the BCAT-3 module next Monday and the experiment will be initialized on April 15 for an 8-day run

Russian Segment (RS) Extravehicular Activity (EVA) #32 Preparation: Hadfield recharged the Rechargeable EVA Battery Assembly (REBA), Helmet Light (HL), and Pistol Grip Tool (PGT) batteries in preparation for RS EVA #32 scheduled for April 19.

Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Quick Disconnect (QD) Remove and Replace: Marshburn completed steps 1 and 2 of this activity today.  He retrieved the Combustion Chamber (CC) from the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) on the MSPR work bench and reconfigured the Combustion Chamber. He then replaced gas QDs in the chamber. Tomorrow he will complete the task when he performs a leak check and verifies proper installation. This activity is in preparation for an experiment planned in Increments 39 and 40.

ENERGY Experiment: Marshburn completed day 9 of this 10-day session.  A loss in astronauts’ body mass is a systematic observation during space flight. The aim of ENERGY is to measure changes in energy balance during long term space flight; measure adaptations in the components of the Total Energy Expenditure (consumption); and to derive an equation for the energy requirements of astronauts.
« Last Edit: 04/05/2013 12:36 pm by jacqmans »

Offline Space Pete

Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #74 on: 04/05/2013 03:33 pm »
Looks like another new LOS splash screen on the ISS feed.
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Online jacqmans

  • Moderator
  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 21709
  • Houten, The Netherlands
  • Liked: 8562
  • Likes Given: 320
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #75 on: 04/05/2013 06:26 pm »
MEDIA ADVISORY: M13-056

TEXAS STUDENTS TO SPEAK LIVE WITH SPACE STATION ASTRONAUTS

WASHINGTON -- Students from Mary Marek Elementary School in Pearland,
Texas, will speak with Expedition 35 crew members and NASA astronauts
Tom Marshburn and Chris Cassidy aboard the International Space
Station at 11:05 a.m. EDT, Monday, April 8. Media representatives are
invited to attend.

Students will ask the astronauts questions about life, work and
scientific research aboard the orbiting laboratory.

To attend the event, reporters must contact Joanna Wang at
[email protected] or 281-245-3241. Mary Marek Elementary is located
at 1947 Kirby Drive in Pearland.

NASA activities have been incorporated into classes at the school in
preparation for the long-distance conversation with the space station
crew. Linking students directly to the astronauts aboard the station
provides them with an authentic, live experience of space
exploration, space study, and the scientific components of space
travel and possibilities of life in space.

This in-flight education downlink is one in a series with educational
organizations in the United States to improve science, technology,
engineering and mathematics teaching and learning. It is an integral
component of NASA's Teaching From Space education program, which
promotes learning opportunities and builds partnerships with the
education community using the unique environment of space and NASA's
human spaceflight program.

For information about NASA's education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education

For information about the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

       
-end-
Jacques :-)

Online jacqmans

  • Moderator
  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 21709
  • Houten, The Netherlands
  • Liked: 8562
  • Likes Given: 320
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #76 on: 04/05/2013 06:27 pm »
Commander Chris Hadfield Communicates Through Amateur Radio With Air Cadets From Milton, Ontario

Longueuil, Quebec, April 5, 2013 — As part of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Astronaut Chris Hadfield will answer questions live from the International Space Station.

ARISS Canada is a volunteer program aimed at inspiring students worldwide to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math through amateur radio communications opportunities. During Expedition 34/35, ARISS Canada hopes to establish over 15 amateur radio contacts between astronaut Chris Hadfield and young Canadians across the nation.

Media are invited to the event:


When:        Saturday, April 6, 2013

 

Time:           4:20 p.m. (EDT)

                 The time of the radio contact may change without advance notice

What:           Amateur radio contact between Earth and space

 
Who:          Commander Chris Hadfield, CSA Astronaut (via radio)

Audience:   140 Air Cadets from the 820 Chris Hadfield Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Where:       Country Heritage Park

Niagara Conference Room

8560 Tremaine Road

Milton, ON, L9T 2Y3

About ARISS:

ARISS is an international working group consisting of delegations from nine countries including Canada, Japan, Russia, the USA and several European countries. The organization is run by volunteers from national amateur radio organizations and the AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) organizations from each country.
 
Jacques :-)

Offline Space Pete

Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #77 on: 04/06/2013 08:35 pm »
Finally got an example of video via the new Ku system - anyone notice an increase in quality? I think I see a slight increase.
« Last Edit: 04/06/2013 08:39 pm by Space Pete »
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Ian

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 119
  • Germany
    • My Twitter Account
  • Liked: 15
  • Likes Given: 25
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #78 on: 04/07/2013 05:52 am »
Finally got an example of video via the new Ku system - anyone notice an increase in quality? I think I see a slight increase.

There is an increase! You have to look when they have the LAB cam online on Downlink 1 no more pixels at all! That's great! :)

Offline russianhalo117

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8755
  • Liked: 4672
  • Likes Given: 768
Re: Expedition 35 thread (March 15 - May 14, 2013)
« Reply #79 on: 04/07/2013 11:34 pm »
Finally got an example of video via the new Ku system - anyone notice an increase in quality? I think I see a slight increase.

There is an increase! You have to look when they have the LAB cam online on Downlink 1 no more pixels at all! That's great! :)
This is only the beginning as more upgrades are planned to occur over next several expedition increments.

Tags:
 

Advertisement NovaTech
Advertisement Northrop Grumman
Advertisement
Advertisement Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Advertisement Brady Kenniston
Advertisement NextSpaceflight
Advertisement Nathan Barker Photography
0