Just to be clear on the thread title, March 5 is a NET at this point.
Not that anyone is going to ask my opinion, but I was kind of hoping that they would name one of the ATV's for H.G. Wells.
Even the British flag has desappeared in the ISS !
Not that anyone is going to ask my opinion, but I was kind of hoping that they would name one of the ATV's for H.G. Wells.
Very very very unlikely, since Great Britain is not much invested in the ATV program. Even the British flag has desappeared in the ISS !
I thought that after ATV-2 the cargo would be focused on dry cargo and not propellant. Have this changed?
Yes - ATV-3 was supposed to have lots of internal modifications to support dry cargo. Propellants were supposed to be less of a priority due to the "big boost" performed by ATV-2.
I don't know what the status of this is though.
ATV-3 launch via Ariane flight VA205 is set for 11:00 CET, 9 March, followed by docking at 3:31 CET, 19 March. Note that these dates/times may shift.
ESA’s Jean-Michel Bois sent in a brief update this AM. As of today, the forecast for ATV-3 docking on 19 March is 02:38 UTC (03:38 CET) +/- 45min.http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/02/03/update-on-atv-3-docking-time/
Fuel, water, oxygen, air and most of the dry cargo have been loaded into ESA's third Automated Transfer Vehicle, Edoardo Amaldi, as the 9 March liftoff approaches.
The vessel's mission is set to start with liftoff at 10:00 GMT (11:00 CET) on 9 March on a powerful Ariane 5 ES launcher. It will dock automatically with the Station at 01:38 GMT (02:38 CET) on 19 March, remaining attached until the end of August.
ATV-3 assembly on Ariane
"On 7 February, ATV Edoardo Amaldi will be moved to the huge Vertical Integration Building for mounting on the top of its Ariane launcher two days later,"
ESA and the French space agency, CNES, are inviting 60 Twitter followers to a joint European SpaceTweetup in Toulouse, France, for the docking of ATV Edoardo Amaldi to the International Space Station next month.
The Tweetup will take place at the CNES Toulouse Space Centre overnight during the docking of ATV-3, Edoardo Amaldi, set for 19 March at 04:05 CET. ATV missions are operated from the centre by a joint ESA/CNES team.
The application window is open now and closes on 26 February at 22:00 CET. The number of participants is limited to 60; all others will be placed on a waiting list. Selected applicants will be notified by email on 29 February.
Application & further information
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ATV/SEMFTF1YRYG_0.html
An excellent series of images taken in the past few hours showing the work taking place this evening in Kourou’s BAF building, as the aerodynamic fairing is lowered over top of ATV-3.
These provide some of the final views of ATV-3 that we’ll see until its in orbit and approaching the International Space Station.
Many thanks to ESA’s Alberto Novelli for taking time to send these in!
A reliable source on the French Space forum confirms that the launch is delayed to the end of march, because of a technical issue on the ATV-3 "Edoardo Amaldi".
http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/t12677p30-atv-3-edoardo-amaldi-preparatifs
I was told ATV-3 launch is postponed to March 22-23, its docking - to March 27-28.
Working an article. Loose strap, needs reconnecting (and thus access to the ATV) is the cause we're told. NET March 23 (plus or minus - concur with Anik). Launch date may be coming later today.
Loose strap reminds me of a shuttle pre-launch issue. Anyone remember?
Article on the slip, pending more info from ESA:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/atv-3-launch-slipped-to-late-march/
Something I don't understand.
Finding a problem that needs to be fixed? Ok.
This problem requiring de-installation of the fairing and entry into ATV? Ok.
This being a loose strap and it taking two weeks to tighten it? Ok
But... how is it possible that they find out about a loose strap after all kinds of other stuff (like closing the ATV, mating it to the Ariane 5, and installing the fairing) have already happened? If a strap is loose, then why didn't somebody say 'hey I've got to tighten this strap before we do all these other things!'
What am I missing?
Something I don't understand.
Finding a problem that needs to be fixed? Ok.
This problem requiring de-installation of the fairing and entry into ATV? Ok.
This being a loose strap and it taking two weeks to tighten it? Ok
But... how is it possible that they find out about a loose strap after all kinds of other stuff (like closing the ATV, mating it to the Ariane 5, and installing the fairing) have already happened? If a strap is loose, then why didn't somebody say 'hey I've got to tighten this strap before we do all these other things!'
What am I missing?
You're not missing anything. However, you've got your order wrong. ATV-3 was first mated to Ariane 5 (february 9), and then 5 days later (february 14) the late-cargo loading took place. After late loading, everything inside was carefully photographed and final close-out took place. Those photographs were analysed and a go was given for fairing installation. However, even before the fairing was installed, questions were raised about some aspects of the late-cargo loading. Nevertheless, the fairing went on. It wasn't until after the fairing was installed that the move to 'better-safe-than-sorry' tipped the scales towards postponing the flight and fixing the problem.
Correct, but final close-out images were taken after late loading.Something I don't understand.
Finding a problem that needs to be fixed? Ok.
This problem requiring de-installation of the fairing and entry into ATV? Ok.
This being a loose strap and it taking two weeks to tighten it? Ok
But... how is it possible that they find out about a loose strap after all kinds of other stuff (like closing the ATV, mating it to the Ariane 5, and installing the fairing) have already happened? If a strap is loose, then why didn't somebody say 'hey I've got to tighten this strap before we do all these other things!'
What am I missing?
You're not missing anything. However, you've got your order wrong. ATV-3 was first mated to Ariane 5 (february 9), and then 5 days later (february 14) the late-cargo loading took place. After late loading, everything inside was carefully photographed and final close-out took place. Those photographs were analysed and a go was given for fairing installation. However, even before the fairing was installed, questions were raised about some aspects of the late-cargo loading. Nevertheless, the fairing went on. It wasn't until after the fairing was installed that the move to 'better-safe-than-sorry' tipped the scales towards postponing the flight and fixing the problem.
The bags witht he issue were not part of the late load.
Awesome article, with exclusive quotes, by Pete Harding:
Europe’s ATV-3 spacecraft set to deliver large cargo load to ISS:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-spacecraft-deliver-large-cargo-load-iss/
Awesome article, with exclusive quotes, by Pete Harding:
Europe’s ATV-3 spacecraft set to deliver large cargo load to ISS:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-spacecraft-deliver-large-cargo-load-iss/
Yes indeed.
Always good to get a refresher on previous vehicle capabilities for comparison. Thanks Pete!
For even more on ATV-3 cargo, journalist Pete Harding and the nice folks over at NASASpaceFlight.com have put together a great ATV-3 cargo update including additional details on how the various cargo items were selected for launch.
And ;)QuoteFor even more on ATV-3 cargo, journalist Pete Harding and the nice folks over at NASASpaceFlight.com have put together a great ATV-3 cargo update including additional details on how the various cargo items were selected for launch.
Excellent report! Pete did a lot of homework...
Readiness review clears Ariane-5 for flight: :)
http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2012/890.asp
Arianespace's third ATV launch for International Space Station servicing is given a “go” for liftoff
"The Ariane 5 launch of Europe’s no. 3 Automated Transfer Vehicle was given the green light today for a March 23 liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana on a servicing mission to the International Space Station.
Today’s approval came at the conclusion of a comprehensive Launch Readiness Review, which is performed before every Arianespace mission to review the “go” status of the launcher, its payload, the Spaceport’s infrastructure, and the network of ground tracking stations.
This clears the way for tomorrow’s rollout of the Ariane 5 from its Final Integration Building at the Spaceport to the facility’s ELA-3 launch site. The flight will mark another operational milestone for Arianespace, as its workhorse Ariane 5 will be carrying its heaviest payload ever – with the Automated Transfer Vehicle weighing more than 20 metric tons..."
Holi
The Arianespace launchkit has been published. I also attach the ATV-3 factsheet.
I think you can also get the presskits at:The Arianespace launchkit has been published. I also attach the ATV-3 factsheet.
Thanks. Got the Fact Sheet OK, but keep getting an error message when I try to 'Save Target As', 'Open', 'Open in New Tab' or 'Open in New Page' the Press Kit.
Ariane 5 and ATV Edoardo Amaldi in the final assembly building, on 21 March 2012, in Kourou, French Guiana.
Weighing in at 19 714 kg, including 6596 kg of fuel, air, oxygen, scientific equipment, spare parts and crew supplies, ATV-3 is the heaviest payload ever lifted by Ariane 5. Including the launcher itself, 777 tonnes will be pushed off the pad.
Chris Gebhardt's very interesting launch preview article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/atv-3-esa-important-resupply-mission-to-iss/
According to Wunderground.com, their's a chance of thunderstorms and rain in Kourou today. Their's also supposed to be a lot of cloud cover.
But when has this stopped them from launching before?
I hope this one goes at the predicted time. Last orbital launch was almost one month ago!!!
Does anyone knows this vehicle serial number?
Does anyone knows this vehicle serial number?
L553.
Chris Gebhardt's very interesting launch preview article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/atv-3-esa-important-resupply-mission-to-iss/
Just linked Chris' great report from the ATV blog:
http://blogs.esa.int/atv/2012/03/22/atv-3-report-in-nasaspaceflight-com/
It was mentioned in today's ISS coverage that there will be showers this evening around the launch site. Does anyone know what the launch commit criteria for an Ariane 5 launch?
If you are interested by meteo management in Kourou, I've just written a big article (in French) on this question, with a little photo report at the CSG's meteo station :
http://www.aeroplans.fr/Europespace/rouge-meteo.html
ATV-3 bringing a bus to ISS, now THAT is why they wanted to make sure it was strapped down ;D
Wow never seen the Arianespace commentator before.. Totally not what I expected.
Wow never seen the Arianespace commentator before.. Totally not what I expected.
PS, if santa is watching I would like this for Christmas ;D
Can't seem to find a reference to the duration of the launch window. Is it instantaneous?
One minor issue was seen during the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) — it was noted that the ATV’s Proximity Link Antenna Boom (the Antenna Deployable Boom or ADB) had correctly deployed, but the final sensor confirmation that the boom was locked into place was not received.
Yesterday, since ATV is orbiting just 100km below the ISS, it was decided to ask the crew to get a picture for a visual confirmation that the antenna was in place. The ATV attitude was accordingly manoeuvred a bit, so that the astronauts would get a good view of the antenna boom the next time ATV passed by below.
Before the astronauts could do so however, at 09:03 CEST this morning, the telemetry status from ATV switched over to ‘ADB Locked’. End of problem.
But what caused the sensor to switch to green? ESA’s Daniel Firre, the Mission Director on console this morning when it switched, says a number of causes are possible. It could be vibrations from the manoeuvre, exposure of a boom element to solar heat, or even the unfreezing of a small piece that might have been blocking the mechanism or the sensor.
ATV Photography:
In a last-minute addition to their timeline, between 7:55 AM - 8:15 AM GMT, CDR Dan Burbank, FE-5 Andre Kuipers & FE-6 Don Pettit shot long-lens photography of the ATV-3 (Automated Transfer Vehicle-3) cargo ship as it passed underneath the ISS at a closest range of 104 km. Purpose: Ground analysis of the photos to verify full deployment of the ATV proximity operations antenna boom. [There have been indications that the boom may not be fully deployed (no "boom locked" signal received after deployment after launch). For the photography, Dan, Andre & Don carefully removed window scratch panes 5 & 6 in the Cupola and later reinstalled them, using PPE (Personal Protective Equipment (dust masks, nitrile gloves, photo/TV lens cloth) to protect the window scratch panes and primary pressure pane glass.]
“The reason we asked for the images is that there was some delay in the locking of the boom after deployment and we wanted to see if there was anything to be learnt from the imagery that might shed some light on the reason for this delay,” says ESA’s Nico Dettmann, Head of the ATV Production Programme.
Aerojet Propulsion Helps Deliver Astronaut Care Packages
"Originally developed to provide reaction control for the Apollo missions to the moon, Aerojet's R-4D rocket engines have been an integral part of human spaceflight for more than 50 years."
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/aerojet-propulsion-helps-deliver-astronaut-120000631.html
Interesting. Does anyone know if these RCS engines were used on the SM RCS "quads", the LM "quads" or both?
Any ideas when the Visiting Vehicle Officer display on SpaceStationLive would be activated for docking?
Any ideas when the Visiting Vehicle Officer display on SpaceStationLive would be activated for docking?
http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/displays/vvoDisplay1.html
This is a brilliant article by Pete Harding:
ATV-3 set to dock to ISS – minor antenna deployment issue now resolved:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-dock-iss-antenna-deployment-issue-resolved/
The ATV is about 20km away from the ISS.
Would have some pictures from the Nasa ISS feed but VLC is playing up.
Any ideas when the Visiting Vehicle Officer display on SpaceStationLive would be activated for docking?
http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/displays/vvoDisplay1.html
Lock s-foils in attack position! :D
This is a brilliant article by Pete Harding:
ATV-3 set to dock to ISS – minor antenna deployment issue now resolved:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/03/europes-atv-3-dock-iss-antenna-deployment-issue-resolved/
As covered in Pete's article - UK docking lasers!
Closing in on S4.
d3jf - would appreciate some additional screen captures as ATV closes right in on ISS for docking, as that'll happen reasonably fast.
Is that the damaged radiator panel in the foreground?
Josh with the Mach 25 reference. It is amazing, so good to point out.Well, technically he's wrong - Mach refers to a speed of sound, and since there is no air - speed of sound is zero. So it's Mach infinity :)
Wow, you could even see the astronauts moving around (past a window) inside the Russian segment just then
ISS Crew said they didn't even feel it.
Wow, you could even see the astronauts moving around (past a window) inside the Russian segment just then
I think it is reflections of the Earth atmosphere in a window.
Wooo! Excellent work ESA! And now we have five months of attached phase operations to look forward to. :)
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...
CMG saturation was about 35% during docking. Now down to 0% but still showing in free drift.
http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/resources/vvoTelemetry.html
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...
CMG saturation was about 35% during docking. Now down to 0% but still showing in free drift.
http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/resources/vvoTelemetry.html
ATV 3 Docking
So do they open the hatch straight away?
Wooo! Excellent work ESA! And now we have five months of attached phase operations to look forward to. :)
Yeah, and I bet the crews are anxious for some fresh produce.
Looks like the SM thrusters are active now after hard mate...assuming going back to attitude...
CMG saturation was about 35% during docking. Now down to 0% but still showing in free drift.
http://spacestationlive.jsc.nasa.gov/resources/vvoTelemetry.html
I would imagine if this were like a shuttle docking, ATV, would take control of the stack to get the attitude back after free drift
ISS now in CMG Thruster Assist
Go for hatch opening!
SM hatch seems to ne open now after Oleg Kononienko used some more force.
Wooo! Excellent work ESA! And now we have five months of attached phase operations to look forward to. :)
Yeah, and I bet the crews are anxious for some fresh produce.
I've never understood this "fresh produce", maybe food for comments. Even in the cold of space its been ten days, plus the time in the fairing waiting for launch. How can this be "fresh produce"
Monitor: if this is better for a new thread, just move it.
meaning apples, oranges, ect.
The stuff that doesn't come in a pre-packaged container, likely freeze dried or dehydrayed.
meaning apples, oranges, ect.
The stuff that doesn't come in a pre-packaged container, likely freeze dried or dehydrayed.
In an interview on NTV last week (http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7416:interview-with-nasa-astronaut-mike-fossum-march-23&catid=1:latest), Mike Fossum relayed a story about how the crew anticipates the smell of the newly arrived cargo vessel. As they open the equalization valve, a little bit of the cargo craft's air leaks out and they can smell the oranges :)
From http://twitter.com/#!/astro_Pettit (http://twitter.com/#!/astro_Pettit)
ATV docks, breathing fire and bringing good stuff.
http://t.co/5GrplyGV
meaning apples, oranges, ect.
The stuff that doesn't come in a pre-packaged container, likely freeze dried or dehydrayed.
In an interview on NTV last week (http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7416:interview-with-nasa-astronaut-mike-fossum-march-23&catid=1:latest), Mike Fossum relayed a story about how the crew anticipates the smell of the newly arrived cargo vessel. As they open the equalization valve, a little bit of the cargo craft's air leaks out and they can smell the oranges :)
meaning apples, oranges, ect.
The stuff that doesn't come in a pre-packaged container, likely freeze dried or dehydrayed.
In an interview on NTV last week (http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7416:interview-with-nasa-astronaut-mike-fossum-march-23&catid=1:latest), Mike Fossum relayed a story about how the crew anticipates the smell of the newly arrived cargo vessel. As they open the equalization valve, a little bit of the cargo craft's air leaks out and they can smell the oranges :)
Must beat the rotting smell of <you know what> when the MPLM eventually arrived back at KSC for opening, after diverting to Edwards,
IMPULSIVE TIG (GMT) M50 DVx(FPS) LVLH DVx(FPS) DVmag(FPS)
IMPULSIVE TIG (MET) M50 DVy(FPS) LVLH DVy(FPS) Invar Sph HA
DT M50 DVz(FPS) LVLH DVz(FPS) Invar Sph HP
------------------------------------------------------------------------
091/21:57:23.851 -1.3 3.1 3.1
N/A -1.1 -0.4 214.2
000/00:06:47.703 2.6 -0.0 207.7
096/19:03:28.240 -0.2 6.6 6.6
N/A -4.7 -0.7 212.5
000/00:14:56.480 4.7 -0.4 212.1
Late Thursday, Russian atmosphere scrubbers were activated to ensure the removal of any contamination in the ATV-3 that may have occurred when the pressurized cargo compartment was opened for pre-launch packing adjustments in the European space port in Kourou, French Guiana. When the scrubbers were activated, ATV flight controllers in Toulouse, France, reported the failure of one of two redundant Russian Equipment Control System channels that provide station power to ATV-3. The backup power channel passed an initial test today, but it has not yet been connected to station power systems. If a Saturday morning test is successful, the backup power channel will be used for a planned reboost Saturday afternoon using ATV-3 thrusters. If the backup channel does not function properly, the reboost will be cancelled.
Any other recent news on the problem with routing electric power to the ATV?
This is source of my query...http://www.spaceflightnow.com/ariane/va205/status.html
As part of a changed scrubbing process they had extra equipment that had not been certified plugged in. Likely caused a trip. Tmorrow the alternate power string will be brought up and determine if there is a real problem or not. Very likely just caused a trip and no failure but folks are planning how to unload the dry cargo ASAP just in case.
Any other recent news on the problem with routing electric power to the ATV?
This is source of my query...http://www.spaceflightnow.com/ariane/va205/status.html
As part of a changed scrubbing process they had extra equipment that had not been certified plugged in. Likely caused a trip. Tomorrow the alternate power string will be brought up and determine if there is a real problem or not. Very likely just caused a trip and no failure but folks are planning how to unload the dry cargo ASAP just in case.
per L2, as early as Monday, however, let's not go overboard here, let the folks work the problem and see what they come up with.
According to the ballistic Service Mission Control Center Engineering Research Institute engines will be included in 1:00 and 54 minutes Moscow Time (March 31 at 21:54 GMT) and have worked for 411 seconds. As a result, the ISS will receive an additional boost of 1 meter per second. The average height of its orbit will increase by 1.7 kilometers and will be 389.8 kilometers.
On 30 March, the command path to one (of four) RICU units (the Russian Systems Interface Unit – these are electrical interface boxes between the ISS and ATV) failed. The ATV’s failure detection, isolation and recovery function switched off, as foreseen, the ATV’s Russian avionics Chain 1.
ATV functions continued nominally with the ATV’s own autonomous power supply. In the meantime, the second chain, Chain 2, was successfully used to take over the lost command path.
ATV operations to re-boost the ISS later today, set for 18:05 & 23:45 GMT, will be performed as planned.
The loss of one out four redundant functions is not considered critical and re-integration of the lost command path is under investigation.
Ground sent up new unload list this morning, but at this time the Russians are not helping. If the power issue isn't fixed today, then they will do an all hands throw the stuff anywhere push, but for now it's still organized.Listening to your archive this morning, too, Rob...at least until I caught up (temporarily). As you noted the Russian crew weren't needed, only the three USOS crew were needed for the unstow activities that were going on.
List also has garbage loading for center of gravity issues in case they need a Monday undock.
To make it more interesting, Houston lost all comms for a bit too!
Wow, so this is serious enough for a contingency undocking? :o
ATV-3 seems to be having an unfair share of problems.
Wow, so this is serious enough for a contingency undocking? :o
ATV-3 seems to be having an unfair share of problems.
Huh? The only other problem was the prox boom - which happened on the other flights. Other issues (including that one) are all self inflicted and/or politcal.
All good now:
ESA: Power bus connection restored a few mins ago. #ATV3 back to nominal operations, incl.
(Updated 19:24 CEST) An update on the information we posted earlier today on the ATV electrical problem has just arrived from Massimo Cislaghi, ESA’s ATV Mission Manager. The news is very positive!
On 30 March, the command path to one (of four) RICU units (part of the ATV-ISS electrical interface system) failed. The ATV’s failure detection, isolation and recovery function switched off, as foreseen, the ATV’s Russian avionics Chain 1.
ATV functions continued nominally with the ATV’s own autonomous power supply.
In the meantime, the second chain, Chain 2, was successfully switched on to take over the lost command path and the ATV-ISS power bus connection was restored in the evening of 31 March.
The ATV operations to test the ATV engines for ISS re-boost will be performed as planned during the evening of 31 March.
The loss of one out four redundant functions is not considered critical and re-integration of the lost command path is under investigation.
This is good news and means that the ATV is now re-connected to ISS electrical power.
Wow, so this is serious enough for a contingency undocking? :o
ATV-3 seems to be having an unfair share of problems.
Full Hi-Res set on L2
Full Hi-Res set on L2
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23868.msg878317#msg878317 (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23868.msg878317#msg878317)
I've heard that ATV-3 cargo transfers are already 63% complete! Most of the cargo has gone into the PMM.
but nothing so far to match something like: http://www.arianespace.com/news-image_library/photo_library_files/ariane5/print/atv_launch_9march2008_hr.jpg
I've heard that ATV-3 cargo transfers are already 63% complete! Most of the cargo has gone into the PMM.
Always nice to have a pantry :)
More of an ISS note: With the potential situation of a massive cargo extraction for this flight (before possible early departure), I wonder if future missions might do well to have crew extract high priority items not too long after hatch opening, and then an expedited cargo removal effort to ensure the bulk of the items get aboard prior to an issue cropping up.
Just a thought.
Try 70 in hi-res...in L2
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28541.msg880402
Article updated with additional TDRS notes.I'll reply before you get across the channel -
PS No reaction to the amazing gif? Do I need to come round to your houses and personally shake my head at you? ;D
Article updated with additional TDRS notes.
PS No reaction to the amazing gif? Do I need to come round to your houses and personally shake my head at you? ;D
Nothing without all that poster text ****? Too much effort to try and Photoshop it all out :/
ATV-3 status as of 13 July; courtesy ATV-CC
CARGO and FUEL STATUS
- Cargo status : 100% transferred
- Accepted trash : 592 kg so far
- Air status : 100% transferred, tank empty
- Oxygen status : no transfer so far
- Water : 280 litres, transfer completed
- Fuel : 100% transferred, ATV tanks empty
- Propellant status : around 2140 kg used, around 1917 kg available for ISS reboost & attitude control
Upcoming operations (dates, as always, subject to change):
17 July: Soyuz 31S docking, ISS attitude change (no ATV propulsion support)
17 July: **Reboost manoeuvre No. 6 -- alternate slot on 19 July
19 July: ATV-4 System Validation Test 1 (SVT1) -- alternate slot on 20 July
Note**: Reboost No. 6 is set for the night from 17 to 18 July; start set for 03:16 UT
ATV-3 conducted its 6th ISS reboost manoeuvre early this morning
05:35 - Successful end of reboost and transition back to 'ISS Attitude Control' mode. Delta-V (change in velocity) achieved was around 2.8 m/s, which raised the ISS approximately 5 km.
The ISS crew has just finished (at 22:24 CEST) the O2 repressurisation with a DP [Delta-P = change in ISS cabin pressure] of 8.9 mm Hg.
Tonight's first O2 'repress' used ATV's tanks 2/3 and ran for 1 hr and 45 mins starting at 20:35 CEST. 14 kg of O2 were delivered, and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko took 10 minutes to start/stop the flow.
This afternoon, the ATV tanks successfully transferred around 19 kg of Oxygen (O2) into the air cabin of the Station.
The tank valve was opened for 2 hours and 30 minutes by the crew to directly and slowly diffuse the Oxygen in the cabin; the ISS air ventilation system ensuring a good mixing and distribution of the oxygen inside the various ISS modules.
The valve was nominally closed by the crew at 19:15 CEST when the planned increase in cabin air pressure had been reached.
This transfer allowed, in particular, making up the oxygen lost during the last Extra Vehicular Activity on Monday, 20 August.
This is the second oxygen transferred performed by ATV-3. The ATV tank containing air was emptied at the very beginning of the current ATV mission. Two additional transfers of oxygen are foreseen before ATV-3 undocking on 25 September; these will empty the last ATV tank and successfully complete the transfer of the entire ATV-3 cargo load to the ISS!
ATV-3 final days: annotated timeline
Note, as always, that these dates/events are forecasts only and are subject to change.
In the annotations below, FE-4 and FE-6 are ISS flight engineers Yuri Malenchenko and Akihiko Hoshide, respectively.
- 12 Sep: ATV Reboost manoeuvre No. 9, set for 05:26 CEST (Final planned ATV-3 reboost!)
- 14 Sep: ATV Reboost maneuver No. 9, backup slot
- 16 Sep: 30S Undocking
- Week of 17 Sep: Final ATV trash loading with close-out photos
- 20 Sep: Photos/videos for MCI calculation/final Cargo configuration
- 21 Sep: On-board training (OBT-ATV-UNDOCK-DRILL) - Planned for 45 min by FE-4 and FE-6
- 24 Sep: ATV Tools gathering for final egress from ATV (15 min by FE-6)
- 24 Sep: ATV-3 Hatch closure
- 25 Sep: ATV-3 Photos for sensor cleanliness (ensure external laser sensors on ATV are uncontaminated)
- 25 Sep: ATV-3 Undocking (time TBC; likely evening GMT)
- 25 Sep: ATV Tools restow (15min by FE-6)
- 26 Sep: ATV-3 Re-entry
ATV-3 cargo/propellent status as of 7 September:
- Cargo status: done
- Accepted trash: 840 kg so far
- Liquid waste: 218 Kg so far
- Air status: done
- Oxygen status: 53kg (80%) transferred
- Water: done
- Fuel: done
- Propellant status: 3769kg used, 331kg available for ISS reboost & attitude control
The last reboost of the ISS by ATV3 has been successfully performed early this morning. The purpose of the reboost was to set up correct phasing for the Soyuz 30 landing and Soyuz 32 launch.
Post-manoeuvre evaluation of the orbit by the NASA trajectory specialists confirmed the following:
- Time of ignition was 05:05 CEST, with a total burn duration of 08 min 56 sec.
- ISS reached a delta-V of 1.28 m/sec, which in this case corresponds to an altitude increase of 2.23 km
- Propellant expenditure was in the order of 175 kg
ATV-3 now has almost no propellant left, apart of course from the reserve kept for the separation and reentry boosts, and a small margin in case a short-notice ISS debris avoidance manoeuvre