Author Topic: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)  (Read 88028 times)

Offline Artyom.

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #20 on: 05/21/2014 12:54 pm »
The cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev congratulate everyone with the International space Day and share another incredible photo of our beautiful Planet  8) !

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #21 on: 05/21/2014 01:50 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/15/14

Posted on May 15, 2014 by HQ.
 

SpX-3 Dragon Departure Preps:  Yesterday during during the crew day off, the SpX team performed a computer reboot to clear some error flags.  Today Swanson checked out the COTS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU) Crew Command Pane (CCP) that will be used for commanding the Dragon vehicle during unberth operations.  Dragon unberth and release is scheduled for Sunday morning.

Resist Tubule: ISS CDR Swanson retrieved two resist tubule chambers from the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) and injected water into the tubule chambers. Afterwards the chambers were reinserted into MELFI.  Resist Tubule clarifies the mechanisms of gravity resistance. Gravity resistance is a principal gravity response in plants, and plays an important role in the transition of plant ancestors from an aquatic environment to a terrestrial environment (about 450 million years ago), and in the consequent establishment of land plants. This present study clarifies the mechanisms of gravity resistance, in particular the processes from signal transformation and transduction, to response.

Veg-01:  Swanson conducted a daily check and took a weekly photo of the plants for the Veggie investigation. Swanson watered and thinned the plants as needed so there is only one plant per plant pillow. The Veg-01 hardware validation test investigation utilizes the Veggie facility on ISS. This investigation will assess on-orbit function and performance of the Veggie facility, and focus on the growth and development of ‘Outredgeous’ Lettuce (Lactuca sativa ) seedlings in the spaceflight environment and the effects of the spaceflight environment on composition of microbial flora on the Veggie-grown plants and the Veggie facility.

Biotube-Magnetophoretically Induced Curvature in Roots (Biotube-MICRO) Remove:  Swanson removed Biotube from Express Rack (ER) 8 and stowed it in the Dragon vehicle for return. BioTube MICRO investigates the potential for magnetic fields to orient plant roots as they grow in microgravity. Plants are not directly sensitive to magnetic fields, but starch grains, called amyloplasts, in plant cells respond to external magnetic fields. Brassica rapa seedlings will be grown in microgravity in the presence of magnets with about 50 times the strength of refrigerator magnets to see whether the orientation of the amyloplasts or other factors induce curvature in roots as they form.

Science Sample Transfer:  Swanson and FE-2 Artemyev transferred science samples for return on SpaceX-3 from MELFI into Glacier-4. Some of the samples didn’t fit due to packing volume.  A set of samples that have a longer shelf life will remain onboard and will return on a later flight. Swanson transferred the Micro-7 BioCell Habitats from Microgravity Experiment Research Locker Incubator II (MERLIN) into Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA)-5 for return on SpaceX-3. Swanson also removed the APEX-02-2 petri plates from CGBA-6.  Four of the plates will be stowed in MELFI for return on SpaceX-3, while five plates will return ambient.
« Last Edit: 05/21/2014 01:51 pm by jacqmans »
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #22 on: 05/21/2014 01:51 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/16/14

Posted on May 16, 2014 by HQ.
 

SpaceX-3 Dragon Cargo Packing:  ISS CDR Swanson & FE-1 Skvortsov completed several cargo transfer activities today, including the transfer of all powered payloads for return.  Dragon is now loaded with two Glaciers, one Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA), and a Biotube Micro (unpowered) in the powered middeck locker locations.  Final transfer of the center stack return items and double cold bags will occur tomorrow.  SpaceX is continuing to plan for unberth and splashdown on Sunday, May 18th.  The latest forecasts are projecting a marginal sea state for splashdown and recovery, and ground specialists are continuing to monitor. 

Glacier Swap: While Swanson and Skvortsov were swapping Glacier 2 and Glacier 4 between the ISS Laboratory (LAB) and the Dragon vehicle, a small water leak resulted from difficulty connecting Glacier 2 to the LAB cooling line.  The crew cleaned the water up and connected the cooling line and power cables.  Shortly after power-up, the Glacier power tripped off.  The crew disconnected the power cables and found additional water.  Following cleanup, the power cables were re-connected and Glacier 2 was repowered with no issues.  The thermal clock was not violated during these activities.

Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS):  Yesterday, ground controllers walked off the SSRMS to Mobile Base system (MBS) Power Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF) #1 and captured the Lab PDGF.  Today, they walked off the SSRMS from the Lab PDGF to the Node 2 PDGF, then grappled Dragon in preparation for unberth and release operations on Sunday.
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #23 on: 05/21/2014 01:52 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/17/14

Posted on May 17, 2014 by HQ.
 

Double Cold Bag (DCB) Packing: ISS CDR Swanson and FE-1 Skvortsov packed six DCBs with conditioned science samples for return on SpaceX-3.

SpaceX-3 Departure Preparations:  Swanson completed the final SpaceX-3 cargo loading.  He then completed the SpaceX-3 egress and vestibule closeout procedures, including installation of the Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) Controller Panel Assemblies (CPAs).  Finally, he configured the Robotics Work Station (RWS) cameras. SpaceX-3 unberth is scheduled at 6:40am CDT tomorrow with release scheduled at 8:26am CDT.

CBM Bolt 3-1 Checkout:  After Swanson installed the CBM CPAs, the ground team checked out CBM Bolt 3-1, which had failed during SpaceX-3 berthing operations and was subsequently changed out.  The bolt was fully retracted to confirm the initial configuration. It was then driven and retracted to verify nominal operation.  Bolt 3-1 will be masked to support SpaceX-3 demate.
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #24 on: 05/21/2014 01:52 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/18/14

Posted on May 18, 2014 by HQ.
 

SpaceX-3 Release:  Today ISS CDR Swanson completed closeout of the Node 2 nadir vestibule, removed the final power jumpers and closed the Node 2 nadir hatch.  He then depressed the vestibule and demated the Common Berthing Mechanism (CMB) bolts and latches.  Using the Space Station Robotic Manipulator System (SSRMS) robotics ground controllers performed the SpaceX unberth from Node 2 nadir and maneuvered SpaceX-3 to the release postion.    Swanson, with robotics assistance from FE-1 Skvortsov, completed the SpaceX Dragon release from the SSRMS on time at 8:26am CDT.  After Dragon departure, the robotics ground controllers maneuvered the SSRMS to a park position, performed a video survey of the Node2 nadir CBM and then powered it down.  SpaceX-3 splashdown occurred at approximately 2:04pm CDT today.

Lab Smoke Detector Annunciation:  Before crew wake, one of the crew members detected an odor.  Swanson investigated, but could not confirm the source.  Later, the LAB1PD1 smoke detector annunciated and then returned to normal.  The crew investigated, including CSA-CP checks which were nominal.  The crew did find a strip of tape that had been melted. Investigation into the event is continuing.
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #25 on: 05/21/2014 01:52 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/20/14

Posted on May 20, 2014 by HQ.
 

Resist Tubule: Yesterday, Commander (CDR) Swanson removed the Resist Tubule samples from the +2 Celsius Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI), inserted the samples into Measurement Experiment Unit B and attached the unit inside the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) micro-gravity Incubator Unit (IU). Today, Swanson inserted more samples from the MELFI into the CBEF 1-gravity IU. Resist Tubule clarifies the mechanisms of gravity resistance. Gravity resistance is a principal gravity response in plants, and plays an important role in the transition of plant ancestors from an aquatic environment to a terrestrial environment (about 450 million years ago), and in the consequent establishment of land plants. This present study clarifies the mechanisms of gravity resistance, in particular the processes from signal transformation and transduction, to response.

Radi-N2 Neutron Field Study (Radi-N2): Yesterday, Swanson retrieved eight bubble detectors around the ISS for the Radi-N2 experiment and turned them over to FE-2 Artemyev for analysis in the bubble reader. The objective of this investigation is to better characterize the ISS neutron environment and define the risk posed to the crewmembers’ health and provide the data necessary to develop advanced protective measures for future space flight.

Onboard Training (OBT) Dragon Debrief Conference: Following the successful unberth of SpX-3 last Sunday, today Swanson conducted a Dragon release/departure debrief with ground teams.

Oxygen Generation System (OGS) Hydrogen Sensor Remove & Replace (R&R): Today Swanson replaced the OGS Hydrogen Sensor that had reached end of lifetime.

Potential Onboard Combustion Event: Over the weekend, the crew in the US segment reported an unusual metallic odor, strongest in Node 3.  The crew took Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustible Products (CSA-CP) readings which were all nominal. Shortly thereafter, a Smoke Detector (SD) annunciated a fire in the US Lab.  The crew and ground executed emergency response steps, and again CSA-CP readings were nominal.  The crew found a small piece of partially-charred blue tape floating in the US Lab.  Photos were downlinked for review on the ground.  The specific source of this tape and potential combustion sources are under investigation.

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Today Robotics Ground Controllers performed a triple walkoff of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). The walkoff was from Node 2 to the Lab Power Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF), then to MBS PDGF1 and finally to the Mobile Base System (MBS) PDGF3.  The walkoff positions the SSRMS to support the Camera Light Pan Tilt Assembly (CLPA) R&R scheduled to begin this Friday.
Jacques :-)

Offline John44

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #26 on: 05/21/2014 06:16 pm »
Expedition 40/41 - Crew Activities in Baikonur, Kazakhstan
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8905

Offline John44

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Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #28 on: 05/22/2014 03:49 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/21/14

Posted on May 21, 2014 by HQ.
 

Advanced Colloids Experiment (ACE)-M-2 Sample Mixing: Commander (CDR) Swanson mixed ACE-M-2 samples in preparation for sample analysis which will take place in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) at a later date. In the ACE-M-2 investigation, a model colloidal system is used to observe the microscopic behavior of liquids and gases separating from each other, near the critical point, via a process called spinodal decomposition.

In Flight Maintenance (IFM): Swanson performed a Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) flush tank fill and depressurized the flush water tank and water valve block to protect the dose pump.

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event: Swanson participated in a PAO event with middle and high school students. Topics included research being conducted on the ISS and what types of tasks are performed during space walks.
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #29 on: 05/25/2014 03:11 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/22/14

Posted on May 22, 2014 by HQ.
 

Resist Tubule: Commander (CDR) Swanson retrieved the Resist Tubule Measurement Experiment Unit B from inside the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) micro-gravity Incubator Unit (IU) and inserted the samples into the Clean Bench (CB) microscope for observation. Resist Tubule clarifies the mechanisms of gravity resistance. Gravity resistance is a principal gravity response in plants, and plays an important role in the transition of plant ancestors from an aquatic environment to a terrestrial environment (about 450 million years ago), and in the consequent establishment of land plants. This present study clarifies the mechanisms of gravity resistance, in particular the processes from signal transformation and transduction, to response.

Materials Science Laboratory (MSL) Sample Cartridge Assembly (SCA) Exchange: Swanson installed a new cartridge for the Solidification along an Eutectic Path in Ternary Alloys (SETA) experiment. Ground teams will process the sample via ground commanding. SETA will study the effect of different processing velocities on the microstructure evolution; the influence of elimination of gravity component on the force balance and the influence and behavior of foreign particles added to the alloy.

Very High Frequency (VHF) Emergency Communication Checkout: Today Swanson conducted a successful VHF comm check through Dryden.  The comm check through White Sands was not successful due to a low elevation angle.

Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Operations for Camera/Light/PTU Assembly (CLPA) Remove and Replace R&R: Ground controllers continue preparations for the CLPA R&R operations. Today, the Robot Micro Conical Tool (RMCT) was taken out of its holster and the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) was unstowed. Tomorrow, ground controllers will use the SPDM to remove the SSRMS Boom CLPA and install it in the Mobile Berthing System (MBS) Mast.  Next week, a new CLPA will be installed in the SSRMS Boom location.
Jacques :-)

Offline John44

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #30 on: 05/26/2014 05:05 pm »
Expedition 40/41 - Crew Activities, Soyuz TMA-13M Spacecraft Mating and Rollout to the Launch Pad
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8910

Offline John44

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #31 on: 05/27/2014 08:11 pm »
Expedition 40/41 - Pre-Launch Crew News Conference in Baikonur, Kazakhstan
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8912

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #32 on: 05/28/2014 09:13 am »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/23/14

Posted on May 23, 2014 by HQ.
 

Half Duty Day: Today was a shortened work day for Commander (CDR) Swanson. This is in compensation for his working last weekend in preparation for SpX-3 departure.

Skin-B: Swanson conducted his third Skin-B data collection using the Tewameter probe to measure the skin barrier function, the Visioscan Camera to measure skin surface topography, and the Corneometer probe to measure skin hydration. The results of the Skin-B experiment will improve understanding of skin aging, which is slow on Earth but very much accelerated in space. This will also provide insights into the aging process in other (similar) bodily tissues in general. The data could help in determining impact on astronauts on future missions to the Moon and Mars for example where environmental conditions are more challenging.

Sprint Operations: Swanson completed his Flight Day 45 Sprint Volume of Oxygen Utilized (VO2) protocol using the Blood Pressure (BP)/Electrocardiogram (ECG) hardware. Sprint evaluates the use of high intensity, low volume exercise training to minimize loss of muscle, bone, and cardiovascular function in ISS crewmembers during long-duration missions.

Resist Tubule: Swanson retrieved the Resist Tubule Measurement Experiment Unit B from inside the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) 1-gravity Incubator Unit (IU), and inserted the samples into the Clean Bench microscope for observation. Resist Tubule clarifies the mechanisms of gravity resistance. Gravity resistance is a principal gravity response in plants, and plays an important role in the transition of plant ancestors from an aquatic environment to a terrestrial environment, and in the consequent establishment of land plants. This present study clarifies the mechanisms of gravity resistance, in particular the processes from signal transformation and transduction, to response.

Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Operations for Camera/Light/PTU Assembly (CLPA) Remove and Replace (R&R): Today ground controllers used the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) to remove the SSRMS Boom B CLPA. The CLPA will be installed on the Mobile Berthing System (MBS) Mast location later this evening.  Next week, a new CLPA will be installed on the SSRMS Boom location.
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #33 on: 05/28/2014 09:13 am »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/26/14

Posted on May 26, 2014 by HQ.
 

European Physiology Module (EPM) Rack Reconfiguration: Commander (CDR) Swanson reconfigured the EPM rack in preparation for the Plasma-Kristall 4 investigation planned for Increment 41. He swapped out close-out panels, stowage containers, and CARDIOLAB within the EPM rack.

Remote Power Control Module (RPCM) Trip: Early this morning, RPCM 4B_A RPC #4 tripped. This Remote Power Controller (RPC) feeds the Loop A Early External Thermal Control System (EETCS) pump.  While this pump is plumbed into PVTCS 2B as part of the hybrid configuration due to the PVTCS leak, the pump was not running. The pump has been powered to provide quantity sensor data.  Ground controllers have reviewed the trip data and agree this is a real overcurrent event. There is no immediate impact to cooling as the PVTCS 2B Loop continues to operate nominally in the hybrid configuration.  A Timeliner bundle is currently monitoring 6 sensors on the Loop B leg, two of which come from this pump. With the RPC open the Timeliner will continue to see the last value from the accumulator quantities for the Loop A pump. Since this won’t provide accurate insight to a future leak SPARTAN has inhibited the Timeliner bundle and re-enabled the 2B PFCS FDIR.

Camera Light Pan Tilt Assembly (CLPA) Remove & Replace (R&R) Preparations: Following last Friday night’s operations when ground controllers removed the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Boom B faulty CLPA, today Swanson installed a new CLPA on the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Airlock slide table. Tomorrow the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) will be used to install the CLPA on the SSRMS End-B.

Lamp Housing Assembly (LHA) R&R: Swanson performed two LHA R&Rs, both in Node 1.  Swanson successfully replaced the lamps in the Overhead-Starboard-2 and Port-Deck-2 locations (NOD1OS2 and NOD1PD2). Replacement of these two LHAs returns the Node 1 module to fully operational lighting conditions.
Jacques :-)

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #34 on: 05/28/2014 06:11 pm »

ISS Daily Summary Report – 05/27/14

Posted on May 27, 2014 by HQ.
 

Resist Tubule Clean Up: Commander (CDR) Swanson removed the Measurement Experiment Unit B from inside the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) 1-gravity Incubator Unit (IU) and configured the Clean Bench (CB) to a standby mode. More Resist Tubule samples will be processed at a later date. Resist Tubule clarifies the mechanisms of gravity resistance. Gravity resistance is a principal gravity response in plants, and plays an important role in the transition of plant ancestors from an aquatic environment to a terrestrial environment (about 450 million years ago), and in the consequent establishment of land plants. This present study clarifies the mechanisms of gravity resistance, in particular the processes from signal transformation and transduction, to response.

Earth Rim Observation Preparation: Swanson set up cameras in the Cupola to take sequential pictures of the Earth’s rim. The images from the Cupola will be taken in conjunction with the nadir-pointing Visible and Infrared Spectral Imager (VISI) on the external Multi-mission Consolidated Equipment (MCE). This will give the ground stereoscopic images to help clarify the structures and dynamics of the Earth’s upper atmosphere using the emission of the airglow and the aurora.

Camera Light Pan Tilt Assembly (CLPA) Remove & Replace (R&R):  Today Robotics Ground Controllers completed CLPA R&R operations that started last Friday.  They used the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) and Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) to remove the new CLPA from the JEM slidetable and install it on the SSRMS Boom.  Ground controllers then completed a checkout of the CLPA.  Pan, tilt, and zoom were all fully functional, but the iris would not fully close. The camera is usable despite this issue.  Additional troubleshooting will be planned at a later date.

Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFEs), Portable Breathing Apparatus (PBAs), and Extension Hose Tee Kits (EHTKs) Inspection: Swanson completed this routine maintenance today, verifying that PBAs, PFEs and EHTKs are free of damage and ensuring functionality.

Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Status: Following an ARED dashpot inspection, Swanson downlinked photos for review. Ground teams discovered that 2 of the 4 x-axis dashpots are broken. The crew has been instructed to stand down on ARED use until an R&R can be completed later this week.
Jacques :-)

Offline John44

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« Last Edit: 05/29/2014 05:10 am by John44 »

Offline bolun

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #36 on: 05/29/2014 09:26 am »
N° 16–2014: ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst arrives at Space Station

29 May 2014

A Soyuz spacecraft launched last night from Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan docked with the International Space Station in the early hours of this morning. Onboard were ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst and his Expedition 40/41 crewmates, who will now live and work in space for the next six months.

Flying with Alexander are Russian cosmonaut Maxim Suraev and NASA astronaut Gregory Reid Wiseman, demonstrating the  value of international cooperation in space.

Alexander’s flight is the third visit of a German national to the orbital outpost and the sixth long-duration mission for an ESA astronaut.

The Soyuz TMA-09M spacecraft lifted off from Baikonur at 19:57 GMT (21:57 CEST) on 28 May and reached orbit nine minutes later. After four orbits around Earth, their Soyuz arrived at the Station’s Rassvet module for docking.

Soyuz docked as planned at 01:44 GMT (03:44 CEST) and the hatch was opened at 03:52 GMT (05:52 CEST). They were greeted by cosmonauts Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev and NASA astronaut Steven Swanson, who will share part of the mission as members of Expedition 39/40.

During the first week on the Station, Alexander and the new arrivals will familiarise themselves with their new home before beginning a full roster of research and technical activities.

Alexander’s 166-day mission is called Blue Dot after the American astronomer Carl Sagan's description of distant Earth as “a pale blue dot” as seen on a photograph taken by NASA’s Voyager probe six billion kilometres from our planet.

The mission includes an extensive scientific programme, reflecting the diversity of research conducted on the Station.

In keeping with ESA’s policy of maximising the practical benefit of research in space, more than 40 experiments are of scientific value or will prepare for further exploration missions.

Experiments will cover materials physics, human physiology, radiation biology, solar research, biotechnology, fluid physics and astrophysics, in addition to a series of technology demonstrations.

A highlight of Blue Dot is the electromagnetic levitator furnace, intended to improve industrial casting processes and permit finer and more delicate metal castings.

By suspending molten metal in weightlessness, scientists can obtain much more precise measurements of metal characteristics than possible on Earth, where the readings are typically affected by the container.

All scientific experiments on the Space Station are pushing the frontiers of knowledge, directly feeding back into innovation on planet Earth.

As a flight engineer, Alexander will also help to dock ESA’s fifth and final Automated Transfer Vehicle,Georges Lemaitre, which is set for launch on 25 July.

These ATVs are the largest supply vessels serving the Station, delivering essential cargo, performing regular orbit reboosts and capable of manoeuvring the 420-tonne complex out of the way of hazardous space debris if need be.

ATV-5 will test the new LIRIS laser infrared imaging sensor that will allow future vessels to dock with targets such as space capsules and orbital debris.

Alexander will also be closely involved in berthing other supply vessels expected to arrive during his mission.

Further highlights of the mission include a planned spacewalk.

Like other ESA astronauts before him, Alexander will also conduct an educational programme to inspire children.

Follow the Blue Dot mission with on the blog: http://blogs.esa.int/alexander-gerst/

Follow Alexander Gerst on Twitter: @Astro_Alex

http://www.esa.int/For_Media/Press_Releases/ESA_astronaut_Alexander_Gerst_arrives_at_Space_Station

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #37 on: 05/29/2014 10:12 am »
Press release, 29 May 2014

Alexander Gerst – arrival at the ISS

German ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst and his colleagues, Russian cosmonaut Maxim Suraev and American astronaut Reid Wiseman, have arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) . The crew lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 21:57 CEST on 28 May 2014 (01:57 on May 29 2014,
local time). Their flight from the launch pad in Kazakhstan to the ISS lasted about six hours. The Soyuz capsule with the crew on board docked with the Space Station at 03:44 CEST, still at night. At around 05:52, the hatch to the ISS opened – Alexander Gerst's Blue Dot mission had begun.
 
"Germany's involvement in human space flight is continuing with Alexander Gerst’s flight. In recent decades, beginning with Sigmund Jaehn and Ulf Merbold's flights, German engineers and scientists have been contributing to humankind's ability to establish outposts in Earth orbit,"
said Johann-Dietrich Wörner, Chairman of the DLR Executive Board. "Once again, spaceflight is demonstrating what is possible when there is international collaboration across all boundaries to pursue a common goal and achieve it together."
 
Alexander Gerst has made some rough calculations; around 6000 hours of training worldwide in Houston, Moscow, Tokyo and Cologne for his mission in preparation for life and work on the ISS. The training came to an end with the launch from Baikonur – now Gerst must put the knowledge
he has acquired to use during his six months in space. During his time on the ISS, Gerst will carry out some 100 experiments. Twenty-five of these experiments are being conducted under the leadership of German project scientists or with the involvement of German industry. These
include German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) experiments such as DOSIS-3D (Dose Distribution Inside the ISS) to determine the level of space radiation, and materials science experiments in the Electromagnetic Levitator (EML). In addition, experiments
from research institutes such as the Charité Berlin medical school, the German Sport University (Deutsche Sporthochschule) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques (Fraunhofer IPM), as well as from companies such as Airbus will be on the 38-year-old astronaut’s
daily schedule.
 
Duties on board
 
Besides his work as the 'extended arm' of the scientists on Earth, Gerst will act as the Flight Engineer and perform maintenance and repair work in and on the Space Station as part of the six-man team on the ISS. He will also support the crew as a medical officer in the event of
any health problems, and will be in contact with a team of doctors on the ground when doing so. He received medical training for this, enabling him to sew wounds or replace fillings. The German astronaut will also be called on when various transport craft arrive. In June Orbital
Science's Cygnus transporter will dock with the ISS. In July and September, SpaceX will be sending Dragon transporters with freight on board to the Space Station. For these arrivals, Gerst has been trained to capture the spacecraft using the robotic arm attached to the outside
of the station. In July, the European ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) 'Georges Lemaître' space transporter will automatically dock with the ISS. The German astronaut will monitor this procedure and intervene in an emergency. There are also plans for extravehicular activity, in
which the astronauts will spend several hours carrying out repair and installation work on the exterior of the Space Station.
 
Working days by the minute
 
Six working days a week are planned down to the minute for Gerst. In addition, there is a compulsory fitness programme, voluntary experiments in his spare time, videoconferences and telephone conversations with the control centres, family members and friends – and household chores.
Gerst will spend 166 days in space before returning to Earth in a Soyuz capsule on 10 November 2014.


Jacques :-)

Offline Nicolas PILLET

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #38 on: 05/29/2014 06:53 pm »

May 14, 2014

(...)
 
Reid Wiseman of NASA, Oleg Artemyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency are scheduled to launch to the space station at 3:57 p.m. EDT May 28 on a Soyuz spacecraft from Kazakhstan. They will join Expedition 40 crewmates Swanson, Maxim Suraev and Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos, who have been aboard the station since late March.

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Kosmonavtika : The French site on Russian Space

Offline sdsds

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Re: Expedition 40 thread (May 13 - September 11, 2014)
« Reply #39 on: 05/30/2014 06:46 am »
Practicing screen captures today as the ISS Live program began. Crew all off-duty today, so ... no capcom!

(And second capture using a better codec.)
« Last Edit: 05/30/2014 06:58 am by sdsds »
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