Expedition 30 thread (November 22, 2011 - April 27, 2012)

[jacqmans]

Test Cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin accepts congratulations from Earth
January 15, 2012

Currently cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin on board the International Space Station and is on watch in the 30th crew of the main long-term expedition to the ISS .  Anatoly Alekseevich, performing his first space flight, today marks 43 years.

 Dear Anatoly!  On this special day we wish you every success in space and new space missions, an easy start and soft landings.  Let luck and inspiration to be faithful companions in all your endeavors, and the health and well-being - in their daily lives.

[Space Pete]

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

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

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

[Space Pete]

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

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

[Space Pete]

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

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

[AnalogMan]

Looks like there is some SSRMS activity coming up in the next couple of days:

19 Jan 0930Z-2245Z SSRMS Ground Control – MT TRANSLATE TO WS4
20 Jan 0930Z-1900Z SSRMS TO NODE 3

[Space Pete]

20 Jan 0930Z-1900Z SSRMS TO NODE 3

I assume they mean Node 2, not Node 3 - as in, a walkoff from the MBS to Node 2? Can't think why the SSRMS would be going to Node 3 - the PVGF atop Node 3 can't serve as a base for the SSRMS.

[stockman]

Looks like there is some SSRMS activity coming up in the next couple of days:

19 Jan 0930Z-2245Z SSRMS Ground Control – MT TRANSLATE TO WS4
20 Jan 0930Z-1900Z SSRMS TO NODE 3

Current position of SSRMS - firmly grasping DEXTRE

[Space Pete]

Current position of SSRMS - firmly grasping DEXTRE

In that case, the SSRMS may be going to Node 3 in order to place Dextre on the Node 3 Zenith PVGF.

[Ronsmytheiii]

new timelapse video over Africa showing stars and lightning:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lightsinthedark/6726493105

about 0:10 from the end you can see a couple objects pass by over the horison on the right, hopefully they are not in plane!

[jacqmans]

View of the Service Module from inside the Russian connecting module. It is easy to lose your orientation with all the modules, up, down, left and right.

Credit: ESA/NASA

[Space Pete]

It seems the SPDM will be surveying the STP-H3 payload on ELC-3 tomorrow.

What a day! It feels so good to be back in Legs' embrace! Too bad Creepy was feeling a little pesky today - I guess Mr. MT gets a little ginchy going all the way out to worksite 7. Oh well. Personally, I love the view out here. Tomorrow I get to survey the STP-H3 payload. Good times!

-----
Edit - an update:

STP survey is complete and I'm snuggled back down on the Mobile Base System. I'm glad I got to come out and play today. Maybe with Dragon being delayed I'll get to work on the Robotics Refueling Mission a littler sooner than planned. That would be fun! Come on MDA & CSA, get that analysis and software done so I can show the world what I can do!

[Space Pete]

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

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

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

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

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

[Ronsmytheiii]

View of the Service Module from inside the Russian connecting module. It is easy to lose your orientation with all the modules, up, down, left and right.

Credit: ESA/NASA

Imagine how the Cosmonauts on Mir felt in the connecting node, with a module on 5 ports and a soyuz

[robertross]

-----
Edit - an update:

STP survey is complete and I'm snuggled back down on the Mobile Base System. I'm glad I got to come out and play today. Maybe with Dragon being delayed I'll get to work on the Robotics Refueling Mission a littler sooner than planned. That would be fun! Come on MDA & CSA, get that analysis and software done so I can show the world what I can do!

That would be a nice bonus! 

[Space Pete]

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

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

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

[Space Pete]

STP-H3 is damaged! Wonder if it's an MMOD strike? It's only been up there since STS-134 in May.

--------------------

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

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

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

[AnalogMan]

STP-H3 is damaged! Wonder if it's an MMOD strike? It's only been up there since STS-134 in May.

--------------------

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

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

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

The VADER experiment seems to be plain unlucky!  It suffered from the delayed launch of STS-134 which caused a degredation of the sensors from exposure to humidity in the payload bay - this resulted in an estimated 65% or more loss on return of science. [A decision was taken not to open the payload bay to re-install a protective cover and argon purge during the delay based on an overall risk assessment].

Background on STP-H3:

Space Test Program – Houston 3: Variable emissivity device Aerogel insulation blanket Dual zone thermal control Experiment suite for Responsive space (VADER), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). It will test a robust, reconfigurable thermal control system that is focused primarily at small responsive space missions but is applicable to a wide range of missions and satellite classes. It will also test a new form of Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) protection using Aerogel material as the thermal isolator. This material is more durable, lighter and cheaper than traditional thermal blankets.

[Space Pete]

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

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

[Space Pete]

I have learned that RRM operations with the SPDM will begin March 6th-8th.

[jacqmans]

MEDIA ADVISORY: M12-013

VIRGINIA STUDENTS TO SPEAK LIVE WITH SPACE STATION ASTRONAUTS

WASHINGTON -- Students gathered at The University of Virginia College
at Wise will speak with Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank and
Flight Engineer Don Pettit aboard the International Space Station at
9:20 a.m. EST on Thursday, Jan. 26. Media representatives are invited
to attend.

Approximately 2,500 students from southwestern Virginia will ask
questions about life, work and research aboard the space station.
NASA Associate Administrator for Education and former astronaut
Leland Melvin will attend, and Gov. Robert McDonnell and U.S. Sen.
Mark Warner will connect virtually with the event. It will be
broadcast live on NASA Television.

To attend the event, news media must contact Jennifer Maggard at
[email protected] or 276-328-6111 no later than noon on
Wednesday, Jan. 25. The university is located at One College Avenue
in Wise.

Students from Wise County Public Schools will participate in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics learning activities before
and after the event. A temporary space museum set up at the
university Jan. 25 - 26 will display a moon rock, a spacesuit like
those worn by Apollo astronauts and an inflatable replica of NASA's
Curiosity rover currently en route to the Red Planet.

This in-flight education downlink is one in a series with educational
organizations in the United States and abroad to improve STEM
teaching and learning. It is an integral component of NASA's Teaching
From Space 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 NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv

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

To follow Twitter updates from Burbank and Pettit, visit:

http://twitter.com/AstroCoastie

and

http://twitter.com/Astro_Pettit