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International Space Station (ISS) => ISS Section => Topic started by: anik on 04/08/2009 05:02 pm

Title: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: anik on 04/08/2009 05:02 pm
NOTE: ETCS ISSUE NOTES BEGIN HERE:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=16584.msg623872#msg623872

----

http://www.energia.ru/eng/iss/iss24/photo_04-03.html

April 3, 2009

S.P.Korolev RSC Energia held one more regular training session under the crew-training program for Expedition Twenty Four to the International Space Station (ISS), which is scheduled to start its work in orbit in May 2010.
The Corporation specialists got NASA astronaut Shannon Walker acquainted with video and photographic equipment available on board the ISS Russian Segment.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread
Post by: anik on 05/15/2009 02:46 pm
http://www.energia.ru/rus/iss/iss23/photo_05-14.html

Andrey Borisenko has trained at RSC Energia yesterday.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread
Post by: collectSPACE on 11/04/2009 12:48 am
ISS Expedition 24 crew insignia: http://www.collectspace.com/iss24patch
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread
Post by: phxcmd on 11/04/2009 04:13 pm
ISS Expedition 24 crew insignia: http://www.collectspace.com/iss24patch
Love it! A unique design and not over-done.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread
Post by: anik on 02/06/2010 08:08 am
http://www.energia.ru/ru/news/news-2010/photo_02-05.html

Shannon Walker has trained at RSC Energia on February 4-5.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (May 31 - September 16, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 02/17/2010 09:02 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-028

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION CREW AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS

HOUSTON -- The next set of International Space Station residents will
be available to talk to journalists at 1 p.m. CST on Tuesday, March
2. The briefing from the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston
will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site.
Questions also will be taken from participating NASA locations.

The briefing participants are:
-Expedition 24 Flight Engineer and NASA astronaut Shannon Walker
-Expedition 24 Flight Engineer and NASA astronaut Army Col. Doug
Wheelock
-Expedition 24 Flight Engineer and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin


Following the briefing, the crew members will be available for
individual round-robin interviews, in person or by phone. There also
will be a photo opportunity. To participate in the interviews,
reporters should contact the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111, by 4
p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24. U.S. and foreign nationals planning to
attend the news briefing must contact the Johnson newsroom by 4 p.m.,
Wednesday, Feb. 24, to arrange credentials.

Walker, Wheelock and Yurchikhin are scheduled to launch to the station
aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft no earlier than June 14. They will
dock to the space station two days later, joining Russian cosmonauts
Alexander Skvortsov, Mikhail Kornienko and NASA astronaut Tracy
Caldwell Dyson, who are scheduled to arrive at the station in April
on another Soyuz spacecraft.

For NASA TV streaming video, schedules and downlink information,
visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/ntv


For the latest information about Expedition 24 and its crew, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/station

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 16, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 03/02/2010 07:49 pm
Expedition 24 - Crew News Conference
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5729
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 16, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 04/15/2010 08:50 am
RSC-Energia Hosts Training Session for ISS-24/25 Crew
15.04.2010

http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9097

S.P.Korolev Rocket Space Corporation Energia hosted training session for the crew of long-term expeditions 24/25 to the International Space Station.
RSC-Energia experts trained Russian cosmonauts Fiodor Yurchikhin and Dmitry Kondratiev on ISS RS SW reburning, methods and instruments used for ISS RS maintenance operations, etc.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 16, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 04/30/2010 04:42 pm
Expedition 24 - Interview with Flight Engineer and Expedition 25 Commander Douglas Wheelock
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5911

Expedition 24-25 - Interview with Flight Engineer Fyodor Yurchikhin
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5912

Expedition 24-25 - Interview with Flight Engineer Shannon Walker
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5913
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 05/29/2010 08:11 pm
Expedition 24 - Crew Training Resource Reel
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6026
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/01/2010 08:54 pm
Just as a note for those Tweeps among us (people who use "that Twitter thingy", as Chris would say ;D), Doug Wheelock (@Astro_Wheels) is now on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/Astro_Wheels
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 06/01/2010 09:27 pm
Expedition 24 - Crew Activities & Russia Departure Ceremony Video File
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6029

Expedition 23-24 Change of Command Ceremony
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6030
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/02/2010 12:14 am
Following the undocking of Soyuz TMA-17, Expedition 24 has now officially begun with Aleksandr Skvortsov in command.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 06/02/2010 06:06 pm
Expedition 24 - Crew Meets the Media
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6038


Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/03/2010 05:33 pm
From ISS Daily Report for 03/06/2010:

Working in the new MRM-1, CDR Skvortsov activated and health-checked it’s MPI Multifunctional Panel which holds the C&W (Caution & Warning) displays. [Besides a “Current Station Time” clock with alarm & stop watch functions, the panel has indicators for Fire, Toxic Atmosphere (ATM) & Pressure Drop/Leak (∆P/∆t) events plus object selection & active control (ASK) buttons.]

Later, Skvortsov & FE-3 Kornienko checked out & tested the STTS comm. channels in MRM-1, supported by ground specialist tagup via S-band.

Reboost:
A one-burn reboost of ISS is scheduled for Saturday (05/06) morning at 3:20 AM GMT using the SM’s two main engines. Planned burn duration: 4 min 7 sec; delta-V: 4.3 m/s (14.1 ft/s). Expected mean altitude gain: 7.6 km (4.1 nmi). Purpose: set up orbital phasing for both Soyuz TMA-19/23S and Progress M-06M/38P launch/dock conditions.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 06/03/2010 05:42 pm
Expedition 24 Farewell Activities at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6039
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Fuji on 06/04/2010 12:13 am
ISS On-Orbit Status 06/03/10
Quote
Moving on into the new MRM1 Rassvet module, docked at SM zenith

Soyuz TMA-18/22S crew return vehicle, docked at the MRM2 Poisk module at FGB nadir

Is this some kind of joke? In the official status ;D
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/04/2010 12:20 pm
ISS On-Orbit Status 06/03/10
Quote
Moving on into the new MRM1 Rassvet module, docked at SM zenith

Soyuz TMA-18/22S crew return vehicle, docked at the MRM2 Poisk module at FGB nadir

Is this some kind of joke? In the official status ;D

The quality of the ISS Daily Reports has really gone downhill lately – I have to double-check everything before I post it to make sure it is correct (and 50% of the time, it isn’t).

I don’t know who writes these reports, but they evidently have very little understanding of even the basic structure of the ISS.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/04/2010 09:51 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 04/06/2010:

FE-2 Caldwell-Dyson had ~1h15m set aside for troubleshooting the OGS (Oxygen Generator System) pump ORU whose pressure sensor has failed. Its low delta-P indication across the pump ORU had shut down the OGA (Oxygen Generation Assembly) on 22/05. Today’s procedure was to verify that the OGS Process Controller is not the cause of the sensor failure. [Steps included opening the OGS Rack doors to access the ORU, connect the Multimeter voltage/current measurement instrument to take voltage readings from the Controller to the sensor (should be ~15 VDC), then cleaning up and closing out the worksite. Tracy measured a sensor excitation voltage of 15.08 VDC, i.e., within nominal range and indicative of a healthy Process Controller. Additional troubleshooting will be scheduled in the near future to either replace the pump ORU or to operate the OGA without the dP sensor.]

In preparation of the planned installation of the PDGF externally on the FGB during US EVA-15 by Caldwell-Dyson & Wheelock (currently scheduled for 08/07), Mikhail unstowed the Russian-built PDGF adapter (rama = frame) from Progress M-05M/37P, transferred it to the DC-1 "Pirs" module and installed a handrail on the adapter frame with six screw bolts and a screw sealant, Anaterm-1u (a special anaerobic compound). [The additional PDGF, the first on the RS (Russian Segment), will extend the "roving" range of the SSRMS which moves itself inch-worm like from PDGF to PDGF.]

Reboost:
A one-burn reboost of ISS is scheduled tomorrow morning at 3:20 AM GMT using the SM’s two main engines. Planned burn duration: 4 min 7 sec; delta-V: 4.3 m/s (14.1 ft/s). Expected mean altitude gain: 7.6 km (4.1 nmi). Purpose: set up orbital phasing for both Soyuz TMA-19/23S and Progress M-06M/38P launch/dock conditions.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: stockman on 06/05/2010 01:52 am
not sure what area we are looking at as it is zoomed in so close - is there something that has come loose to the left (circled in yellow)??
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Aobrien on 06/05/2010 03:56 am
not sure what area we are looking at as it is zoomed in so close - is there something that has come loose to the left (circled in yellow)??
That's the radiator that is loose. The camera view is on the back of what looks like the S1 Truss
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/05/2010 08:20 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 05/06/2010:

Following up on the earlier detection of metal shavings in the new MRM-1, CDR Skvortsov was to perform an inspection of the MRM-1 hatch screen, taking photographs for subsequent downlink and cleaning the screen with the vacuum cleaner if shavings or foreign materials were found.

SM Reboost Update:
As per plan, a one-burn ISS reboost was conducted this morning at 3:20 AM GMT using the SM’s two main engines. Performance was nominal. Burn duration: 4 min 7 sec; delta-V: 4.5 m/s/14.76 ft/s (predicted 4.36 m/s/14.30 ft/s). Mean altitude gain: 7.79 km/4.21 nmi (predicted 7.55 km/4.07 nmi). Purpose: set up orbital phasing for both Soyuz TMA-19/23S & Progress M-06M/38P launch/dock conditions.

Progress Reboosts:
Two more reboost maneuvers, one orbit apart, will be conducted by Progress M-05M/37P to fine-tune phasing for both Soyuz TMA-19/23S & Progress M-06M/38P launch conditions.
Reboost 1: TIG (Time of Ignition) = 11:55 PM GMT Mon. 07/06; burn duration: 9m 40s; delta-V: 0.8 m/s.
Reboost 2: TIG = 1:26 AM GMT Tue. 08/06; burn duration: 7m 15s; delta-V: 0.6 m/s.
Mean altitude increase after both burns: 2.55 km/1.38 nmi.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: anik on 06/08/2010 07:03 am
Two reboosts of ISS orbit were successfully performed today at 00:10 and 01:45 UTC by four engines of Progress M-05M cargo ship. The first manoeuvre had duration about 581 s and delta-V - 0.8 m/s, the second manoeuvre - 436 s and 0.6 m/s. The mean altitude has increased on 2.5 km.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 06/08/2010 09:23 am
Expedition 24 - Mission Overview
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6045

Expedition 24 - Crew Overview
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6047
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/08/2010 09:58 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 08/06/2010:

In the new MRM-1, with BITS2-12, VD-SU control mode and power supplies turned off, CDR Skvortsov uninstalled and removed electronics equipment (ABU SSVP, BUP-2, TA082/BNU) of the automatic control system used by MRM-1 during the approach & docking phase.

Reboosts Update:
Two single-burn reboost maneuvers were performed successfully this morning as scheduled, executed by the four Progress M-05M/37P mid-ring thrusters, one orbit apart, to fine-tune orbital phasing for both Soyuz TMA-19/23S & Progress M-06M/38P launch conditions.
. Reboost 1: TIG – 12:10 AM GMT; burn duration: 9m 40s.
. Reboost 2: TIG – 1:45 AM GMT; burn duration: 7m 15s.
. Total delta-V: 1.42 m/s (4.66 ft/s) [predicted: 1.4 m/s (4.6 ft/s)].
. Mean altitude increase after both burns: 2.45 km (1.32 nmi) [predicted: 2.41 km (1.30 nmi)].
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/09/2010 07:28 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 09/06/2010:

CDR Skvortsov & FE-3 Kornienko continued their tear-down work in the new MRM-1, uninstalling & removing no longer needed electronic equipment. [Today the focus was on two boxes (TA082 & UDPK-24) of the BNU signal conditioning subsystem of the SBI onboard measurement system (discarded in Progress M-05M/37P), and the KL-108M-M transmitter of the Klest television system (temporarily stowed in MRM-1).]

Later in the day, Kornienko outfitted MRM-1 with an air duct (VD, vozduchovodiy), installing it with its adapter on the module’s BVN air heater fan.

FE-2 Caldwell-Dyson had about 2 hours set aside for troubleshooting the OGS (Oxygen Generator System) delta-pressure sensor, and her labors proved to be successful. [In Part 1 of the procedure, FE-2 removed the degraded recirculation pump ORU and installed a new pump ORU for an electrical verification of the new pressure sensor by MCC-Houston. Since the new sensor indicated a healthy recirculation loop pressure (i.e., negligible dP), Tracy completed the installation of the new ORU as per plan. If the recirculation loop pressure had remained bad with the new sensor, the original ORU would have been re-installed.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/10/2010 09:14 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 10/06/2010:

All three crewmembers performed the mandatory 60 minute New Module Delta Emergency Procedure drill, intended to familiarize the station residents with changes associated with the arrival of a new module (MRM-1) to be conducted no later than 7-10 days after arrival of the new module.

IWIS Thruster Firing:
With the protective shutters of the Lab, JPM & Cupola windows closed earlier by Caldwell Dyson, the US SAs (Solar Arrays) maneuvered to SARJ park position and feathered, and the station in TEA (Torque Equilibrium Attitude), a ground-controlled SM thruster firing test performed the SA 4A DTF (Dedicated Thruster Firing) for IWIS (Internal Wireless Instrumentation System) structural dynamics measurements during the firings for the current ISS configuration. [To obtain quiescence for the Solar Arrays, the station went into free drift at 2:00 PM GMT for 200 sec, followed by the 5 thruster firings from 2:03 PM-2:16 PM GMT, followed by another 200 sec of free drift. Attitude control authority returned to US Momentum Management at 2:55 PM GMT after ISS had maneuvered back to duty attitude. The goal of these periodic DTOs (Detailed Test Objectives) is not to excite the Arrays by direct plume impingement like in tests in the past but to excite the Arrays from their base via mechanical loads. The on-orbit data will be utilized to correlate math models utilized by structures & mechanism specialists.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/11/2010 08:40 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 11/06/2010:

FE-2 Caldwell-Dyson supported ground-commanded troubleshooting of the OGS (Oxygen Generation System) by double-checking & photographing the electrical connections (W308-P23, W310-P24) of the newly installed OGS Pump ORU. [After the Pump R&R on 09/06, the Pump yesterday failed to spin up upon activation. Tracy’s inspection today was to rule out the Pump connectors as culprits. The OGA (Oxygen Generation Assembly) is currently not working].
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 06/12/2010 06:13 am
Expedition 24 In-Flight Media Interview and Educational Event
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6050

Expedition 24 - Prelaunch Activities in Baikonur Kazakhstan
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6051
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/12/2010 08:51 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 12/06/2010:

Elektron Failure:
The Russian Elektron O2 generator failed unexpectedly last night at 9:44 PM GMT (under investigation). With a current ppO2 (partial pressure O2) of 159.75 mmHg, nominal crew metabolic rates (1.77 mmHg/day ppO2 decay for 3 persons) and ISS volume of 820 cubic meter (28,959 cubic feet), ppO2 would be at 148.9 mmHg at Soyuz TMA-19/23S hatch opening (minimum flight rule limit = 146 mmHg). After Soyuz TMA-19/23S hatch opening, the 146 mmHg limit would be reached after another ~19 hours (18/06 @ 9:00 PM GMT). Besides stored oxygen, there is also a large supply of SFOG on board (Russian: TGK).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 06/13/2010 05:25 pm
Expedition 24 Soyuz TMA-19 Mating and Rollout to the Launch Pad in Baikonur, Kazakhstan
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6052
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/13/2010 08:48 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 13/06/2010:

In Node 3, FE-2 Caldwell-Dyson prepared the OGS (Oxygen Generator System) in the ARS (Atmosphere Revitalization System) rack for tomorrow’s planned R&R of the recirculation pump ORU, opening the ARS's right access door to allow for 24 hour thermal equalization, and disconnecting the O2 outlet hose from the N2 purge ORU. [The decision has been made to re-install the original (degraded) pump in the OGS since the temporary replacement of the pump with a spare did not fix the OGS problem.]

Elektron Update:
After its overnight failure on 11-12/06, the Russian Elektron oxygen generator was successfully reactivated by TsUP-Moscow and the crew yesterday morning and restored to service.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: collectSPACE on 06/14/2010 07:41 pm
Expedition 24 crew poster: http://www.collectspace.com/iss24_poster
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 06/15/2010 06:17 am
Expedition 24 - Final Prelaunch News Conference and State Commission Meeting in Baikonur Kazakhstan
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6054
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/15/2010 06:04 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 15/06/2010:

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko had 2.5 hours set aside to continue cargo removal & transfers from the new MRM-1. [This involved removing interior panels (302, 304, 306, 102, 104, 107), unscrewing tie-down bolts, cutting cargo straps, detaching storage frames and retrieving 7 Russian & 9 US cargo bags from the frames for stowage in MRM-1 or handover to Caldwell-Dyson for stowage in the USOS.]

OGS Pump ORU Update:
The R&R of the OGS (Oxygen Generation System) water recirculation pump in the ARS (Atmosphere Revitalisation System) rack reported yesterday had to be deferred since the necessary equalization of cabin temperature with the OGS temperature had not been accomplished. The R&R has been re-scheduled for tomorrow.

Elektron Shutdown Update:
The automatic shutdown of the Russian Elektron O2 generator on 11/06 evening was commanded by the controlling software due to a high temperature reading from the KOB-1 internal thermal control loop. After TsUP-Moscow switched the Elektron to KOB-2, the system returned to nominal function in 32 Amp mode.

Vozdukh Test Update:
For today and tomorrow, the Vozdukh CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) scrubber is being assessed by ground specialists for its efficiency in removing CO2 from the ISS atmosphere. The US CDRA will remain deactivated for the duration of the test and will be reactivated either tomorrow (16/06) or if CO2 levels reach flight rule limits or the crew reports symptoms.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 06/15/2010 10:15 pm
Expedition 24 - Launch
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6055

Expedition 24 - Launch Replays
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6056

Expedition 24 - Crew Final Prelaunch Activities in Baikonur Kazakhstan
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6057
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/15/2010 10:16 pm
Shannon Walker's Blog:
http://blogs.chron.com/inorbit
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/16/2010 07:59 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 16/06/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson successfully re-installed the old OGA (Oxygen Generation Assembly) water recirculation pump ORU in the ARS (Atmosphere Revitalisation System) rack. [OGA will be activated on Friday (18/06). Since the dP (delta-Pressure) sensor remains failed, ground teams are working to ensure that all software inhibits are in place to operate with sensor inhibited.]

Spending several hours in the new MRM-1, FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko continued tearing down no longer needed electronic equipment, today uninstalling & removing two Power Switching Units (BSK-1V, BSK-5B), a BSK-5B switch for the high-gain antenna, and a KSR Matching Resistor Switching Unit. Also planned was the removal of two SNT-50 boxes with their cables, but this task was deferred to a later date. [The removed equipment was required only for the flight, approach & docking phases of MRM-1. With the module now permanently linked to ISS at the FGB Nadir port, the equipment can be recycled and the volume taken up by it in the module freed for other uses.]

Oxygen Supplies Update:
Without OGA but with Elektron running, there is enough O2 in the cabin atmosphere of the ISS to support a six-person crew until late next week. There are sufficient quantities on board to support the full crew through September before reaching the "reserve" line without resupply. With the arrival of Progress M-06M/38P, an additional month would be gained.

Vozdukh Capacity Test Update:
While ISS has a three-person crew, engineers are using the opportunity to test the Vozdukh CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) removal system by not operating the US CDRA. After almost 72 hours without CDRA, CO2 level is at 5.5 mm Hg as measured by the dependable MCA (Major Constituent Analyzer). The crew has experienced no symptoms. CDRA will be activated again this afternoon to drive CO2 levels down again prior to tomorrow's docking.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 06/17/2010 04:57 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 15/06/2010:

Elektron Shutdown Update:
The automatic shutdown of the Russian Elektron O2 generator on 11/06 evening was commanded by the controlling software due to a high temperature reading from the KOB-1 internal thermal control loop.

I don't understand what is written here. KOBs loops are part of STR (thermal regulation), what is the link with Elektron ?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/17/2010 05:24 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 15/06/2010:

Elektron Shutdown Update:
The automatic shutdown of the Russian Elektron O2 generator on 11/06 evening was commanded by the controlling software due to a high temperature reading from the KOB-1 internal thermal control loop.

I don't understand what is written here. KOBs loops are part of STR (thermal regulation), what is the link with Elektron ?

I think Elektron was shut down either because it got too hot, or because it was introducing too much heat into the overloaded KOB-1 loop.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 06/17/2010 05:37 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 15/06/2010:

Elektron Shutdown Update:
The automatic shutdown of the Russian Elektron O2 generator on 11/06 evening was commanded by the controlling software due to a high temperature reading from the KOB-1 internal thermal control loop.

I don't understand what is written here. KOBs loops are part of STR (thermal regulation), what is the link with Elektron ?

I think Elektron was shut down either because it got too hot, or because it was introducing too much heat into the overloaded KOB-1 loop.

That was what I thought first, but I've been surprised by the word internal ("KOB-1 internal thermal control loop")...
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 06/17/2010 05:43 pm
Some elements are in the 16th june's status report :

Quote
Working in the SM (Service Module) on the SOTR Thermal Control System’s KOB1 loop, Skvortsov replaced the N2 micropump on the 3SPN1 pump panel and its K-90 switching unit with new spares, supported by ground specialist tagup (S-band), then tested the system with the N2 power feed. [KOB1 had caused the shutdown of the Elektron on 6/11. The two SOTR KOB thermal loops control the removal of metabolic heat and heat emitted by working equipment; they also establish specific temperature conditions for the cabin atmosphere. The excess heat is passed from the coolant through liquid-liquid heat exchangers (ZhZhT) into the active external thermal control system (KOKh) for subsequent radiation into open space. Each loop contains 118 liters of "Triol" coolant fluid, i.e., water with a 30 percent solution of glycerin (to lower the freezing point to 7 degC) plus biocide and UV-light-sensitive additives to aid in leak detection. One liter of Triol, which is nontoxic and poses no hazard to the crew, can absorb about 14 cubic cm of air. Each of the two KOB loops is served by two nominally redundant pump panels (SPN), each equipped with two redundant replaceable electric pumps (ENA). While in the early years of Mir and ISS the pumps were integral to the SPN  panels, the more advanced current design allows them to be replaced without requiring a swap-out of an entire SPN block.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/17/2010 08:15 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 15/06/2010:

Elektron Shutdown Update:
The automatic shutdown of the Russian Elektron O2 generator on 11/06 evening was commanded by the controlling software due to a high temperature reading from the KOB-1 internal thermal control loop.

I don't understand what is written here. KOBs loops are part of STR (thermal regulation), what is the link with Elektron ?

I think Elektron was shut down either because it got too hot, or because it was introducing too much heat into the overloaded KOB-1 loop.

That was what I thought first, but I've been surprised by the word internal ("KOB-1 internal thermal control loop")...

That simply means that the KOB-1 loop controls the temperature of the interior of the ISS.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/17/2010 08:22 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 17/06/2010:

Conjunction Advisory:
MCC-H flight controllers are currently monitoring four conjunctions with four different objects:
. Object 36444 (Cosmos 2251), TCA (Time of Closest Approach) = Friday 18/06 @ 6:19 PM GMT.
. Object 14277 (SL-12 R/B Aux Motor), TCA = Sunday 20/06 @ 8:11 AM GMT.
. Object 33141 (Cosmos 2421 Debris), TCA = Sunday 20/06 @ 11:05 AM GMT.
. Object 31004 (Fengyun 1c Debris), TCA = Sunday 20/06 @ 12:52 PM GMT.
All conjunctions will be re-evaluated tomorrow morning as soon as perturbations to the ISS's orbit from the Soyuz TMA-19/23S docking activities have been tracked out. If a DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) is necessary for any of these objects, it would be performed using Progress M-05M/37P (docked at DC-1 "Pirs" Nadir) mid-ring thrusters. The effects of such a maneuver on the other conjunctions will be analyzed as necessary, with appropriate action taken.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 06/18/2010 06:08 am
 Expedition 24 - Docking to the ISS
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6058

Expedition 24 - Post-Docking News Conference
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6059

Expedition 24 - Hatch Opening and Welcoming Ceremony
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6060
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/18/2010 08:31 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 18/06/2010:

Conjunction Update:
For the remaining three different objects, conjunction data was updated this morning taking into account the small ISS orbit perturbations resulting from last night’s Soyuz TMA-19/23S docking:
. Object 14277 (SL-12 R/B Aux Motor), TCA (Time of Closest Approach) = Sunday 20/06 @ 8:11 AM GMT.
. Object 33141 (Cosmos 2421 Debris), TCA = Sunday 20/06 @ 11:05 AM GMT.
. Object 31004 (Fengyun 1C Debris), TCA = Sunday 20/06 @ 12:52 PM GMT.

If a DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) is required for any of these objects, it would be performed using Progress M-05M/37P (docked at DC-1 "Pirs" Nadir) mid-ring thrusters. The effects of such a maneuver on the other conjunctions are being analyzed as necessary, with appropriate action taken.

Based on the first TCA (Object 14277), three preliminary maneuver options are under evaluation for early morning on Sunday 20/06:
. Option 1: TIG = 5:55 AM GMT.
. Option 2: TIG = 5:36 AM GMT.
. Option 3: TIG = 6:06 AM GMT.

Decision timeline for Object 14277:
. PC (Probability of Collision) becoming valid = Saturday 19/06 @ 2:12 AM GMT.
. Go/No-Go for command sequence development by TsUP-Moscow (cyclogram)
  = Saturday 19/06 @ 8:42 AM GMT.
. DAM = Sunday 20/06 @ 5:55 AM GMT.
. TCA = Sunday 20/06 @ 8:11 AM GMT.

Maneuver data:
. Burn duration = 369 sec.
. Delta-V = 0.5 m/s.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: dickgold on 06/19/2010 05:29 pm
About when will the crew move the crew quarter in kibo to
its place in nobe 2 harmony?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/19/2010 08:21 pm
About when will the crew move the crew quarter in kibo to
its place in nobe 2 harmony?

I don't know the exact date, but it should be sometime during the coming weeks.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/19/2010 08:26 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 19/06/2010:

In COL, FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson worked on the MARES (Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System) Rack, going over the rack to confirm the presence and proper installation of a number of bolts at various places. [After return to Earth of STS-131/19A, a number of loose MARES launch lock bolts were found in the Leonardo MPLM. Tracy’s activity today was to verify all bolts currently installed in the rack, which should also ensure that there are no more loose bolts in the Leonardo MPLM/PMM as it is readied for its next launch.]

CDR Alexander Skvortsov completed the routine task of shooting two photos of the docking cone of the passive docking assembly (ASP-B) of the SM Aft port occupied by the Soyuz TMA-19/23S, a standard practice after Russian dockings. These images are used to refine current understanding of docking conditions. Skvortsov subsequently downlinked the pictures via OCA assets. [The objective is to take photo imagery of the scratch or scuff marks left by the head of the docking probe on the internal surface of the drogue (docking cone/ASP), now rotated out of the passageway. Before shooting the picture, the cosmonaut highlights the scuffmark with a marker and writes the date next to it. As other crewmembers before him, Alex used the Nikon D2X digital still camera to take two pictures with the hatch partially closed.]

Conjunction Update:
Flight controllers are continuing to monitor the three different objects:
. Object 14277 (SL-12 R/B Aux Motor), TCA (Time of Closest Approach) = Sunday 20/06 @ 8:11 AM GMT.
. Object 33141 (Cosmos 2421 Debris), TCA = Sunday 20/06 @ 11:05 AM GMT.
. Object 31004 (Fengyun 1C Debris), TCA = Sunday 20/06 @ 12:52 AM GMT.
As of this morning, the PC (Probability of Collision) for all objects was "Green", i.e., zero or negligible.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/20/2010 10:40 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 20/06/2010:

Conjunction Advisory:
Flight controllers have been notified of a new conjunction (Object 81875, Unknown) with a TCA (Time of Closest Approach) today at 6:38 PM GMT. This late notification conjunction is currently an unofficial “red threshold” violation. A DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) cannot be planned in the time remaining, so the only option, if required, is to put the ISS crew in their respective Soyuz vehicles.

NOTE: At the time of posting, the TCA for this object had already occurred. Thus, the outcome of this conjunction is currently unknown.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: JimO on 06/21/2010 12:41 pm
We might need to closely monitor Monday's 11 AM EDT ISS update on NASA TV for news of what happened. Nothing was mentioned in the Russian press over the weekend, that I could see.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: dsmillman on 06/21/2010 03:04 pm
We might need to closely monitor Monday's 11 AM EDT ISS update on NASA TV for news of what happened. Nothing was mentioned in the Russian press over the weekend, that I could see.
According to the NASA-TV schedule there is no ISS update today.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: JimO on 06/21/2010 03:19 pm
Yeah, I'm now watching an STS-131 mission overview. Big thrill.

Any speculation on WHY there is no update? Isn't it a pretty standard Monday feature?

Is anybody monitoring current A/G??



Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/21/2010 07:33 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 21/06/2010:

Conjunction Update:
All conjunctions "turned green and went away" without requiring evasive action. Yesterday's late notification conjunction did not require crew retreat to the Soyuz vehicles.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 06/22/2010 01:17 pm
We might need to closely monitor Monday's 11 AM EDT ISS update on NASA TV for news of what happened. Nothing was mentioned in the Russian press over the weekend, that I could see.
According to the NASA-TV schedule there is no ISS update today.
TV schedule has been updated to say that there will be no update hour this week.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/22/2010 06:48 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 22/06/2010:

Today's scheduled installation of the WORF at the science window in the US Lab represented a major outfitting task for Doug Wheelock & Shannon Walker, requiring about a total of 6 hours 5 minutes of man-hours. [For Part 1, both crewmembers were needed for the major WORF rack installation, such as rack rotation down to install seals, removing SAM (Shutter Actuator Mechanism) cover plus Air Knife cotter pins & launch restraint bolts, installing knee brace, etc. Afterwards, Shannon continued alone with Part 2, installing a lower restraint & bumpshield, adjusting SAM & Air Knife, wrapping up with post-maintenance, etc.
Background: WORF, which surrounds the 20-inch Lab science window, serves for attaching sensors (cameras, multispectral scanners, and other instruments). It provides attachment points and power & data transfer capability for instruments to be mounted in the window. Multiple instruments can be mounted at the same time. The rack is designed to allow rapid changes of equipment by the crew. WORF has a bracket for small cameras such as 35mm, 70mm and camcorders. Larger payloads requiring nonstandard attachment or additional instrument isolation must supply their own brackets or platforms which mount to the WORF using available attachment points. WORF also provides protection for the interior of the Lab window and can control stray light exchange between the Lab interior and the external station environment.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/22/2010 07:30 pm
Just as a note for all of you who miss Soichi Noguchi's beautiful photos, Doug Wheelock is now sending some real nice "TwitPics" from the ISS via his Twitter account!

http://twitter.com/Astro_Wheels
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/23/2010 08:37 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 23/06/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson had ~30 minutes set aside for US cargo transfers from Soyuz TMA-19/23S, unpacking & stowing items aboard ISS, going by an uplinked Cargo Unpack list. [US equipment items delivered on 23S include a new eBox (electronics box) for the KUBIK-3, a medical accessory kit, prescription eyewear, ear plug sets (Etymotics & Prophonics), EMU gloves, LED headlamp, book clip & crew preference bag.]

FE-6 Shannon Walker wrapped up the Lab science window outfitting with WORF started by Doug Wheelock & herself yesterday, today connecting remaining umbilicals and installing a T61p laptop on the WORF Rack, finishing up with a 5 minute checkup by the ground via S-band.
Afterwards, Tracy reinstalled the CEVIS cycle ergometer exercise machine in the Lab, which had been moved out of the way yesterday for the WORF outfitting.

Wheelock, Walker & Caldwell-Dyson had ~10 minutes set aside to familiarize themselves with procedures associated with CQ (Crew Quarters) QD drag-through operations in the JPM. [With Shannon’s CQ located in JPM but connected to Node 2, there is a jumper "hatch drag-through" requiring a special waiver which now allows for the continued use of the drag-through until the end of the ULF-4 stage (currently Sept. 2010).]

High Beta Angle Power Restrictions:
Due to the current high solar Beta angle regime (ISS is always in sunlight), the SARJ for the portside array wing was feathered this morning for thermal reasons, turning the solar panels away from the sun and thus reducing the output of the photovoltaic cells. The reduced power requires carefully orchestrated power management by the ISS partners within assigned levels of an agreed-upon powerdown plan for onboard systems, which started this morning and runs through 29/06. Special events such as the Soyuz TMA-19/23S thruster test, 23S relocation & Progress M-06M/38P docking may require additional powerdown considerations.

CEO (Crew Earth Observation):
Over the next week or so there will be fewer CEO targets in the target list. This is due to the crew's daylight/awake orbits paralleling the terminator. This phenomenon occurs at least twice a year, sometimes more – during the high-Beta angle period. During this time the sun elevations for nadir targets will be too low to meet requirements for many, but not all, of the targets. The crew sees darkness if they look to the left of the orbit tracks; to the right they see sunlight. This typically lasts for about a week before sun angles improve for CEO nadir targets. For the station, high Beta also means critically increased solar thermal input.

Epsilon Aurigae Eclipse Observation:
ISS is participating in a significant astronomical observation program just getting underway, followed by thousands of amateur & professional astronomers: the Epsilon Aurigae Eclipse. A specific star in the Constellation Auriga (Charioteer) called Epsilon Aurigae undergoes an eclipse (being occulted) every 27.1 years. This has puzzled astronomers for nearly 200 years. The eclipse lasts nearly two years which, with the 27.1 year period, means the eclipsing body must be gigantic. There may be a temporary brightening at mid-eclipse. There have been no satisfactory explanations to date for this. Is it a giant cloud of gas with a doughnut-like hole, permitting the star to brighten during mid-eclipse? The Sun's proximity to Epsilon Aurigae, as seen from the ground, prevents observations by ground-based astronomers during mid-eclipse, but astronauts on the ISS, having a different aspect angle, can observe and note changes in relative brightness, as suggested by the AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers) following a talk by NASA Astronaut John Grunsfeld. The method used by the crew is to compare the brightness of Epsilon Aurigae weekly with three other nearby stars of known & unchanging brightness.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: racshot65 on 06/24/2010 08:56 am
Shannon Walkers description of launching to the ISS -

http://blogs.chron.com/inorbit/2010/06/the_launch_was_amazing.html (http://blogs.chron.com/inorbit/2010/06/the_launch_was_amazing.html)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/24/2010 09:42 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 24/06/2010:

FE-6 Walker's activities today focused mostly on the T2 advanced treadmill machine, first working her way through a procedure to troubleshoot the T2's wireless connectivity issue which has prevented wireless transfer of prescription files from an SSC (Station Support Computer) to the T2 display. [After swapping the WAP (Wireless Access Point) card and Pacebook wireless cards in the T2 display, Shannon manually transferred the T2 prescription files from the SSC. Afterwards, FE-6 was to relabel the T2 MTL (Moderate Temperature Loop) umbilical panel and jumpers, followed by verifying resolution settings on the T2 display necessary for a properly calibrated touchscreen.]

In Node 3 at the Aft 4 location (NOD3A4), Wheels worked on the ARS (Atmosphere Revitalization System) rack to determine why a ground strap could not be installed on the rack and to correct the situation. [After rack rotation away from the shell wall, the hardware was to be repaired or replaced as required. Afterwards, the grounding strap was to be left disconnected pending the planned relocation of the ARS rack to the US Lab.]

Soyuz TMA-19/23S Relocation:
The scheduled 23S relocation on 28/06 from the SM Aft port to the new MRM-1 will require a change in the attitude plan for ISS during the transfer, due to the high-Beta period. Load and LS (Longeron Shadowing) considerations make it necessary to keep ISS in earth-fixed LVLH attitude instead of the usual "space-fixed" Inertial mode. This means, that the station will continue to slowly torque at orbit rate with its "belly" kept downward in "Local Vertical", i.e. toward Earth. This requires a change in Soyuz relocation maneuvering which has been worked by MCC-Houston with TsUP-Moscow. The LVLH solution is fully supported by engineering analyses and is acceptable to all. Soyuz CDR Yurchikhin has been trained in both Inertial and LVLH attitudes, and the Relocation OBT (Onboard Training) drill scheduled tomorrow will accommodate this change. The Go/No-Go review will be held afterwards.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/25/2010 03:12 am
A question for any ISS folks: Any idea why ARS is being relocated from Node 3 to the Lab? And any idea what location it will go to in the Lab? Thanks.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 06/25/2010 06:29 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-096

SPACE STATION CREW VEHICLE WILL MOVE JUNE 28 FOR CARGO SHIP ARRIVAL

HOUSTON -- NASA Television will broadcast live the repositioning of a
Soyuz spacecraft docked to the International Space Station on Monday,
June 28. The capsule's half-hour journey from the Zvezda Service
Module to the Rassvet Module will begin at 12:58 p.m. CDT.

Expedition 24 Flight Engineer and Soyuz Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin
and NASA Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Shannon Walker will board
the Soyuz TMA-19 vehicle that docked to Zvezda on June 18. They will
fly the Soyuz vehicle a short distance to Rassvet. NASA TV coverage
of the event will begin at 12:30 p.m.

The change of location will free the Zvezda port for the docking of a
new Progress resupply vehicle on Friday, July 2. That port is the
preferred location for the Progress, so it can help reboost the
station and adjust its altitude. The Progress will carry 2.5 tons of
food, fuel and supplies.

The resupply vehicle will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan on June 30. NASA TV will not broadcast the launch, but
will show the live coverage of Progress' docking at 11:55 a.m. on
July 2. Live coverage will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 06/25/2010 06:35 pm
Space Weather News for June 25, 2010
http://spaceweather.com

SPACE STATION IN CONSTANT SUNLIGHT:  For the next few days, the  International Space Station (ISS) will be orbiting Earth in constant sunlight.  This sets the stage for a remarkable sky show.  Because the ISS is constantly illuminated, it shines brightly in the night sky every single time it passes overhead.  Some observers can see the space station 3, 4, even 5 times a night.  More information and flybys predictions may be found at http://spaceweather.com
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/25/2010 09:21 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 25/06/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson did more troubleshooting of the T2 COLBERT treadmill which yesterday exhibited a "rubbing" noise during its unmanned ACO (Activation & Checkout) speed characterization test, caused by the tread belt contacting one of the 4 closeout panels. After Tracy readjusted closeout panels today and conducted a second unmanned ACO, the clicking noise was gone. The crew is GO for T2 exercise.

FE-5 Yurchikhin, FE-4 Wheelock & FE-6 Walker, who will fly the Soyuz TMA-19/23S spacecraft relocation next Monday (28/06), went ("very successfully") through a 3 hour rehearsal of the flight in a formal training drill comprising a procedures review, flight data review, tag-up with ground instructor and onboard simulator training on the RSK1 laptop. [Due to the currently very high solar Beta angle period with its increased thermal loads on the station, the standard relocation maneuver profile/template was changed for the new Beta-caused ISS attitude mode. The latter will be "earth-fixed" LVLH attitude instead of the usual "space-fixed" Inertial mode, i.e., with the ISS continuing to pitch down in orbit rate (~4 deg/minute) to remain "locally horizontal". For the docking, 23S will have to match the station's very slow pitch-down rotation. Mission events will be tied to RGS (Russian Groundsite) comm windows. Soyuz activation on 28/06 is scheduled on DO13 (Daily Orbit 13, ~11:45 AM GMT), followed by hatch closure on DO14 (1:20 PM GMT) and manual undocking command on DO2 (5:55 PM GMT). Physical separation from the SM Aft port occurs at ~5:58 PM GMT with a pushrod delta-V of ~0.12 m/s, in sunshine. Flyaround to the MRM-1 Nadir port, starting at ~6:05 PM GMT, will be at a range of 30-50m from the station, ending at station-keeping (~6:15 PM GMT). Final approach begins at ~6:19 PM GMT, concluding with contact & capture at ~6:23 PM GMT. Orbital sunset is at 6:29 PM GMT.]

Later, after Wheels had closed the protective shutters of the JPM, Lab and Cupola windows, Fyodor Yurchikhin spent an hour in the Soyuz TMA-19 Descent Module (SA) supporting a ground-commanded checkout of the MCS (Motion Control System) SUD, Mode 2/"Docked" for Monday’s spacecraft relocation. The checkout involved pressurization of the KDU (Combined Propulsion System) Section 2 & Tank 2, a test of the pilot's translational hand controller (RUD), and a 1 minute hot firing of the DPO braking thrusters (4:57 PM GMT to 4:58 PM GMT), for which the ISS was put in free drift for ~25 minute DPO lateral thrusters were not fired. The Soyuz GA (Gas Analyzer) was left on until after the relocation. The thruster firing required several additional temporary powerdowns, e.g., some DDCUs (DC to DC Converter Units), Node 3 shell heaters & two ARCUs (American to Russian Converter Units). [For the PRST (perestykovkoi/redocking) test, station attitude control authority was handed over to Russian thruster control at 4:48 PM GMT, then back to LVLH XVV attitude. The 1 minute firing took place on DO3 during an RGS pass via VHF. Attitude control was returned to the USOS at 6:10 PM GMT.]

CEO photo targets uplinked for today were Epsilon Aurigae & Comet NcNaught (looking left of track, above the limb of the Earth, to observe the brightness of this star as compared to other stars in the Auriga constellation, as described above. Because of the current seasonal lighting conditions during the northern portion of each of the station's orbits, the crew has several roughly 40 minute periods today to view the star. The times of the periods were uplinked for the mid-way point for viewing during two selected periods).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Fuji on 06/25/2010 11:47 pm
A question for any ISS folks: Any idea why ARS is being relocated from Node 3 to the Lab? And any idea what location it will go to in the Lab? Thanks.

I think it will go to LAB1D6. May be return to the original configulation.
This ARS(AR1) is originally installed in the Lab. Due to the CDRA failure before the STS-130, newly launched N3 ARS (AR2) was relocated to the Lab from the Node-3.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/26/2010 02:47 pm
A question for any ISS folks: Any idea why ARS is being relocated from Node 3 to the Lab? And any idea what location it will go to in the Lab? Thanks.

I think it will go to LAB1D6. May be return to the original configulation.
This ARS(AR1) is originally installed in the Lab. Due to the CDRA failure before the STS-130, newly launched N3 ARS (AR2) was relocated to the Lab from the Node-3.

There is already an ARS rack at LAB1D6, so it would be impossible to put another one there. The ARS currently in Node 3 was launched on STS-128 and temporarily located in the JPM. When Node 3 arrived on STS-130 the ARS was relocated from the JPM to Node 3, which was supposed to be its permanent location.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/26/2010 06:45 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 26/06/2010:

Ku Band Outage:
In the current high Beta angle environment (left side of orbit track always in darkness), the backside of the Ku antenna gets too cold if not kept turned sunward until temperatures return to normal. While so "parked", Ku band is lost.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/28/2010 09:34 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 28/06/2010:

Terminal Computing Device (TVU) Issue:
TsUP/Energia-Moscow reported on work completed on the TVU Terminal Computing Device (installed in the SM in February this year), using a new software patch to get TVU2 100% operational and assure its full capability. Recovery efforts on TVU1 have not been successful to date.

Elektron Issue:
After a planned shutdown of the Elektron O2 generator last Friday to allow other electronics maintenance on board, the system could not be restarted. Activities to analyze this failure have been delayed until tomorrow due to the Soyuz TMA-19/23S relocation today.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/29/2010 08:49 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 29/06/2010:

During her work day, FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson supported a ground-controlled checkout of the SSRMS Hot Backup mode in the Lab. [This was to test a new software solution to the arm's joint problems that prevented full Hot Backup functionality for the HTV-1 berthing in September last year. Tracy first connected the UOP (Utility Outlet Panel) DCP (Display & Control Panel) power bypass cable at the Cupola RWS (Robotic Workstation), then threw switches between "Main" and "Backup" at both RWSs (CUP & Lab), altogether four switch throws (for two steps executed twice) during the day in order to gather multiple data points. Afterwards, she took down the bypass cable again.]

Fyodor Yurchikhin performed maintenance on the Elektron O2 generator which had failed to restart after being deactivated last Friday. [With the old Elektron nemesis, gas bubbles, suspected blocking the system, Fyodor tested the BZh-009 Liquid Unit's main & backup circulation pumps, then activated Elektron in 50 Amp mode for checking pump pressure sensors and removing gas bubbles by operating valves from the Elektron control panel. By running the system in 50 Amp mode, it was hoped that the higher amperage will force the bubbles through the pump.]

Post-Soyuz TMA-19/23S Relocation Assessment:
Yesterday's 4B SAW (Solar Array Wing) anomaly unexpectedly set off a large amount of hard, real-time work on the ground. Teams were able to accomplish the load in truly outstanding fashion, thanks to having built data tables for cases of degraded solar arrays ahead of time which allowed pressing on. ISS was in free drift for about 3 hours, without any power problems. When the 4B array went out of position by as much as 200°, it was recovered in time to complete the Soyuz relocation. It appears that due to a disturbance (possibly inadvertent impingement from a thruster), the 4B array turned, which the software erroneously interpreted as a motor trip. Due an earlier corrective OFF/ON command to the motor (when the array "dithered" around the commanded set angle), the BGA firmware had switched to "manual free control" mode, in which the motor does not control which way the SAW is pointing. Procedures are being updated to prevent a reoccurrence.

During relocation with ISS in "earth-fixed" LVLH mode, three arrays (4A, 4B, 2A) entered into the critical LS (Longeron Shadowing) condition. With Progress M-06M/38P arrival ahead, this condition needs to be reconstructed quickly, to determine the thermal impact on the arrays. Until the arrays are cleared, the Port & Starboard SARJ are limited to Autotrack with no desaturations (by thrusters). When the LS analysis is complete for the three arrays and the impact of LS to the arrays determined to be acceptable, desats will be re-enabled. Reconstruction is underway. Also, specialists are now discussing whether vehicle dockings should be allowed at all in the future under such high Beta angles.

Conjunction Alert:
NASA FCT (Flight Control Team) is working a conjunction of the ISS with an H-2A rocket body (Object 30588). TCA (Time of Closest Approach) is 02/07 (Friday) morning at 2:04 AM GMT. Until the current ISS orbit, after the 23S disturbances, has been tracked more precisely, the conjunction is currently classified as of medium concern.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 06/30/2010 01:04 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-097

NEXT INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION RESIDENTS HOLD NEWS CONFERENCE

HOUSTON -- The next trio of International Space Station residents will
hold a news conference at 1 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, July 13, at NASA's
Johnson Space Center in Houston. The news conference will be
broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's website. Questions
will be taken from participating NASA centers.

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and his crewmates, Russian cosmonauts
Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka, will participate in individual
round-robin interviews, in person or by phone, following the news
conference. The Expedition 25 crew also will participate in a photo
opportunity for reporters at Johnson.

U.S. and foreign media representatives planning to attend the briefing
must contact the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 by 4 p.m. on July
6. To participate in the round-robin interviews, reporters should
contact the Johnson newsroom by 4 p.m. on July 9.

Kelly, Kaleri and Skripochka are scheduled to launch to the station
aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan Oct. 7 (Oct. 8 at the launch site) and arrive on the
complex two days later. They will join NASA astronauts Doug Wheelock
and Shannon Walker and Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, who have
been aboard the orbiting laboratory since June 18.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 06/30/2010 07:46 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 30/06/2010:

Progress M-06M/38P was launched on time today at 3:35 PM GMT. Ascent was nominal, and all spacecraft systems are without issues. Docking to the ISS at the SM Aft port is planned for Friday (02/07) at ~4:58 PM GMT. 38P carries 2230 kg (4916 lbs) of cargo, specifically: 870 kg (1918 lbs) propellants, 50 kg (110 lbs) oxygen & air, 100 kg (220 lbs) water and 1210 kg (2667 lbs) spare parts & experiment hardware.

FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin set up the NIKON cameras at the DC-1 EVA hatch 1 window to take pictures of the MLI (Multi Layer Insulation) material on the Soyuz TMA-19 SA (Descent Module) and PkhO (Transfer Compartment). [To assess MLI condition, both full and close-up views were taken, looking for anomalies where SA MLI blankets are fastened with spring clips and PkhO MLI contains vents.]

In Node 3 at location Aft 4 (NOD3A4), Doug Wheelock returned to the ARS (Atmosphere Revitalization System) rack to complete the repair started on 24/06 of a ground strap that could not be installed on the rack. [After rack rotation away from the shell wall, the hardware was to be repaired or replaced as required. Afterwards, the grounding strap was to be left disconnected pending the planned relocation of the ARS rack to the US Lab.]

FE-6 Shannon Walker is scheduled to spend some time on a careful video inspection of the T2 COLBERT treadmill and its VIS (Vibration Isolation System). [After the crew's inadvertent unisolated exercise on the T2 (i.e., exercise with three of four snubber alignment guides left installed), the treadmill was declared NO GO until engineering specialists can review Shannon's inspection data and rule out hardware damage.]

Conjunction Alert:
NASA FCT (Flight Control Team) continues to work a conjunction of the ISS with an H-2A rocket body (Object 30588). The TCA (Time of Closest Approach) is Friday (02/07) morning at 2:04 AM GMT. A ballistic update is expected later tonight. As of now, the conjunction is still classified as of moderate concern.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: JimO on 07/01/2010 08:22 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 30/06/2010:
....
FE-6 Shannon Walker is scheduled to spend some time on a careful video inspection of the T2 COLBERT treadmill and its VIS (Vibration Isolation System). [After the crew's inadvertent unisolated exercise on the T2 (i.e., exercise with three of four snubber alignment guides left installed), the treadmill was declared NO GO until engineering specialists can review Shannon's inspection data and rule out hardware damage.]

Are we to deduce from this that it was Shannon who forgot to remove the guides and thereby potentially broke the machine?

Not to make a pattern out of two data points, because most crew flubs never get reported -- but she was the crewmember who flunked the pre-flight exam, also -- correct?

In the real world such bad luck usually results in a much MORE careful and reliable crewmember. Here's hoping!!

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/01/2010 08:53 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 01/07/2010:

Conjunction Update:
Improved orbit determination of the ISS after the Soyuz TMA-19/23S relocation perturbations, coupled with continued tracking updates on the H-2A rocket body (Object 30588) has shown that this conjunction is of no longer of any concern.

SAW Update:
Engineering teams have completed the reconstruction of the loading events that occurred on the 4A, 4B & 2A SAWs (Solar Array Wings) during the 23S relocation, which created thermal loads from longeron shadowing and structural loads from the thruster firings. Analysis shows that loads from both sources were within limits. Any post-event constraints have been lifted and CMG (Control Moment Gyroscope) desaturations have been re-enabled.

Elektron Update:
As reported before, the Elektron O2 generator failed to the backup pump within two minutes after the crew switched Elektron to 50 Amps, followed by failure of the backup pump shortly thereafter. The crew then performed additional troubleshooting to flush the BE buffer tank using the BPA N2 tank. The Elektron successfully started up on the backup pump.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 07/01/2010 10:37 pm
Are we to deduce from this that it was Shannon who forgot to remove the guides and thereby potentially broke the machine?

Just curious how that deduction was made? It's possible she had the most training on the T2 while on the ground?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/02/2010 09:47 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 02/07/2010:

In Node 3 at location Aft 4 (NOD3A4), FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson worked on the installation of the grounding strap at the ARS (Atmosphere Revitalization System) rack, deferred from an earlier date, that originally couldn't be connected on the rack. [After rack rotation away from the shell wall, the hardware was to be repaired or replaced as required. Afterwards, the grounding strap was to be left disconnected pending the planned relocation of the ARS rack to the US Lab.]

Also in Node 3, Caldwell-Dyson was scheduled to service the US OGA (Oxygen Generation Assembly) in the OGS (Oxygen Generator System) rack at location Aft 5 (NOD3A5) by removing & replacing its H2 sensor ORU. Later, on MCC-H GO, Tracy will complete connecting the sensor for OGS rack activation.

When FE-6 Shannon Walker has finished exercising on the CEVIS (Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation System) in the Lab, Caldwell-Dyson will disconnect & remove the cycle temporarily (to gain work space) and then continue the outfitting of the WORF rack at the science window, mating still disconnected umbilicals. Afterwards, the cycle will be re-installed.

Progress Docking Abort:
Docking of Progress M-06M/38P was aborted about 20 minutes before its scheduled linkup with ISS at 4:58 PM GMT due to loss of radio lock between KURS-P (KURS-Passive) on the SM and KURS-A (KURS-Active) on Progress. The cargo drone passed by ISS at a safe distance and continues to be in its safe fly-by mode, circling Earth along with ISS every 92 minutes. Docking will not be re-attempted today. ISS systems are being reconfigured back to nominal stage operations configuration. Evaluations are underway for subsequent docking attempts.

T2 Treadmill Update:
Final consensus at the third technical evaluation meeting on the T2 Unisolated Exercise investigation was that T2 is GO for the crew, with the constraint that inspections are required between exercise sessions.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 07/04/2010 05:30 pm
Expedition 24 - Progress 38 Docking to the ISS
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6072

Expedition 24 - Media Interviews - July 2
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6071
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/04/2010 07:36 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 04/07/2010:

Conjunction Advisory:
NASA FCT (Flight Control Team) is following a conjunction of the ISS with a piece of orbital debris (Object 31822). The TCA (Time of Closest Approach) is Tuesday 07/06 at 6:18 PM GMT. Until the current ISS orbit has been tracked more precisely, the conjunction is currently classified as a low risk, and no action is necessary at this time.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/05/2010 06:13 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 05/07/2010:

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko offloaded water from the newly arrived Progress M-06M/38P to Progress M-05M/37P. [After setting up the transfer system with hoses & compressor, Mikhail started the pump to transfer water from the BV1 Rodnik tank of 38P (#406), loaded with 150 liters, to the empty BV1 tank of 37P (#405) via the SM. BV2 of 37P still contains ~50 liters of water. The transfer took several compressor restarts.]

Conjunction Update:
The conjunction continues to be classified as a low risk, and no action is necessary at this time.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/06/2010 04:09 pm
Roscosmos PAO: "Magic Anti-Radiation Curtain to be Installed in the ISS".
Quote
Progress M-06M cargo supply vehicle has delivered a so-called ‘magic curtain’ to the International Space Station. Flight engineer Fiodor Yurchikhin will install the curtain in the starboard’s cabin of the Zvezda module.
 The curtain designed by IBMP has special pockets for special wet hygienic towels used by cosmonauts onboard the station. The towels are saturated with hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, which mitigate space radiation effects. The curtain is equipped with the radiation doze meters. Additional anti-radiation crew protection may be provided by three-layer wet towels on the walls of the cabins, thus mitigating radiation effects for cosmonauts, scientists believe.
Result of Matreshka experiment carried out in the station since 2004 show that the radiation is about two times weaker in the center of the station then near the walls.
Phantom Matreshka-R is to monitor anti-radiation effectiveness of the wet towels.
Experiment Matreshka is to study and to analyze radiation dose distribution in cosmonaut's body during long-term mission aboard the International space station (ISS). Dose from ionizing space radiation was determined with the help of thermoluminescent dosimeters mounted in conditional depths of critical organs in human body modeled in a dosimetric device, i.e.--a ball-like tissue-equivalent phantom designed and manufactured in Russia for international space experiment Matreshka-R.
www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9814&lang=en


Roscosmos PAO: "Teens Get Interested in Space and Its Heroes: ISS Commander Receives a Love Letter ".
Quote
Commander of the International Space Station Russian Alexander Skvortsov received a love letter from a 17-year-old teenager of Moscow. The girl sent her declaration of love through the ISS mailbox installed in Memorial Space Museum, RIA Novosti informs.

The project supported by Roscosmos PAO has started on June 18. Any visitor of the Museum can drop his letter to the ISS cosmonauts into the box. The mail is sent to the ISS electronically, and the answers are acquired in the same manner.

An official of Roscosmos comments that the love letter is a good sign. “A 17-year-old girl needs someone to love. It’s good she has chosen not a millionaire, but a romantic hero cosmonaut”, he said.
www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9815&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 07/06/2010 04:43 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 05/07/2010:

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko offloaded water from the newly arrived Progress M-06M/38P to Progress M-05M/37P. [After setting up the transfer system with hoses & compressor, Mikhail started the pump to transfer water from the BV1 Rodnik tank of 38P (#406), loaded with 150 liters, to the empty BV1 tank of 37P (#405) via the SM. BV2 of 37P still contains ~50 liters of water. The transfer took several compressor restarts.]

I don't understand why he did this ?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/06/2010 05:00 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 05/07/2010:

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko offloaded water from the newly arrived Progress M-06M/38P to Progress M-05M/37P. [After setting up the transfer system with hoses & compressor, Mikhail started the pump to transfer water from the BV1 Rodnik tank of 38P (#406), loaded with 150 liters, to the empty BV1 tank of 37P (#405) via the SM. BV2 of 37P still contains ~50 liters of water. The transfer took several compressor restarts.]

I don't understand why he did this ?

A-ha, I knew somebody was going to ask this! I had the same thought myself, until I figured it out. ;)

Progress M-06M/38P is scheduled to undock on 7th September, and M-05M/37P is scheduled to undock on 26th October. So, Mikhail was transferring water from 38P to 37P, so that the water will be available after 38P undocks.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 07/06/2010 05:12 pm
Expedition 24 - In-Flight Interviews July 6
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6074
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: JimO on 07/06/2010 06:32 pm
Today the Russian press has been reporting the US toilet is broken again and the astronauts have to visit the russian segment for relief...

...and they're having FUN reporting it.
 
But I can't find any NASA mention of it (I missed the 11 AM EDT
station status hour, I'll catch a replay shortly).
 
Anybody heard any news?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Jorge on 07/06/2010 06:50 pm
Today the Russian press has been reporting the US toilet is broken again and the astronauts have to visit the russian segment for relief...

...and they're having FUN reporting it.
 
But I can't find any NASA mention of it (I missed the 11 AM EDT
station status hour, I'll catch a replay shortly).
 
Anybody heard any news?

Wasn't the "US toilet" in ISS purchased from the Russians anyway?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: AnalogMan on 07/06/2010 07:03 pm
Today the Russian press has been reporting the US toilet is broken again and the astronauts have to visit the russian segment for relief...

...and they're having FUN reporting it.
 
But I can't find any NASA mention of it (I missed the 11 AM EDT
station status hour, I'll catch a replay shortly).
 
Anybody heard any news?
ISS On-Orbit Status 07/06/10

Wheelock & Walker worked on the WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment), troubleshooting the facility which is currently nonfunctional, probably due to its pump separator. [The crew was to remove & replace piping between the Russian-furnished MNR-NS pump separator and DKiV Pre-Treat Dispenser & Water Pump (also called “Dose Pump”), a regularly scheduled part of 180-day preventive maintenance. Doug & Shannon also were to change out the WHC’s UR (Urine Receptacle) hose and IF (Insert Filter), then vacuum the entire WHC and clean it with disinfectant wipes. With the WHC down, the entire crew is currently using the Soyuz toilet facilities. There is a spare pump separator onboard, and the crew has procedures for changing it out.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/06/2010 07:18 pm
Also from ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 06/07/2010:

After configuring the usual pumping equipment (Compressor-M, hoses, adapters), FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko initiated the transfer of urine from 9 EDV-U containers to the empty BV1 Rodnik storage tank of Progress M-06M/38P at the SM Aft port, emptied yesterday of its 150 liters of water, then flushed the lines with disinfectant from an EDV. [Each of the spherical Rodnik tanks BV1 & BV2 consists of a hard shell with a soft membrane (bladder) composed of elastic fluoroplastic. The bladder is used to expel water from the tank by compressed air pumped into the tank volume surrounding the membrane and is leak-tested before urine transfers, i.e., with empty tanks, the bladders are expanded against the tank walls and checked for hermeticity.]

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-4 Doug Wheelock jointly reviewed a preliminary EVA-16 task outline for familiarization. Their EVA-16 spacewalk is currently scheduled on 17/08, preceded by their EVA-15 on 05/08. In order of their execution, the proposed tasks for EVA-16 are:
1) 1553 data cable installation (completion from EVA-15).
2) CP3 camera wedge installation.
3) P1 Truss radiator beam troubleshooting.
4) Strela adapter retrieval.
5) Starboard CETA (Crew Equipment Translation Aid) cart reconfiguration.
6) Get aheads:
    • FGB thruster imagery.
    • APFR (Articulating Portable Foot Restraint) relocation for STS-133/ULF-5.
    • Tool re-stow/eternal tool box stow/transfer 2 round scoops to the
       Z1 Truss tool box.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Olaf on 07/06/2010 09:39 pm
Wasn't the "US toilet" in ISS purchased from the Russians anyway?

The information on Novosti kosmonavtiki mentioned, that the toilet was build by Energiya and was sold for 19 million $ to the US.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: JimO on 07/06/2010 09:43 pm
Entire crew using the SOYUZ commode? What happened to the one in the Service Module? And there are TWO units in the US segment, right?

So -- are ALL three primary space toilets non-functional?

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Jorge on 07/06/2010 09:55 pm
Wasn't the "US toilet" in ISS purchased from the Russians anyway?

The information on Novosti kosmonavtiki mentioned, that the toilet was build by Energiya and was sold for 19 million $ to the US.

That's what I thought. So I wonder why the Russian media is having "fun" reporting that a Russian toilet is broken? Perhaps they are under the misimpression that because the toilet is in the US segment, it must be a US-designed toilet?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/06/2010 10:28 pm
Wasn't the "US toilet" in ISS purchased from the Russians anyway?

Yes, the WHC toilet is exactly the same as the toilet in the SM.

Hi-res version:
www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-19/hires/iss019e005733.jpg
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 07/08/2010 06:13 pm
Expedition 24 - In-Flight Interviews July 8
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6078
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/08/2010 08:00 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 08/07/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson joined FE-4 Doug Wheelock in Node 3 for Part 2 of CDRA maintenance, establishing redundancy for the system by installing a second desiccant/sorbent Bed (#201). [After yesterday's bed installation & replacement of most component groups in CDRA in front of the new bed, Wheels & Tracy today finished up with component restoration, then installed CDRA in AR-1 (Atmosphere Revitalization rack-1) and mated all utilities of the rack. For access to the worksite, the WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment) Kabin had to be removed (later restored) and the AR-1 rotated down temporarily.]

FE-6 Shannon Walker had ~1 hour set aside to continue troubleshooting on the WHC, today (Part 2) going through newly uplinked procedures to try to isolate the source of recent WHC failure to either the Pump Separator or its Control Unit by demating the power connection to these ORUs (Orbital Replacement Units) and running a functionality test. [Yesterday's troubleshooting by reconfiguring the system after the scheduled replacement of the piping was unsuccessful; the control panel turned itself off twice during start-up. The crew is currently continuing to use the Russian ASU toilet facility in the SM.]

FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin used pressurized O2 from Progress M-06M/38P Oxygen stores for another refresh of the ISS cabin for about an hour (see OGA note below).

US EVA Planning Change:
There will be only one US EVA during Increment 24. Specifics to be baselined later this week.

Progress M-06M/38P Rodnik Tank Failure:
Urine transfer from EDV containers to the empty BV1 Rodnik storage tank of 38P on 06/07 was aborted when a pre-transfer tank bladder compression indicated a leak from BV1 (air). Moscow will postpone urine transfer to BV1 until right before 38P undocking.

TORU Testing Update:
Yesterday's two-part TORU testing by Skvortsov & Yurchikhin was not completed due to bad radio/telemetry connection from TsUP-Moscow to the RGS (Russian Ground Site) during Part 1 (without Klest).

OGA Failure:
The US OGA (Oxygen Generator Assembly) continues to be down, having failed on 05/07 due to a high voltage in two cells in the H2 dome. A forward plan to determine the root cause is in work as teams work down a fault tree. O2 margins are good until tomorrow provided Elektron remains operational (currently running on 32 Amp). Progress O2 could also be used. There is one spare H2 dome on board and none on the ground.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 07/09/2010 07:11 pm
TORU Testing Update: The repeat of the two-part TORU testing by Skvortsov & Yurchikhin originally scheduled for today was cancelled.

WHC Update: After the failure of the WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment) toilet facility was traced to the MNR-NS pump/separator, the crew replaced the unit with a Russian spare from FGB stowage which recovered the system. The WHC is now working nominally and Go for use. According to the near-term plan, the WHC remains configured for internal EDV-U use for waste collection. Its re-integration with the UPA (Urine Processor Assembly) will require additional investigation. [The only US spare unit on board is currently “lost” and cannot be found.]

CDRA Update: The crew completed the reinstallation of the CDRA (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly) component groups and re-mounted CDRA in the AR1 (Atmosphere Revitalization) Rack 1. Due to limited time, CDRA utilities were not connected up to make it operational. That procedure will be completed next week. The rack relocations that will result in two operational CDRAs have been deferred to later in the month.

Epsilon Aurigae Eclipse Observation: ISS is participating in a significant astronomical observation program just getting underway, followed by thousands of amateur & professional astronomers: the Epsilon Aurigae Eclipse. A specific star in the Constellation Auriga (Charioteer) called Epsilon Aurigae undergoes an eclipse (being occulted) every 27.1 years. This has puzzled astronomers for nearly 200 years. The eclipse lasts nearly two years which, with the 27.1 year period, means the eclipsing body must be gigantic. There may be a temporary brightening at mid-eclipse. There have been no satisfactory explanations to date for this. Is it a giant cloud of gas with a doughnut-like hole, permitting the star to brighten during mid-eclipse? The Sun’s proximity to Epsilon Aurigae, as seen from the ground, prevents observations by ground-based astronomers during mid-eclipse, but astronauts on the ISS, having a different aspect angle, can observe and note changes in relative brightness, as suggested by the AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers) following a talk by NASA-Astronaut John Grunsfeld. The method used by the crew is to compare the brightness of Epsilon Aurigae weekly with three other nearby stars of known & unchanging brightness.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/09/2010 09:00 pm
Also from ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 09/07/2010:

Working in the Lab, FE-6 Shannon Walker prepared location Starboard 1 (LAB1S1) for the temporary installation of the Node 3 ARS Rack by installing a K-BAR (Knee-Brace Assembly Replacement) Capture Fitting & Pivot Fitting. [The ARS "musical chairs" relocation is scheduled to start early next week. Sabatier installation/activation will eventually require an active ARS rack in Node 3, but the Lab ARS Rack, currently installed in Node 3 without umbilicals mated, cannot be activated in Node 3. So the Node 3 & Lab ARS racks must be swapped back to their original locations. Next week's task moves the Node 3 ARS from Lab Deck 6 (LAB1D6) to Lab Starboard 1 as a temporary location, for which Shannon prepared the K-BAR today. The second rack, i.e. the Lab ARS rack, will then be moved from Node 3 Aft 4 (NOD3A4) to Lab Deck 6, and the Node 3 ARS rack will lastly be transferred from Lab Starboard 1 to its final location at Node 3 Aft 4.]

After Shannon first connected the UOP (Utility Outlet Panel) DCP (Display & Control Panel) power bypass cable at the Cupola RWS (Robotic Workstation) and video cameras were configured, Shannon & FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson "walked off" the SSRMS from the Lab PDGF to the MBS PDGF-3. [The MBS MT was translated yesterday by ground controllers from WS-4 (Worksite 4) to WS-6 in preparation for the upcoming RPCM swap with the SPDM. The translation was delayed by about 1 hour due to a communication problem during SPDM powerdown, but functionality was restored by cycling RWS power. Otherwise, system performance was nominal.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/10/2010 06:30 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 10/07/2010:

Reboost Planning:
The next ISS reboost, by Progress M-06M/38P, is being planned for Friday 16/07 at ~8:25 AM GMT.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/11/2010 05:58 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 11/07/2010:

Conjunction Advisory:
Flight controllers had a late notification of a new conjunction (Object 33977/COSMOS 2251 debris, from the Feb. 2009 collision with IRIDIUM 33). TCA (Time of Closest Approach) is tomorrow (12/07) at 7:12 AM GMT. This conjunction is currently a low risk. No action required at this time.

Solar Eclipse:
A total solar eclipse will occur today over the South Pacific Ocean. The ISS will pass through the penumbral shadow on two orbits resulting in a partial solar eclipse for the crew from 6:19 PM to 6:41 PM GMT and again from 8:06 PM to 8:15 PM GMT.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/12/2010 02:24 pm
Not directly related to Expedition 24, but worth mentioning:

Today is the 10th anniversary of the launch of the SM "Zvezda" (launched on 12/07/2000)!
Here's to another 10 years! :)

Roscosmos PAO: "The ISS Service Module Flew to the Station 10 Years Ago".
www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9871
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/12/2010 10:44 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 12/07/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-4 Doug Wheelock continued the IFM (Inflight Maintenance) on the CDRA, finishing up CDRA back bed (#201) installation by mating the fluid, power, and data connections. [Remaining work includes installation of the hydraflow connectors (when the AR (Air Revitalisation) racks are swapped) and to clean the Node 3 AR rack AAA (Avionics Air Assembly), not required for Node 3 CDRA activation. All beds are installed and the rack swap will be scheduled in the next few weeks. The rack that is in Node 3 does not work in Node 3 so it has to move to the lab. This is due to 1553 comm. connection issues.]

Tracy unstowed, configured and installed the US EK (EarthKAM) hardware, for the first time in the unpowered WORF for a new session, powered by a Ku-band power supply unit. Unfortunately, errors were encountered on the laptop and the setup could not be completed. Over 50 schools have already signed up to participate.

FE-6 Shannon Walker unstowed the new NASA CubeLab-1 hardware and installed it for operation, then recorded documentary video of the setup and ensuing operations. [CubeLab is a low cost 1kg platform for educational projects. It is a multipurpose research facility that interfaces small standard modules into the ERs (ExPrESS Racks). The modules can be used within the pressurised space station environment on orbit, with a nominal length, width, and height of 100mm and a mass of no more than 1g. Up to 16 CubeLab modules can be inserted into a CubeLab insert inside an ER.]

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin had ~3 hours set aside for an in-depth review of their upcoming EVA-25 (26/07).

Meanwhile, Shannon spent about an hour on gathering US EVA tools which will be supporting the Mikhail & Fyodor on their EVA.

Doug worked in the US A/L on his and Tracy's EMUs (Extravehicular Mobility Units), setting up EMUs #3010 & #3011 with their SCUs (Service & Cooling Umbilicals) and initiated the standard one-hour scrubbing process on the spacesuits’ cooling water loops, filtering ionic and particulate matter (via a 3 micron filter), then reconfigured the cooling loops and started the ~2 hour biocide filtering. [Loop scrubbing, including iodination of the LCVGs (Liquid Cooling & Ventilation Garments) for biocidal maintenance, is done to eliminate any biomass and particulate matter that may have accumulated in the loops.]

OGA Update:
The OGA (Oxygen Generator Assembly) H2 Dome ORU is considered failed. The path forward is to finalize procedures to flush the acidic water from the current OGA recirculation loop and then replace the H2 Dome with the onboard unit. Currently, O2 is at 158mmHg; Russian Elektron is on in 31 Amp mode.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/13/2010 07:18 pm
Here's some great images of Soyuz TMA-19 docked to MRM-1!

Image 007731 hi-res: www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-24/hires/iss024e007731.jpg

Image 007733 hi-res: www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-24/hires/iss024e007733.jpg
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/13/2010 10:46 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 13/07/2010:

Today Sasha, Misha & Tracy have their 100th day on orbit. Congrats!

Wheels performed the first steps of the scheduled X2R9 software transition, installing the first two R13 HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) with the upgrade in two PCS laptops, followed by power-up and network connection. Four remaining R13 HDDs were installed later in the day. The old R12 drives and one spare R13 drive stowed. [MCC-H continued the transition of the C&C (Command & Control) MDM software to CCS (Command & Control System) R9, the Node 1 MDMs to NCS R4, the Payload MDMs to R9, and the PCS software step-up to PCS R13. The current C&C MDM configuration is as follows: C&C3 is prime, loaded with R9, C&C2 is backup, loaded with R8, C&C1 is standby with the new load but will be transitioned to backup this evening by ground controllers. Transitions activities will continue tomorrow.]

-----

Roscosmos PAO: "ISS USOS Oxygen Generation System is Still Off".
Quote
The OGS (Oxygen Generation System) in the US section of the station is currently down. The leading cause of the system's failure is believed to be contamination of the membranes in the H2 dome. The pH of the water in the loop is around 4.0, which is causing a breakdown of some of the materials used in the construction of the dome leading to the contamination of the membranes. Teams in Houston are working on a plan to scrub the recirculation water loop before replacing the H2 dome with a spare kept aboard the station. The water scrub procedure also will be used to bring the pH up to a more neutral level. The oxygen level on the station will be maintained via Elektron and Progress tanks. Procedures to restore the OGS are expected to begin by the end of the week.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: racshot65 on 07/14/2010 11:31 am
Living in space: washing hair, sleeping, not bumping into things, getting lost and yes, using the toilet

http://blogs.chron.com/inorbit/2010/07/living_in_space_washing_hair_sleeping_not_bumping_into.html (http://blogs.chron.com/inorbit/2010/07/living_in_space_washing_hair_sleeping_not_bumping_into.html)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 07/14/2010 02:23 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-100

NASA SETS BRIEFING TO PREVIEW SPACE STATION SPACEWALK

HOUSTON -- NASA officials will discuss an upcoming International Space
Station spacewalk by two Russian cosmonauts during a news briefing at
2 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, July 21.

The briefing will take place at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston
and be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's website.
Questions will be taken from journalists at participating NASA
locations.

The briefers are:
- Dan Hartman, Integration and Mission Operations manager,
International Space Station Program
- Chris Edelen, Expedition 24 spacewalk flight director

On Monday, July 26, Expedition 24 Flight Engineers Fyodor Yurchikhin
and Mikhail Kornienko will wear Russian spacesuits for a six-hour
spacewalk. They will prepare the recently delivered Russian Rassvet
Module for future automated dockings by Russian spacecraft. NASA TV
coverage of the spacewalk will begin at 10 p.m. Yurchikhin and
Kornienko are expected to exit the Pirs airlock to begin their work
at 10:45 p.m. It will be Yurchikhin's third spacewalk and the first
for Kornienko.

For NASA TV streaming video, schedules and downlink information,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about the station and the Expedition 24 crew,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/14/2010 07:59 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 14/07/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson performed troubleshooting activities on the EK (EarthKAM) system in the Lab which has a communication disconnect between its A31p laptop and the camera in the WORF. Repair attempts were unsuccessful. Suspects are the EarthKAM software or the SSC (Station Support Computer). [EarthKAM was to be activated on 12/07 for a new session. This would be the 33rd time for EarthKAM aboard the ISS and the first time on Increment 24. The payload runs without crew intervention. EK is using a Kodak ESC 460C electronic still camera with 50mm and 180mm lenses, powered by 16 VDC from a 28 VDC adapter, taking pictures by remote operation from the ground, without crew interaction. It is available for students who submit image requests and conduct geographic research. The requests are uplinked in a camera control file to the ThinkPad A31p laptop which then activates the camera at specified times and receives the digital images from the camera’s storage card on its hard drive, for subsequent downlink via OpsLAN. ]

Propellant Transfers:
HSG/Moscow reports completion of 116 kg of fuel transferred from Progress M-04M/38P to the SM. 188kg of oxidizer is being transferred today, followed by more prop transfer to the FGB tanks.

OGA Maintenance Status:
Ground teams are working on OGA (Oxygen Generation Assembly) repair procedures. Preparatory work is planned for tomorrow (15/07), followed by flushing and H2 dome replacement on Friday (16/07). If all goes well, we would expect to receive O2 from OGA next Tuesday (20/07) at the earliest.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/14/2010 10:54 pm
Quote from: Doug Wheelock via Twitter
Baikonur Cosmodrome from space! If you look closely, you can see the Soyuz launch pad. The same pad that launched ‘Sputnik’ and Yuri Gagarin…and the pad we launched from nearly a month ago! So surreal flying over at 5 miles per second!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 07/15/2010 07:39 pm
Hamster Pat May Create Additional Psychological Relief for the ISS Crew

16.07.2010

A hamster on-board the International Space Station may serve not only for science, but as a way to have psychological relief taking care about the pat, ISS Commander Alexander Skvortosov told through ISS Mail Box which works in Memorial Space Museum of Moscow with support of Roscosmos PAO and Moscow’s Department of Culture.

“Having a small rodent onboard the ISS would be not only useful for science, but also pleasant for the crew”, Alexander noted. “But there are no small animals in the ISS Russian segment currently”, RIA Novosti informs.

http://www.roscosmos.ru/
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/15/2010 10:35 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 15/07/2010:

CDR Alexander Skvortsov performed an O2 repress from Progress M-06M/38P section 2 tank. TsUP-Moscow informed the crew to open the valve and leave it open until all contents of the tank was emptied, resulting in a 9.5mmHg (12.8kg) repress.

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko removed all remaining US CTBs (Cargo Transfer Bags) from MRM-1 for transfer to the USOS.

Software Transition Update:
X2R9 transition was completed yesterday (with some lessons learned).

Reboost:
A reboost of the ISS will be conducted tomorrow morning at 7:42:30 AM GMT, using Progress M-06M/38P Rendezvous & Docking thrusters. The purpose of the reboost is to set up phasing for the upcoming Progress M-07M/39P and Soyuz TMA-18/22S & Soyuz TMA-01M/24S flight operations. Burn duration: 17 minutes 45 seconds; delta-V: 2.1m/s / 6.9ft/s. Mean altitude increase expected: 3.6km / 2.0nmi.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/16/2010 01:54 pm
Roscosmos PAO: "ISS Orbit Boosted".
Quote
In accordance with the program of the International Space Station mission ballistics support, ISS reboost took place on July 16.
The maneuver was assisted by the attitude thrusters of Russian cargo vehicle Progress M-06M. The engines were started at 11:42:30 Moscow time, following the commands from the ISS RS central computer. The operation lasted 1065 sec.
As a result of the maneuver, the altitude of the ISS will become 3.7 km higher (355,2km) in order to provide favorable conditions for Soyuz TMA-18 landing and Progress M-07M docking.
www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9905&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 07/16/2010 03:26 pm
Russian Cosmonauts on the ISS Continue Pre-EVA Activities

16.07.2010

Russian cosmonauts of the International Space Station – Fiodor Yurchikhin and Mikhail Kornienko- continue pre-EVA work on the International Space Station. The main objective of the EVA is to integrate Rassvet-MRM-1 module into the ISS Russian segment.
Cosmonauts yesterday were searching for the tools and equipment needed for the EVA.

Next week the crew will begin preparing Orlan-MK space suits for the space walk. This includes leak-check, functioning tests of the Orlan systems.
Orlan-MK is the fifth modification in the series; equipped with the computer, the space suit maintain self- status monitoring.
EVA simulation with Orlan-MK on will be performed after the space suit tests are completed.

Roscosmos PAO
http://www.roscosmos.ru/
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/16/2010 07:13 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 16/07/2010:

FE-4 Wheelock had several hours reserved for continuing the OGA (Oxygen Generation Assembly) IFM (Inflight Maintenance), preparing for dome replacement on the weekend. [Activities included purging the OGS (Oxygen Generation System) H2 sensor and replacing it with a new spare, then mating all QDs (Quick Disconnects) to support subsequent ground-commanded pressurization of the dome ORU with N2, finally unpowering the rack to prepare for next week's maintenance after the newly installed H2 sensor was purged with O2 for safe powerdown. Wheels also scavenged an ITCS (Internal Thermal Control System) CSA (Coolant Sample Adapter) from Node 3 and used it with another ITCS CSA and a CWC-I (Contingency Water Container-Iodine) to set up for Flush operations. Additionally, Doug was to prepare a Pump ORU for next week's operations.]

ISS Reboost Update:
The reboost of the ISS this morning at 7:42:30 AM GMT was nominal. Using Progress M-06M/38P Rendezvous & Docking thrusters, the purpose of the reboost was to set up phasing for the upcoming Progress M-07M/39P and Soyuz TMA-18/22S & Soyuz TMA-01M/24S flight operations. Burn duration: 17 minutes 45 seconds; delta-V: 2.14m/s / 7.0ft/s. Mean altitude increase: 3.72km / 2.01nmi.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/17/2010 06:46 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 17/07/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson shut down EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) operations at the WORF rack at the Lab science window and stowed the gear. [The use of the WORF was a First for EarthKAM, but the camera system remained nonfunctional. Operations have been terminated until the cause of the anomaly can be determined and corrected.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/18/2010 09:58 pm
Roscosmos PAO: "Mice, Rats and Hamsters will Settle in the ISS".
Quote
Mice, hamsters and rats will settle in the International Space Station after 2012. IBMP official told Interfax-AVN. The rodents will live in new Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module to be launched in two years from now.
MLM will host special support systems for the rodents. So, the experiments with small animals started in Mir will be continued in the ISS.
The rodent support systems  are rather complicated as they are aimed to protect the crew against scent, harmful impurities and substances of the animals.
IBMP confirms that small animals will also maintain psychological comfort for the crew.
Multipurpose Laboratory Module  will be a component of the International Space Station funded by the Russian Federal Space Agency and will be the last piece of the Space Station. Currently the MLM is scheduled to dock at the Zvezda nadir location. The MLM will be used for experiments, docking and cargo. It will also serve as a crew work and rest area. MLM will also be equipped with an attitude control system that can be used as a backup by the ISS.
www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=9923&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: JimO on 07/20/2010 01:33 pm
"Roscosmos PAO: "Mice, Rats and Hamsters will Settle in the ISS"."

I'm not joking -- how much has been prepared in the event of escape of one or more of these critters? What would it take to include a light-weight live-trap (with food as bait) in up-cargo, just in case. Consider what ELSE hungry rodents behind the panels might be chewing on. I live in a rural area of Galveston County, Texas, and it's a constant struggle to keep toothy intruders away from the interior of my home, and the wires in it.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Chandonn on 07/20/2010 03:02 pm
Solution: Fly a couple cats up ;)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/20/2010 04:33 pm
"Roscosmos PAO: "Mice, Rats and Hamsters will Settle in the ISS"."

I'm not joking -- how much has been prepared in the event of escape of one or more of these critters? What would it take to include a light-weight live-trap (with food as bait) in up-cargo, just in case. Consider what ELSE hungry rodents behind the panels might be chewing on. I live in a rural area of Galveston County, Texas, and it's a constant struggle to keep toothy intruders away from the interior of my home, and the wires in it.

Just put a bit of cheese in the airlock, close the hatch, and....you know what comes next! ;)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Alpha Control on 07/20/2010 04:42 pm
The next SciFi Channel Original Movie:

"Irradiated rats mutate in space and run amok! Crew battles for their lives! Can the station be saved? Tune in Saturday at 8pm - 'Terror on the ISS!' "

Hey, it'd probably be better than most of their movies. :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 07/20/2010 05:51 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-101

ISS EXPEDITION 24 CREW TO TALK WITH MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GEORGIA

WASHINGTON -- Students from the Conyers Middle School in Conyers, Ga.,
are expecting a very long-distance phone call Wednesday from NASA
astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

About 400 sixth- through eighth-grade students and their teachers will
participate in a live downlink, which is scheduled to take place at
12:20 p.m. EDT. Selected students will ask questions of astronauts
Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Doug Wheelock and Shannon Walker, members of
the 24th crew who live and work aboard the station

This event is part of a series with educational organizations in the
United States and abroad to improve teaching and learning in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics. It is an integral component
of Teaching From Space, a NASA project that uses the unique
environment of human spaceflight to promote learning opportunities
and build partnerships between the agency and kindergarten through
12th-grade educators.

Conyers Middle School is part of NASA's Explorer Schools Program,
which gives educators, administrators, students, and families in
sustained involvement with the agency's education programs. Students
have prepared for the downlink by holding a spacesuit fashion show
during which students designed and modeled their own creations and
participated in events with NASA's Digital Learning Network.
NASA Television will broadcast video from the space station during the
event.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/20/2010 07:59 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 20/07/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson had several hours to perform the Day 1 activities of repairing the US OGS (Oxygen Generation System) which performed an unexpected "Fast Shutdown" on 05/07, probably due to blockage in several cells within the H2 ORU. [Since a sample in the OGS Recirculation Loop, brought home on STS-130/20A, showed a low pH (~4.1) and high counts of particulate, Tracy today performed the first of two separate planned flushes of components of the Recirculation Loop, connecting the potable water bus via QDs (Quick Disconnects) on the Water ORU for the flushing and then routing that water to the zone to be flushed. This required Tracy to mate/demate QDs throughout the flush program.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: eeergo on 07/20/2010 09:25 pm
Didn't see this noted (strangely!) on the Status Reports, so copying it across from the main Space Station NASA site:

"The complex and novel task of using the Dextre robot to swap out a failed Remote Power Control Module (RPCM) began Monday when Canadarm2 grappled Dextre and maneuvered to the P1 truss worksite. A partial removal and reinstallation demonstration of the failed RPCM is slated for Tuesday, and the actual replacement of the RPCM will take place Wednesday."

And associated video: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=16489135

Anyone has seen anything on the partial demonstration scheduled for today? This is Dextre's first real use!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/20/2010 11:03 pm
An update from NASA's ISS page:
Quote
Dextre, an agile, two-armed extension for the station's Canadarm2 robotic arm, continues its debut task to replace a failed Remote Power Control Module (RPCM) from a truss segment on the station's port side. On Tuesday flight controllers in Houston began conducting a "dress rehearsal" of the actual replacement as they commanded Dextre to partially remove and reinstall an RPCM on the P1 truss. After Dextre successfully completes the test, Mission Control plans to swap the failed RPCM with a spare from the P3 truss Wednesday.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: erioladastra on 07/21/2010 03:11 pm
An update from NASA's ISS page:
Quote
Dextre, an agile, two-armed extension for the station's Canadarm2 robotic arm, continues its debut task to replace a failed Remote Power Control Module (RPCM) from a truss segment on the station's port side. On Tuesday flight controllers in Houston began conducting a "dress rehearsal" of the actual replacement as they commanded Dextre to partially remove and reinstall an RPCM on the P1 truss. After Dextre successfully completes the test, Mission Control plans to swap the failed RPCM with a spare from the P3 truss Wednesday.

it is on hold.  There is some obstruction/problem preventing the RPCM from being removed more than an few inches.  It was returned to its slot and repowered while people scratch their heads.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 07/21/2010 05:35 pm
Expedition 24 - Educational Event - July 21
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6090
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/21/2010 06:52 pm
Here's a photo of the CDRA maintenance in Node 3 from Doug Wheelock via Twitter.

The caption reads:
Quote
Just finishing up the final 'balancing' of the CDRA before installation. Newtonian physics still at work here in space and F=ma still…so glad that 'a' is zero here…don't try this at home!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: John44 on 07/21/2010 07:56 pm
Expedition 24 - EVA Preview Briefing - July 21
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6091
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/21/2010 09:53 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 21/07/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson had several hours to perform Day 2 activities of repairing the USOS OGS (Oxygen Generation System) which performed an unexpected "Fast Shutdown" on 05/07, probably due to blockage in several cells within the H2 Dome ORU. [Yesterday's Day 1 activities were delayed by an RPCM trip. Today, Tracy started off with a set-up activity to prepare for the OGS forward flush. After the ground completed this flush, Tracy configured for the reverse flush which was increased in duration due to the lower than expected flow rate. After the reverse flush was complete, Tracy was to put everything in a good overnight configuration. The H2 Dome R&R activities planned for today were moved to FE-6 Shannon Walker's timeline tomorrow (22/07). This should get OGS ready for activation, which will be attempted with the spare Pump ORU installed, but a second Pump ORU R&R was to be conducted if the reverse flush has not recovered the spare Pump.]

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin continued their preparations for Russian EVA-25 in the Orlan spacesuits on 26/07 and the suited training exercise on 23/07, performing further Orlan spacesuit activities in DC-1 "Pirs".
After configuring the DC-1 STTS communications link to support their presence, Mikhail & Fyodor:
• Readied Orlan spacesuit replaceable elements & equipment (SMEG).
• Installed the BNP portable repress O2 tank in the SM RO
  (Working Compartment).
• Completed individual fit sizing (central strap, lateral strap, hip strap,
  calf strap, arm cable and shoulder size, front & rear) on their Orlan-MK
  spacesuits.
• Ran leak checks & valve functionality tests on the Orlans and thei
  BSS interface units in the DC-1 & SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment)
  from the EVA support panels (POV).
• Conducted pressure checks on the SM BK-3 O2 tanks and the BNP
  portable repress O2 tank in DC-1.
• Restored DC-1 STTS communications to nominal settings.

Yurchikhin installed the second set of 825M3 Orlan batteries in the battery chargers and initiated the charging.

CDR Alexander Skvortsov readied Progress M-05M/37P, docked at DC-1 Nadir, for undocking if required in a Russian EVA-25 contingency. Steps included:
• Installing the docking probe (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma) on
  Progress' hatch.
• Activating Progress' electronics and taking out the ventilation/heating
  air duct.
• Closing the hatches.
• Removing the QDscrew clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer
  mechanism (SSVP) which rigidized the joint.
• Starting the standard one-hour leak checking of the SU docking
  vestibule and fuel/oxidizer transfer line interface between Progress
  and DC-1.
• Downlinking Sasha's formal report on loading completion and the video
  depicting the close-out activities, for review by ground specialists.
  [During hatch closure, leak checking and initial clamp installation,
  Russian thrusters were inhibited due to load constraints from
  ~10:20 AM to 12:00 PM GMT.]

After deconfiguring the CEVIS (Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation System) in the Lab to make room, Shannon performed Part 4 of WORF outfitting. CEVIS was later re-installed. [This was the final outfitting activity for WORF until it is handed over to the Payloads community for use. During today's task Shannon configured/adjusted the Bumpshield, Shutter Actuator Mechanism (SAM) and Air Knife for nominal operations, performed photo documentation, installed the WORF hatch and completed final closeouts. Background: WORF, which surrounds the 20 inch Lab science window, serves for attaching sensors (cameras, multispectral scanners, and other instruments). It provides attachment points and power & data transfer capability for instruments to be mounted in the window. Multiple instruments can be mounted at the same time. The rack is designed to allow rapid changes of equipment by the crew. WORF has a bracket for small cameras such as 35mm, 70mm and camcorders. Larger payloads requiring nonstandard attachment or additional instrument isolation must supply their own brackets or platforms which mount to the WORF using available attachment points. WORF also provides protection for the interior of the Lab window and can control stray light exchange between the Lab interior and the external station environment.]

In the US A/L, FE-4 Doug Wheelock terminated the recharge of the first batch of EVA batteries in the BSA (Battery Stowage Assembly) and initiated the second round.

Also in the A/L, Doug conducted the standard one-hour scrub of EMUs (Extravehicular Mobility Units) #3005 & #3009 cooling loops with their SCUs (Service & Cooling Umbilicals), filtering ionic & particulate matter (via a 3-micron filter), then reconfigured the cooling loops and started the ~2 hour biocide filtering. The activity included leak checking on the loops, with remedial actions to be taken if required. [Loop scrubbing, incl. iodination of the LCVGs (Liquid Cooling & Ventilation Garments) for biocidal maintenance is done to eliminate any biomass and particulate matter that may have accumulated in the loops.]

Additionally, Doug performed an inspection of the EVA BRTs (Body Restraint Tethers) to be used in US EVA-15.

SLAMMD Postponement:
Today's body mass measurement activities of Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, Doug Wheelock & Shannon Walker with the SLAMMD (Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device) BMM (Bode Mass Measurement) equipment were postponed due to a missing deceleration pad (of two required). [Background: SLAMMD, performed first on Expedition 12 in December 2005, provides an accurate means of determining the on-orbit mass of humans spanning the range from the 5th percentile Japanese female to the 95th percentile American male. The procedure, in accordance with Newton's 2nd Law of Motion, finds the mass by dividing force, generated by two springs inside the SLAMMD drawer, by acceleration measured with a precise optical instrument that detects the position versus time trajectory of the SLAMMD guide arm and a micro controller which collects the raw data and provides the precise timing. The final computation is done via portable laptop computer with SLAMMD unique software. To calculate their mass, crewmembers wrap their legs around a leg support assembly, align the stomach against a belly pad and either rest the head or chin on a head rest. For calibration, an 18 lbs mass is used at different lengths from the pivot point, to simulate different mass values. Crew mass range is from 90 to 240 lbs.]

SPDM Checkout Activities:
Today's operations have stopped. Robotics ground controllers have been operating the SPDM "Dextre" through a functionality & robotic maintenance demonstration program of grasping, unbolting, extracting, reseating & installing an RPCM (P11A). Yesterday's (Day 2) extraction step jammed the RPCM in its soft dock position due to an underestimated pulling force applied by metal spring finger gaskets used for EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) shielding (34 lbf instead of expected 20 lbf). A plan has been proposed to reattempt the operations later with and without FMA (Force/Moment Accommodation) or line tracking enabled. [Russian thrusters are disabled during SPDM operations.] The test extraction may be reattempted tomorrow (22/07), but a new date for the RPCM replacement has not been set.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 07/21/2010 09:57 pm
Expedition 24 - EVA Preview Briefing - July 21
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6091
Some ISS program level items were covered during today's preview briefing by Kirk Shireman.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/21/2010 11:13 pm
Shannon Walker's 3rd Blog Post: "After two alarms, finally, I take a flight around the space station".
http://blogs.chron.com/inorbit/2010/07/post.html
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/22/2010 02:24 pm
CSA: "Dextre's final exam postponed".
Quote
On July 20, 2010, Dextre was powered up and began conducting a "dress rehearsal" of its first official task on board the ISS. While working at the end of the SSRMS, Dextre's objective was to partially remove a failed circuit-breaker box (RPCM) by extracting it 15 cm, then putting it back into place. Dextre operated flawlessly during the test, but the RPCM was just not ready to make its debut. After several attempts to remove it, the RPCM could not be extracted by more than 5 cm. Flight controllers on the ground then instructed Dextre to put the RPCM back into place and reconnect it.

"We must remind ourselves that this was a rehearsal for a reason," says Pierre Jean, head of the ISS program at the Canadian Space Agency. "There could be many reasons why we saw yesterday's results but the good news is that we know from our data that Dextre executed his task perfectly."

Engineering teams will spend the next few days reviewing the data from the test to better understand why the RPCM could not be fully extracted and what changes may be required for future operations.
www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/iss/dextre/news_2010-07-21.asp
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/22/2010 02:31 pm
Here's the overview of Russian EVA-25 on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCZEp7jgCzc
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: stockman on 07/22/2010 03:21 pm
Must be raining on ISS today... Got the Rubber boots and the winter coat on.. :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/23/2010 02:40 am
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 22/07/2010:

FE-6 Shannon Walker worked on the USOS OGS (Oxygen Generation System) to replace the failed H2 Dome ORU, followed by removing equipment which provided thermal compliance to allow closing the rack rear. After installing an older, sized pump, it did not start up, and the crew replaced it with the previously-installed pump. At the completion of the R&Rs, ground controllers vented the H2 dome and began the vent line leak check and standby warm-up. Specialists expect the system to begin O2 production later tonight. [The OGS suffered an unexpected "Fast Shutdown" on 05/07, probably due to blockage in several cells within the H2 ORU. Yesterday's Day 2 activities, by FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, dealt with the forward and reverse flush delayed on Day 1 by an RPCM trip. The Dome repair should get OGS ready for activation.]

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin continued their preparations for Russian EVA-25 in the Orlan spacesuits on 26/07 and the suited training exercise on 23/07. Specifically, Mikhail & Fyodor:
• Performed pressure checks on the portable O2 tanks (BK-3) and
  portable air repress bottles (BNP), including the additional BNP in DC-1
  (Docking Compartment-1).
• Conducted BRTA (radio telemetry unit) checkouts for the Orlans & BSS
  interface units.
• Set up Orlan BRTK "Korona" comm. configuration, ran voice checks and
  tested medical parameter acquisition of the BETA-08
  ECG (Electrocardiograph) harnesses with the "Gamma-1M" med
  complex from the PKO med. exam panel for vital signs & equipment
  monitoring.
• Installed US EMU equipment (lights, wireless video camera) on the
  Orlan-M suits.
• Installed Orlan attached hardware (OTA) plus taking photos of the
  outfitted Orlans for downlink (OTA equipment includes: right-hand
  swing arm with tool caddy, small trash bag, wire ties, tethers, camera,
  wrench and cutters).
• Prepared auxiliary NASA equipment to be used in Orlan plus taking
  photos of the outfitted Orlans for downlink.
• Filled the DIDBs (Disposable In-suit Drink Bags) and installed them in
  the suits.
• Unstowed EVA emergency first-aid medical packs and stowed them in
  DC-1.
• Tested the proper function of the hatch Pressure Equalization Valve
  (PEV, Russian: KVD) from the POV panels in the SM PkhO (Transfer
  Compartment) and DC-1.

On Monday, a data dump was performed to test capability to send Russian data through the US-23 unit via US assets to TsUP-Moscow. The test was successful, but the Orlan wasn't activated at the time, so no Orlan data were included in the data stream. Today they repeated the data dump while the Orlan suits were activated allowing TsUP specialists to see real-time Orlan data on their displays for the first time through US assets. Preliminary results for this test were also nominal.

Joined by FE-4 Doug Wheelock, the designated IVA (Intravehicular Activity) crewmember, Mikhail & Fyodor spent about an hour reviewing the uplinked EVA (VKD) flight procedures material. Earlier, Mikhail & Fyodor reviewed special spacewalk procedures and discussed them with a VKD expert on the ground.

Continuing his preparations for US EVA-15 on 05/06, Doug:
• "Degassed" EMU PWR (Payload Water Reservoir) #1023.
• Topped off the water supply in EMUs #3005 (EV-1) & #3009 (EV-2) as
  well as in PWR #1023 and CWC #1059.
• Terminated recharge of the second round of EVA batteries in the
  BSA (Battery Stowage Assembly).
• Readied & checked out three PGTs, including installing battery #1004 in PGT #04,
  battery #1006 in PGT #06, and battery #1008 in PGT #01.

Conjunction Alert:
Flight controllers are tracking a conjunction with a piece of a Chinese satellite. The TCA (Time of Closest Approach) is tomorrow (23/07) at 10:09 PM GMT. A valid PC (Probability of Collision) number was expected at ~4:00 PM GMT today. This debris is being tracked as a medium concern.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 07/23/2010 07:39 pm
RELEASE: 10-178

NASA ASTRONAUT SENDS FIRST SIGNED MESSAGE FROM ORBIT

WASHINGTON -- The number of languages used on the International Space
Station has recently increased. In addition to those spoken in the 15
countries that have had representatives aboard the space station,
American Sign Language, or ASL, is now included. NASA astronaut Tracy
Caldwell Dyson has sent a message in ASL from the station to the deaf
community.

In the video, Caldwell Dyson answered several questions about living
and working aboard the station and how she became interested in sign
language.

"I am truly grateful for this opportunity on behalf of the deaf
community and the multitudes of students who will benefit from seeing
their language spoken in space," Caldwell Dyson said. "It is my hope
that this video will help inspire our next generation of scientists
and explorers."

As NASA's missions advance beyond Earth's orbit, the agency will
continue its efforts to highlight its diverse workforce. NASA strives
to assist the next generation of researchers to gain access to
science-related fields.

Caldwell Dyson will work on several other videos targeted to users of
ASL. When the videos are completed, they will be posted on the
agency's website at:

http://www.nasa.gov


To view Caldwell Dyson's message and learn more about the space
station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/23/2010 10:18 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 23/07/2010:

After yesterday's completion of all Orlan-MK suit preparations, Russian EVA-25 dry-run activities began today with FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko tearing down and removing the air ducts between the SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1), including their V3 ventilation fan, to make room for the subsequent suited exercise.

At the same time, FE-4 Fyodor Yurchikhin worked on configuring the STTS communications systems in DC-1 for the exercise. [The suited run requires wireless Tranzit-B suit radio telemetry on both semi-sets and temporary deactivation of the Russian VHF (Very High Frequency, Russian: UKV1, for ultra-shortwave) channel 1  to avoid interference from extraneous radio stations to the Orlans while over Russian Ground Stations (RGS, DO 3). All EVA preps were monitored by the ground via audio. Tranzit-B TM was turned off after the checkout.]

After another functionality & leak check of the Orlan-MK suits, their equipment and their BSS interface units in DC-1 & SM PkhO, the crewmembers began donning EVA gear, i.e., putting on personal gear bags, biomed harness, thermal underwear, LCG (Liquid Cooling Garment), low-noise headset, gloves, etc.

After more checkouts of comm. hookups & biomedical parameter telemetry via the BSS Orlan interface system for vital signs & equipment monitoring, suiting up then culminated in ingress in the Orlans through their "backdoors" and sealing off of the backpacks.

Next in line were:
• More functionality checkouts of the suits and their BSS controls
  (e.g., temperature control handling, water cooling system ops,
  preliminary Orlan & BSS leak checks).
• Preliminary dimensional suit fit checks at reduced suit pressure
  of 0.4 atm (5.9 psi).
• About an hour of testing/training of suited mobility & translation
  inside DC-1.
[These "intramural" exercises included translation to all DC-1 work stations with mated fluid umbilical, assessment of how the interior DC-1 config. impacts operations with various gear & accessories such as the POV (EVA support panel) and BSS, moving the BRT with a CLB (Crew Lock Bag) and securing the BRT on a handrail, retrieving the Kodak 760 camera from the KPU tool carrier and stowing it temporarily on the OTA swing arm, etc.]

Mikhail & Fyodor's egress from their Orlan-MKs was followed by restoration of comm. settings in DC-1 to nominal ops. and post-training close-out activities, including air duct assembly.

CDR Alexander Skvortsov installed a rigid air duct in the hatch between MRM-1 & the FGB.

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, FE-6 Shannon Walker & FE-4 Doug Wheelock got together for a joint 2.5 hour review of the upcoming US EVA-15 on 05/08, followed by a teleconference on spacewalk details with ground specialists via S-band and Ku-band.

OGS Update:
The USOS OGS (Oxygen Generation System) has been successfully activated and is producing O2 at 100%.

Conjunction Update:
The conjunction with Object 29729 (debris of Chinese satellite FENGYUN 1C) has dropped to a very low PC (Probability of Collision). Planning for a DAM (Debris Avoidance Maneuver) has been cancelled.

Russian EVA-25 Overview:
DC-1 is prime A/L, SM PkhO is backup A/L.
EV Crew:
• EV-1 – Fyodor Yurchikhin, Orlan-MK #4.
• EV-2 – Mikhail Kornienko, Orlan-MK #6.
Timeline:
• Wakeup: 26/07 @ 6:40 PM GMT (sleep shifted 12 hours 40 minutes).
• DC-1 hatch open: 27/07 @ 3:45 AM GMT.
• Repress: 27/07 @ 9:45 AM GMT.
• Sleep: 27/07 @ 3:00 PM GMT.
EVA Objectives (total 6 hours):
• SM ATV docking camera R&R.
• MRM-1 C&DH (Command & Data Handling) & Kurs-P external cable
  routing.
• Jettison old SM ATV docking camera and empty cable reels.
IV Crew:
• Soyuz TMA-18/22S crew (Alexander & Tracy) isolated in MRM-2
  (22S is docked to MRM-2).
• Soyuz TMA-19/23S crew (Doug & Shannon) in FGB & USOS
  (23S is docked to MRM-1).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Suzy on 07/24/2010 12:53 am
What are the serial numbers of the Orlan-MK suits being used for EVA-25?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/24/2010 01:16 pm
DC-1 is prime A/L, SM PkhO is backup A/L.

How can this be? The SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment) would be useless as an A/L, as there is no hatch that opens into space. They could not use MRM-2 either, as Tracy & Mikhail would be in there, and it is not yet set up for EVAs.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: anik on 07/24/2010 01:28 pm
How can this be?

The transfer compartment of Zvezda module will be used as backup airlock in case of impossibility of repressurization of Pirs airlock.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 07/24/2010 01:32 pm
Do you know when the KL-154 TV camera has been installed at this place ?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: anik on 07/24/2010 01:50 pm
Do you know when the KL-154 TV camera has been installed at this place?

On August 18th, 2005.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 07/24/2010 01:53 pm
Do you know when the KL-154 TV camera has been installed at this place?

On August 18th, 2005.

Thank you anik !
It was an EVA by Krikalyov and Phillips during MKS-11.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/24/2010 04:41 pm
Just a quick question:

Why does the SM PkhO need to be depressurised during Russian EVAs? Why not just close the hatch between DC-1 & the PkhO, and only depressurise DC-1? I assume the hatches are left open because the depressurisation equipment is located in the PkhO, which eliminates the need to have it located in both DC-1 and MRM-2?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: anik on 07/24/2010 05:01 pm
Why does the SM PkhO need to be depressurised during Russian EVAs?

Again, the transfer compartment of Zvezda module is not depressurising during Russian spacewalks. It will be used as backup airlock only in case of emergency (after returning of cosmonauts into Pirs airlock, if its repressurization is impossible).

The hatches between the transfer compartment and Pirs airlock are closed during EVA.

There was one case (during EVA-2) in past when we have depressurized both airlocks (Pirs airlock and the transfer compartment) simultaneously. It was related to equipment, which had big sizes and could not be housed in Pirs airlock.

What are the serial numbers of the Orlan-MK suits being used for EVA-25?

Both cosmonauts will be in spacesuits with blue stripes.

EV Crew:
• EV-1 – Fyodor Yurchikhin, Orlan-MK #4.
• EV-2 – Mikhail Kornienko, Orlan-MK #6
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/25/2010 09:06 pm
Russian EVA-25 Briefing Graphics:
www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition24/eva_briefing_072110.html
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/27/2010 01:45 am
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 26/07/2010:

Shifted crew day/night cycle:
Due to tonight's Russian EVA-25, the wake-up time of the station residents has been shifted by 12 hours 40 minutes to 6:40 PM GMT.
Sleep = tomorrow (27/07) at 3:00 PM GMT.

For tonight's EVA, CDR Alexander Skvortsov in the course of the day:
• Set up the MPEG-2 video transmission system on Ku-band.
• Monitored the TV signal on the SSC-1 (Space Station Computer-1)
  laptop during the subsequent MPEG-2 transmission test (Ku-band) with
  the ground.
• Prepared MRM-2 & Soyuz TMA-18/22S for the EVA.
• Supported ground-commanded close-down of the Elektron O2
  generator by performing the regular N2 purge.
• Removed the ventilation air ducts from DC-1 (skip B3 fan removal) and MRM-2.
• Conducted other routine pre-EVA ISS onboard systems configuration,
  e.g., closing SM window shutters for protection.
• Started with FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson the isolation period in MRM-2
  during the EVA.

On her part, Tracy joined Alexander in MRM-2, where she:
• Had gathered CTBs (Cargo Transfer Bags) and required equipment for audit and
  reconfiguration.
• Collected fully-charged batteries from deployed SSCs, powered down
  SSC-18, and relocated batteries and SSC to MRM-2 for use during
  MRM-2 isolation.
• Configured her Pro K diet selection by organizing food items per crew
  preference for another Pro K session series.
• Reorganized the "battery pantry" CTB for easier crew use and audit.
• Reviewed the procedures and material of the
  ECWS (EMU Caution & Warning Simulator) OBT (Onboard Trainer).

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin made final preparations for their EVA tonight by:
• Checking the EVA cameras by "test firing" them and transferred them to DC-1.
• Checking out the Orlan-M spacesuits and their systems, as well as the
  suit interface control panels (BSS) in DC-1 & SM PkhO
  (Transfer Compartment).
• Retesting the BK-3 primary & backup O2 tanks of the Orlans and DC-1.
• Disassembling the DC-1 air duct, but leaving the V3 fan in place.
• Setting up the STTS communications/telemetry links necessary for the
  EVA from DC-1, including switching over the caution & warning system
  from the regular PSS console to the EVA support panel (POV).
  [Most activities are paced by RGS (Russian Ground Site) comm.
  window passes].
• Testing the bio-medical parameter telemetry to RGS, including
  VHF (Very High Frequency)/voice & biomedical electrode belt and
  *telemetry hookups via the BSS (later by the wireless in-suit Tranzit-B
  radio telemetry system) for vital signs and equipment monitoring.

EVA-25 will begin tomorrow (27/07) morning at ~3:45 AM GMT.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/27/2010 01:53 am
From Doug Wheelock via Twitter - Fyodor Yurchikhin & Mikhail Kornienko with their Orlan spacesuits in DC-1.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Fuji on 07/28/2010 02:21 am
Quote
International Space Station operations team met late yesterday to review results of last week’s dry run for using Canadarm2 and its Dextre robotic helper to replace a failed Remote Power Control Module (RPCM) in the P1 truss. The team elected to defer additional work with Dextre until additional analysis of the forces required to remove the smart circuit breaker from its housing in the truss is completed.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: aquarius on 07/28/2010 12:50 pm
Kornienko just informed MCC-M that he decided to forgo today's  exercise on ARED because of his physical condition. He must be exhausted from yesterday's EVA.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/28/2010 02:10 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 27/07/2010:

Today's sleep/wake cycle:
Wake last night = 6:40 PM GMT. Sleep = 3:00 PM GMT today (until 6:00 AM GMT tomorrow morning).

Russian EVA-25 spacewalk by FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin began at 4:11 AM GMT (26 minutes behind schedule) and lasted 6 hours 42 minutes, concluding successfully at 10:53 AM GMT. Attitude control authority was handed over to Russian MCS (Motion Control System) thrusters at 1:25 AM GMT and returned to U.S. momentum management at ~4:05 PM GMT. All scheduled objectives were completed.

During the EVA, the two spacewalkers:
• Replaced the ATV Klest-154 video camera.
• Routed and mated external KURS-P AFU (Antenna Feeder Device)
  MRM-1-to-FGB cables to the FGB.
• Routed and mated SUBA (Onboard Equipment Control System)
  Ethernet cables to the SM.
• Jettisoned the old ATV Klest-154 video camera.
• Brought the MRM-1 cable reels back inside the ISS (instead of jettisoning them as originally planned).
[The new SM ATV video camera that was installed was checked out successfully. The KURS cables have not yet been tested but Moscow plans to do that later this week. During the EVA, several objects were detected floating away from the ISS. One was tentatively identified as a cable clamp. The videos are being reviewed by the Russians to determine the identity of the other objects.]

After the conclusion of the EVA, Mikhail & Fyodor:
• Repressurized the SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment).
• Conducted their second MO-9 "Urolux" biochemical urine test.
• Reset STTS communications in the SM/PkhO.
• Re-installed the air duct through the PkhO hatch.
• Restored systems configurations in the SM to pre-EVA conditions.
• Set up the Orlan-MK suits, umbilicals and BSS interface units for
  drying out.

CDR Alexander Skvortsov, who remained isolated in MRM-2 during EVA-25 with FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson:
• Opened the MRM-2-to-SM(SU) hatches.
• Installed the air ducts in SM, MRM-2 and DC-1.
• Supported the ground-commanded reactivation of the Russian Elektron
  O2 generator by monitoring the external temperature of its secondary
  purification unit (BD) for the first 10 minutes of operations to ensure
  that there was no overheating. [The gas analyzer used on the Elektron
  during nominal operations for detecting H2 in the O2 line (which could
  cause overheating) is not included in the control algorithm until 10
  minutes after Elektron startup.]
• Completed post-EVA MRM-2 reconfiguration to nominal and
  Soyuz TMA-18/22S deactivation.

After the EVA, Tracy:
• Relocated the SSC-18 (Station Support Computer-18) laptop from
  MRM-2 to its nominal plug-in location in the Cupola & returned
  batteries to deployed SSCs.
• Returned stowage equipment, CTBs (Cargo Transfer Bags) and other
  required hardware from MRM-2 to their nominal locations for
  reconfiguration.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: jacqmans on 07/28/2010 02:22 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-103

NASA SETS BRIEFING TO PREVIEW SPACE STATION SPACEWALK

HOUSTON -- NASA managers will discuss an upcoming spacewalk at the
International Space Station during a news briefing at 1 p.m. CDT on
Tuesday, Aug. 3.

Expedition 24 Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson
are scheduled to perform a 6.5-hour spacewalk on Aug. 5. The two NASA
astronauts will outfit the Russian Zarya module for future robotics
work and prepare the station for the installation of a new U.S.
permanent multipurpose module.

The news briefing on the spacewalk will take place at NASA's Johnson
Space Center in Houston. It will air live on NASA Television and the
agency's website. Journalists may ask questions from participating
NASA locations.

The briefers are:
- Dan Hartman, Integration and Mission Operations manager,
International Space Station Program
- Courtenay McMillan, Expedition 24 spacewalk flight director

NASA TV coverage of the spacewalk will begin at 5 a.m. on Aug. 5.
Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson are expected to begin the spacewalk from
the Quest airlock at 5:55 a.m. It will be Wheelock's fourth spacewalk
and Caldwell Dyson's first.

For NASA TV streaming video, schedules and downlink information,
visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/ntv


For more information about the station and the Expedition 24 crew,
visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/station   


-end-
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/28/2010 06:03 pm
RIA Novosti: "ISS commander responds to love letter from Earth".
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100728/159982764.html

:D
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/29/2010 04:01 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 28/07/2010:

FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin & FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko spent most of their workday on close-out activities after yesterday's EVA. Activities included:
• Holding an EVA debrief/close-out conference with ground personnel.
• Removing the BK-3 portable O2 repressurization tanks
  (primary & backup) from the DC-1 BSS (Orlan Interface Unit).
• Removing the BNP portable repress tank from the
  SM Work Compartment (RO) and relocating it to Soyuz TMA-19/23S.
• Removing the Orlan BRTA radio/telemetry unit batteries.
• Taking post-EVA radiation readings of the "Pille-MKS" dosimeters
  carried by the spacewalkers in their Orlan suits.
• Putting the EVA medical kits back in storage.
• Setting up the first 825M3 Orlan battery pack for complete
  discharge/recharge.
• Removing the US EMU lights, video cameras,
  REBAs (Rechargeable EVA Battery Assemblies) & electric power cables from
  the Orlan-MK suits for return to FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson.
• Refilling the Orlan feedwater bladders as required.
• Configuring the Orlan-MKs, umbilicals and BSS interface units
  for drying out & subsequent storage.
• Taking their post-EVA PMCs (Private Medical Conferences),
  via S-band & Ku-band audio/video.

Meanwhile, Tracy & FE-4 Doug Wheelock worked on preparatory tasks for their US EVA-15 on 05/08. Activities included:
• Gathering & configuring EVA tools.
• Installing REBA #1008 into EMU 3005 (Wheels) & REBA #1012 into EMU
  3009 (Tracy).
• Installing & checking out Video Camera #19 & HL (Helmet Light) #1008
  on EMU 3005 and Camera #20 & HL #1006 on EMU 3009.
• Checking out SAFER (Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue) units 1006 & 1007.

In final close-out activities after yesterday's EVA, CDR Alexander Skvortsov worked in DC-1 to re-integrate Progress M-05M/37P (docked at DC-1 Nadir) with the ISS by:
• Conducting a leak check on the DC-1/37P vestibule.
• Opening the DC-1/SU & SU/37P hatches and installing the QD
  screw clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer mechanism
  (SSVP) to rigidize the coupling.
• Deactivating Progress.
• Installing the ventilation/heating air duct.
• Dismantling the docking mechanism between the cargo ship and DC-1.

Alexander also purged & charged the SrPK (air supply tankage) Section 2 of Progress M-06M/38P (docked at SM Aft) with N2 and later, on TsUP Go, was to repressurize the ISS cabin atmosphere with N2 from 38P to make up total pressure.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/29/2010 04:11 pm
Quote from: NASA's official Twitter page
Mission control is monitoring a piece of orbital debris that may come near the space station.

No further information at this time.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/29/2010 05:58 pm
Quote from: NASA's official Twitter page
Mission control is monitoring a piece of orbital debris that may come near the space station.

No further information at this time.


Quote from: NASA's main ISS webpage
The International Space Station crew members will not need to take shelter in their Soyuz spacecraft when a piece of debris from a Chinese satellite makes its closest pass by the station at 1:47 PM EDT/5:47 PM GMT today. Mission Control gave the all-clear to the Expedition 24 crew at 12:45 PM EDT/4:45 PM GMT, after additional tracking information showed the debris would not come any closer than 5 miles (8 kilometers).

Mission Control Centers in the U.S. and Russia have been keeping a close eye on the piece of orbital debris for the past several days, but the object has proven difficult to track precisely. Earlier in the week, tracking data on the debris showed that it would pass near the station, but not close enough to require a debris avoidance maneuver. Early Thursday, however, new tracking data on the object showed that it might pass close enough to require the crew members to take shelter in their Soyuz spacecraft when the debris made its closest approach. Additional tracking today showed the Soyuz sheltering was unnecessary.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 07/30/2010 08:46 am
Two pictures provided by Roskosmos.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 07/30/2010 01:04 pm
In the on-orbit report of 17th july, it is written :

Quote
After configuring the usual pumping equipment (Compressor-M, hoses, adapters), Alex Skvortsov initiated the transfer of urine from 8 EDV-U containers to the empty BV1 Rodnik storage tank of Progress M-06M/38P at the SM Aft port. [After the urine had been transferred, the CDR flushed the tank with 5 L of disinfectant solution from an EDV w/Disinfectant, running the compressor for 4 min. Each of the spherical Rodnik tanks BV1 & BV2 consists of a hard shell with a soft membrane (bladder) composed of elastic fluoroplastic. The bladder is used to expel water from the tank by compressed air pumped into the tank volume surrounding the membrane and is leak-tested before urine transfers, i.e., with empty tanks, the bladders are expanded against the tank walls and checked for hermeticity.]

But the M-06M's BV1 had a leak, so how did they manage to achieve the transfer ?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 07/30/2010 01:46 pm
For VKD-25, do you know which hatch they used (VL-1 or VL-2) ?

Thanks !
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/30/2010 03:07 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 29/07/2010:

In preparation of the planned installation of the PDGF on the exterior of the FGB during US EVA-15 by FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-4 Doug Wheelock (currently scheduled for 05/08), Doug configured the brackets for the Russian-built PDGF adapter ("rama" = frame), delivered on Progress M-05M/37P. [The additional PDGF with its power/data cabling, the first on the RS, will extend the "roving" range of the SSRMS, which moves itself inch-worm like from PDGF to PDGF.]
(NOTE: An image of the "rama" is attached (first image). The 3 brackets on the "rama" attach to the 3 mount points on the Port side of the FGB GA/Pressurized Adapter (shown in second image), and the PDGF then attaches to the "rama").

In DC-1, FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko terminated the discharge process on the first 825M3 Orlan battery pack in the ZU-S recharge unit and started it on the second set.

Wrapping up their post-EVA closeout activities, Mikhail & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin returned EVA tools & equipment to stowage, updating the IMS appropriately.

In the JPM, FE-6 Shannon Walker successfully completed the first activation and checkout & functional test of the MELFI-3, which was delivered to the ISS in April on STS-131/19A. Later it was deactivated.

Payload Milestone:
An important milestone was completed today when 12 utilization racks were active at one time. Over the course of the day a combination of 12 of the following 13 payload racks were active and conducting or preparing to conduct weekly science operations: ER-1 (ExPrESS Rack-1), ER-2, ER-3, ER-4, ER-6, CIR (Combustion Integration Rack), FIR (Fluids Integrated Rack), MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox), MELFI-1, MELFI-2, MELFI-3, SAIBO and RYUTAI.

Kurs MRM-1 Testing:
Following the Kurs cable installation task during Russian EVA-25 this week, TsUP-Moscow performed a Kurs test from the FGB Kurs equipment to MRM-1 antennas and did not receive good results due to incorrect uplink settings. Later the test was completed with the correct settings and successful results were achieved.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 07/30/2010 03:30 pm
For VKD-25, do you know which hatch they used (VL-1 or VL-2) ?

I found the answer in the video : it was VL-1.  :D
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Nicolas PILLET on 07/30/2010 05:28 pm
NASA announced that both spacewalkers had blue stripes. But according to these pictures from Roskosmos, this is not true. Yurtchikhin's Orlan-MK n°4 had blue stripes, Kornienko's Orlan-MK n°6 had red stripes.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: SMS on 07/30/2010 10:36 pm
According to MCC-H EVA-25 ended at 10:53 GMT and lasted 6 h 42 mins
and according to MCC-M it was longer by 1 minute !?

(http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/reports/iss_reports/2010/07272010.html) versus
(http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=11822)????
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: avitek on 07/31/2010 09:45 am
According to MCC-H EVA-25 ended at 10:53 GMT and lasted 6 h 42 mins
and according to MCC-M it was longer by 1 minute !?


My theory is: different rounding of timing of hatch closure.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: aquarius on 07/31/2010 12:21 pm
It's funny how the Russians don't care about privacy: apparently Yurchikhin needed phone numbers of some people to call and a few minutes ago, MCC-M gave him those two numbers for all the world to hear.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 07/31/2010 02:28 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 30/07/2010:

In DC-1, FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko terminated the discharge process on the second 825M3 Orlan battery pack in the ZU-S recharge unit.

Other post EVA-25 closeout activities included:
• Mikhail & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin configured the SM
  PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and DC-1 to Nominal status.
• CDR Alexander Skvortsov prepared Russian tools to be used in the
  upcoming US EVA-15 (ratchet wrench, extender, tether,
  protective blanket with latch, etc.).

----------

Shannon Walker's 4th Blog Entry from the ISS: "Fixing the toilet. Or, what makes one appreciate simple mechanical systems and the local hardware store".
http://blogs.chron.com/inorbit/2010/07/fixing_the_toilet_or_what_makes_one_appreciate_simple_m_1.html

----------

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 31/07/2010:

In DC-1, FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko terminated the discharge process on the third 825M3 Orlan battery pack in the ZU-S recharge unit.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 12:19 am
Problems on ISS!

Sleep time was 3 hours ago so I found it interesting that there was chatter on the feed...

Loop Alpha ETCS pump module power was pulled because a short was detected by the RPC that provides power to it. Looking at data dump to see if it's a real problem with overcurrent. If it's not, they are fine and can power back up. It'll take about 30 minutes to get that data.

Still have good cooling for critical equipment in the lab. Node 2 & Node 3 have lost MTL, doing some ground powerdowns. MELFI being powered off.

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 12:21 am
In the meantime shift 2 just came onboard, so they have extra hands on deck. While data is coming down they are making two plans:

1) Powerup methods in case this is just a glitch
2) Alternative power if loop alpha is really going offline
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 12:42 am
Continuing to do powerdowns as data now completely on the ground for analysis.

IF they cannot get RPC closed, they will perform Loop A Shutdown from Warning handbook 2.674
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 01:13 am
I'm not in a position to listen any more tonight, if anyone else wants to help out - be my guest! Unfortunately the archive system is down so nothing will be saved, and the system doesn't accept WAV files.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 01:16 am
They started sending an update just as I typed that...

Loop A ETCS pump is the problem. The RPC is what tripped. We saw evidence that it is the pump itself, and that's bad news. Not for sure, but saw indications.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 01:16 am
RPC tripped to give us protection, which is why there are so many error messages. We might reactivate the RPC to see if the pump will restart, but won't do that unless we are 100% sure that it can't make things worse.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 01:17 am
We closed the comm gaps so we have 4 hours of continuous comm. We may have you move stuff from MELFI-1 to MELFI-2 to save some science, but that would be the only other needed crew interaction.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Targeteer on 08/01/2010 01:57 am
On comms still--they are really past their bedtime. (Power?) Loop A is being shut down and they mentioned going to two CMGs thus T2 is being isolated. Also discussing a get to sleep plan.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Targeteer on 08/01/2010 02:54 am
JEM caution warning system has been deactivated and MELFI 1 to 2 transfer is required and being passed up by voice. Nutrition samples are being transferred.  MELFI 1 is being emptied. Node 2 MDM is about to go down--no cautions expected.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 03:40 am
Still working on moving all samples from MELFI-1 to MELFI-2. A little confusion on what samples are in what drawers, but seems like things are flowing. They put them in cold bags apparently using "ice bricks" and goal is to take anything out of the sections.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 03:44 am
Page 5 of http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/spacestation/systems/docs/ISS%20Active%20Thermal%20Control%20System.pdf has a graphic on the loops, and what they each are responsible for.

Page 9-10 describes the pump module.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 03:46 am
MELFI transfers are complete. Still marching down the procedure to shut things down. Ground is looking at tomorrow's timeline to shift things that they can so crew can sleep as long as possible.

One thing was on the schedule for 8am, if the crew does it now (just a 5 minute procedure) then they won't need to wake them up. Should be able to get to bed in about 5-10 minutes.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 03:52 am
Few more small issues - In Columbus, power down PWS1 and SSC7. In JEM, make sure window shutters are closed.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/01/2010 03:56 am
Good work with the updates Rob and Targeteer!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 04:06 am
Working in Node 1 Port 4 rack area, they will be performing procedure from ISS IFM 2.3.405 (don't recall ever seeing the manual.) Need to get a jumper and temp stow it there for later work.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 04:08 am
Ground is not final on doing that tonight, leaning towards tomorrow morning, looking for crew input for how long that takes.

Ground is about to start spinning down CMG 1 & 4.

[Jumping way ahead of the curve, but I do recall a spare pump module was sent up a few flights back?]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Targeteer on 08/01/2010 04:08 am
CMGs 1 and 4 are about to spin down...
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 04:14 am
Thanks for the assist Targeteer - it's too late for me already so I'll let you finish up if they have more words tonight...

I've attached a zipfile of some of the callup audio.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: The-Hammer on 08/01/2010 04:34 am
Jumping way ahead of the curve, but I do recall a spare pump module was sent up a few flights back?

There are four spare pump modules on-orbit:
1 each on ESP-2 (STS-121), ESP-3 (STS-127), ELC-1 (STS-129), ELC-2 (STS-129).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/01/2010 04:42 am
They are on that beepy air-to-ground comm now. Tracy sounds understandably tired.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/01/2010 04:48 am
They are "waking people up" to find a missing jumper cable's location.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/01/2010 04:55 am
10 minute LOS. Really want to find that cable before they can let them go to sleep.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/01/2010 05:04 am
Tracy "Are you ready for some good news".

MCC-H "Oh gosh yes!"

Tracy "We've found the cable."

:)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/01/2010 05:06 am
Worried about losing S-Band string 1, and need to work a proceedure in case they lost String 2 overnight, and needed to power up String 1 again.

Tracy "Feels like we're in a Sim right now!"
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/01/2010 05:30 am
Tracy's still up. Not much by way of comms at the moment.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/01/2010 05:59 am
Aforementioned jumper - installation is complete.

All reasonably calm, but I've got to go and head out with the Army, so if anyone wants to take over any items of interest, please do.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: aquarius on 08/01/2010 06:32 am
MCC-H telling the crew they can sleep as long as they like.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: mtakala24 on 08/01/2010 09:28 am
According to the NASA news release, there are 2 spare pumps onboard.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: arkaska on 08/01/2010 09:46 am
Official NASA news update:

One of two ammonia-fed cooling loops on the International Space Station shut down at 8 p.m. EST Saturday night after a power spike was detected on the loop’s Pump Module. The Pump Module, that enables ammonia to flow through the loops, remains down, and with the loss of the cooling loop, several systems were forced to shut down, including two of the station’s four Control Moment Gyroscopes, one of two redundant strings of S-band communication, one of two redundant strings of the station’s Global Positioning System, several DC to DC current converters in Tranquility and a set of components that route commands to station equipment.

When the cooling loop went down, the crew was awakened by several caution and warning alarms and began powering down equipment to balance the cooling loads that were transferred to Cooling Loop B, which is active and in good condition.

Tracy Caldwell Dyson remained awake into the early hours Sunday to work troubleshooting procedures while the rest of the crew went back to bed. The crew is in no danger, but will need to work additional troubleshooting on Sunday to keep the station in a stable configuration, including the installation of a jumper cable to maintain proper cooling to the Zarya module in the Russian segment.

The station is equipped with two spare Pump Modules that are housed on spare part platforms on the truss of the station should a replacement of the Loop A Pump Module be required.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: arkaska on 08/01/2010 10:05 am
Ground tried to turn alpha pump on but the problem resurfaced and the pump shut down again.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: erioladastra on 08/01/2010 10:48 am
Ground tried to turn alpha pump on but the problem resurfaced and the pump shut down again.

Teams standing down on further trouble shooting.  Starting to looking at replanning EVA(s).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 12:20 pm
Ground tried to turn alpha pump on but the problem resurfaced and the pump shut down again.

Teams standing down on further trouble shooting.  Starting to looking at replanning EVA(s).
Would it be correct to assume that if the EVA content is changed, it's likely going to be a little later than Thursday?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: JimO on 08/01/2010 12:45 pm
Can replacement spares for the pump be brought up, in the future, without shuttle missions? Specifically, would such equipment fit on the HTV external rack?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 08/01/2010 12:50 pm
Can replacement spares for the pump be brought up, in the future, without shuttle missions? Specifically, would such equipment fit on the HTV external rack?

Yes, Pump Modules can fit on the HTV EP (Exposed Pallet).

----------

Quote from: NASA's Official Twitter Account
Restart of ammonia-fed cooling loop on space station did not work. Crew is in no danger. Discussions underway to fix via spacewalk this week.

I guess this is kinda "good" timing, being that a lot of EVA preps are already done for US EVA-15.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: arkaska on 08/01/2010 01:06 pm
Official NASA news update:

Station Cooling Loop Shuts Down, Repair Spacewalks Being Discussed

One of two ammonia-fed cooling loops on the International Space Station remains shut down after an attempt to restart its pump module failed early Sunday morning. The pump module's circuit breaker initially tripped Saturday night, but had successfully been reset overnight. It tripped again Sunday when the pump module was restarted. Teams in Mission Control in Houston are reviewing data to determine whether to attempt another restart and are discussing options to perform two spacewalks later this week to replace the pump module. Two spare pump modules are housed on platforms on the outside of the station.

The space station crew is in no danger and all systems are stable, though operating in a "single string" mode without redundancy.

Two of the four main buss switching units are cooled by the failed loop. The units switch and route power to various station systems. Mission Control is evaluating whether the heat generation may be low enough to not require powering off these switching units. With the loss of the cooling loop, several systems have been shut down, including one of two S-band communication circuits, one Global Positioning System circuit, several DC to DC current converters in Tranquility and a set of components that route commands to station equipment. Though two of the four station Control Moment Gyroscopes initially were turned off, the crew installed a jumper cable to regain a third gyro. The gyroscopes maintain the station's attitude in space.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 01:22 pm
One of two ammonia-fed cooling loops on the International Space Station shut down at 8 p.m. EST Saturday night

Thanks for the update, but I'm pretty sure you are off by an hour (we use Daylight Saving Time in the US.) It was around 8pm EDT / 00 UTC.

Sounds like the retest of the pump is what woke up the crew early, as it triggered some alarms that the ground did not expect. Fairly quiet otherwise, private family conference going on as scheduled this morning.

I'm not sure what the issue with the audio archive server would be (I just provided the files.) I am saving them locally and will upload elsewhere later today.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 02:23 pm
Ground is catching Tracy up on some of the info already posted here.  Also said that there's a Team 4 meeting on EVA options (as erioladastra alluded to earlier).  There will be some calls after that meeting is over.

Tracy asked earlier about using T2 for exercise; ground says that's OK.  Attitude control still on 2 CMGs, still working to bring CMG 1 back online.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 08/01/2010 02:38 pm
Attitude control still on 2 CMGs, still working to bring CMG 1 back online.

A quick question - the crew have installed a jumper to bring a third CMG online. Does your post mean that CMG-1 is that third CMG, or is CMG-1 the only remaining offline CMG? Thanks.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: arkaska on 08/01/2010 02:38 pm
Thanks for the update, but I'm pretty sure you are off by an hour (we use Daylight Saving Time in the US.) It was around 8pm EDT / 00 UTC.


It was from the official NASA news update, maybe I should have clarified that better. Have updated my posts now.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 03:57 pm
Attitude control still on 2 CMGs, still working to bring CMG 1 back online.

A quick question - the crew have installed a jumper to bring a third CMG online. Does your post mean that CMG-1 is that third CMG, or is CMG-1 the only remaining offline CMG? Thanks.
The former.  The capability provided by the jumper is there, but at the time of the call, CMG-1 was not yet being used for attitude control.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 04:02 pm
"Early edition" of today's status report is online:
http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/reports/iss_reports/2010/08012010.html

Excerpt (reformatting is mine):
Quote
Thermal Loop A ETCS Pump Shutdown: After losing one cooling system pump (of two), ISS is currently stable, although thermally on single string (no redundancy). Last night (at 7:48pm EDT) RPC1 (Remote Power Controller 1) in RPCM (RPC Module) S11A_D tripped open, powering off the Loop A ammonia pump of the S1 ETCS (External Thermal Control System), resulting in the loss of one half of the cooling to ISS.

This required a number of powerdowns (i.e., turning off selected systems for thermal protection), including redundant power to four CQs (Crew Quarters), three in Node-2, one in Kibo JPM, with both fans in each CQ remaining functional but zero fault-tolerant (crew is still Go for CQ use). Due to loss of heater power, MBS (Mobile Base System), SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System), and SPDM (Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator) are currently zero fault-tolerant. T2/COLBERT treadmill alignment guides are installed and should remain installed during crew sleep periods to protect against LOAC (Loss of Attitude Control) while attitude control is degraded; the latter also renders use of unisolated exercise (Russian Velo) NoGo to reduce momentum perturbations; all other exercise is currently permitted. S-band is operating nominally (on String 2, with String 1 in hot backup); Ku-band is operating nominally; audio subsystem is operating nominally (Node-2, COL & JPM are zero fault tolerant for C&W/Caution & Warning annunciation and voice comm); no video from Node-2, Node-3, COL & JPM modules; HCOR (high-rate communications outage recorder) is operating nominally; Russian UHF: no issues, both radios are deactivated.

Possible causes of the RPC trip include an electrical fault in the cabling between the RPCM and ammonia pump, electrical fault in the EMI (electromagnetic interference) filter, electrical fault in the pump control board, or an electrical fault in the pump. The RPC tripped because of an overcurrent; this points toward hardware components that do not have internal current limiting, such as the EMI filter, pump control board, and the pump itself (they get their current limiting function from the RPCM). A mechanical failure of the pump is considered unlikely.

After a pump restart attempt this morning, RPC1 tripped again There will be more attempts. There are two spare pumps on orbit. It will take two EVAs to remove and replace the pump. ISS is stable, but single string, and it is desired to get Loop A back as soon as possible. The teams are looking at replacing the Thursday (8/5) spacewalk with the first of two EVAs, followed by the second EVA on 8/7 (Saturday). The spacewalks need special planning since the system is in a reduced power configuration.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 04:31 pm
Crew is still doing the PFCs that Rob noted before, but ground says the plan is to do a conference with the Team 4 folks at 17:30 GMT.  (That would be a little less than an hour from now; 12:30 Central, 13:30 Eastern.)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 04:44 pm
Additional details (update) and briefing schedule on NASA's main ISS page:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/

Repeating here:
Quote
Mission Operations personnel and ISS Program management met Sunday morning to discuss the status of the loss of cooling loop A Saturday night on the International Space Station when a circuit breaker tripped just before 7 p.m. Central time Saturday night that resulted in the failure of the Pump Module for loop A that feeds ammonia to maintain the proper cooling for systems and avionics.

An attempt overnight Sunday to close the circuit breaker and restart the Pump Module was not successful.

The station is in a stable configuration with most systems receiving cooling and many systems operating with redundancy following the installation of jumper cables from the Destiny Lab’s power system overnight. The crew is not in any danger and is monitoring systems and relaxing on an otherwise off duty day.

One of two Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMG 1) that was taken off line Saturday night was spun up once again this morning, enabling the station to operate with three of four CMGs to electrically control the orientation of the outpost. Temperatures on the Main Bus Switching Units, which route power to various systems, are a little higher than normal, but well within normal parameters and are stable.

The flight control and management teams today approved a preliminary plan to replace a planned spacewalk Thursday by Expedition 24 crewmembers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson with at least two spacewalks to swap out the failed Pump Module that resides on the station’s S1 truss. There are two spare Pump Modules on stowage platforms on the station’s truss. The replacement module under consideration for replacement resides on External Stowage Platform 2, which is adjacent to the Quest airlock. The crew is being informed that replanning for alternate spacewalk activity is underway.

Although a final decision on a new spacewalk plan is still pending engineering and timeline analysis, the most likely scenario would call for an initial spacewalk no earlier than Thursday by Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson to replace the Pump Module and structurally bolt it into place on the S1 truss, with an additional spacewalk by the duo two or three days later to mate fluid and electrical connections.

To protect for spacewalk activity later this week, the flight control team plans to vent residual ammonia in the lines between the Ammonia Tank Assembly on the S1 truss and the failed Pump Module Tuesday to prepare for the module’s eventual replacement.

The tasks originally planned for Thursday’s previously scheduled spacewalk by Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson to install a power extension cable to the Unity module prior to the delivery of the Permanent Multipurpose Module on the STS-133 mission in November and to install a Power and Data Grapple Fixture to the Zarya module to support future robotics work will be deferred to a later date.

A briefing to discuss the station’s status and spacewalk replanning efforts is scheduled Monday on NASA Television at 3 p.m. Central time originating from the Johnson Space Center with Mike Suffredini, ISS Program Manager and Courtenay McMillan, Expedition 24 Spacewalk Flight Director. This briefing replaces a previously scheduled briefing on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: GoForTLI on 08/01/2010 05:35 pm
Almost ready for the EVA conference.  MCC-H is configuring comm, and Tracy is rounding up the personnel on orbit. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 05:36 pm
Sounds like they are going to privatize that conference.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: FinalFrontier on 08/01/2010 05:42 pm
Edited:

Not as bad as I thought, there are two spares on orbit they said.

Still, how quickly can they get a new pump in?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 08/01/2010 05:50 pm
What are the chances that the P1 RPCM R&R, originally attempted using the SPDM, could be included in any EVA activities? I know it's not a priority, but if it turns out that EVA-2 only takes 4 to 5 hours, then would they use the extra time to "get it done while they're at it"?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: FinalFrontier on 08/01/2010 05:57 pm
I think right now is the immedeate problem. Losing this system is pretty serious. They should get that fixed first ;)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 06:01 pm
Still, how quickly can they get a new pump in?
Addressed, at least preliminarily, in the last status report.  Posted the link a few posts above.

"The flight control and management teams today approved a preliminary plan to replace a planned spacewalk Thursday by Expedition 24 crewmembers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson with at least two spacewalks to swap out the failed Pump Module that resides on the station’s S1 truss."
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: GoForTLI on 08/01/2010 06:03 pm
Sounds like they are going to privatize that conference.

S/G-2 normalized.  Sounds like the conference is over. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: dsmillman on 08/01/2010 06:07 pm
Has a pump module been replaced before?  Does anyone know if there is a published EVA checklist for replacement of the the pump module?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: PahTo on 08/01/2010 06:14 pm

I wonder if this has anything to do with the previous issues with opening the valve on the NTA?  Or is that on the other loop?   I can't imagine the ammonia pump would be impacted by N2 pressure issues, but I'm not in that line of work.

Good thing this happened just before an already planned EVA.  While procs will be totally different, the event fits the overall timeline in some fashion...
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 06:18 pm

I wonder if this has anything to do with the previous issues with opening the valve on the NTA?

Since the exact point of failure is not known, it's hard to guess at the cause until we know what is broken.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: PahTo on 08/01/2010 06:20 pm

Thanks Bill Harwood--his latest article states this this failure is the same loop (A) as the NTA valve issue (and sorry if I missed it earlier in this thread).

Should be an exciting and busy week--good luck to all the teams!


I wonder if this has anything to do with the previous issues with opening the valve on the NTA?  Or is that on the other loop?   I can't imagine the ammonia pump would be impacted by N2 pressure issues, but I'm not in that line of work.

Good thing this happened just before an already planned EVA.  While procs will be totally different, the event fits the overall timeline in some fashion...
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: axmor61 on 08/01/2010 06:23 pm
"The flight control and management teams today approved a preliminary plan to replace a planned spacewalk Thursday by Expedition 24 crewmembers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson with at least two spacewalks to swap out the failed Pump Module that resides on the station’s S1 truss. There are two spare Pump Modules on stowage platforms on the station’s truss. The replacement module under consideration for replacement resides on External Stowage Platform 2, which is adjacent to the Quest airlock. The crew is being informed that replanning for alternate spacewalk activity is underway."


To be more exactly, there are 4 spare Pump Modules on stowage platforms: one on ESP-2 (the one to be considered for the swap), one on ESP-3, and one on each ELC-1 and ELC-2.

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: AnalogMan on 08/01/2010 06:39 pm
Has a pump module been replaced before?  Does anyone know if there is a published EVA checklist for replacement of the the pump module?

There is a time-line for Pump Module R&R for STS-116 (where the spare is stored on ESP2).

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/163526main_EVA_116_F.pdf (http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/163526main_EVA_116_F.pdf)

Warning its 42Mb in size, 505 pages.  Time-lines are given on page 254 (P1 truss) and page 314 (S1 truss).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 08/01/2010 06:39 pm
Will this EVA officially be classified as an Unplanned EVA or a Contingency EVA?

If it is classed as a Contingency EVA, then this will be the first ever US Contingency EVA in history (excluding the whole STS-27 business).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 06:56 pm
Good find AnalogMan... And to go along with it - robotics operations starting on page 89 of http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/163532main_Robo_FS_12A_1.pdf

Also what would have taken place with shuttle ops, starting on p71 at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/163529main_PDRS_116_F.pdf
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 06:56 pm
Evening DPC taking place. Removing SPHERES ops tomorrow, adding EVA review and Metox recharge if you can find a volunteer.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 06:57 pm
ETCS Loop A is down, Loop B is rejecting heat just fine. Team is watching temps on MBSU 1 & 4, all within limits and holding steady. Biggest impact is Node 2 MTL being down, which causes us to turn off half of JEM/Columbus nodes, including Node 2-1 MTM.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 06:57 pm
Jumper gives full redundancy on Tier 1 & 2 MDM's.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 06:59 pm
MCC Ground reconfig takes place at 23Z tonight, it means no comms for 1.5 hours. This puts us back in normal config, we were downgraded this weekend. We picked that time because it's in sleep period, and will be over Russian ground assets if needed.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 07:00 pm
Shannon: talked earlier about JEM reconfigure to get PCS back up and running. Ground: we're talking about best way to do that and will get words up after DPC.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 07:02 pm
There is a time-line for Pump Module R&R for STS-116 (where the spare is stored on ESP2).
Question is how closely that timeline fits the current situation.  The PAO reports hint that it could take more than one EVA to do everything, and it may be that there are different setup / cleanup steps now, compared to the plan for 12A.1.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 07:02 pm
Nothing from the other ground controllers, on to Russia but apparently the translator is on dinner break so no English.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 07:04 pm
Will this EVA officially be classified as an Unplanned EVA or a Contingency EVA?

If it is classed as a Contingency EVA, then this will be the first ever US Contingency EVA in history (excluding the whole STS-27 business).
Edit: it might be a contingency EVA for station, but that would be different than a contingency EVA for a Shuttle mission in an 'apples to oranges' way.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 07:26 pm
Bill Harwood has updated his article on this:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/recent.html

"11:50 PM, 7/31/10, Update: Coolant problem triggers powerdowns aboard space station  (UPDATED at 1:30 AM and 7:25 AM with additional details; pump restart attempt fails; UPDATED at 1;45 PM with plans for repair spacewalk)"
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: PahTo on 08/01/2010 07:26 pm

As usual, the great info on this site sparks even more questions.

STS-116 did not include transport of ESP2--it arrived on ISS aboard STS-114.  I wonder why STS-116 had the procs for replacement?

Anyway, clearly the steps here will be different from those drafted for that mission, but also there will be some similarities (robotics and fluid QDs seem to be the biggest, and also those most similar).  Fact is, imagine gearing up for a week of work, and then having the team come to you with a 500 page doc and say--"Needs to be read, understood, and executed in about a week--thanks!"

Again, impressed with how the teams work together--this is going to be a very challenging week and I'm confident our professionals with get it done.  Thanks for the efforts everyone!


There is a time-line for Pump Module R&R for STS-116 (where the spare is stored on ESP2).
Question is how closely that timeline fits the current situation.  The PAO reports hint that it could take more than one EVA to do everything, and it may be that there are different setup / cleanup steps now, compared to the plan for 12A.1.

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 07:35 pm
As usual, the great info on this site sparks even more questions.

STS-116 did not include transport of ESP2--it arrived on ISS aboard STS-114.  I wonder why STS-116 had the procs for replacement?
As noted last night in this thread, STS-121 brought up a spare that was moved to the ESP during one of the mission EVAs.

The 12A.1 mission (STS-116) activated the primary thermal control system.  Prior to that, an "early" system was being used.  The pump modules were critical path for activating each loop for the first time on that mission; if the pumps didn't activate successfully, they wanted to be ready to switch them out immediately.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: PahTo on 08/01/2010 07:39 pm

Good stuff--thanks!

As usual, the great info on this site sparks even more questions.

STS-116 did not include transport of ESP2--it arrived on ISS aboard STS-114.  I wonder why STS-116 had the procs for replacement?
As noted last night in this thread, STS-121 brought up a spare that was moved to the ESP during one of the mission EVAs.

The 12A.1 mission (STS-116) activated the primary thermal control system.  Prior to that, an "early" system was being used.  The pump modules were critical path for activating each loop for the first time on that mission; if the pumps didn't activate successfully, they wanted to be ready to switch them out immediately.

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: vt_hokie on 08/01/2010 07:50 pm
If the other loop were to be lost before this one is restored, what are the implications?  Can the Russian segment continue to support crew independently?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 07:59 pm
WHC (toilet) actions: WPA is now working and processing water, so switch WHC back to UPA so we can start processing. Give us a flush count when you are done.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: JimO on 08/01/2010 08:34 pm
If the other loop were to be lost before this one is restored, what are the implications?  Can the Russian segment continue to support crew independently?

I am advised that the current failure is one of the "Big Fourteen" -- the most serious contingencies which leave the ISS no-fault-tolerant in other areas. It would imply quick evacuation of at least half the crew.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Lee Jay on 08/01/2010 09:20 pm
Can replacement spares for the pump be brought up, in the future, without shuttle missions? Specifically, would such equipment fit on the HTV external rack?

Yes, Pump Modules can fit on the HTV EP (Exposed Pallet).

Is there a way to return a damaged pump module for analysis without Shuttle?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: hop on 08/01/2010 09:34 pm
Is there a way to return a damaged pump module for analysis without Shuttle?
Answer to this should be obvious. The only other operational vehicle with any down mass capability is Soyuz, and that's limited to tens of kg inside the DM. No way the pump is going there.

If the problem is in a removable sub component (it's suggested in NASA statements that mechanical pump failure is judged unlikely for the symptoms) maybe that could be removed and returned.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/01/2010 09:41 pm
Regardless, I think they have a few opportunities over the next few flights to get it down for analysis.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Lee Jay on 08/01/2010 10:08 pm
Is there a way to return a damaged pump module for analysis without Shuttle?
Answer to this should be obvious.

Okay, alright, I give.  What I meant was, is there a long-term solution to this in the plans of any of the current or future (ATV/HTV/OSC/SpaceX, not including any future NASA HLV) providers of services to the ISS?  I wouldn't ask the question if I already knew the answer.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: psloss on 08/01/2010 10:12 pm
Regardless, I think they have a few opportunities over the next few flights to get it down for analysis.
Given the current situation, it's an interesting question about how high a priority it would be to bring that ORU down.  The two flights committed to aren't currently bringing back any unpressurized cargo, so there may only be one opportunity and that's not official yet.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: erioladastra on 08/02/2010 01:50 am
There is a time-line for Pump Module R&R for STS-116 (where the spare is stored on ESP2).
Question is how closely that timeline fits the current situation.  The PAO reports hint that it could take more than one EVA to do everything, and it may be that there are different setup / cleanup steps now, compared to the plan for 12A.1.


Thre will be 2 EVAs.  Likel #1 Thurs or Fri and #2 around Sun.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: erioladastra on 08/02/2010 02:21 am
Has a pump module been replaced before?  Does anyone know if there is a published EVA checklist for replacement of the the pump module?

This will be the first time.  But we have trained and planned for it for years.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: erioladastra on 08/02/2010 02:23 am
One of two ammonia-fed cooling loops on the International Space Station shut down at 8 p.m. EST Saturday night

Thanks for the update, but I'm pretty sure you are off by an hour (we use Daylight Saving Time in the US.) It was around 8pm EDT / 00 UTC.

Sounds like the retest of the pump is what woke up the crew early, as it triggered some alarms that the ground did not expect. Fairly quiet otherwise, private family conference going on as scheduled this morning.

I'm not sure what the issue with the audio archive server would be (I just provided the files.) I am saving them locally and will upload elsewhere later today.

No it was still part of the massive reconfiguration.  Retesting the pump produced no alarms.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/02/2010 04:08 am
Updated the thread title, as some people don't seem to realize the issue would be in this thread....linking the opening post to Rob's first note on the issue.

We'll have standalone live coverage threads for the EVAs.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 04:24 am
Good news for tonight is that their sleep period hasn't been interrupted ;) I did hear comm checks which sounded like MCC Houston <> Moscow briefly this evening around the time they were expecting to get the comm reconfig completed, so that must have gone well.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Antares on 08/02/2010 04:27 am
What I meant was, is there a long-term solution to this in the plans of any of the current or future (ATV/HTV/OSC/SpaceX, not including any future NASA HLV) providers of services to the ISS?

No.  It would be interesting to see an RFI for a barebones external ORU return vehicle.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 12:06 pm
Morning DPC: EVA QD review and preliminary NBL procedure are onboard. Still working on big briefing package but will have that by afternoon.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: JosephB on 08/02/2010 12:15 pm

It would be interesting to see an RFI for a barebones external ORU return vehicle.
[/quote]

HL-42 of course.
(wishful thinking on my part)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: anik on 08/02/2010 01:25 pm
NASA announced that both spacewalkers had blue stripes. But according to these pictures from Roskosmos, this is not true. Yurtchikhin's Orlan-MK n°4 had blue stripes, Kornienko's Orlan-MK n°6 had red stripes

Is it your joke? Where are red stripes on Kornienko's spacesuit? I see only blue stripes on suit's arms and trouser legs. If Russian EVA spacesuit have the last even digit in serial number then suit has blue stripes, if odd digit - then red stripes. It is tradition, so #4 and #6 have blue stripes, #5 - red stripes.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: MikeMi. on 08/02/2010 01:30 pm
Payload Milestone:
An important milestone was completed today when 12 utilization racks were active at one time. Over the course of the day a combination of 12 of the following 13 payload racks were active and conducting or preparing to conduct weekly science operations: ER-1 (ExPrESS Rack-1), ER-2, ER-3, ER-4, ER-6, CIR (Combustion Integration Rack), FIR (Fluids Integrated Rack), MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox), MELFI-1, MELFI-2, MELFI-3, SAIBO and RYUTAI.

Wondering if it is connected with that circuit short during saturday evening...
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 01:31 pm
Wondering if it is connected with that circuit short during saturday evening...

I'm not sure I know how that would be connected? The pump module is on the exterior of the space station and part of the cooling system.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Space Pete on 08/02/2010 01:50 pm
Payload Milestone:
An important milestone was completed today when 12 utilization racks were active at one time. Over the course of the day a combination of 12 of the following 13 payload racks were active and conducting or preparing to conduct weekly science operations: ER-1 (ExPrESS Rack-1), ER-2, ER-3, ER-4, ER-6, CIR (Combustion Integration Rack), FIR (Fluids Integrated Rack), MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox), MELFI-1, MELFI-2, MELFI-3, SAIBO and RYUTAI.

Wondering if it is connected with that circuit short during saturday evening...

No, I doubt it.

According to NASA, possible causes of the trip are:
• An electrical fault in the cabling between the RPCM and ammonia pump.
• An electrical fault in the EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter.
• An electrical fault in the pump control board.
• An electrical fault in the pump itself.

However, The RPC tripped due to an overcurrent. This means that the fault probably occurred in a device that does not have internal current limiting, such as:
• The EMI filter.
• The pump control board.
• The pump itself (however, a mechanical failure of the pump itself is
  considered unlikly).
[All of the above get their current limiting function from the RPCM.]

Therefore, the two most likely causes of the trip are:
• The EMI filter.
• The pump control board.

My own thoughts:
• Could the RPCM have failed, taking with it the current limiting
  function? If this was the case, the PM might actually be in 100%
  working order, and the RPCM needs to be replaced?
• What about an MMOD strike of the PM?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: Antares on 08/02/2010 01:52 pm
HL-42 of course.

That's far from a barebones external ORU return vehicle.  Aeroshell/TPS, mounting structure, guidance, bags/chutes, control with prop or aero.  Only sized for 1 ORU, more if it can be done cheap.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JosephB on 08/02/2010 02:23 pm
Very true. Very expensive. I meant it more tongue in cheek.
If Shuttle has to go it would be a cool replacement (imho).
I think there were ideas to make a couple versions, one with payload bay doors?
I'll have to check out the NTRS pdf on it again.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010)
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 02:36 pm
• Could the RPCM have failed, taking with it the current limiting
  function? If this was the case, the PM might actually be in 100%
  working order, and the RPCM needs to be replaced?

From what I understand they are still able to control it and that's what they received the data dump from... I imagine somewhere in that data would be a sign that the RPC is alive and well?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/02/2010 02:39 pm
Cady Coleman is going to be rehearsing PM R&R procedures in the NBL today.

Quote from: Cady Coleman via Twitter
Some days training seems more real than others on E26. Today in the pool I'll practice the spacewalk for the pump module changeout for E24.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 02:40 pm
Another status update on NASA.gov's main station page:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/

Quote
Analysis, Spacewalk Preparations Continue After Loss of Cooling Loop

Teams of flight controllers are continuing engineering analysis and refining spacewalk procedures to replace a failed International Space Station ammonia pump module later this week. Expedition 24 astronauts Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson currently are scheduled to start the repairs on the station’s starboard truss Thursday.

A briefing to discuss the current station status and to preview the upcoming spacewalks will be broadcast on NASA Television at 4 p.m. EDT today. Briefers will include Michael Suffredini, the International Space Station Program Manager, and Flight Director Courtenay McMillan, who will lead the team supporting the spacewalks.

The pump failed Saturday night after a spike in electrical current tripped a circuit breaker. When the 780-pound pump failed, it shut down half of the station’s cooling system. Efforts to restart the pump, which feeds ammonia coolant into the cooling loops to maintain the proper temperature for the station’s electrical systems and avionics, were not successful. The station’s crew worked with Mission Control to put the station in a stable configuration. The crew, which is in no danger, has resumed normal work activities. A tag-up to review procedures with spacewalk specialists is planned later today.

Mission Control also is preparing procedures for venting excess ammonia from the failed pump Tuesday in preparation for its removal. On Wednesday, flight controllers plan to move the Mobile Transporter, which will be used to support robotics operations for the spacewalks, into position at the replacement worksite.

Current planning continues to support an initial spacewalk on Thursday beginning just before 7 a.m. by Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson to unbolt and remove the failed pump module, and to install the spare. NASA TV coverage will begin at 6 a.m. A second spacewalk to hook up a variety of electrical and fluid connections for the new pump module could occur two or three days after the first spacewalk.

Wheelock, who will be designated as EV1, or extravehicular crew member 1, wearing the spacesuit bearing the red stripes, will be making the fourth spacewalk of his career, while Caldwell Dyson, designated as EV2, wearing the unmarked spacesuit, will be making her first spacewalk.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 02:41 pm
Cady Coleman is going to be rehearsing PM R&R procedures in the NBL today.

I'd lay good odds we'll have some nice video in today's ISS hour?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/02/2010 02:50 pm
Cady Coleman is going to be rehearsing PM R&R procedures in the NBL today.

I'd lay good odds we'll have some nice video in today's ISS hour?

I hope so!

I was thinking that maybe rehearsing "critical" EVAs (like PM, ATA & NTA R&Rs) should be a requirement for all future ISS crews in future? Maybe every ISS crew should have designated "Contingency EV Crewmembers"?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: MikeMi. on 08/02/2010 02:55 pm
Thanks Pete for explanation. Just took to consideration other factors, but seems that your types are truly most connected with problem.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 03:01 pm
I was thinking that maybe rehearsing "critical" EVAs (like PM, ATA & NTA R&Rs) should be a requirement for all future ISS crews in future? Maybe every ISS crew should have designated "Contingency EV Crewmembers"?
I believe it already is a part of their training, since this is one of "Big Fourteen" as Jim Oberg pointed out yesterday:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=16584.msg624090#msg624090

ISS Update hour starting; Kyle Herring is providing commentary this morning.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 03:15 pm
Per Kyle Herring, the astronauts performing today's development NBL training run will be Suni Williams and Cady Coleman.

Tomorrow, the STS-133 EV crew of Al Drew and Tim Kopra will do a second NBL run based on feedback from the first run.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 03:19 pm
Now replaying some of the audio from the events Saturday evening.

It sounds like it starts a little earlier than all the audio that Rob provided for us over the weekend.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 08/02/2010 03:31 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-106

NASA SETS BRIEFING TO PREVIEW UPDATED SPACE STATION SPACEWALK PLAN

HOUSTON -- NASA managers will discuss updated plans for two
International Space Station spacewalks during a news briefing at 3
p.m. CDT on Monday, Aug. 2. The briefing replaces one originally
scheduled for Tuesday.

The news conference from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston will
air live on NASA Television and the agency's website. Journalists may
ask questions from participating NASA locations.

The briefers are:
- Michael Suffredini, manager, International Space Station Program
- Courtenay McMillan, Expedition 24 spacewalk flight director

Expedition 24 Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson
are scheduled to perform two spacewalks. The two NASA astronauts will
replace an ammonia coolant pump that failed July 31.

Engineers and flight controllers continue to review data on the
failure, which resulted in the loss of one of two cooling loops
aboard the station. This caused a significant power down and required
adjustments to provide the maximum redundancy possible for station
systems. The systems are stable, and the six crew members aboard are
not in any danger.

Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson originally were scheduled to perform a
spacewalk to outfit the Russian Zarya module for future robotics work
and prepare the station for the installation of a new U.S. permanent
multipurpose module. However, because of the importance of restoring
redundancy to the station's cooling and power systems, Thursday's
spacewalk will be dedicated to the pump module replacement. Another
spacewalk will be scheduled a few days later to complete the repairs.


NASA TV coverage of the 15th U.S. spacewalk from the station will
begin at 5 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5. Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson are
expected to begin the spacewalk from the Quest airlock at 5:55 a.m.
It will be Wheelock's fourth spacewalk and Caldwell Dyson's first.

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 03:47 pm
Now replaying some of the audio from the events Saturday evening.

It sounds like it starts a little earlier than all the audio that Rob provided for us over the weekend.
Kyle Herring provided some additional context for the audio replay; the condensed audio covered the period from about 18:47 to 20:24 Central time on Saturday.  (For reference, yesterday's ISS status report (http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/reports/iss_reports/2010/08012010.html) notes that "RPC1 (Remote Power Controller 1) in RPCM (RPC Module) S11A_D tripped open" at 18:48 Central.)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/02/2010 04:21 pm
For anyone wondering, here's an image showing the location of the S1 PM:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: arkaska on 08/02/2010 04:22 pm
Do anyone know what the other "big 14" is?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 08/02/2010 04:31 pm
ISS Mission Coverage - August 2
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6097
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 05:53 pm
Tracy somehow set up a conference with World Classic Rockers, and plenty of greats are on the line.

http://www.wcr.com/page.cfm

You can watch it on the ISS live video stream.

They mentioned that they've been talking with her via email for a while, and went to hear launch. They are in Houston now and she must have arranged a trip to JSC.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 08/02/2010 06:41 pm
Do anyone know what the other "big 14" is?

I'm curious myself.  I searched yesterday and didn't come up with a list, but I need to familiarize myself better with the ISS resources that are available on L2. 

A quick google search showed the existence of a Stage Contingency EVA list (also known as the "Big 14") that came out of the ACFIT.  ACFIT = Assembly Critical Failure Investigation Team.     
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 07:07 pm
DPC: "The EVA procedures you sent up were NBL, will we have better stuff?"

"Tomorrow will be revised based on today's NBL but still preliminary. We hope to have better stuff for you Wednesday."

"I certainly hope so!"
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 07:08 pm
"When will Shannon receive words on Robotics for EVA?"

"We're hoping to get preliminary work tomorrow."
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 07:13 pm
"What sort of space-to-ground conference do you need? We want to do one before sleep tomorrow, but we won't have our full team because they'll still be at the pool. Tomorrow's will include lessons learned from today. Does that sound good?"

"Sounds great, who is running the NBL tomorrow?"
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: AndrewSTS on 08/02/2010 07:54 pm
Do anyone know what the other "big 14" is?

I'm curious myself.  I searched yesterday and didn't come up with a list, but I need to familiarize myself better with the ISS resources that are available on L2. 


Some awesome presentations in L2, Rob linked up some of them in the thread where the memos are being posted. Those new MOD Training Presentations are coming in useful too :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/02/2010 08:01 pm
About to begin. Whoa, need help with screenshots....

Have an article ready to go, will wait to see if there's a late update.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/02/2010 08:02 pm
Do anyone know what the other "big 14" is?

I'm curious myself.  I searched yesterday and didn't come up with a list, but I need to familiarize myself better with the ISS resources that are available on L2. 


Some awesome presentations in L2, Rob linked up some of them in the thread where the memos are being posted. Those new MOD Training Presentations are coming in useful too :)

Yeah, included some slides into the upcoming article too.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:08 pm
Presser:

Mike S recapping, I can't type enough to add all his details unless he says something new.

Ops team did great job reconfiguring vehicle after the loss.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:11 pm
Once we were stable, ops team tried to reactivate the pump in case it was a momentary glitch but the circuit breaker tripped right away. Data suggests motor and impeller are not frozen, it started to pump, so short in the power feed between controller and motor. All of that is in Pump Module.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:12 pm
Once we saw loads on systems that are not being cooled, were able to bring some stuff back. Only one CMG and one MDM offline at this point. We're actually fairly close to nominal today mechanically. Some payload racks are offline, MELFI1 is offline but MELFI2 has had power for all but a short period (and it has a 8hr poweroff limit which we never got near.)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 08:13 pm
There's the spares answer: four, all on-orbit.

This ORU can fly on HTV and SpaceX.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:13 pm
Since next failure of PM would be significant, we'll R&R. 4 spares on orbit, and that's all we have. We can fly the PM on HTV or SpaceX if we need to fly again, but all spares currently up there.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:14 pm
Crew trained about a year ago for this already, since it's part of the Big 14. Not all crews do this training, but they did.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:15 pm
Ops & Engineering are now up for 24/7 support, looks more like a shuttle flight in the control center. We train for these sorts of issues, we've been fortunate to never have faced this significant of a problem in the past, but feel good to get this fixed and back to research.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:16 pm
Courtenay: We are still in the process making sure we can start R&R on Thursday. Showing live video from the NBL as they start working on details of the timeline tasks.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:17 pm
Based on how today's NBL goes, we'll be able to figure out if Thursday is a go or if we need another day. S1 pump module is on Bay 7. It weighs ~ 500lbs, replacement is on ESP-2 which is on the other side of the truss, and down below. So crew has a fair amount of translation to do.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:18 pm
Spare has a grapple fixture so can use the arm, or have the crew carry it. Baseline for generic Big 14 assumes that we don't have robotics because of external power loss. We're single-string, so testing to see if we can get enough redundancy on arm to use it as-is.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/02/2010 08:18 pm
Live from the NBL:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:18 pm
We know we can use the arm if we needed to get the crew to safety, so it will be used, but we need to see if we have enough power margin to use it for the entire EVA or just as a safety issue.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:19 pm
First EVA is to prep removal of existing PM. Most challenging is the NH3 QD connections that they need to release, since the external loop uses ammonia all of the lines are pressurized. We've done this before on different parts of ETCS and they are trained in case they get NH3 on them. It's just a timeline challenge.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/02/2010 08:19 pm
Location of the spare PM:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 08:19 pm
Crew trained about a year ago for this already, since it's part of the Big 14. Not all crews do this training, but they did.
The way I parsed that was that the crews do generic training on some of the Big 14 ORUs, but not all of them.  This crew did train for a pump module ORU R&R.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:20 pm
Power challenges also impact the EVA preparation (L2 has a 800 page checklist BTW)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:20 pm
Crew already has airlock & suit systems ready to go because of the previous planned EVA, but still timeline issues. Another NBL tomorrow if we're good for Thursday, but we can slide one more day. That will be final run prior to EVA1. We can run another NBL prior to EVA2 if needed.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:23 pm
Mark C: How do you consider this in terms of urgency related to manning.

Mike: It's independent of 6-person crew. With one loop down, already mentioned arm, DDCUs have some residual capability since they don't overheat at lower loads. If we lose loop B, we can't cool other components so it'd be a significant challenge.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:23 pm
Mark: Clarification on number of spares.

Mike: 2 operating, 4 spares. Others are on ESP2, ESP3, ELC1, ELC2.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:25 pm
Eric @ Chron: You are saying primary concern that second module fails so components would "fry" on the outside as opposed to the station overheating on the inside.

Mike: NH3 flows through some parts outside to cool, then through heat exchangers which take heat from the inside. (Plenty of info on that here and in L2 so I'm not going to retype how the station cools.)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 08:26 pm
Crew already has airlock & suit systems ready to go because of the previous planned EVA, but still timeline issues. Another NBL tomorrow if we're good for Thursday, but we can slide one more day. That will be final run prior to EVA1. We can run another NBL prior to EVA2 if needed.
Courtenay McMillan prefaced that with saying that there's a two-week preparation period "baseline" involved in EVA R&R for one of these critical ORUs.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:28 pm
Eric: So the crew won't be burning up in there? (What happens if we lose Loop B)

Mike: Russian system can provide some life support, most systems won't do 6 crew. So first thing would be to use them for life support and 50kg prop per day for station keeping (that's not an issue.) Bigger challenge is powering up systems needed to do the EVA. We asked team to give us rundown if we do have the next failure before PM changeout.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:31 pm
Robert: Where is this failure rank in the history of ISS?

Mike: It's up there, being external adds an element of challenge. SARJ was a significant issue, but we always had plenty of power and that was early in the ISS life (it was a long-term worry more than short.) Other is the solar array tear during redeploy in 10A, because it took us a while to figure out if we could even do a fix.

We never planned for solar array tears since we didn't think that could happen. This is one we knew could happen, have trained for, and planned for, and put spares up for.

It is a significant failure, so it's one we need to get. So it's a big system issue that we need quickly. Sometimes they are unplanned which takes a while to solve, but that's not the issue. Having the EVA already planned is very significant due to the prep work most of which was already done.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:33 pm
What are potential snags during EVA?

Courtenay: We trained Big 14 task-based, so much of the choreography is not worked out to the level of detail that they can train during generic. So NBL is working out the details. Where we might snag is the NH3 QD plumbing, to disconnect the actual PM, venting the PM (although we have analyzed that well, just worried about actual execution for timing snags.) Most of the rest of the task is logistics. It's a big box to move around and hand off.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:34 pm
Can you use the Cupola RWS or back to Destiny?

Going back to Destiny, video in the Cupola can't be powered up. Plus it's on the other side of the space station, so really not an impact anyways.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:34 pm
JimO: Can you use another set of hands out there?

C: No. It's not a manpower issue, it is a choreography issue.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:36 pm
J: Arm is single string?

C: If we hadn't had problems, we would run it single string anyways, but have backup string. We don't have that string for this case, but analysis shows we have flight rules in place to run uncooled DDCU's for a certain length of time in critical situations. We know we can do it long enough to get crew to safety, team is analyzing to see if DDCU's would last long enough to actually move the PM through the entire EVA.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:37 pm
J: Losing cooling doesn't mean you lose power immediately?

C: Yes, power is still good, just managing heat vs overheating. We know it's okay to run to certain limit which works for crew safety, we're checking to make sure it's okay to use til EVA is done.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/02/2010 08:37 pm
Looks like we're up to date with the info we have, so publishing:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/08/two-evas-etcs-coolant-pump-module-changeout/
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:38 pm
J: How much life support is left in segment if Loop B lost? 5 days?

M: Not that long due to CO2, but LiOH / etc should give us a few days. Temps would rise but with Russian segment running we would still have time.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:38 pm
Sounds like the Big 14 list is on the way :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/02/2010 08:39 pm
My fingers are done. Total weight of PM is 780lbs, they are going to KSC for questions in case someone wants to pick up.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 08:43 pm
Marcia Dunn (AP) asking about when the decision on whether the first EVA can go ahead on Thursday would be...first assessment on where things are will be after today's NBL run.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 08:47 pm
James Dean (Florida Today) asking about the original EVA tasks and whether any of them are needed for STS-133.

Mike says they'll have to think about where that will fit.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 08:49 pm
James Dean asked about EVA duration and the current planning is for the standard 6.5 hour duration for both.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 08:50 pm
Up to HQ; Mark Matthews with the Orlando Sentinel asked whether the plan is to bring the failed pump module back on the next flight.  Mike answered that it doesn't fit on the next two flights.  It could find a home on the additional third flight (assuming that was approved).

Asked about Russian segment cooling; Mike confirmed that the cooling is independent.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/02/2010 08:51 pm
Failed PM not coming back on 133 or 134. Potentially STS-135.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 08:53 pm
Ken Chang w/New York Times asking about design life; design life was 10 years.  MTBF estimated around 100000 hours, this one was at about 80000 hours depending on how you look at it.  The failure was a little early.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 09:01 pm
Tariq Malik w/Space.com asked about whether another spare would be built.  Mike said that the analysis based on the mean time between failure numbers was that they would need three spares over the life of the program.  (And as already said, they build four spares to provide margin and those are all on-orbit.)  They are starting studying a redesign that would have dual pump motors.  They do have a development pump that could possibly be brought to flight status.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/02/2010 09:03 pm
Irene Klotz asked whether there would be any impact to the STS-133 launch date.  Mike said they're looking at it.

She asked how important it is to get the failed ORU back since it failed "early."  Mike said it would be nice to get this one back to look at how that would affect the sparing philosophy.  It would also allow comparisons with other processes that were similar to ones used for this.

If they don't get it back, they can still look at this data point and see whether they need to change the MTBF number and whether that means they need to do something about spares.

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Norm Hartnett on 08/02/2010 09:04 pm
Really good work guys!

Thanks

Edit: Very nice article too Chris!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 08/02/2010 09:38 pm
Expedition 24 - Mission Status and EVA Preview Briefing - August 2
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6099

Today's EVA Training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) - August 2
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6100
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: brahmanknight on 08/02/2010 11:06 pm
And this is why I love this site.  Great job all around, gents!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/02/2010 11:08 pm
EVA Briefing Graphics.

Worksite Overview:
www.nasa.gov/images/content/472090main_01_mcmillan_080210.jpg

S1 Location Bay 7:
www.nasa.gov/images/content/472093main_02_mcmillan_080210.jpg

Replacement Pump Module Location on ESP-2:
www.nasa.gov/images/content/472095main_03_mcmillan_080210.jpg

Spare Pump Module:
www.nasa.gov/images/content/472097main_04_mcmillan_080210.jpg
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/03/2010 12:11 am
Bill Harwood has an update:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/recent.html

Spacewalks pushed back to Friday / Monday.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/03/2010 12:36 am
6:55am EDT start per NASA.gov/station with NTV coverage at 6:00
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: dsmillman on 08/03/2010 01:01 am
Bill Harwood has an update:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/recent.html

Spacewalks pushed back to Friday / Monday.

Confirmed at:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 08/03/2010 01:03 am
Looks like we're up to date with the info we have, so publishing:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/08/two-evas-etcs-coolant-pump-module-changeout/

Great article Chris.

A big thanks to all who pitched in with coverage on this serious issue, especially rdale.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Antares on 08/03/2010 01:05 am
Echoing, really nice job on the transcriptions, fellas.  Very useful.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jcm on 08/03/2010 02:30 am
I'm trying to get the pump module ORUs straight, do we have serial numbers on them?

I have seen two naming schemes, the ELC-2 PM called both PM-3 and PM S/N 07

ORU               Location        Launch   S/N
PM (failed)       S1                STS-112  Unknown
PM (working)    P1                STS-113  Unknown
PM-1               AL/ESP-2      STS-121  Unknown
PM-2               S3/ESP-3      STS-127  Unknown
PM-3               S3/ELC-2      STS-129  S/N 07
PM-4               P3/ELC-1      STS-129  S/N 05

Corrections and amplifications solicited.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/03/2010 02:36 am
Looks like we're up to date with the info we have, so publishing:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/08/two-evas-etcs-coolant-pump-module-changeout/

Great article Chris.

A big thanks to all who pitched in with coverage on this serious issue, especially rdale.


Thanks :) Was just coming back on to note the EVAs slipped 24 hours each, but notice Bill Harwood's already published that. Updated the article.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/03/2010 03:33 am
Casually checked to see if the delay news got up before they went to sleep and that did not happen. Interestingly they did wake up someone on the Russian side for a minute to tell him (translator was horrible) something about finding the schematic and now you're an expert in this.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: marshallsplace on 08/03/2010 07:59 am
Will there be capability to return the faulty pump module, using one of the remaining shuttle flights, for evaluation?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: arkaska on 08/03/2010 08:27 am
Will there be capability to return the faulty pump module, using one of the remaining shuttle flights, for evaluation?

If you had read trough the thread you would have seen that this is already answered. There won't be any room on 133 or 134 but maybe on 135 if that gets approved.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 08/03/2010 04:12 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-107

NASA MOVES SPACE STATION REPAIR SPACEWALK TO FRIDAY, SETS BRIEFINGS

HOUSTON -- The first of two spacewalks by NASA astronauts to replace a
failed ammonia pump on the International Space Station has been
delayed by 24 hours to Friday, Aug. 6. A second spacewalk is planned
for Monday, Aug. 9, to complete the repairs.

Flight controllers and station managers made the decision Monday night
after reviewing proposed timelines, final procedures for the repair
work, and the results from a spacewalk dress rehearsal conducted in
the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory near NASA's Johnson Space Center in
Houston.

Expedition 24 Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson
are scheduled to perform the spacewalks. The two NASA astronauts will
replace an ammonia coolant pump that failed July 31.

NASA Television coverage of both spacewalks will begin at 5 a.m. CDT.
Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson are expected to begin the spacewalks from
the Quest airlock at 5:55 a.m. Friday's spacewalk will be the fourth
for Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson's first.

Approximately two hours after the conclusion of each spacewalk, NASA
TV will broadcast a briefing from Johnson. The briefing participants
will be Mike Suffredini, International Space Station program manager;
Courtenay McMillan, Expedition 24 spacewalk flight director; and
David Beaver, Expedition 24 spacewalk officer.

Reporters may ask questions from participating NASA locations, and
should contact their preferred NASA center to confirm participation.
Johnson will operate a telephone bridge for reporters with valid
media credentials issued by a NASA center. Journalists planning to
use the service must contact the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 no
later than 15 minutes prior to the start of a briefing. Phone bridge
capacity is limited and will be available on a first-come,
first-serve basis.

Engineers and flight controllers continue to review data on the
failure, which resulted in the loss of one of two cooling loops
aboard the station. This caused a significant power down and required
adjustments to provide the maximum redundancy possible for station
systems. The systems are stable, and the six crew members aboard are
not in any danger.

Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson originally were scheduled to perform a
spacewalk to outfit the Russian Zarya module for future robotics work
and prepare the station for the installation of a new U.S. permanent
multipurpose module. However, because of the importance of restoring
redundancy to the station's cooling and power systems, the two new
spacewalks will be dedicated to the pump module replacement.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 08/03/2010 05:28 pm
ISS On-Orbit Status 08/03/10 -- All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. [snip]

   In preparation for the two emergency EVAs on 8/6 & 8/9 to replace the failed ETCS (External Thermal Control System) Loop-A NH3 (ammonia) pump module, Caldwell-Dyson, Wheelock & Walker jointly conducted a 1-hr review of NH3 decontamination procedures uplinked overnight. [NH3, a toxic substance, in vapor form will not stick to the EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) spacesuits; solid contamination will likely bounce off, but may be caught in fabric folds; liquid contamination freezes on the EMUs. Mechanical removal (i.e., brushing off) is useless for ammonia. Instead, sublimation through conductive heat transfer is the most effective way to eliminate NH3 contamination. A heated tool pressed against a contaminated EMU surface area, then removed, will allow NH3 to sublimate. After removal of all visible ammonia, the EMU must be “baked out” for the equivalent of 30 minutes in the C/L (Crewlock). Sometime after the bakeout, the crewmember must ingress the A/L (Airlock) again for about 2h20m to allow for testing and an additional A/L depress/repress cycle, if the contamination test in the C/L indicates more bakeout is needed.]
   Afterwards, Tracy & Wheels prepared the A/L for the spacewalks and also worked on the EVA tools, reconfiguring/restowing the equipment originally intended for EVA-15 and unstowing tools needed for the PM R&Rs.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/03/2010 09:50 pm
Going through my files last night, I managed to find some good images of the PM on ESP-2.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/03/2010 10:11 pm
Just to keep the public thread updated, one of the latest memos we have in L2 is talking about a potential third EVA to R&R a RPCM due to concern that this may also be damaged from what was seen from today’s test.

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: mtakala24 on 08/03/2010 11:20 pm
Would the RPCM task take a full spacewalk duration? Could they possible do the RPCM and most of the other previously scheduled stage EVA tasks sometime next week as well?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/04/2010 01:47 am
Sounds like the Big 14 list is on the way :)

And thanks to James Oberg....

What’s the list of “Big 14” International Space Station EVA Tasks?
   (Excerpt from Increment Definition and Requirements Document)
   ISS critical maintenance tasks as follows.  This list is not in order of priority.  The criteria for tasks being added to this list are that the failure of the function provided by the ORU causes a situation placing the ISS in a configuration that is zero tolerant, or effectively zero fault tolerant, to survival.
1.   Maintain ISS Primary Electrical Power System (EPS) Survivability
a.   External (EXT) Multiplexer/Demultiplexer (MDM) Remove and Replace (R&R)
b.   Battery Charge/Discharge Unit (BCDU) Backout
c.   Main Bus Switching Unit (MBSU) R&R
d.   Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) R&R
e.   Direct Current Switching Unit (DCSU) R&R
f.   R&R of DC to DC Converter Units (DDCUs) 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, S01A, S02B
g.   Solar Array Wing (SAW) Manual Positioning
h.   Pump Flow Control Subassembly (PFCS) R&R
i.   Photovoltaic Controller Unit (PVCU) MDM R&R
j.   R&R of External Remote Power Control Modules (RPCMs) S01A_C, S02B_C, S01A_A, S11A_D, S02B_A, and P12B_D
2.   Maintain ISS Thermal Control System (TCS) Survivability
a.   Interface Heat Exchanger (IFHX) R&R
b.   External Thermal Control System (ETCS) Pump Module (PM) R&R
c.   Flex Hose Rotary Coupler (FHRC) R&R
d.   Ammonia (NH3) Leak Isolation and Recovery
The DDCUs listed provide power to the ORUs on this list.  The RPCMs listed provide power to the EXT MDMs and ETCS PMs). The loss of these Secondary Power System (SPS) ORUs would be equivalent to the loss of function of the downstream ORUs themselves.  Thus these SPS ORUs are critical to ISS survivability.  All other ORUs on this list either receive power from ORUs already on this list (e.g. PVCU MDM receives power from DCSU) or does not require power (e.g. FHRC or NH3 Leak Isolation and Recovery).
For additional information on these systems, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/167129main_Systems.pdf

What is the cost of each PM ORU?

TBD

What are the actual dimensions of PM ORU?

Each pump module weighs 780 pounds and is 5 ½ feet long (69 inches) by 4 feet wide (50 inches), and is 3 feet tall (36 inches).

Number of electrical connections required for R&R?

The spacewalkers will need to disconnect and reconnect five electrical connectors, four fluid quick-disconnect devices, one fixed grapple bar and four bolts.

Describe functions of two jumpers crew put in place?

Contingency jumper from S3 to P3 for additional electrical loads.
American to Russian Converter Unit 53 – 54 power jumper to give some redundancy for powering Russian Segment.

What were the PM failure’s impacts on station research?

MELFI 1 had to be shut down because we lost Low Temp Loop capability in the JEM.  The crew transferred all samples to MELFI 2 in US Destiny Lab. No science lost.
Express Rack 4 in Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo”  was turned off because JAXA lost smoke detection capability for JEM Express Racks.  No science loss here as the rack was only on to power a SAMS sensor at the time.
JAXA SEDA-AP and SMILES external payloads had to powered down to standby mode and are currently not collecting science data.
Many planned payload operations (MDCA/Flex experiment maintenance [CIR Rack], SPHERES, VO2Max) were cancelled this week to make room for EVA preparation tasks. Crew time off between and following EVAs will result in additional postponements.
In general, many racks and experiments can’t be activated because either crew time or other resources are not available.

When did this PM spare fly to ISS?

The spare pump module that will be used to replace the failed unit was delivered to the station on the STS-121/Utilization Logistics Flight-1 mission in July 2006.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 08/04/2010 01:55 am
Oh excellent!  Thanks muchly!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/04/2010 02:07 am
Great work Jim! To "prequel" the Big 14, here are the requirements from the IDRD (now that I know where to look!):

MCC-H AND MCC-M SHALL BUILD TASK SPECIFIC PROCEDURES, CONTINGENCY TIMELINES, AND CONDUCT TRAINING TO A HIGH LEVEL SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES:

• Identify task specific technical and safety issues.
• Identify on-board equipment required to perform the task.
• Determine the scope of effort required to prepare for the specific configurations,
locations, and environmental conditions for the EVA.
• Provide the crew with the proper skill set required to perform the tasks given the on-board proficiency training assets available.

The readiness of these tasks will be based upon the generic development of the task procedures and timelines to a level that can be validated against a set of criteria defined in SSP 50261-01, paragraph 3.9.1, “Process for EVA Readiness”. For contingency tasks not listed below, the ISS Program has determined that until the contingency is invoked, resources will not be applied to develop products or plans and the feasibility to perform those tasks on this flight/increment will be undetermined.

[I'm trying to find that SSP document just to add a little more background.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/04/2010 12:04 pm
Sounds like the Big 14 list is on the way :)

And thanks to James Oberg....
Ditto -- thanks, Jim.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/04/2010 02:43 pm
The weekly crew conference and EVA task conferences just took place with the ISS crew (but they were private.) Our next potential for hearing more words on the loop comes with the evening Daily Planning Conference at 230pm EDT (1830Z).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/04/2010 03:12 pm
Today's ISS update hour is on NASA TV; PAO Kyle Herring noting that today's NBL run is being done by astronauts Robert Satcher and Rick Sturckow.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 08/04/2010 03:29 pm
....today's NBL run is being done by astronauts Robert Satcher and Rick Sturckow.

When did they get assigned to ISS Expedition crews? I must have missed it.

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Solar_OPS on 08/04/2010 03:29 pm
Sounds like the Big 14 list is on the way :)

And thanks to James Oberg....


What were the PM failure’s impacts on station research?

MELFI 1 had to be shut down because we lost Low Temp Loop capability in the JEM.  The crew transferred all samples to MELFI 2 in US Destiny Lab. No science lost.
Express Rack 4 in Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo”  was turned off because JAXA lost smoke detection capability for JEM Express Racks.  No science loss here as the rack was only on to power a SAMS sensor at the time.
JAXA SEDA-AP and SMILES external payloads had to powered down to standby mode and are currently not collecting science data.
Many planned payload operations (MDCA/Flex experiment maintenance [CIR Rack], SPHERES, VO2Max) were cancelled this week to make room for EVA preparation tasks. Crew time off between and following EVAs will result in additional postponements.
In general, many racks and experiments can’t be activated because either crew time or other resources are not available.


Thanks Chris and James!

To complete the list of science losses we can add for the European side on Columbus at least:
- cancellation of an ERB2 run;
- DOSIS activities cancelled;
- loss of a big part of the actual Sun Visibility Window for SOLAR for the planned solar spectral measurements, since SOLAR had to be put in Survival Mode (payload off with survival heaters only).

Cheers,

Denis
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/04/2010 03:32 pm
....today's NBL run is being done by astronauts Robert Satcher and Rick Sturckow.

When did they get assigned to ISS Expedition crews? I must have missed it.
The last I heard was that the STS-133 EV crew was going to do this run, but that may have been when the plan was for this second run to be done yesterday.  This may be noted elsewhere, though; I haven't checked the other status update places in a bit.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: orbiter62995 on 08/04/2010 04:41 pm
Quick question – looking for further details on the two EVAs targeted to fix the PM and RPCM.

What are the exact procedures, and who's flying the arm?  MCC–H, correct?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 08/04/2010 04:57 pm
Quick question – looking for further details on the two EVAs targeted to fix the PM and RPCM.

What are the exact procedures, and who's flying the arm?  MCC–H, correct?
Shannon Walker will be the SSRMS operator while Caldwell-Dyson and Wheels are the EVs.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: orbiter62995 on 08/04/2010 06:00 pm
Thanks.

When will the PDGF be installed?  Next set of stage EVAs?

Who's scheduled to do those for Expedition 25?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/04/2010 06:51 pm
No real changes to plan. Sent up EVA pics & robo instructions today.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 08/04/2010 07:08 pm
After the presser yesterday I was told that the crew has a practice electrical/ammonia connect/disconnect panel on ISS for QD training in gloves, so natch I asked for pictures. Nobody at JSC can find any. Does this subject jog any memories here? Thanks!

 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 08/04/2010 08:30 pm
Today's EVA Training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) - August 4
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6101
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/04/2010 10:54 pm
From NASA's Main ISS Webpage:

Crew Prepares for Spacewalks.

www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?collection_id=14555&media_id=17015771
Video Above: Astronauts Robert Satcher Jr. and Rick Sturckow conduct an underwater practice spacewalk session at Johnson Space Center’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. The session was used to help International Space Station team members identify challenges that will need to be addressed when Expedition 24 astronauts Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson perform the first of two planned spacewalks to replace a failed ammonia pump module. Credit: NASA TV

Spacewalk preparations continue to preoccupy the Expedition 24 crew aboard the International Space Station as it gets ready to conduct a pair of spacewalks aimed at replacing a failed ammonia pump module. The pump failed Saturday night after a spike in electrical current tripped a circuit breaker. When the 780-pound pump failed, it shut down half of the station’s cooling system.

Read more about the cooling loop loss:
www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/stationstable_080110.html

Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson are scheduled to start the first spacewalk at 6:55 AM EDT Friday to unbolt and remove the failed pump module, and install the spare. NASA TV coverage will begin at 6 AM.

Wheelock, who will be designated as EV1, or extravehicular crew member 1, wearing the spacesuit bearing the red stripes, will be making the fourth spacewalk of his career. Caldwell Dyson, designated as EV2, wearing the unmarked spacesuit, will be making her first spacewalk.

The second spacewalk to hook up a variety of electrical and fluid connections for the new pump module is targeted for Monday.

Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson originally were scheduled to perform a spacewalk to outfit the Russian Zarya module for future robotics work and prepare the station for the installation of a new U.S. permanent multipurpose module. However, because of the importance of restoring redundancy to the station's cooling and power systems, the two new spacewalks will be dedicated to the pump module replacement.

Wednesday aboard the station, Wheelock, Caldwell Dyson and Flight Engineer Shannon Walker participated in conferences with Mission Control to review spacewalk procedures.

Meanwhile back on Earth, fellow astronauts Robert Satcher Jr. and Rick Sturckow were underwater, practicing the spacewalking tasks in the Johnson Space Center’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). Astronauts Cady Coleman and Suni Williams spent Monday afternoon in the NBL to help prepare for the spacewalks as well.

View video of Wednesday spacewalk practice session:
www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?collection_id=14555&media_id=17015771

View video of Monday spacewalk practice session:
www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=16949182

Robotics experts are continuing to refine the procedures that will be used by Flight Engineer Shannon Walker to guide the station’s robotic arm, Canadarm2, as she moves Wheelock into position to swap the failed unit with a spare unit currently stored on External Stowage Platform 2. That spare parts carrier is attached to the Quest airlock that Wheelock and Caldwell Dyson will use to exit and reenter the station.

The station's Mobile Transporter was commanded to move to the Starboard 1 truss on Tuesday. With the Mobile Transporter in position, the ground team will be able to gather additional data to confirm power resources are sufficient for Canadarm2 to support the spacewalk.

Each pump module weighs 780 pounds and is 5 ½ feet long (69 inches) by 4 feet wide (50 inches), and is 3 feet tall (36 inches). The spacewalkers will need to disconnect and reconnect five electrical connectors, four fluid quick-disconnect devices, one fixed grapple bar and four bolts. The spare pump module that will be used to replace the failed unit was delivered to the station on the STS-121/Utilization Logistics Flight-1 mission in July 2006.

----------

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 04/08/2010:

Loop A PM Update:
Yesterday, a second test of the Pump Module was performed by the ground. The intent was to close the RPC (Remote Power Controller) that powers the PM and send a "bump start" command to the PM (the "bump start" commands the pump on for 10 seconds). The RPC was expected to trip when the command was sent; however, it tripped before that, immediately as it was being closed (powered on). The implications of this test result are under discussion.

MT & SSRMS EVA Preparation:
The MT was moved on its rails to WS-2 (Worksite-2) yesterday for supporting the EVAs. Manual mode had to be used for the MT translation UMA (Umbilical Mechanism Assembly) mating operations due to the current power limitations. No issues were encountered in manual mode. Also in preparation for the EVAs, the SSRMS was walked off from MBS PDGF-3 to PDGF-1.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: orbiter62995 on 08/05/2010 12:18 am
To answer my own question, NASA's basic summary of the PM failure (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/stationstable_080110.html) states that the PDGF installation sequence will occur on a third Expedition 24 Stage EVA with Wheels and Caldwell-Dyson as well, following planned parameters that were supposed to be undergone this Thursday.

So CMG-1 is back in service, as I understand it – I'm sure it's been stated already but I've been offline for awhile.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/05/2010 12:39 am
To answer my own question, NASA's basic summary of the PM failure (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/stationstable_080110.html) states that the PDGF installation sequence will occur on a third Expedition 24 Stage EVA with Wheels and Caldwell-Dyson as well, following planned parameters that were supposed to be undergone this Thursday.
Actually, it just says those tasks will be deferred to a later date.  Whether that's Expedition 24 or not was to-be-determined.  That may not be assessed until after the cooling loop is recovered.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: erioladastra on 08/05/2010 01:37 am
After the presser yesterday I was told that the crew has a practice electrical/ammonia connect/disconnect panel on ISS for QD training in gloves, so natch I asked for pictures. Nobody at JSC can find any. Does this subject jog any memories here? Thanks!

 

Definitely exists, can't recall any pictures though.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DwightM on 08/05/2010 03:48 am
....today's NBL run is being done by astronauts Robert Satcher and Rick Sturckow.

When did they get assigned to ISS Expedition crews? I must have missed it.
The last I heard was that the STS-133 EV crew was going to do this run, but that may have been when the plan was for this second run to be done yesterday.  This may be noted elsewhere, though; I haven't checked the other status update places in a bit.

Do they have to be assigned to a crew to use the NBL?  With only a couple of shuttle missions left, maybe there was room in the schedule to use who was available & qualified to make a run? 
Just asking.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 08/05/2010 04:48 am
Do they have to be assigned to a crew to use the NBL?  With only a couple of shuttle missions left, maybe there was room in the schedule to use who was available & qualified to make a run? 

Odd to see a shuttle CDR as an EVA-trained crewmember, is all. Not so odd, if he were an ISS crewmember.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/05/2010 12:47 pm
Quote
Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson are scheduled to start the first spacewalk at 6:55 AM EDT Friday to unbolt and remove the failed pump module, and install the spare. NASA TV coverage will begin at 6 AM.

We'll start a dedicated thread for this either late tonight or early tomorrow.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/05/2010 03:16 pm
PAO Kyle Herring announcing that the first EVA has been delayed 24 hours to Saturday morning (Houston time).  This allows more time on the ground to refine the procedures and timeline.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: dsmillman on 08/05/2010 03:16 pm
It was just announced during ISS coverage that the first EVA has been delayed until Saturday Aug. 7.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/05/2010 03:21 pm
Capcom now calling up to the crew with some words on the overall timeline, including shifting the schedule to the right.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: dsmillman on 08/05/2010 03:35 pm
During the ISS coverage it was just mentioned that the second EVA will be on Wednesday August 11.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/05/2010 03:43 pm
Capcom now calling up to the crew with some words on the overall timeline, including shifting the schedule to the right.
There's an audio clip on NASA.gov's main ISS page of an earlier call about the possibility of slipping to the right, adding an extra day between the two EVAs, and some additional details:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html

Edit: adding the earlier description of the audio, as the main page has now been updated as JimO posted.
Quote
Mission Control informed the crew aboard the International Space Station this morning that its spacewalk to replace a faulty cooling system component may be delayed until Saturday.

Spacecraft communicator Jim Kelly radioed the word to Expedition 24 spacewalkers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson about 9:20 a.m. EDT. Teams of flight controllers, engineers, and spacewalk and robotics experts have made significant progress in preparing for the spacewalk, but may need an additional day to finish working out all the details.
.
.
.
The spacewalks are challenging because the crew will be handling ammonia lines at full operating pressure, which makes the lines stiff during reconnection and mating. The timeline for the spacewalk will require numerous “off ramps” to ensure there is enough time for the crew to complete decontamination procedures if they come in contact with ammonia. The plan is to complete the replacement of the pump module during the first spacewalk, and complete the fluid ammonia connections to the replacement pump on the second.

Direct MP3 file link:
http://www.nasa.gov/mp3/473477main_eva_planning_080510.mp3
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 08/05/2010 03:49 pm
from the NASA ISS news page -- really been smokin' the last week or so, we need to congratulate them for timeliness and depth!


Spacewalks delayed to Saturday and Wednesday

Teams of NASA flight controllers, engineers, and spacewalk and robotics experts have made significant progress in preparing for two spacewalks to replace a faulty cooling system component on the International Space Station. To allow teams additional preparation time, the spacewalks now are scheduled for Saturday and Wednesday.

For both days, NASA TV coverage remains at 6 a.m. EDT, and the spacewalks will begin at 6:55 a.m. The spacewalks are expected to take 6 ½ to 7 hours each.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: dsmillman on 08/05/2010 06:57 pm
Bill Harwood gives a summary of the first EVA at:

http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/recent.html

This summary indicates that he has a copy of the EVA Checklists.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 08/05/2010 07:29 pm
Any word if the crew has found the missing LiOH adaptor to use US canisters on the Russian scrubber?

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 08/05/2010 09:12 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-110

NASA MOVES SPACE STATION REPAIR SPACEWALK TO SATURDAY

HOUSTON -- The first of two spacewalks by NASA astronauts to replace a
failed ammonia pump on the International Space Station has been moved
to Saturday, Aug. 7. A second spacewalk is planned for Wednesday,
Aug. 11, to complete the repairs.

Teams of flight controllers, engineers, and spacewalk experts have
made significant progress in preparing for the first spacewalk, but
need an additional day to get ready. The additional time allows for
final procedures to be sent late Thursday to the station, giving the
crew a full day to review the plans developed by Mission Control.
Managers also moved the second spacewalk to Wednesday to give the
crew more time to rest and prepare.

Expedition 24 Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson
are scheduled to perform the spacewalks, which will air on NASA
Television. Coverage will begin at 5 a.m. CDT. The spacewalks are
scheduled to begin at 5:55 a.m. Saturday's spacewalk will be the
fourth for Wheelock and the first for Caldwell Dyson.

Approximately two hours after the conclusion of each spacewalk, NASA
TV will broadcast a briefing from NASA's Johnson Space Center. The
briefing participants will be Mike Suffredini, International Space
Station program manager; Courtenay McMillan, Expedition 24 spacewalk
flight director; and David Beaver, Expedition 24 spacewalk officer.

Johnson's newsroom will be open for credentialed reporters to attend
the briefing. Johnson also will operate a telephone bridge for
reporters with valid media credentials issued by a NASA center.
Journalists planning to use the service must contact the Johnson
newsroom at 281-483-5111 no later than 15 minutes prior to the start
of a briefing. Phone bridge capacity is limited and will be available
on a first-come, first-served basis.

Engineers and flight controllers continue to review data on the July
31 pump failure, which caused the loss of one of two cooling loops
aboard the station. This failure resulted in a power down and
required adjustments to maintain as much redundancy as possible for
the station systems. The systems are stable, and the station's six
crew members are not in any danger.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/05/2010 09:41 pm
NASA TV Video: "Practice Makes Perfect EVAs".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK6C4m8wY5M

NASA TV Video: "Spacewalk Preview Briefing".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggDveAjJacA


Attached image:
Quote from: Doug Wheelock via Twitter
Tracy and I in the 'Quest' Airlock, preparing our equipment for two very challenging spacewalks scheduled for Friday and Monday. The Space Station had a critical failure last Saturday, and we'll attempt to bring it back to life. A 'shout out' and tremendous thanks to our support team on Earth! "When one voice falls silent…there are hundreds of voices that will begin to sing…"
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/05/2010 09:54 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 05/08/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-4 Doug Wheelock jointly continued preparations for their EVAs, configuring tools needed during the spacewalks not yet deployed in the A/L and readying numerous tethers (e.g., one 55-ft & three 85-ft safety tethers, four waist tethers & four D-ring extenders).

FE-6 Shannon Walker also had about one hour set aside for EVA tool building support.

Later, Tracy & Doug, joined in part by FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin, conducted a 2.5 hour review of the latest uplinked EVA procedures. EVA-15, the first of two spacewalks, is expected to last ~7 hours. Wheelock (EV1) will "fly" with the PM on the SSRMS operated by Shannon (suited as IV (Intravehicular) Crewmember), Tracy will free-float.
Objectives for EVA-15 will be to:
• Demate connections and QDs on the old PM.
• Install PM jumper (to bypass PM and connect ATA
  (Ammonia Tank Assembly) at S1 to Loop-A).
• Install AGB (Adjustable Grapple Bar), currently on ESP-2, on old PM.
• Remove old PM at S1 and stow on POA on the MT at WS2 (Worksite 2).
• Prepare spare PM (on ESP-2) for installation.
• Install spare PM at S1 and make electrical & data connections.

Afterwards, Tracy & Wheels worked in the A/L to continue preparing its EL (Equipment Lock) compartment for the first spacewalk.

Activities by Shannon, who will be operating the SSRMS, included:
• A ~2.5 hour in-depth review of EVA Robotics procedures, including
  DOUG (Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) files.
• Preparing RWS (Robotic Workstation) SSC (Station Support Computer)
  monitors in the US Lab to provide additional views during EVA.
• Updating SODF (Station Operations Data File) EVA Systems
  procedures with P&I (Pen & Ink) changes to include ammonia
  decontamination procedures plus an ammonia contamination cue card.
• Tying in the DOUG application for SSRMS EVA support by connecting
  the DOUG SSC at the Lab RWS to the networked
  PCS. [DOUG is a frequently updated special software program running on the
  MSS (Mobile Service System) RWS laptops that provides a graphical birdseye-view
  image of the external station configuration and the SSRMS arm, showing its real-time
  location and configuration on a laptop during its operation.]

At ~4:25 PM GMT, Doug, Tracy & Shannon held a teleconference with ground specialists at MCC-Houston to discuss spacewalk particulars.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/05/2010 10:13 pm
Timeline for EVA-1 (in EDT and Elapsed Time (ET)):

    EDT     |   ET   | EVENT
06:55 AM | 00:00 | Spacesuits to battery power.
07:00 AM | 00:05 | Post depress/airlock egress.
07:25 AM | 00:30 | Tools/tether setup.
07:45 AM | 00:50 | EV-1: PM removal preps.
07:55 AM | 01:00 | EV-2: CETA cart preps.
08:35 AM | 01:40 | EV-1: SSRMS prep and ingress.
08:45 AM | 01:50 | EV-2: PM jumper vent.
09:00 AM | 02:05 | Initial PM quick-disconnect ops.
10:05 AM | 03:10 | EV-1: Retrieve AGB (Adjustable Grapple Bar).
10:05 AM | 03:10 | EV-2: Prep failed PM for removal.
10:50 AM | 03:55 | Remove failed PM.
11:10 AM | 04:15 | EV-1: Move failed PM to POA fixture.
11:10 AM | 04:15 | EV-2: Spare PM preps.
11:30 AM | 04:35 | EV-1: Spare PM preps.
11:50 AM | 04:55 | BINGO for spare PM removal.
12:20 PM | 05:25 | Remove spare PM from ESP-2.
12:50 PM | 05:55 | Install spare PM in S1 Truss.
01:25 PM | 06:30 | Cleanup and ingress.
01:50 PM | 06:55 | Pre-airlock repress.
01:55 PM | 07:00 | Airlock repress.

Taken from www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/recent.html
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/05/2010 10:57 pm
Sounds like they had a LOT of problems with smoke detectors on the Russian side today, with several alarms after 2pm EDT-ish. Ground thanked Tracy for "excellent fire drills" :)

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: orbiter62995 on 08/06/2010 12:10 am
Any more audio available?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/06/2010 01:34 am
From what hour(s)?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: orbiter62995 on 08/06/2010 02:46 am
Any regarding Walker's SSRMS planning (I guess that was most recently this afternoon) OR the radio conference between MCC and both Walker and Caldwell-Dyson.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/06/2010 03:37 am
No, those are always privatized.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/06/2010 11:26 am
AM DPC: Shannon asked if the robotics procedures they have are final - and ground said "yes" (L2 request :) )

This evening's DPC has "Russian Equipment Relocation from FGB Zone Report" as the focus, I'm wondering if it was related to a note I saw last week about stuff being stored in unauthorized locations on their side?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jcm on 08/06/2010 01:09 pm
Do we know yet which EMUs will be used for the EVA?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: dsmillman on 08/06/2010 03:02 pm
On today's ISS coverage it was just announced that the ISS MMT has given a "GO" for the EVA tomorrow.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/06/2010 03:12 pm
PAO Kyle Herring also noted that the approved timeline for the first EVA is approximately ("just under") 7 hours.

Edit, Space Pete posted the timeline Bill Harwood published earlier in the thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=16584.msg625460#msg625460
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: dsmillman on 08/06/2010 04:23 pm
The Checklist for tomorrow's EVA is available at:

http://www.floridatoday.com/assets/pdf/A916207586.PDF

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: anik on 08/06/2010 04:42 pm
Do we know yet which EMUs will be used for the EVA?

Sure. EV-1 Wheelock - 3005. EV-2 Caldwell Dyson - 3009.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/06/2010 07:08 pm
Evening DPC: Ground team is working flow charts as a "high level" reference for bringing back up Loop A after things are done, they'll also have a one-page sheet in the morning regarding keeping the file server from getting impacted by the powerup.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/06/2010 08:06 pm
EV crew has put on oxygen masks as part of campout / pre-breathe steps.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jcm on 08/06/2010 08:13 pm
Do we know yet which EMUs will be used for the EVA?

Sure. EV-1 Wheelock - 3005. EV-2 Caldwell Dyson - 3009.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/06/2010 08:50 pm
EV-2 calling down that the 45-minute pre-breathe clock completed, they're closing the hatch to the equipment lock.

Edit: and that's complete now, hatch is closed.  Eventually will depress to 10.2 for the overnight campout.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/06/2010 09:04 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 06/08/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-4 Doug Wheelock continued preparations for their EVAs. [Activities included configuring tools needed during the spacewalks such as equipment tethers, wire ties, etc. and making further preparations in the A/L EL (Equipment Lock), checking on EMU DIDBs (Disposable In-suit Drink Bags) filled from PWD (Potable Water Dispenser), confirming the presence of emergency provisions in the A/L, taking O2 readings with the CSA-O2 units 1041 & 1045 for notifying MCC-Houston and verifying proper function of the vacuum manometer for pressure readings.]

Tracy & Doug also spent ~1 hour 45 minutes on reviewing latest EVA procedures. [The review included uplinked PM supplemental information, PM R&R cuff checklist pages, workaround crib sheets for bolt removal problems and FQD (Fluid Quick Disconnect) malfunction cases, plans for PM tie-down on the S1 Truss, P-clamp tie-down, etc.]

A teleconference by Doug, Tracy & FE-6 Shannon Walker with EVA specialists at MCC-Houston wrapped up the preps at ~5:30 PM GMT.

Today, Shannon:
• Closed the protective shutters of the windows in the US Lab, the JPM,
  and Cupola.
• Powered up the Cupola RWS (Robotic Workstation)
  DCP (Display & Control Panel) for additional video coverage of her
  SSRMS ops. tomorrow.
• Studied uplinked briefing material on NH3 (Ammonia) decontamination
  procedures and hardware.
• Reviewed Robotics procedures and
  DOUG (Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) setup for supporting the
  EVA-15.
• Configured the low pressure O2 tank of the
  ACS (Atmospheric Control System) to supply O2 to the high pressure
  oxygen system.

After completing preparations of A/L EL for tonight's lockout, Doug (EV1) and (EV2) will begin their "campout" (nachalo desaturatsiy = desaturation start) in the A/L with hatch closure and depressurization of the CL (Crewlock) from 14.7 to 10.2 psi, followed by mask prebreathe (~7:55 PM to 9:00 PM GMT) and sleep from 9:30 PM to 6:00 AM GMT. The CL hatch will then be cracked (i.e., temporarily repressurized to 14.7 psi) for a hygiene break/with mask prebreathe for Tracy & Doug at 6:35 AM to 7:45 AM GMT. Shannon will provide suited support in the A/L Around 7:45 AM GMT, the hatch will be closed again for EVA preps in 10.2 psi (7:45 AM to 9:15 AM GMT), followed by EMU purge (~9:15 AM to 9:30 AM GMT) & prebreathe (~9:30 AM to 10:20 AM GMT). Afterwards, Shannon will support CL depressurization until egress at ~10:55 AM GMT.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/06/2010 09:19 pm
Ground called that the EV crew is go to doff masks.  Hygiene break tomorrow NET 05:49 GMT.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 08/06/2010 09:28 pm
posted Aug 06/3:20 PM EDT  // ISS Repair Space Walk: A Glimpse Into the Station's Future
http://spectrum.ieee.org:80/aerospace/space-flight/iss-repair-space-walk-a-glimpse-into-the-stations-future
NASA is changing the way it handles hardware problems
By James Oberg  /  August 2010
   6 August 2010—The dramatic emergency-repair space walks assigned to astronauts Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson aboard the International Space Station (ISS) tomorrow signify much more than the repair itself. The astronauts are the first to employ an entirely new mode of spacecraft maintenance. Previous approaches to keeping the 380-metric-ton orbital outpost functional are being retired, along with the United States’ space shuttle fleet. Astronauts should expect this new emergency-repair scenario for the remainder of the station’s lifetime, which could be decades.
   [more]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/06/2010 09:56 pm
Quote from: Doug Wheelock via Twitter
Our first spacewalk is now on Saturday, to allow some time for our procedures and safing steps to mature a bit. The airlock, and our equipment are ready. We're anxious to get started and get the Space Station back up and running. Here is a glimpse into the airlock with our spacesuits staged. This won't be easy, but our team is ready…
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: orbiter62995 on 08/07/2010 02:35 am
The Checklist for tomorrow's EVA is available at:

http://www.floridatoday.com/assets/pdf/A916207586.PDF



Are there any other EVA documents like this available?  Just wondering – I'd like to look over shuttle EVA √lists if available and haven't gotten my hands on one of these before.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: catdlr on 08/07/2010 02:58 am
The Checklist for tomorrow's EVA is available at:

http://www.floridatoday.com/assets/pdf/A916207586.PDF



Are there any other EVA documents like this available?  Just wondering – I'd like to look over shuttle EVA √lists if available and haven't gotten my hands on one of these before.

You can start with this location:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/flightdatafiles/index.html

Be sure to click on the link titled "Documents from previous shuttle flights" to get to previous flight documentation.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 08/07/2010 03:26 am
From today's ISS commentary, EV-1 Doug Wheelock and EV-2 Tracy Caldwell Dyson work on tool config ahead of Saturday morning's EVA. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 08/07/2010 03:37 am
Worksite on the S1 truss and preparation in the NBL:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: orbiter62995 on 08/07/2010 03:38 am
The Checklist for tomorrow's EVA is available at:

http://www.floridatoday.com/assets/pdf/A916207586.PDF



Are there any other EVA documents like this available?  Just wondering – I'd like to look over shuttle EVA √lists if available and haven't gotten my hands on one of these before.

You can start with this location:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/flightdatafiles/index.html

Be sure to click on the link titled "Documents from previous shuttle flights" to get to previous flight documentation.

Thanks much.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Aobrien on 08/07/2010 04:56 am
Will have a LIVE thread for the EVA starting in the morning
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/08/2010 10:29 pm
Some non ETCS-related stuff:

Aviation Week: "Darpa Eyes Crowd-sourcing To Generate Ideas".
www.aviationnow.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=space&id=news/awst/2010/08/02/AW_08_02_2010_p63-243985.xml&headline=Darpa%20Eyes%20Crowd-sourcing%20To%20Generate%20Ideas

Quote
The Darpa International Space Station Spheres Integrated Research Experiments (Inspire) program represents an initial step in that direction. With the ISS acting as a "satellite wind tunnel", the goal is to enable rapid, iterative testing of space systems while providing students with an opportunity to perform meaningful space experiments.

Inspire will upgrade the Spheres microsatellites already onboard the ISS. Designed and prototyped by MIT students, the three microsatellites are used for formation-flying algorithm research. They have been on the ISS since 2006 and are operated by astronauts in their free time, for about 12 experiments a year. Now in the Kibo module, the battery-powered microsatellites use cold-gas thrusters to maneuver and an ultrasonic "GPS simulation" to navigate.

The Inspire program has four elements: electromagnetic formation flying; vision-based relative navigation; a design study for "Exo-Spheres" microsatellites that could fly outside the ISS; and a design challenge to involve high school students in the development of algorithms for the Spheres spacecraft.

Two of the Spheres satellites will be equipped with steerable magnetic coils that will enable them to maneuver relative to each other by generating forces and torques via electromagnetic coupling. In a cluster of satellites, such as Darpa's System F6, this would allow a formation of modules to maneuver in space by wirelessly coupling to one thruster-equipped spacecraft.

The vision-based relative navigation project will involve two microsatellites circumnavigating the third and using sensors to build a 3D model of the target Sphere. This will enable the two Spheres to navigate relative to the third by visual reference—matching images to the model—and allow formation flight in the absence of precise GPS positioning.

The Exo-Spheres design study will be an undergraduate project to prototype the next-generation Spheres testbed, which would be able operate for short periods outside the ISS. "They would throw them out of the Kibo airlock, perform experiments and use the small Japanese robotic arm to retrieve them", says Paul Eremenko, a Darpa program manager.

Sounds cool! :D
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: marshallsplace on 08/09/2010 11:40 am
From ISS On-Orbit Status 08/07/10:

US EVA-15 by EV1 Doug Wheelock & EV2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson was terminated without Loop A PM (Pump Module) removal  because of a leak at one (M3) of the four QDs (Quick Disconnects) connecting the ammonia lines to the failed PM of the starboard EATCS (External Active Thermal Control System) during demate activities. Torque on the 4 PM bolts remains unbroken. [After Wheelock reconnected the M3 QD on the PM to stop the leak, not enough suit time remained to allow further PM work, due to the time necessary for the crew’s cleanup procedures for assuring than no ammonia was introduced into the pressurized volume of the ISS. EV1 & EV2 began their “campout” last night in the U.S. Airlock (A/L) with hatch closure and depressurization of the Crewlock (CL) from 14.7 to 10.2 psi, followed by mask prebreathe. Following the usual hygiene break/with mask prebreathe for Caldwell-Dyson & Wheelock at 2:35am-3:45am, the A/L hatch was closed again by Shannon Walker & Fyodor Yurchikhin for EVA preps in 10.2 psi, followed by EMU purge (~5:15am-5:30am) and prebreathe in the EMUs (~5:30am-6:20am). Afterwards, with CL depressurization and EV1/EV2 switching to suit power, EVA-15 began at 7:19am EDT. It ended at 3:22pm, lasting 8h 3 min – the longest ISS-EVA and the sixth-longest EVA in history. It was the 148th spacewalk for ISS assembly & maintenance, and the 240th for US astronauts, with a total time of 929 hrs 38 min.]

Before the EVA, FE-6 Walker –

    * Printed out instructions for actions to be taken in case of occurrence of a “next worst failure”, e.g. MBSU 2 (Main Bus Switching Unit 2) failure, ETCS Loop B failure, File Server crash, etc.,
    * Completed the IV (Intravehicular) portion of the EVA “inhibit pad”, i.e., the list of temporary external deactivations in support of the EVA,
    * Set up the RWS (Robotic Workstation) and DOUG (Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) peripherals with the IPV (International Procedures Viewer) laptop to support SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) ops, and
    * Operated the SSRMS, “flying” Douglas Wheelock during the EVA.


During the spacewalk, CDR Skvortsov assisted Walker on the SSRMS, and FE-5 Yurchikhin worked with her supporting the Campout, prebreathe, EVA prep & post-EVA activities.

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: marshallsplace on 08/09/2010 11:41 am
From ISS On-Orbit Status 08/08/10:

Current Station Status: The Loop A PCVP (Pump & Control Valve Package) of the ETCS (External Thermal Control System) is “hard” failed, requiring replacement (four spares are on orbit). Loop B continues to function nominally, at zero fault tolerance (i.e., no backup). The Lab Contingency Truss Jumper is installed, and a number of DDCUs (DC-to-DC Converter Units) and their associated loads continue to be unpowered to prevent overheating. This especially impacts the science program. [Note: While the ETCS is using toxic NH3 (ammonia) as coolant, no NH3 is used inside the station. Instead, ITCS (Internal TCS) cooling consists of nine separate water-based fluid circuits, each with an LTL (Low Temperature Loop) and an MTL (Moderate Temperature Loop),  that circulate in the station’s interior to collect excess heat from the electronic & experiment equipment and carry this heat to IFHX (Interface Heat Exchangers) units which transfer the heat to the ETCS and its two ammonia loops. There are ten IFHXs, located on the Lab, Node-2 & Node-3. The pump-driven heated ammonia circulates through huge radiator panels located on the exterior of the ISS, releasing the heat as infrared radiation and cooling as it flows. It high-pressure ammonia then returns to the heat exchangers.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/09/2010 10:38 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 09/08/2010:

In preparation for the next spacewalk, EVA-16, on 11/08 (Wednesday), FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson resized her EMU #3009 by adding ~1 inch to its torso length to lessen suit pressure on her shoulders while working outside.

FE-4 Doug Wheelock terminated METOX (Metal Oxide) canister regeneration in the US A/L bakeout oven, and FE-6 Shannon Walker finished recharging the EMU batteries in the BSA (Battery Stowage Assembly).

Then, Doug & Tracy re-equipped their spacesuits with the METOX CO2 absorber cans and freshly charged EMU batteries, while Shannon re-installed the charged HL (Helmet Light) batteries and the PGT batteries. [EMU #3005: METOX #5 & Battery #2088; EMU #3009: METOX #15 & EMU Batt #2086.]

Afterwards, Tracy, Doug & Shannon joined in a 2 hour review & discussion of preliminary details of EVA-16, followed by an EVA teleconference with ground support personnel.

Activities completed by Shannon included preparing MELFI-1 for reactivation by wiping down internal surfaces and leaving Dewar 2 trays out to dry, replacing them with trays from MELFI-3 (MELFI-1 Dewar 2 to be activated later).

ETCS Loop A Pump Module Update:
EVA-16 is being extensively & thoroughly replanned as a result of the disappointing outcome of EVA-15 which failed to get the nonfunctional ETCS Loop A PM out and start work on the new pump. Spacewalkers Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & Doug Wheelock ended up short of that, due to a balky and leaky QD (M3) at the old PM (losing about 3 lbs of NH3 in the process). Re-attaching the QD and re-opening the valve stopped the leak. For EVA-16, the plan is to lower Loop A NH3 (ammonia) pressure (from 370 psi to ~200 psi), close two additional QDs (one each at each end of the S1 Truss) to isolate/minimize the line segment to be vented, and then vent that coolant piping in the zenith direction (NH3 to be lost from the pipe: ~ 15lbs, later from the PM: ~22 lbs, i.e., a total just under 40 lbs of ammonia). M3 should then be "dry" (without pressure), allowing straight-forward valve closing and demating. Next, 5 power/data cables will have to be removed, followed by four attachment bolts of the PM. The latter will then be attached to the MBS POA via a grapple bar and vented, to be left on the POA for an extended period of time. Replacing the PM and making all necessary connections will very likely require a third EVA (tentatively scheduled for 15/08, (Sunday)). If at all necessary, a fourth EVA is also possible.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/09/2010 10:42 pm
For future reference, I have produced this image showing unused PM locations on the ISS following EVA-16/17.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: ginahoy on 08/10/2010 05:24 pm
After the ETCS failure, I recall it being said that engineers weren't sure if the PM itself was actually the culprit. Did NASA ever determine root cause or were they forced to go forward with "most likely"?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: arkaska on 08/10/2010 06:07 pm
After the ETCS failure, I recall it being said that engineers weren't sure if the PM itself was actually the culprit. Did NASA ever determine root cause or were they forced to go forward with "most likely"?

They meant the pump might not have been the case but a electronics board but that is still inside the Pump Module.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: mtakala24 on 08/10/2010 06:08 pm
After the ETCS failure, I recall it being said that engineers weren't sure if the PM itself was actually the culprit. Did NASA ever determine root cause or were they forced to go forward with "most likely"?

I got the impression that they weren't sure if its the pump, the controller board or the EMI filters associated with the system, but that they are all contained in the Pump Module which they are replacing.

I also think that they did two tests, where they turned on the PM the normal way, did see the pump start to turn but then the PM shorted, and in another, modified test, the RPCM giving power to the PM tripped when the PM was turned on but the "start pump" command wasn't even given - which would indicate thats it not the actual pump but something else.

Someone might give details and references better than me, though...
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/10/2010 07:47 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 10/08/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-4 Doug Wheelock completed final preparations for tomorrow's EVA-16. [Activities included configuring tools needed during the spacewalk such as equipment tethers, wire ties, etc., and making further preparations in the A/L EL (Equipment Lock), checking on PGTs #1001 w/battery 1009 for EV-1, PGT #1006 w/battery 1008 for EV-2, backup PGT #1004 w/battery 1006 in bag), filling DIDBs (Disposable In-suit Drink Bags) from PWD (Potable Water Dispenser), verifying installation of HL (Helmet Light) batteries (1029, 1030, 1031 &1035).]

Afterwards, Tracy, Doug & FE-6 Shannon Walker spent ~3 hours on reviewing latest EVA procedures. [The review included revised detailed procedures, a QD operations briefing package, and Robo/SSRMS instructions.]

A teleconference by Tracy, Doug & Shannon with EVA specialists at MCC-Houston wrapped up preps.

In an attempt to restore the failed CO2 sensor in Doug's EMU#3005, Doug set up the sensor to flow O2 through it for an hour to remove the suspected moisture, and then check the sensor's functionality. The procedure worked, and as of now Doug's CO2 sensor is OK.

Working with Doug, FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko retrieved three Russian "Pille-MKS" radiation dosimeters, recorded their dosages in the Reader and equipped each of the two EMUs for tomorrow's spacewalk with a sensor unit (A0306 & A0307). [A third sensor, A0311, which had been in the Reader, was read in manual mode.]

Meanwhile, Shannon:
Reviewed uplinked briefing material on NH3 (ammonia) decontamination procedures and verified hardware readiness.
• Configured the Cupola RWS (Robotic Workstation) as backup for her
  SSRMS ops. on the Lab RWS tomorrow.
• Swapped the DOUG (Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) cable from
  the A31p laptop used for EVA-15 to the SSC-8 (Station Support
  Computer-8), a DOUG-equipped T61p model.
• Verified that telemetry is properly being received from the Robotics
  systems for "driving" the DOUG animation during EVA-16.
• Reviewed the new SSRMS EVA procedures.
• Powered down the amateur/ham radio equipment in the SM to prevent
  RF interference with the spacewalkers.
• Closed the protective shutters of the windows in the US Lab, JPM,
  and Cupola.

After completing preparations of A/L EL for tonight's lockout, Doug (EV-1) and Tracy (EV-2) will begin their "campout" (nachalo desaturatsiy = desaturation start) in the A/L with hatch closure and depressurization of the CL (Crew Lock) from 14.7 to 10.2 psi, followed by mask prebreathe with oxygen (~7:55 PM to 9:00 PM GMT) and sleep from 9:30 PM to 6:00 AM GNT. [The CL hatch will then be cracked (i.e., temporarily repressurized to 14.7 psi) for a hygiene break/with mask prebreathe for Tracy & Doug at 6:35 AM to 7:45 AM GMT. Shannon will provide suited support in the A/L around 7:45 AM GMT, the hatch will be closed again for EVA preps in 10.2 psi (7:45 AM to 9:15 AM GMT), followed by EMU purge (~9:15 AM to 9:30 AM GMT) & prebreathe (~9:30 AM to 10:20 AM GMT). Afterwards, Walker will support CL depressurization until egress at ~10:55 AM GMT.]

Steps for EVA-16 will be:
1.  Retrieve VTE (Vent Tool Extender) – EV-1.
2.  Close M3 QD – EV-1 [If no leak (or "snowflakes"), keep M3 closed & do not do Step 4
     (total time saved if M3 is OK = ~2 hours EVA time). If large leak reoccurs, open M3
     to 90% (with SPD (Spool Positioning Device)) and proceed with original steps].
3.  Install & Route VTE on S1 truss – EV-1.
4.  Close M1/F105 (Male 1/Female 105) QD at S1-to-S0 interface – EV-1.
5.  Close M1/F55 QD at S1 DDCU (DC to DC Conversion Unit) – EV-2.
6.  Start vent of line & PM (~20 minutes) – EV-2.
7.  Close M2, close Vent Tool, clean up Vent Tool – EV-1/EV-2.
8.  Demate & bag M3 – EV-1.
9.  Break torque on all (4) old PM bolts – EV-1.
10. Release old PM electricals and 3 bolts – EV-2.
11. Retrieve AGB (Adjustable Grapple Bar) from ESP-2 – EV-1.
12. Attach AGB to failed PM – EV-1/EV-2.
13. Remove failed PM from S1 Truss and stow on POA on the MBS at
     WS-2 (Worksite-2) – EV-1/EV-2.

Possible get-aheads:
1.  C/L bag transfer to ESP-2.
2.  Vent GN2.
3.  Break torque on bolts of spare PM.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chandonn on 08/10/2010 11:50 pm
Looks like Bill Harwood has the updated timeline for tomorrow's EVA:

http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/recent.html
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/11/2010 11:46 am
For the second EVA to work the Pump Module:

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=22480.0
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: marshallsplace on 08/12/2010 10:30 am
From ISS On-Orbit Status 08/11/10:


Stage EVA-16 by FE-4 Douglas Wheelock & FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson was completed successfully in 7hr 26min, fully accomplishing its objective of removing the failed ETCS (External Thermal Control System) Loop A PM (Pump Module) and setting the stage for EVA-17, tentatively to be scheduled on 8/15 (Sunday).

During the spacewalk, Wheelock (EV1) & Caldwell-Dyson (EV2), supported by FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin as IV (intravehicular crewmember) plus FE-6 Shannon Walker & CDR Alex Skvortsov on the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System), –
Relocated the Stbd CETA (Crew & Equipment Translation Aid) cart – EV2Closed & demated the M3 QD (Quick Disconnect) – EV1 (hurrah, no leakage!)Removed five electrical connectors on the failed PM – EV2Broke torque on all four attachment bolts of the failed PM – EV1Closed & removed the M2 QD – EV2Released 5 electrical cables & 3 (of 4) bolts of the old PM – EV2Retrieved AGB (Adjustable Grapple Bar) from ESP-2 (External Stowage Platform 2) – EV1Attached AGB on failed PM – EV1/EV2Removed failed PM from S1 truss and stowed it on POA (Payload ORU Accommodation) on the MT (Mobile Transporter) at WS2 (Worksite 2) – EV1/EV2Transferred the C/L (Crewlock) bag to ESP-2 adjacent to the A/L (Airlock) – EV2Removed 3 electrical cables on the spare PM on ESP-2Re-covered the spare PM with MLI (Multi-Layered Insulation) blanketCleaned up & ingressed.

(Good news: Since the M3 QD showed no NH3 leakage upon closing (except for a few “snowflakes”), closure of both the M1/F55 (Male 1/Female 55) QD at the S1 DDCU (DC-to-DC-Converter Unit) near the S1-to-S3 segment interface and the M1/F105 QD at the S1-to-S0 interface became unnecessary, as well as line venting - most likely due to the overnight reduction of the internal loop pressure to saturation pressure).

[EV1 & EV2 began their “campout” last night in the U.S. Airlock (A/L) with hatch closure and depressurization of the Crewlock (CL) from 14.7 to 10.2 psi, followed by mask prebreathe. Following the usual hygiene break/with mask prebreathe for Caldwell-Dyson & Wheelock at ~3:35am-4:45am (about one hour later than planned due to the late bedtime for crew and ground teams last night), the A/L hatch was closed again by Shannon Walker & Fyodor Yurchikhin for EVA preps in 10.2 psi, followed by EMU purge (~6:15am-6:30am) and prebreathe in the EMUs (~6:30am-7:20am). Afterwards, with CL depressurization and EV1/EV2 switching to suit power, EVA-16 began at 8:27am EDT. It ended at 3:53pm, lasting 7h 26 min. It was the 149th spacewalk for ISS assembly & maintenance, the 13th this year, and the 241st for US astronauts, with a total time of 937 hrs 4 min.]

Before the EVA, FE-6 Walker –
Completed the IV (Intravehicular) portion of the EVA “inhibit pad”, i.e., the list of temporary external deactivations in support of the EVA,Set up the RWS (Robotic Workstation) and DOUG (Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) peripherals with the SSC-8 (Station Support Computer 8) T61p laptop, to support SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) ops, andOperated the SSRMS, “flying” Douglas Wheelock during the EVA.
During the spacewalk, CDR Skvortsov assisted Walker on the SSRMS, and FE-5 Yurchikhin worked with her, supporting the Campout, prebreathe, EVA prep, EVA inhibit pad ops & post-EVA activities.

Yurchikhin also configured the internal STTS communications connections for the EVA and afterwards reconfigured the STTS.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/12/2010 08:43 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 12/08/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-4 Doug Wheelock completed the usual post-EVA activities in the US A/L, including:
• Recharging the EMUs with water, using PWR (Payload Water Reservoir)
  #1027, #1024 (backup, may have required degassing) & CWC #1059.
• Attaching the spacesuit LTAs (Lower Torso Assemblies) to the HUTs
  (Hard Upper Torsos).
• Initiating recharge of EVA batteries in the BSA
  (Battery Stowage Assembly) for EVA-17 – i.e., EMU batteries #2086 &
  #2088 plus 4 HL (Helmet Light), 2 PGT & 2 REBA units.
• Deconfiguring the A/L after the EVA.

Doug had ~90 minutes to inspect all safety & waist tethers plus D-ring extenders used on EVA-16 for structural integrity. [Wheels' downlink: "Tether inspection complete, with no discrepancies. All tethers are in great shape".]

Afterwards, Wheelock installed METOX (Metal Oxide) canisters #0005 & #00015 in the A/L bake-out oven and initiated regeneration of the reusable CO2 absorber units.

Tracy, Doug & FE-6 Shannon Walker joined for a 1 hour debrief on yesterday's EVA-16 with ground specialists, answering & discussing a number of questions for the next contingency spacewalk, EVA-17, now scheduled on 16/08 (Monday).

ETCS Loop A PM Update:
EVA-16 went extremely well yesterday. The failed PM was successfully removed and placed on the MBS POA for temporary storage. Some get-ahead work was done to prepare the new pump for installation on the next EVA, such as disconnecting data lines and heaters to the new pump. The M3 QD was closed without leaking (the cause of the initial ammonia leak during EVA-15 was most likely either minor contamination or ice which then cleared). The internal line pressure was lowered pre-EVA, which also could have contributed to M3's proper behaviour which allowed the crew to ignore steps involving time-consuming closing of other QDs and venting the interface. Both crew and ground teams were well prepared and at peak performance.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 08/13/2010 03:15 am
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-114

NASA PLANS NEXT SPACE STATION REPAIR SPACEWALK FOR MONDAY

HOUSTON -- The third spacewalk to restore full cooling capability to
the International Space Station is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 16.

Expedition 24 Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson
will venture outside to install a replacement pump and connect its
electrical and fluid lines. The two NASA astronauts conducted the
first two spacewalks to remove the failed ammonia pump from the
station's truss, or backbone.

The pump removed during Wednesday's spacewalk failed on July 31,
causing a loss of half of the station's cooling system. Since then,
the station has been operating normally while a second ammonia pump
provides cooling for electronics.

NASA Television coverage will begin Monday at 5 a.m. CDT. Wheelock and
Caldwell Dyson are scheduled to begin the spacewalk just before 6
a.m. Monday's spacewalk will be the sixth for Wheelock and the third
for Caldwell Dyson.

Approximately two hours after the conclusion of the spacewalk, NASA TV
will broadcast a briefing from NASA's Johnson Space Center in
Houston. The briefing participants will be Kirk Shireman,
International Space Station deputy program manager; Courtenay
McMillan, Expedition 24 spacewalk flight director; and David Beaver,
Expedition 24 spacewalk officer.

Reporters may ask questions from participating NASA locations, and
should contact their preferred NASA center to confirm participation.
Johnson's newsroom will be open for credentialed reporters to attend
the briefing. Johnson also will operate a telephone bridge for
reporters with valid media credentials issued by a NASA center.

Journalists planning to use the service must contact the Johnson
newsroom at 281-483-5111 no later than 15 minutes prior to the start
of the briefing. Phone bridge capacity is limited and will be
available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: rdale on 08/13/2010 12:29 pm
EVA timeline & PPT were sent up to the crew overnight in time for today's EVA conference.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/13/2010 08:30 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 13/08/2010:

Wrapping up her post-EVA cleanup activities in the US A/L, FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson:
• Terminated regeneration of METOX (Metal Oxide) canisters #0005 & #00015 in the
  bake-out oven, restowing the canisters in a bag (#1038).
• Installed METOX cans #0016 & #0019 for regeneration.
• Verified completed charging on HL (Helmet Light) and PGT batteries in the BSA
  (Battery Stowage Assembly).
• Re-installed HL & PGT batteries for use in EVA-17.
• Temporarily stowed EMU batteries #2086 and REBAs
  (Rechargeable EVA Battery Assemblies) for EVA-17.

ETCS Loop A PM Update:
EVA-17 is currently planned for Monday 16/08. A Readiness Review is set for Sunday 15/08. Preliminary objectives for EVA-17 include:
• Install spare PM.
• Mate spare PM QDs.
• Clean up spare PM & S1 CETA cart.
• Re-couple Starboard & Port CETA carts.
• Clean up SSRMS (e.g., remove APFR) for walkoff.
• Clean up tethers at S1 Truss segment.
• Install J612 extension cable (for PMM on STS-133/ULF-5).
• Cleanup/Ingress.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 08/14/2010 12:32 am
Nice to see the extension cable for the future PMM included in there. Priorities.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/14/2010 10:05 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 14/08/2010:

Happy Birthday, Tracy!

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, FE-4 Doug Wheelock & FE-6 Shannon Walker joined up for a ~2 hour procedures review for the next contingency spacewalk, EVA-17.

After Tracy terminated the regeneration of METOX (Metal Oxide) canisters #16 & #19 in the US A/L bake-out oven and restowed them in a bag (#1038), Tracy & Doug installed METOX cans #22 & #21 plus EMU batteries #2087 & #2086 in their EMUs, 3005 (EV-1) & 3009 (EV-2), respectively. Tracy then also installed REBAs (Rechargeable EVA Battery Assemblies) #1008 & #1012 in the EMUs.

A teleconference by Tracy, Doug & Shannon with EVA specialists at MCC-Houston wrapped up preps.

In preparation for EVA-17, Shannon charged the two batteries for the EVA D2Xs cameras. About 3 hours later, she configured the cameras for the EVA.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: dsmillman on 08/15/2010 05:08 pm
Does anyone know if the ISS MMT has approved Monday's EVA (#17)?  The MMT met this morning.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/15/2010 05:19 pm
NASA.gov ISS page says yes:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html

Quote
After completing several days of analysis and refining procedures, International Space Station managers and mission operations personnel met Sunday and gave final approval for a third spacewalk Monday by Expedition 24 Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell Dyson to install a spare ammonia pump in the station’s starboard truss as well as approval to restart and activate half of the station’s cooling system that became inoperable two weeks ago due to a failure of the pump in the station’s starboard truss.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/15/2010 08:25 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 15/08/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-4 Doug Wheelock completed final preparations for tomorrow's Contingency EVA-17. [Activities included configuring tools needed during the EVA such as equipment tethers, wire ties, D-ring extenders, etc., and making further preparations in the US A/L EL (Equipment Lock), checking on PGTs #1001 w/battery 1006 for EV-1 & #1006 w/battery 1008 for EV-2, backup #1004 w/battery 1004 in bag, filling DIDBs (Disposable In-suit Drink Bags) from PWD (Potable Water Dispenser), verifying installation of HL (Helmet Light) batteries (1029, 1030, 1031 &1022), etc. Note from Wheelock to MCC-H: "All else checks out according to the tool inventory in the procedure. We just wanted to let you guys know that you are awesome! We're looking forward to working with you and bringing the Station back to life."]

Afterwards, Tracy, Doug & FE-6 Shannon Walker spent ~3 hours on reviewing latest EVA procedures. [The review included revised detailed procedures, a QD operations briefing package, Robo/SSRMS instructions, etc.]

A teleconference by Doug, Tracy & Shannon with EVA specialists at MCC-Houston wrapped up preps.

To ensure a functioning CO2 (carbon dioxide) sensor on his EMU #3005, Doug again set up the sensor to flow O2 through it for an hour to remove any moisture, and then checked the sensor's functionality.

Working with Tracy, FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko retrieved three Russian "Pille-MKS" radiation dosimeters, recorded their dosages in the Reader and equipped each of the two EMUs for tomorrow's EVA with a sensor unit (A0306 & A0307). [A third sensor, A0311, which had been in the Reader, was read in manual mode.]

Preparatory to EVA-17, Shannon:
• Printed out new instructions for actions to be taken in case of occurrence of a
  "next worst failure", e.g. MBSU-2 failure, ETCS Loop B failure, File Server crash, etc.
• Reviewed uplinked briefing material on NH3 (ammonia) decontamination
  procedures and verified hardware readiness.
• Conducted a review of POC (Portable Onboard Computer) DOUG
  (Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) software and teleconference
  with the ROBO and MSS (Mobile Servicing System) Instructor on the
  ground for the SSRMS.
• Powered down the amateur/ham radio equipment in the SM and
  verified closure of the protective window shutters of the Lab, JPM and
  Cupola.

After completing preparations of A/L EL for tonight's lockout, Doug (EV-1) and Tracy (EV-2) will begin their "campout" (nachalo desaturatsiy = desaturation start) in the A/L with hatch closure and depressurization of the CL (Crew Lock) from 14.7 to 10.2 psi, followed by mask prebreathe with oxygen (~6:35 PM to 7:45 PM GMT) and sleep from 9:30 PM to 6:00 AM GMT. [The CL hatch will then be cracked (i.e., temporarily repressurized to 14.7 psi) for a hygiene break/with mask prebreathe for Doug & Tracy at 6:35 AM to 7:45 AM GMT. Shannon will provide suited support in the A/L Around 7:45 AM GMT, the hatch will be closed again for EVA preps in 10.2 psi (7:45 AM to 9:15 AM GMT), followed by EMU purge (~9:15 AM to 9:30 AM GMT) & prebreathe (~9:30 AM to 10:20 AM GMT). Afterwards, Walker will support CL depressurization until egress at ~10:55 AM GMT.]

Activities for EVA-17 will be to:
• Install spare PM mechanically.
• Mate & open spare PM fluid QDs.
• Perform electrical & data continuity checks plus bump-start test
  (by MCC-H, to check pump functionality).
• Re-couple Starboard & Port CETA carts.
• Clean up spare PM/S1/CETA cart.
• Clean up SSRMS (remove APFR for walkoff).
• Install J612 extension cable for PMM on STS-133/ULF-5.
• Clean up tethers at S1 Truss.
• Configure CETA cart to allow for WS-8 (Worksite-8) ops.
• Move old PM to ESP-2/mate minimum electrical connectors (if time allows).
• Cleanup/Ingress A/L.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: dsmillman on 08/16/2010 12:26 am
Bill Harwood has a preview of EVA 17 and a summary timeline at:

http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/home/spacenews/files/0b2372ea553c10013e71a80988d5017a-48.html

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/16/2010 01:54 am
And we'll move to a specific live coverage thread on Monday morning. Anik or myself will set it up.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/16/2010 06:24 pm
RIA Novosti: "ISS could last another decade - Roscosmos".
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100816/160224526.html
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/16/2010 09:36 pm
Roscosmos PAO: "ISS can Become a Basis for Mission to Mars - Anatoly Perminov".

Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov supports the idea about turning the International Space Station into a basis for future missions to other planets.
"Many people today say that this is feasible for the station. I also support the idea", Roscosmos Head said questioned by The Voice of Russia.
"We shall try, with new technologies capable of flying not only to LEO, but to the other planets. It would be one of options for the ISS", Perminov added.
He also added that a mission to Mars would not take place in the nearest future.
"I believe it’s to happen in 2030-2035, not earlier", Roscosmos Head concluded.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10112&lang=en



Roscosmos PAO: "China and India would be Useful Partner in the ISS Program - Fyodor Yurchikhin".

The number of the International Space Station program participants may be enlarged by adding China and India, ISS flight engineer Fyodor Yurchikhin said answering the question from the ISS Mail Box. The Mail Box is the project by Memorial Space Museum supported by Roscosmos PAO and Moscow's Department of Culture.
"I am sure that partnership with China and India would be mutually beneficial in the program", Yurchikhin said, Interfax AVN informs.
"Chinese achievements in human space missions are well-known. A Chinese module in the ISS? It is not a fantasy, provided that all parties agree with is", Yurchikhin believes. "But I am against thoughtless involvement; interesting ideas, technologies shall be involved in the program".

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10115&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: marshallsplace on 08/17/2010 07:44 am
From ISS On-Orbit Status 08/16/10:


Stage EVA-17 by FE-4 Doug Wheelock & FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson was completed successfully in 7hr 20min, fully accomplishing its objective of installing the spare ETCS (External Thermal Control System) Loop A PM (Pump Module) plus additional tasks. The PM has been checked out and is functioning nominally. Loop A will be fully in service later this week. This was the third contingency spacewalk to replace the Loop A ammonia pump.

During the excursion, Wheelock (EV1) & Caldwell-Dyson (EV2), supported by FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin as IV (intravehicular crewmember) plus FE-6 Shannon Walker & CDR Alex Skvortsov on the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System), –
Installed the spare PM (Pump Module) mechanicallyMated & opened associated fluid QDs (Quick Disconnects)Successfully performed electrical & data continuity checks plus bump-start test (by MCC-H, verifying pump functionality)Re-coupled the stbd & port CETA cartsCleaned up spare PM/S1/CETA (Crew & Equipment Translation Aid) cartCleaned up the SSRMS by removing the APRF (Articulated Portable Foot Restraint) to enable SSRMS walkoffInstalled the J612 extension cable for ULF5/PMM (Pressurized Multipurpose Module)Cleaned up tethers at S1 truss segmentConfigured the CETA cart to allow for WS8 (Worksite 8) ops, andCleaned up/Ingressed.
[EV1 & EV2 began their “campout” last night in the U.S. Airlock (A/L) with hatch closure and depressurization of the Crewlock (CL) from 14.7 to 10.2 psi at ~3:55pm for 70 min of mask prebreathe with oxygen. Following the usual hygiene break/with mask prebreathe for Caldwell-Dyson & Wheelock this morning at ~2:35am-3:45am, the A/L hatch was closed again by Walker & Yurchikhin for EVA preps in 10.2 psi, followed by EMU purge and prebreathe in the EMUs. Afterwards, with CL depressurization and EV1/EV2 switching to suit power, EVA-17 began at 6:20am EDT, ~35 min ahead of timeline. It ended at 1:40pm, lasting 7h 20 min. It was the 150th spacewalk for ISS assembly & maintenance, the 14th this year, and the 242nd for US astronauts, with a total time of 944 hrs 24 min.]

Before the EVA, FE-6 Walker –
Verified closure of protective window shutters in Lab, Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module) and Node-3 Cupola,Completed the IV (Intravehicular) portion of the EVA “inhibit pad”, i.e., the list of temporary external deactivations in support of the EVA,Set up the Lab RWS (Robotic Workstation) and DOUG (Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics) peripherals with the SSC-8 (Station Support Computer 8) T61p laptop, to support SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) ops, andOperated the SSRMS, “flying” Douglas Wheelock during the EVA.
During the spacewalk, CDR Skvortsov assisted Walker on the SSRMS, and FE-5 Yurchikhin worked with her in supporting the Campout, prebreathe, EVA prep, EVA inhibit pad ops & post-EVA activities.

Yurchikhin also configured the internal RS (Russian Segment) STTS communications connections for the EVA.

After ingress from the spacewalk, Tracy, Wheels, Fyodor & Shannon completed initial post-EVA activities in the A/L (Airlock), including –
Doffing backpacks, harnesses, tethers and EMUs (Extravehicular Mobility Units),Inspecting & taking photography of the EMU gloves,Taking some photos of broken threads on the MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) of the SCU (Service & Cooling Umbilical) connector of Tracy’s spacesuit,Deconfiguring the A/L after the spacewalk,Reconfiguring STTS communications in the RS,Downlinking spacewalk camera imagery,Downlinking the glove photographs for analysis, andRestowing the ammonia masks & NH3 decontamination kit in the FGB.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 08/18/2010 11:51 am
Yesterday's ISS status includes words on reactivating Loop A:
http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/reports/iss_reports/2010/08172010.html

Quote
Doug Wheelock verified proper closure of the protective window shutters in the Kibo JPM (JEM Pressurized Module), Node-3 Cupola, and US Lab, prior to the 6:00am shutdown of CMG1 (Control Moment Gyroscope 1), i.e., its removal from the steering law, and associated thruster firings. [By powering down two DDCUs (DC-to-DC Converter Units, S01A & LA4A) by ground command, CMG-1, ETCS Loop A and other electrical loads were temporarily shut down to safe them for the removal of the Lab/Truss Contingency Jumper which the crew had installed after the DDCU S01A/Loop A pump failure.]

FE-6 Shannon Walker then disconnected and removed the Lab/Truss Contingency Jumper. [Afterwards, the ground began to repower DDCU S01A (restarting ETCS Loop A and turning CMG-1 back on), the Node-2 DDCUs, S0 DDCU S04B & S1 DDCU S14B (repowering CMG-4), plus Kibo JPM & COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) core loads.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: brahmanknight on 08/18/2010 03:50 pm
Is there a picture of the Lab/Truss Contingency Jumper?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/18/2010 05:44 pm
"Loop A is up and the board is clear!" (Per Courtenay Mcmillan memo to all that was just sent out to JSC managers - L2).

Awesome :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 08/18/2010 07:58 pm
"Loop A is up and the board is clear!" (Per Courtenay Mcmillan memo to all that was just sent out to JSC managers - L2).

Awesome :)

Definitely!

Now let's hope we start getting some science done again!  :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/19/2010 02:49 am
And I've written that all up:

ISS cooling configuration returning to normal confirming ETCS PM success:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/08/iss-cooling-returning-normal-confirming-etcs-pm-success/
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 08/19/2010 05:31 pm
Expedition 24 In-Flight Interview - August 19
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6115
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/23/2010 02:21 pm
BBC News: "Beer microbes live 553 days outside ISS".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11039206

This actually made the BBC 6 O'clock & 10 O'clock News tonight. They showed the STS-122 launch, and talked about the experiment installation while showing STS-130's EVAs. ::)

----------

A second life for ISS segments?
http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/08/23/16886597.html
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/23/2010 08:56 pm
Sorry for the absence of ISS reports lately - I've been away.

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 23/08/2010:

In an attempt to regain command capability to access science data of the JAXA MAXI (Monitor of All-sky X-ray Images) payload, MCC-Houston remotely transited the primary C&C (Command & Control) MDM computer to the standby C&C. In support of the transition, FE-4 Doug Wheelock then reconnected all powered PCS (Portable Computer System) laptops to the new prime, C&C-2. [C&C-1 is now backup, and C&C-3 is on standby. The MAXI experiment is attached to the JEF (Japanese Exposed Facility) on the exterior of the station.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/24/2010 09:41 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 24/08/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson retrieved the MELFI-1 trays, which had been put out for drying after the recent power-downs, and inserted them into MELFI-3's Dewar 1.

In preparation for the next Progress M-07M/39P on arrival 10/09, CDR Alexander Skvortsov & FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko, with TsUP support, conducted the standard 30 minute intermodular space-to-space (wireless) test of the TORU teleoperated rendezvous & docking system, i.e., between the TORU control station in the SM and Progress M-06M/38P, docked at SM Aft. Progress DPO (Approach & Attitude Control) thrusters were not commanded. [TORU is the manually teleoperated backup approach and docking system for the automated Progress ships. It will be on "hot standby" during the upcoming arrival of 39P.]

With Alexander, Mikhail & Tracy due to depart on Soyuz TMA-18/22S on 24/09, Alexander & Mikhail (of Expedition 24) spent several hours with FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin (of Expedition 25) on handover activities, to get Fyodor up to date with RS (Russian Segment) tasks and issues.

TVIS Update:
TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System) is currently No-Go due to some off-nominal noise during operation, and one of the slats appears to be partially buckled. A troubleshooting procedure was developed. This activity has some urgency since Alexander & Mikhail are within the thirty day deadline of required return exercise protocol. They are currently approved for using the T2 COLBERT treadmill. (Note: TVIS is located in the SM, and TVIS ops. are currently under RS control, however maintenance remains the responsibility of US specialists.)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/25/2010 09:23 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 25/08/2010:

With all remaining propellants in Progress M-06M/38P transferred, TsUP/Moscow today performed the standard vacuum purging of the Progress fuel (ZUG) and oxidizer (ZUO) lines, venting propellant residuals in the plumbing between Progress & SM into space, with prior attitude control handover to the Russian MCS (Motion Control System). All events were nominal.
Earlier, FE-4 Doug Wheelock had closed the protective shutters of the Lab, JPM & Cupola science windows. Also, to protect the T2 treadmill during the line purging/venting, the orange-colored snubber alignment guides (4) were installed by Wheels before the US-to-RS handover and removed again by FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson after the RS-to-US handover.

TVIS Update:
TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System) is currently No-Go due to some off-nominal noise during operation, and one of the slats appears to be partially buckled. A troubleshooting procedure was developed and uplinked for comment, to be implemented by CDR Alexander Skvortsov & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin tomorrow. The procedure includes involves removal of the raised belt slat along with the two slats surrounding it and replacement of all three with spares if they are damaged. Afterwards, both a manned and unmanned ACO (Activation & Checkout) run with video/audio capture complete the procedure.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 08/26/2010 01:07 pm
ISS ship-tracker operating alongside Norwegian satellite

26 August 2010
Nearing the end of its third month of continuous operation, the International Space Stations ship-tracking experiment has experienced a marked increase in data quality. Now it operates along with a dedicated satellite carrying the same receiver.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Technology/SEMA7AZNZBG_0.html
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/26/2010 09:00 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 26/08/2010:

CDR Alexander Skvortsov & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin spent several hours on a major IFM (Inflight Maintenance) on the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System) treadmill in the SM, trying to repair the running belt which had created off-nominal noise due to a buckled belt slat. TVIS troubleshooting is expected to continue tomorrow (see note at bottom).

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko meanwhile replaced the TVIS Control Panel in the SM, first powering it off with the circuit breaker, waiting for about an hour (to cool down), then uninstalling the current control panel (#1001), taping & stowing it, and installing the new control panel (#1002) instead. Both panels were photo documented.

Additionally, Mikhail used pressurized O2 from Progress M-06M/38P O2 stores for another refresh of the ISS cabin for about an hour. [The Elektron O2 generator is currently off.]

TVIS Update:
After the Russian crewmembers this morning obtained video of the original anomaly and also removed the raised belt slat, they found a small bolt under the slat – the cause of the buckling and noise. The original troubleshooting plan was to remove 3 slats and weld nuts and then to conduct an overall inspection of the tread belt, chassis, and chassis components. Now that the root cause of the noise is known, ground teams are meeting to optimize the remaining work that must be performed. TVIS troubleshooting is expected to continue tomorrow.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 08/27/2010 01:18 am
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 26/08/2010:

TVIS Update:
After the Russian crewmembers this morning obtained video of the original anomaly and also removed the raised belt slat, they found a small bolt under the slat – the cause of the buckling and noise. The original troubleshooting plan was to remove 3 slats and weld nuts and then to conduct an overall inspection of the tread belt, chassis, and chassis components. Now that the root cause of the noise is known, ground teams are meeting to optimize the remaining work that must be performed. TVIS troubleshooting is expected to continue tomorrow.

Thanks for posting the latest. Been slacking off on keeping up with these...

(Thinking out loud...) Something in the back of my mind is recalling an issue with TVIS a few months back, and they noted that something was missing and never found. Perhaps it was this missing bolt? Time will tell, as they need to know where the bolt came from. If I have time tomorrow I might browse back and see if I can find it.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/27/2010 09:26 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 27/08/2010:

CDR Alexander Skvortsov, with FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko assisting for the checkout, spent several more hours on Part 2 of the IFM (Inflight Maintenance) on the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System) in the SM, repairing the running belt which had a buckled belt slat due to a loose screw found under it, stemming probably from a TVIS drum. [The new situation required the crew to (1) inspect both drums, (2) check the tread belt fabric for damage, (3) verify weld nut alignment, (4) re-torque the belt slat screws & apply new witness marks to them (which would indicate, over time, slight rotational displacements of the screws), and (5) inspect the roller bearings for possible damage by the screw. An unmanned & manned ACO (Activation & Checkout) run was to wrap up the troubleshooting.]

Activities conducted by FE-6 Shannon Walker today included:
• Equipping the Node 2 Port stowage hatch handle with the label
  "Use Manual Override".
• Performing a data collection session on the CubeLab and transferring
  the data to laptop.
• Looking for missing Node 2 CQ (Crew Quarters) rack brackets.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/28/2010 08:41 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 28/08/2010:

TVIS Update:
FCT (Flight Control Team) uplink:  "Great work on the TVIS Troubleshooting yesterday.  TVIS is now GO for use!".
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/28/2010 10:12 pm
Here's a few interesting ISS articles from the past few days:

BBC News: "Vacuum lab to grow space crystals may be added to ISS". (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11095650)

Terma to head the ASIM observatory for the International Space Station. (http://www.terma.com/index.dsp?page=3358#)

RIA Novosti: "ISS astronauts call Peru's ancient Machu Picchu". (http://en.rian.ru/science/20100827/160359265.html)

Aviation Week: "NRC Faults NASA ISS Research Focus". (http://www.aviationnow.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=space&id=news/asd/2010/08/26/09.xml&headline=NRC%20Faults%20NASA%20ISS%20Research%20Focus)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 08/29/2010 12:47 am
Here's a few interesting ISS articles from the past few days:

BBC News: "Vacuum lab to grow space crystals may be added to ISS". (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11095650)

Terma to head the ASIM observatory for the International Space Station. (http://www.terma.com/index.dsp?page=3358#)

RIA Novosti: "ISS astronauts call Peru's ancient Machu Picchu". (http://en.rian.ru/science/20100827/160359265.html)

Aviation Week: "NRC Faults NASA ISS Research Focus". (http://www.aviationnow.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=space&id=news/asd/2010/08/26/09.xml&headline=NRC%20Faults%20NASA%20ISS%20Research%20Focus)

really like the chances for the vacuum lab. Great possibilities.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/29/2010 06:47 pm
Japan to stay in ISS project past 2016.

The Strategic Headquarters for Space Policy, headed by Prime Minister Naoto Kan, has decided Japan will continue to participate in the International Space Station (ISS) project through 2016 and beyond.

The government will officially communicate its decision, made Aug. 27, to other participating countries in the near future.

The United States has proposed that the ISS -- whose future from 2016 and beyond had been undecided -- remain in operation until at least 2020. However, Japan's continued participation in the project was attacked in last autumn's cost-cutting committee deliberations, with critics pointing out that the ISS was costing Japanese tax payers some 110 million yen a day.

Source. (http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20100828p2a00m0na011000c.html)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/29/2010 07:49 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 29/08/2010:

Today at 8:09 AM EDT/12:09 PM GMT, the ISS (specifically the FGB) completed 67,500 orbits of the Earth, having covered a distance of 2.91 billion km (1.82 billion st.miles) in 4300 days, or about 5 times the Hohmann travel distance to Mars. [The 19,300 kg/42,600 lbs FGB was launched on a Russian/Khrunichev Proton from Baikonur almost 12 years ago, on 20/11/1998, as the first element of the multi-national space station.]

Upon TsUP GO FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko was to use pressurized O2 from Progress M-06M/38P O2 stores for another refresh of the ISS cabin for about an hour. [The Elektron O2 generator is currently off.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 08/30/2010 05:24 pm
Expedition 24 In-Flight Interviews - August 30
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6127
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/30/2010 07:22 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 30/08/2010:

Underway: Week 13 of Increment 24. Big Science this week!

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko spent several hours on preparing Progress M-06M/38P for its departure tomorrow morning (~11:22 AM GMT). Specifically, the usual close-out steps included:
• Installing the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma)
  between Progress and the SM Aft port.
• Uninstalling & removing the LKT local temperature sensor commutator
  (TA251MB) of the BITS2-12 onboard measurement telemetry, along
  with its ROM (Read Only Memory) unit (TA765B) for re-use.
• Scavenging (removing) an SD1-7 double-light fixture from the
  Progress, stowing it with spares & updating the IMS.
• Activating the spacecraft's electronics and taking out the
  ventilation/heating air duct.
• Closing the hatches on TsUP Go (~3:30 PM GMT).
• Removing the QD screw clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer mechanism
  (SSVP) which rigidized the joint [during clamp removal and leak checking, Russian
  thrusters were inhibited from 3:00 PM to 7:40 PM GMT due to load constraints].
• Starting the standard one-hour leak checking of the SU docking
  vestibule and fuel/oxidizer transfer line interface between Progress and the SM.
• Downlinking Mikhail's formal report on loading completion and the video
  depicting the close-out activities, for review by ground specialists.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 08/31/2010 04:26 pm
Expedition 24 - Hatch Inspection and undocking Progress M-06M
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6129
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/31/2010 07:45 pm
NASA TV Video: "Hurricane Earl as Seen from ISS".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUfM17hvEFg
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/31/2010 07:53 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 31/08/2010:

Progress M-06M/38P successfully undocked from the SM Aft port on time at 11:21 AM GMT after hook opening command at 11:18 AM. 38P will free-fly for about one week on autonomous mission and is scheduled to re-enter destructively on 06/09 (deorbit ~12:06 PM GMT). [Earlier, FE-4 Doug Wheelock closed the protective shutters of the Lab, JPM & Cupola windows, until about 11:46 AM GMT, while FE-6 Shannon Walker turned off the amateur/ham radio equipment, later back on. FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin monitored the undocking with the NIKON D3 camera with a f80-200 mm lens through SM window 26, focusing in particular on the Progress docking mechanism (STA) to verify that there were no missing or damaged O-ring seals on the docking interface. FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko used the Progress undocking for a test of the external Klest (KL-154M) TV camera, recording footage on the SONY HVR-Z1 camcorder for playback and downlink tomorrow. Later, Mikhail switched the SM-to-Soyuz PEV (Pressure Equalization Valve, Russian: KVD) manually to its Closed position, a standard post-undocking procedure.]

For protecting CIR (Combustion Integrated Rack) and its PaRIS (Passive Rack Isolation System) from external dynamic disturbances during the Progress undocking, FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson had installed the lock-down alignment guides (4) on the FCF (Fluids & Combustion Facility) early in the morning.

Structural Vibrations Issue:
Over the weekend, ground controllers observed a small oscillation on the Starboard Truss in the down-linked images of ISS external camera views (S1LOOB/lower outboard video camera on S1 Truss and JPM external aft camera). Ground engineers reviewed available accelerometer data yesterday, but no source of the vibrations has as yet been determined. Assessments are being held today to determine whether these vibrations are acceptable for the MT translation scheduled tomorrow from WS-2 (Worksite-2) to WS-4.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/31/2010 08:14 pm
Check out these great photos from Doug Wheelock via Twitter: :)

Quote
The 'Cupola', attached to the nadir side of the Space Station, gives a panoramic view of our beautiful planet. Fyodor took this picture from the window of the Russian Docking Compartment (Airlock). Here I am in the Cupola preparing a camera for our late evening Hurricane Earl flyover…trying to capture the moment…

Quote
Hurricane Earl is gathering some serious strength. It is incredible what a difference a day makes when you're dealing with this force of nature. Please keep a watchful eye on this one...not sure if Earl will go quietly into the night like Danielle. Earl – "Go placidly amid the noise and haste…and remember what peace there may be in silence…"
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 08/31/2010 08:47 pm
Skvortsov: New Russian Module Rassvet is the Noisiest in the ISS.

Mini Research Module-1 (MRM-1), also called Rassvet (Dawn), is the most noisy unit of the International Space Station, Alexander Skvortsov, station commander said, answering the question sent through the ISS Mail Box.
The Box available in Memorial Space Museum for any visitor to send a letter to the ISS, is supported by Roscosmos PAO.
"There is noise in the station, din of the working equipment. You get used to it easily… But each module has its level of noise, and Rassvet is the noisiest one...", - ISS commander stated, RIA Novosti informs.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10225&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 09/01/2010 01:55 am
Check out these great photos from Doug Wheelock via Twitter: :)

Quote
The 'Cupola', attached to the nadir side of the Space Station, gives a panoramic view of our beautiful planet. Fyodor took this picture from the window of the Russian Docking Compartment (Airlock). Here I am in the Cupola preparing a camera for our late evening Hurricane Earl flyover…trying to capture the moment…

Quote
Hurricane Earl is gathering some serious strength. It is incredible what a difference a day makes when you're dealing with this force of nature. Please keep a watchful eye on this one...not sure if Earl will go quietly into the night like Danielle. Earl – "Go placidly amid the noise and haste…and remember what peace there may be in silence…"

Great pics.

Not too keen on Earl, or Fiona (behind it)...another hurricane heading straight for Nova Scotia...and when I'm on my vacation  :(
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 09/01/2010 01:57 am
Skvortsov: New Russian Module Rassvet is the Noisiest in the ISS.

Mini Research Module-1 (MRM-1), also called Rassvet (Dawn), is the most noisy unit of the International Space Station, Alexander Skvortsov, station commander said, answering the question sent through the ISS Mail Box.
The Box available in Memorial Space Museum for any visitor to send a letter to the ISS, is supported by Roscosmos PAO.
"There is noise in the station, din of the working equipment. You get used to it easily… But each module has its level of noise, and Rassvet is the noisiest one...", - ISS commander stated, RIA Novosti informs.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10225&lang=en

Hmmm...interesting. Thanks for that note. They'll have to work around that...or close it up and jetison it  ;)  :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/01/2010 04:51 pm
Hmmm...interesting. Thanks for that note. They'll have to work around that...or close it up and jetison it  ;)  :)

This is what happenes when you try to build modules on the cheap! ;D
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/01/2010 05:33 pm
Expedition 24 In-Flight Interviews - September 1
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6131
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/01/2010 07:36 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 01/09/2010:

More catching up on Science!

At ~9:00 AM GMT, the Russian Elektron O2 generator was reactivated by ground commanding with FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko monitoring the external temperature of its secondary purification unit (BD) for the first 10 minutes of operations to ensure that there was no overheating. [The gas analyzer used on the Elektron during nominal operations for detecting H2 in the O2 line (which could cause overheating) is not included in the control algorithm until 10 minutes after Elektron startup. Elektron had to be turned off while the BITS2-12 onboard telemetry measurement system & VD-SU control mode were temporarily deactivated for the KOB1 3SPN1 panel maintenance.]

MT Translation:
At ~5:20 PM to 7:20 PM GMT, the MT was moved by ground command (S-band) on its rails on the main truss from WS-2 (Worksite-2) to WS-4. Russian thrusters were disabled for this event, and no unisolated crew exercised was allowed during the roll-over.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/01/2010 08:56 pm
Photos of the Progress M-06M/38P undocking.

Image 1 hi-res. (http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-24/hires/iss024e012963.jpg)

Image 2 hi-res. (http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-24/hires/iss024e012965.jpg)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/01/2010 09:38 pm
Russian Crew of the ISS to Get New Meals.

Food rations for the Russian crew of the International Space Station will become more varied next year. IBMP official told Izvesia that the Institute prepares 16-day rations to replace 10-day ones.
The rations are set up on the basis of scientific calculations for calories and micro-elements required for humans during long-term space missions.
The menu includes dehydrated soups, meat and fish dishes, desserts, sweets, etc. Each cosmonaut feels a special polling list, to make it possible for the experts to define individual rations.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10235&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/02/2010 08:09 pm
Expedition 24 In-Flight Interviews - September 2
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6133

Space Station captured Birds-Eye views of Earl and Fiona
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6134
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/02/2010 08:50 pm
RIA Novosti: "Russian cosmonauts long for hot showers on ISS".

A team of Russian cosmonauts working at the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) are unhappy about the absence of hot showers onboard, a Russian cosmonaut said on Thursday.

The U.S. segment of the station has a shower cabin that was delivered by the Endeavor shuttle in 2008.

"There are wipes and towels onboard instead of a shower. It is not so easy to do without it for six months. Besides, it turned out that the towels we wipe ourselves with are not only damp, but also cold. Even if they are heated up a bit, they cool down very quickly," said Oleg Kotov, who recently returned from the orbiting platform.

Kotov's colleague, Alexei Lazutkin, said he had not faced a similar problem in the Russian Mir space station. Unlike the Russian ISS section, Mir was equipped with a shower booth, he said.

Source. (http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100902/160438103.html)

----------

Roscosmos PAO: "Russian Cosmonauts Wish to Have Internet in the ISS".

Russian crew members of the International Space Station would like to have full-capable internet access in their segment, but they can survive without this opportunity, ISS Commander Alexander Skvortsov said answering the question asked through the ISS Mail Box available in Memorial Space Museum with support of Roscosmos PAO.
"I can't say if or when we would have internet access in our segment. This is not an issue of my level, it should go to the officials. We wouldn't be against it, that's true. But we can easily survive without it", Skvortsov said, RIA Novosti informs.

Source. (http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10241&lang=en)

----------

Roscosmos PAO: "ISS Crew Doesn’t Feel Uncomfortable Because of Oxygen System Problems".

International Space Station crew does not feel any discomfort linked with periodical failures of Russian and US oxygen regeneration systems Electron and OGS, ISS Commander Alexander Skvortsov said answering the question asked through the ISS Mail Box available in Memorial Space Museum with support of Roscosmos PAO.
"We can breathe easily… We don't feel any discomfort, because two redundant oxygen generation systems are available onboard. If one of them fails, the other one maintains proper functionality", Skvortsov noted, RIA Novosti informs.

Source. (http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10244&lang=en)

----------

NASA TV Video: "Station Cameras Obtain Birds-Eye View of Earl and Fiona".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAArGSgSQu8
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: brahmanknight on 09/02/2010 10:28 pm
Shower cabin?  I don't remember ever hearing mention of a shower cabin on the ISS.  When did I miss this?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/02/2010 10:41 pm
Shower cabin?  I don't remember ever hearing mention of a shower cabin on the ISS.  When did I miss this?

They are referring to the WHC (Waste & Hygeine Compartment) in Node 3. It's not really a shower - in the words of Garrett Reisman "It's just a glorified sponge bath". ;)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/03/2010 04:14 pm
Some nice photos of Hurricane Earl from Doug Wheelock via Twitter.

Image 1 caption.
Quote
Approaching Hurricane Earl, a little after 5:00 PM EDT (9:00 PM GMT) on Thursday…in the gap between ISS structure you can clearly see the state of Florida, Lake Okeechobee, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Cuba (behind the starboard solar arrays). Looks like a gorgeous summer day in south Florida…such a contrast to what lies just off shore…

Image 2 caption.
Quote
Just moments after the previous photo…caught this image of the eye of the storm as we flew over Hurricane Earl just to the east. It looks like magnificent chaos from up here on the Space Station…an incredibly breathtaking sight to see this storm. Many prayers from space going out to those in the path…please stay alert.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 09/03/2010 05:04 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-126

SPACE STATION CREW TALKS WITH STUDENTS AT FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER

WASHINGTON -- Approximately 500 middle school students and teachers at
the Pinellas County Science Center in St. Petersburg, Fla., will have
an out-of-this-world phone conversation with NASA astronauts aboard
the International Space Station.

Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock, Tracy Caldwell Dyson, and Shannon
Walker will make the long-distance phone call on Thursday, Sept. 9,
from 11:45 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. EDT.

Students have prepared for the downlink by using data from NASA's
satellite network to complete lessons in robotics and marine science.
NASA astronaut Robert Springer will be on hand at the center to speak
with the students and answer questions. NASA education staffers also
will conduct experiments with the students.

The downlink is one in a series with educational organizations in the
U.S. and abroad to improve teaching and learning in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics. It is an integral component
of Teaching From Space, a NASA Education Office program. It promotes
learning opportunities and builds partnerships with the education
community using the unique environment of human spaceflight.

The center is celebrating its 50th year as a non-profit educational
facility with programs focused on science, technology, engineering
and mathematics. The center houses an observatory, planetarium,
marine touch tank, weather station, wetlands and labs for cyber
security, forensics, chemistry, robotics, energy, petrology and
computers.

NASA Television will air video from the station during the event. For
NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv


For information about NASA's education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 09/03/2010 06:17 pm
Some nice photos of Hurricane Earl from Doug Wheelock via Twitter.

Image 2 caption.
Quote
Just moments after the previous photo…caught this image of the eye of the storm as we flew over Hurricane Earl just to the east. It looks like magnificent chaos from up here on the Space Station…an incredibly breathtaking sight to see this storm. Many prayers from space going out to those in the path…please stay alert.

Great images.

Yeah, we're bracing for it here, where it is expected to make landfall southwest of us. Oh joy. Might lose a few more trees. My parents are a little too close for comfort.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/03/2010 08:31 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 03/09/2010:

After removing all cables of the EMCS (European Modular Cultivation System) in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) to allow tilting of ER-3 (ExPrESS Rack-3) away from the wall, and setting up the VCA-1 (Video Camera Assembly-1) for activity monitoring by the ground, FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson accessed the WOOV-8 (Water On-Off Valve-8) and worked on it to free the movement of the stuck valve. [Access required the temporary removal of the G1 camcorder & Shure microphone installed in the COL port cone/aft. Afterwards, ER-3 was rotated back, connected to its cabling (umbilicals for GN2 supply, vacuum exhaust) and the EMCS cables were re-connected.]

FE-6 Shannon Walker cleared out food items from the LAB1S1 (Lab Starboard 1) location to make room in preparation for the planned ARS (Atmosphere Revitalization Systems) Rack swap between the Lab and Node 3.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/03/2010 09:43 pm
collectSPACE: "Hold the horseradish: Top Chef's short ribs to be 'deconstructed' for spaceflight". (http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-090310a.html)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/04/2010 07:23 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 04/09/2010:

COL WOOV-8 Update:
FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson's attempt yesterday to "unstick" the LTL (Low Temperature Loop) WOOV-8 (Water On/Off Valve-8) in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory) was not successful. Tracy also reported a greenish substance on the bolt of the valve, which may or may not be precipitate from a slow water leak. When dissolved in a fluid the substance is Tox level 0; as a solid residue it is generally considered Tox level 1. To be on the safe side, Tracy was advised to don goggles, a dust mask and silver shield gloves when deciding to clean the valve.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/05/2010 04:12 pm
A shot of the LTL WOOV-8 activities in COL.

Here we can see ER-3 (in COL1A1) rotated away from the module shell to allow access to WOOV-8. The Aft-Port module closeout has also been removed.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: anik on 09/06/2010 02:43 pm
Progress M-06M cargo ship was successfully deorbited today at 15:13:50.5 UTC after the performing of Radar-Progress experiment.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/07/2010 04:35 pm
A shot of activities on the ARS rack in NOD3A4. This image is unique as it shows Node 3 with the WHC "Kabin" removed, allowing for a rare full view of Node 3's interior.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/07/2010 07:59 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 07/09/2010:

In preparation for Progress M-07M/39P docking on Friday, CDR Alexander Skvortsov & FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko went through the standard 3 hour refresher training for the TORU teleoperator system, which provides a manual backup mode to the Progress' KURS automated rendezvous radar system. A tagup with a TORU instructor at TsUP/Moscow via S-band audio supported the training. [The drill included procedure review, rendezvous, docking data and rendezvous math modeling data review, fly-around, final approach, docking and off-nominal situations (e.g., video or comm. loss). Three different flight conditions were simulated on the RSK1 laptop. The TORU teleoperator control system lets a SM-based crewmember perform the approach and docking of automated Progress vehicles in case of KURS failure. During spacecraft approach, TORU is in "hot standby" mode. Receiving a video image of the approaching ISS, as seen from a Progress-mounted docking television camera ("Klest"), on a color monitor ("Simvol-Ts", i.e. "symbol center") which also displays an overlay of rendezvous data from the onboard digital computer, the CDR would steer the Progress to mechanical contact by means of two hand controllers, one for rotation (RUO), the other for translation (RUD), on adjustable armrests. The controller-generated commands are transmitted from the SM's TORU control panel to the Progress via VHF (Very High Frequency) radio. In addition to the Simvol-Ts color monitor, range, range rate (approach velocity) and relative angular position data are displayed on the "Klest-M" video monitor (VKU) which starts picking up signals from Progress when it is still approximately 8 km away. TORU is monitored in real time from TsUP over RGSs (Russian Ground Sites) and via Ku-band from Houston, but its control cannot be taken over from the ground. On 10/09, Progress KURS-A (active) will be activated at 10:59 AM GMT on Daily Orbit 1 (DO-1), SM KURS-P (passive) two minutes later. Progress floodlight will be switched on at a range of ~8 km. Progress TORU will activate at 3 km range. Flyaround to the SM aft (+X) port (~400 m range, in sunlight) starts at 12:12 PM GMT, followed by station keeping at 170 m at ~12:22 PM. Start of final approach: ~12:26 PM (DO-2) in sunlight, contact: ~12:37 PM. SM Kurs-P deactivation on mechanical capture. Sunset: 12:42 PM.]

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-4 Doug Wheelock worked several hours jointly swapping the ARS (Atmosphere Revitalization System) racks to their permanent locations: AR-1 was returned to the US Lab and AR-2 was moved into Node 3. This provides the station with two active CDRAs (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assemblies). [To make room for the transfers, the WHC (Waste & Hygiene Compartment) Kabin and the CEVIS (Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation System) were removed temporarily, with FE-6 Shannon Walker taking Wheels' place for the Kabin re-installation. The crew was able to move the racks without disconnecting the ALTEA (Anomalous Long Term Effects on Astronauts Dosimetry) hardware.]

If the MCA (Major Constituent Analyzer) on AR-2 required a pumpout/calibration (per ground determination), Shannon was to open the manual valve (HV01) and later close it again. [The MCA is used as primary device for accurately monitoring O2 and CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the cabin air.]

To prepare and make room for the upcoming relocation of the CHeCS (Crew Health Care System) RSR (Resupply Stowage Rack) to LAB1D4 (Lab rack bay Deck 4), Shannon had about an hour to shuffle stowage items, i.e., clean out cargo stowed at D4 and transfer it to other locations.

Progress M-05M/37P Thruster Control:
US-21 Matching Unit control of 37P thrusters via SM was successfully restored last night. This re-established roll control of the ISS using 37P thrusters instead of SM jets (which were disabled). 37P is docked to DC-1 Nadir, most efficient for roll control.

Progress M-07M/39P Launch Preps:
At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, preparations continue for the launch of the 39P cargo vehicle to the ISS. Countdown is proceeding nominally toward a launch tomorrow (08/09) at 11:11 AM GMT for a 12:37 PM GMT docking on Friday (10/09). L-1 activities are currently being conducted. 39P will deliver 1,918 pounds of propellant, 110 pounds of oxygen & air, 375 pounds of water and 2,645 pounds of spare parts & experiment hardware.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/07/2010 09:35 pm
ISS Crew is Looking Forward to Receiving New Movies.

International Space Station flight engineer Fyodor Yurchikhin likes andventures and comedies, he said answering the question sent through the ISS Mail Box in Memorial Space Museum with support of Roscosmos PAO.
Yurchikhin and his colleagues aboard the ISS are looking forward to arrival of Progress M-07M to get new movies to watch in the station.
According the Fyodor, there is a big film collection in the station, and normally the crew gets together on week-ends to watch brand-new films.
On the other days, Yurchikhin says, cosmonauts watch movies during their daily sport training.
He himself likes old Russian movies, comedies and adventures, Interfax informs.

Source. (http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10284&lang=en)

-----

The Number of ISS RS Experiments Increased – ISS Flight Engineer.

The scientific program of the International Space Station Russian segment is enlarged, flight engineer Fyodor Yurchikhin said answering the question sent through the ISS Mail Box in Memorial Space Museum with support of Roscosmos PAO.
Yurchikhin states that there are more Russian experiments carried out on board the station now, due to increased number of the crew members and integration of the new modules.
"Compare to my previous mission a couple of years ago, the program improved a lot. We got new scientific equipment, for example Glovebox and photospectrometers", Yurchikhin says.
According to Fyodor, many experiments are getting to new high-quality level, like Pilot, for which less time is needed today, Interfax informs.

Source. (http://www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10286&lang=en)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/08/2010 08:16 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 08/09/2010:

Progress M-07M/39P Launch Delay:
The launch of Progress 39P, planned for this morning at 11:11 AM GMT has been delayed until Friday (10/09) due to high winds over the Baikonur launch site. Launch time: 10:22 AM GMT. Docking is planned for Sunday (12/09) at ~11:57 AM GMT. This is a First for the ISS Program.

In preparation for their return on Soyuz TMA-18/22S on 24/09, CDR Alexander Skvortsov, FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko & FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson donned their Sokol flight suits and conducted the periodic 30 minute fit check of their Kazbek couches in the 22S spacecraft, i.e., the three contoured shock absorbing seats in the Descent Module. [For the fit check, crewmembers remove their cabin apparel and don Sokol KV-2 suit and comm caps, get into in their seats and assess the degree of comfort and uniform body support provided by the seat liner. Using a ruler, they then measure the gap between the top of the head and the top edge of the structure facing the head crown. The results are reported to TsUP. Kazbek-UM couches are designed to withstand G-loads during launch and orbital insertion as well as during reentry and brake-rocket-assisted landing. Each seat has two positions: cocked (armed) and noncocked. In cocked position, they are raised to allow the shock absorbers to function during touchdown. The fit check assures that the crewmembers, whose bodies gain in length during longer-term stay in zero-G, will still be adequately protected by the seat liners for their touchdown in Kazakhstan, either emergency or regular return.]

For ground monitoring of the Progress rendezvous & docking on Sunday, Tracy & Alexander set up the Ku-band video "scheme" for a communications test of converting the RS (Russian Segment) video signal from the SONY HDV camera to US NTSC format and Ku-band from FGB & SM, for downlinking "streaming video" packets via US OpsLAN and Ku-band. [For the test, Tracy configured the SSC-1 (Station Support Computer-1) A31p laptop in the FGB and activated the VWS (Video Streaming Workstation) laptop for both the conversion and the "streaming" MPEG-2 (Moving Pictures Expert Group-2) encoding, with Alexander running the video test from the RS. The previously used ESA MPEG2 Encoder in the SM was not used, in favor of the more stable VWS.]

Tracy & FE-4 Doug Wheelock worked a newly-added troubleshooting task on the ARED (Advanced Resistive Exercise Device). [The exercise device yesterday was reported to have its cable arms popping out of the detents, due to the pulley rope prevented from full retraction into the frame by some tuft (cluster of threads). For the troubleshooting, the crewmembers were to cut the tuft off and remove the belt pulley cover to confirm the rope was still routed properly on the pulleys.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: TJL on 09/08/2010 08:29 pm
Wow...can't remember the last time a Soyuz launch was delayed due to weather.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Fequalsma on 09/08/2010 10:18 pm
PMA cost is $3.9M, according to an AvWeek article, August 23-27, 2010, page 40.

Sounds like the Big 14 list is on the way :)

...

What is the cost of each PM ORU?

TBD

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jcm on 09/09/2010 01:18 am
Progress M-06M cargo ship was successfully deorbited today at 15:13:50.5 UTC after the performing of Radar-Progress experiment.

err.... I think you mean 12:13:50.5 UTC?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/09/2010 07:35 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 09/09/2010:

CDR Alexander Skvortsov, FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko & FE-5 Fyodor joined for a 30 minute review & discussion of a concentrated program of biotechnical experiments to be conducted throughout the month of September in the RS, focusing on a large number of biotech payloads due to arrive on Progress M-07M/39P on Sunday (12/09), including:
• BTKh-6 ARIL.
• BTKh-7 OChB.
• BTKh-8 BIOTREK.
• BTKh-10 KONYUGATSIYA.
• BTKh-14 BIOEMULSIYA.
• BTKh-26 KASKAD.
• BTKh-27 ASTROVAKTSINA.
• BTKh-40 BIF.
• BTKh-41 BACTERIOFAG.
• BIO-10 POLIGEN.
• TKhN-9 KRISTALLISATOR.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/09/2010 07:47 pm
Expedition 24 - Educational Event -September 9
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6140
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: anik on 09/09/2010 11:26 pm
err.... I think you mean 12:13:50.5 UTC?

Yes, I am sorry. dT = 198 seconds. dV = 101.75 meters per second.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/10/2010 07:30 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 10/09/2010:

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the new cargo ship Progress M-07M/39P was launched today on time at 11:22 AM GMT (4:22 PM local time) on a Soyuz-U rocket. Ascent was nominal, and all spacecraft systems are without issues. Docking to the ISS at the SM Aft port is planned for Sunday (12/09) at ~11:58 AM GMT. 39P carries 2290 kg (5048 lbs) of cargo, specifically: 870 kg (1918 lbs) of propellants, 50 kg (110 lbs) of oxygen & air, 170 kg (375 lbs) of water and 1200 kg (2645 lbs) of spare parts & experiment hardware.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/10/2010 07:49 pm
Shannon Walker's latest blog entry from the ISS, featuring a personal perspective on the ETCS problems. :)

First person perspective from orbit: What happens when a critical part breaks and we have to go fix it. (http://blogs.chron.com/inorbit/2010/09/first_person_perspective_from_orbit_what_happens_when_a.html)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/10/2010 10:11 pm
NASA Opens Space Station For Biological Research From NIH Grants.

NASA is enabling biomedical research with National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants that take advantage of the unique microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station to explore fundamental questions about important health issues.

The NIH Biomedical Research on the International Space Station (BioMed-ISS) awards are the next step in a new partnership to apply the national laboratory to research that complements NASA's own space studies. The NIH studies include research on how bones and the immune system weaken in space.

"This marks the beginning of a new era in microgravity-based research with the International Space Station turning the corner from construction to use as a new national laboratory," said Mark Uhran, assistant associate administrator for space station, NASA Headquarters in Washington.

In 2005 Congress recognized the immense promise the station holds for U.S.-led science and technology efforts. It opened the U.S. portion of the facility to federal agencies, university and private sector researchers by designating the station as a national laboratory. In addition to NIH, NASA has similar research agreements with the Departments of Defense, Agriculture and Energy and the National Science Foundation.

Scientists will conduct their experiments under a two-stage mechanism. The first is a ground-based preparatory phase to allow investigators to meet select milestones and technical requirements. The second is an experimental phase on the space station that will include preparing the experiments for launch, working with astronauts to conduct them on orbit and performing subsequent data analyses on Earth.

"BioMed-ISS offers a novel opportunity for gaining scientific insights that would not otherwise be possible through ground-based means," said Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., director of the NIH's National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and NIH liaison to NASA. "The beauty of this initiative is that it offers an unprecedented opportunity for benefitting human health on earth, while leveraging the American public's investment in the ISS."

NIH is hosting three rounds of competition for the initiative. The first round of grants for the ground-based phase, totaling an estimated $1,323,000, has been awarded as follows:

Paola Divieti, M.D., Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston: Weight-bearing activities contribute to the development and maintenance of bone mass, while weightlessness and immobility, as experienced by the astronauts and bedridden and immobilized patients, can result in bone loss and a weakened skeleton. Osteocytes, the most common type of bone cell, are believed to have gravity-sensing abilities. These cells play a key role in bone remodeling, a process that is vital to skeletal health. In studying osteocytes in a gravity-free environment, Divieti aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for osteoporosis and related bone diseases.

Millie Hughes-Fulford, Ph.D., Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco: The immune system, which protects the body against foreign substances, is suppressed in space. A reduction in the immune response also occurs in the elderly, who, like the astronauts, are at increased risk for infection. As a former astronaut, Hughes-Fulford, a former payload specialist on the STS-40 Spacelab Life Sciences shuttle mission in 1991, aims to apply lessons learned from studies of immune cells in microgravity to a new model for investigating the loss of immune response in older women and men.

Declan McCole, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego: The movement of toxins from intestines to other organs in the body is a major source of illness in the United States. A major factor in disease stems from the ability of toxins to compromise the natural barrier function of cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Using microgravity based three-dimensional cell culture models, McCole plans to generate insights regarding the barrier properties of the intestines, and explore how the absence of gravity affects a toxin's ability to diminish this barrier.

For more information about NIH and NASA activities, visit:
www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/NIH_NASA_Activities

For information about the International Space Station, visit:
www.nasa.gov/station

For more information about NIH and its programs, visit:
www.nih.gov

Source. (http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/sep/HQ_10-210_ISS_BIO_Research.html)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/12/2010 01:13 pm
Expedition 24 - Progress M-07M/39 Launch
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6142

Expedition 24 - Progress M-07M / 39 Docking to the International Space Station
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6141
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/12/2010 08:18 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 12/09/2010:

Yest kasaniye! At 11:57 AM GMT, Progress M-07M/39P docked  successfully to the SM Aft port under automatic KURS control, followed by a final DPO post-contact thrusting burn, docking probe retraction and hook closure ("sborka", ~12:04 PM GMT) after motion damp-out while the ISS was in free drift for 20 minutes (11:58 AM to 12:18 PM GMT). At "hooks closed" signal, the SM returned to active attitude control, maneuvering the ISS to LVLH TEA (Torque Equilibrium Attitude) at ~12:18 PM GMT. Control authority returned to US Momentum Management at ~1:00 PM GMT. Russian thrusters were disabled temporarily during clamps install and leak check (1:30 PM to 3:25 PM GMT). All Progress systems operated nominally from automated rendezvous start at approximately 9:32 AM GMT, Progress KURS-A activation and testing, KURS antenna retraction, and ending with successful approach & docking.

For monitoring 39P maneuvering and docking, CDR Alexander Skvortsov & FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson set up the Ku-band video "scheme". [The crew configured the SSC-1 (Station Support Computer-1) A31p laptop in the FGB and activated the VWS (Video Streaming Workstation) laptop for both the conversion and the "streaming" MPEG-2 (Moving Pictures Expert Group-2) encoding in order to downlink "streaming video" packets via US OpsLAN and Ku-band. The previously used ESA MPEG-2 Encoder in the SM was not used, in favor of the more stable VWS.]

Also before docking, the amateur/ham radio equipment was deactivated to prevent RF interference with the Progress KURS radio control system.

Tracy installed the four snubber alignment guides on the T2 treadmill to protect the exercise device. After the docking and before first exercise run, FE-4 Doug Wheelock removed the guides.

In addition, Tracy closed the protective shutters of the Lab, JPM & Cupola science windows.

After the 39P docking, Alexander & FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko shut off the TORU teleoperated rendezvous & docking system, used as manual standby, and reconfigured the STTS telephone/telegraph subsystem to normal ops. [The "Voskhod-M" STTS enables telephone communications between the SM, FGB, DC-1 and USOS, and also with users on the ground over VHF (Very High Frequency) channels selected by an operator at an SM comm. panel, via STTS antennas on the SM's outside. There are six comm. panels in the SM with pushbuttons for accessing any of three audio channels, plus an intercom channel. Other modes of the STTS include telegraphy (teletype), EVA voice, emergency alarms, Packet/Email, and TORU docking support].

The crewmembers then conducted the standard 1 hour leak checking of the docking vestibule and fuel/oxidizer transfer line interface between Progress and the SM PKhO (Transfer Compartment).

Later today, the Russian crewmembers:
• Opened the hatches (~3:00 PM GMT) and installed the QD
  screw clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer mechanism
  (SSVP) to rigidize the coupling (CDR).
• Performed the standard air sampling inside Progress with the Russian
  AK-1M air sampler (FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin).
• Powered down the spacecraft and installing the ventilation/heating
  air duct (CDR).
• Took photographs of the internal docking surfaces for subsequent
  downlinking (FE-5).
• Dismantled the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma)
  between Progress and the SM (~4:00 PM GMT) [the StM is the
  "classic" probe-and-cone type, consisting of an active docking
  assembly (ASA) with a probe (SSh), which fits into the cone (SK) on
  the passive docking assembly (PSA) for initial soft dock and
  subsequent retraction to hard dock. The ASA is mounted on the
  Progress' cargo module (GrO), while the PSA sits on the docking ports
  of the SM, FGB, DC-1, MRM-2 & MRM-1].
• Transferred a number of Russian high priority biotechnology payloads
  to the ISS, setting them up in the RS (Russian Segment) and taking
  documentary photography of each:
  o BTKh-5/LAKTOLEN (to Bioecology container in SM).
  o BTKh-6/ARIL (to the TBU thermostat-controlled incubator at +29°C).
  o BTKh-7/OChB.
  o BTKh-14/BIOEMULSIYA.
  o BTKh-26/KASKAD (Cascade), (to KRIOGEM-03M at +4°C).
  o BTKh-40/BIF (to MRM-2, then to TBU at +29°C).
  o BTKh-41/BACTERIOFAG (Bakteriophag, to container and TBU).
  o BTKh-10/KONYUGATSIYA (to KRIOGEM-03M at +4°C).
  o BIO-1/POLIGENE.
  o TkhN-9/KRISTALLIZATOR.

FE-6 Shannon Walker handled the high-priority transfer & installation of two critical science payloads from Progress:
• ESA SODI (Selectable Optical Diagnostics Instrument) experiment.
• JAXA PCG (Protein Crystal Growth) canister – installed in the
  PCRF (Protein Crystallization Research Facility) and PCRF cable
  connected.

Fyodor then had ~1.5 hours reserved on his timeline for the first cargo transfers from the Progress to the ISS.

On the US side, Tracy disassembled & removed the RS video "scheme" while Doug powered up the amateur/ham radio equipment in the SM.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/13/2010 07:53 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 13/09/2010:

FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin worked in the Progress M-07M/39P vehicle to install the electronic LKT local temperature sensor commutator (TA251MB) of the BITS2-12 onboard telemetry measurement system and its PZU-1M ROM (Read Only Memory), using recycled boxes from stowage. This completes the integration of the cargo ship into the ISS RS MCS (Motion Control System).

Working on the CDRA in the Lab AR-1 (Atmosphere Revitalization-1) rack, FE-4 Doug Wheelock performed a leak inspection on the Hydraflow connectors of its Bed 201 and installed the MCA (Major Constituent Analyzer) DCA (Data & Control Assembly), assisted by FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson. [After some issues with the AR-2 CDRA in Node 3, which ground controllers recovered OK, today's maintenance on the Lab CDRA, focusing on the Hydraflow connectors and the MCA, is intended to restore the second CDRA to operation.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/14/2010 05:28 pm
Expedition 24 - In-Flight Event Interviews - September 14
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6145

Space Station Cameras Capture Igor
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6144
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: anik on 09/14/2010 06:00 pm
Tomorrow's ISS orbit's reboost by eight DPO engines of Progress M-07M cargo ship is planned at 09:04 UTC. The duration of manoeuvre will be 526 seconds. The mean altitude of ISS orbit will be raised by 2 kilometres to 356 kilometres.

Source: MCC-M.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/14/2010 08:32 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 14/09/2010:

With the Lab CDRA restored to full service yesterday and the Node 3 CDRA not now required, FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson supported its deactivation by disconnecting its LTL (Low Temperature Loop) return line at the AR-2 (Atmosphere Revitalization-2) rack.

Reboost:
A one-burn reboost of ISS is scheduled tomorrow morning at 9:04 AM GMT using the Progress M-07M/39P DPO rendezvous & docking thrusters. Planned burn duration: 8 minutes 46 seconds; delta-V: 1.2 m/s (3.94 ft/s). Expected mean altitude gain: 2.1 km (1.13 nmi). Purpose: Set up phasing for Soyuz TMA-18/22S landing on 23/09 (Eastern) and Soyuz TMA-01M/24S launch conditions on 07/10. This reboost along with another in mid-October will set up phasing for Progress M-08M/40P launch on 27/10 and a string of consecutive FD-3 launch opportunities for STS-133/ULF-5 starting on 01/11.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/14/2010 08:37 pm
NASA TV Video: Space Station Cameras Capture Igor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq8TQHABi2s
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/15/2010 04:47 pm
Expedition 24 - In-Flight Interview - September 15
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6147

Dual Hurricanes in the Atlantic
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6146
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/15/2010 08:34 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 15/09/2010:

CDR Alexander Skvortsov & FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko spent several hours with prepacking cargo and loading it on the Soyuz TMA-18/22S spacecraft for their 23/09 departure.

In the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), FE-4 Doug Wheelock temporarily relocated cargo bags from specific locations to make room for the planned MARES (Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System) commissioning.

Reboost Update:
A one-burn reboost of ISS was performed successfully this morning at 9:04 AM GMT using the Progress M-07M/39P DPO rendezvous & docking thrusters. Burn duration was 8 minutes 46 seconds; delta-V: 1.25 m/s (4.09 ft/s). Mean altitude gain: 2.19 km (1.18 nmi). Purpose: Set up phasing for Soyuz TMA-18/22S landing on 23/09 (Eastern) and Soyuz TMA-01M/24S launch conditions on 07/10. This reboost along with another one in mid-October sets up phasing for Progress M-08M/40P launch on 27/10 and a string of consecutive FD-3 launch opportunities for STS-133/ULF-5 starting on 01/11.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/15/2010 09:53 pm
Fruit Flies Tested in the ISS Russian Segment.

After a rather long calm period with biotechnology in the Russian segment of the International Space Station, fruit flies returned to the ISS, flight engineer Fiodor Yurchikhin said answering the question from the ISS Mail Box in Memorial Space Museum. The project devoted to the Year of Russian Space Exploration- 2011 – is supported by Roscosmos PAO.
There were several questions about living organisms onboard the ISS in the Mail Box. It’s true, insects or small animals were not tested in the Russian segment for a rather long time.
Fruit flies in special containers – Polygen experiment - were brought by Progress M-07M docked to the station last Sunday.
The insects will spend some time in microgravity, until their return in Soyuz TMA-18 on Sept. 24, in order to give scientists the opportunity to verify their capabilities in zero-g, with the further on purpose to use the results for similar evaluations of the human body, Yurchikhin explained.
According to him, several other biotechnological experiments to be carried out by Russian cosmonauts within next week are to be returned to the Earth on Sept. 24.

Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10345&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/15/2010 10:24 pm
NASA TV Video: "Dual Hurricanes in the Atlantic".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNwrRY4FvJU

NASA TV Video: "Expedition 24 Discusses Mission with Media".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WySURo4_u0
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/15/2010 10:45 pm
Two nice images from Doug Wheelock via Twitter.

Quote
'Igor the Terrible'…It was about 2:00pm GMT today…out over the Atlantic, and we came upon the monster, Hurricane Igor. This storm is enormous with an impressive eye wall. Seeing the blue water down through the eye of the storm is so surreal. I can scratch that off my bucket list. Go quietly, Igor, and remember what peace there may be in silence…

Quote
Tropical Storm Julia departing the 'Birthplace of Atlantic Hurricanes', the Cape Verde Islands, and beginning the relentless journey westward, away from the southern islands of Maio, Sao Tiago, Fogo and Brava. Currently only a tropical storm, but showing tremendous organization and rotation. I think we may hear more from Julia in the coming days…
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/16/2010 08:18 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 16/09/2010:

In COL, FE-4 Doug Wheelock & FE-6 Shannon Walker began with the long-awaited assembly and installation of the extensive MARES (Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System) payload hardware. [First steps today included setting up the VCA (Video Camera Assembly) and digital still camera to support documentary video & photography, unstowing the MARES components from the launch configuration (most of it stowed in the JLP, assembling the electronics into the Main Box and configuring other components. Background: The ESA MARES will be used for research on musculoskeletal, biomechanical, and neuromuscular human physiology to better understand the effects of microgravity on the muscular system. MARES hardware comprises an adjustable chair and human restraint system, a pantograph (an articulated arm supporting the chair, used to properly position the user), a direct drive motor, associated electronics and experiment programming software, a linear adapter that translates motor rotation into linear movements, and a vibration isolation frame. It is capable of supporting measurements & exercise on seven different human joints, encompassing nine different angular movements, as well as two additional linear movements (arms and legs). It is considerably more advanced than current ground-based medical dynamometers (devices used to measure force or torque) and a vast improvement over existing ISS muscle research facilities. MARES may be used together with an associated device called the PEMS II (Percutaneous Electrical Muscle Stimulator II).]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: stockman on 09/17/2010 02:31 am
Sounds like they had a caution alarm on one of the experiments in the Columbus module - the experiment powered itself down according to the chatter. The crew was just sent back to bed after some initial t/s'ing with the ground
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/17/2010 08:04 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 17/09/2010:

CDR Alexander Skvortsov & FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko retreated for two hours into the Soyuz TMA-18/22S spacecraft's SA (Descent Module) to conduct the Soyuz descent drill, a standard training exercise for every crew returning on a Soyuz. Results of the exercise, which strictly forbids any command activation (except for switching the InPU display), were subsequently reported to ground control at TsUP/Moscow. [The session includes a review of the pertinent ODFs (Operational Data Files), specifically the books on Soyuz Ascent & Descent Procedures, Emergency Descents, and Off-Nominal Situations, crew responsibilities when executing the flight program, visual crew recognition of SUS (Entry Control System) failures, spacesuit procedures, etc., with special emphasis on operations with the Neptune-ME cockpit console. The training uses a Descent Simulator application (Trenasher Spusk ="descent trainer") on the RSK1  laptop. During the actual descent, Alexander, as Soyuz CDR, will occupy the middle couch, with Mikhail in the left & FE-3 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson in the right Kazbek couch. Pending the final State Commission decision at about 3.5 hours before undocking, 22S return is expected on 24/09 (next Friday).]

In COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), FE-6 Shannon Walker finished up on the extensive assembly and installation of the MARES (Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System) payload hardware, assisted by Wheels. [Steps today included setting up the VCA (Video Camera Assembly) and digital still camera to support documentary video & photography, installing the VIF (Vibration Isolation Frame) onto the MARES Rack, preparing & cabling the PIU, performing power verification, finally disconnecting and stowing the equipment.

PAS-4 Checkout:
Ground controllers were to conduct a remote-controlled checkout of the PAS-4 (Payload Attach System-4) located on the S3 Truss lower inboard, at ~3:45 PM GMT, using the S1 lower inboard camera for monitoring. No crew involvement required.
Pete's note: I assumed this was to verify PAS-4 functionality for ELC-4 install during STS-133/ULF-5. However, upon checking, I learned that ELC-4 will be installed on PAS-3, not PAS-4. Also, PAS-4 is located on the S3 Truss lower outboard, not inboard, and is currently occupied by ESP-3. So I'm assuming that PAS-4 was written in error, and that PAS-3 has actually been checked out.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/18/2010 04:33 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 17/09/2010:
PAS-4 Checkout:
Ground controllers were to conduct a remote-controlled checkout of the PAS-4 (Payload Attach System-4) located on the S3 Truss lower inboard, at ~3:45 PM GMT, using the S1 lower inboard camera for monitoring. No crew involvement required.
Pete's note: I assumed this was to verify PAS-4 functionality for ELC-4 install during STS-133/ULF-5. However, upon checking, I learned that ELC-4 will be installed on PAS-3, not PAS-4. Also, PAS-4 is located on the S3 Truss lower outboard, not inboard, and is currently occupied by ESP-3. So I'm assuming that PAS-4 was written in error, and that PAS-3 has actually been checked out.

After a conversation with STS-133 ISS Lead Flight Director Royce Renfrew via Twitter, I have learned that my drawings are in fact incorrect, and that the ISS report was correct. PAS-3 is located on S1 lower outboard, and is currently occupied by ESP-3. PAS-4 is located on S1 lower inboard, and will be the install location for ELC-4. Renfrew says the PAS-4 checkout was successful.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/19/2010 03:10 pm
NASA TV Video: Three Hurricanes Tracked by Station Cameras.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXju8_EXko0

NASA TV Video: ISS Crew Gives Perspective on Huricanes to Weather Channel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsSF-VYY9vs
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/19/2010 04:21 pm
Quote from: Doug Wheelock via Twitter
The time has come to transition to Expedition 25 aboard the International Space Station, and honor the tradition of the Change of Command of this incredible spaceship. We wish good luck, safe journey and a soft landing to our friends and crewmates Alexander 'Sasha' Skvortsov; Mikhail 'Misha' Kornienko; and Tracy Caldwell Dyson.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/19/2010 07:53 pm
Cosmonauts and Astronauts Can Visit Any ISS Segment.

Russian cosmonauts and NASA astronauts can visit Russian and US segments of the International Space Station, GCTC Chief Sergey Krikalev said questioned by RIA Novosti during traditional press conference of Soyuz TMA-01M crew.
Asked about 'segmenting' of the ISS, Krikalev said that there were no borders onboard the station, so cosmonauts and astronauts can move freely in the ISS.
Soyuz commander Alexander Kaleri added that ISS crews have meals together in one or the other segment. The crews are not inclined to violate this tradition.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10369&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Targeteer on 09/19/2010 08:54 pm
While they can move freely, it's obvious from monitoring of voice and video from the station that Cosmonauts work almost exclusively in the Russian segment and visa versa for the US/European/Canadian/Japanese astronauts. Roles in the ISS are definitely segmented.  Spacewalks on the Russian segment are conducted in Russian suits from the Russian airlocks.  Russian crews talk to Moscow controllers.  While the ISS is international, sometimes it looks more like a Russian station that happens to be attached to a western one...
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/19/2010 10:00 pm
While they can move freely, it's obvious from monitoring of voice and video from the station that Cosmonauts work almost exclusively in the Russian segment and visa versa for the US/European/Canadian/Japanese astronauts. Roles in the ISS are definitely segmented.  Spacewalks on the Russian segment are conducted in Russian suits from the Russian airlocks.  Russian crews talk to Moscow controllers.  While the ISS is international, sometimes it looks more like a Russian station that happens to be attached to a western one...

That is merely done to save time on training - Russian crewmembers are highly trained in Russian systems, but only broadly trained in US systems, and vice-versa for US crewmembers. JAXA/ESA crewmembers often do lots of work in their respective modules as they are highly trained in those modules, and JAXA/ESA have more control over the timelines of their own crewmembers.

Back in early 2009, there was some controversy when Russian crewmembers were banned from using USOS equipment, and US crewmembers were banned from using RS equipment. That situation was successfully resolved, and Russian crewmembers now exercise on the US CEVIS, T2 & ARED exercise equipment daily. US crewmembers also use the Russian TVIS on a daily basis (TVIS was designed by JSC, and is serviced by Russian crewmembers under the direction of MCC-H). One Russian crewmember also sleeps in the USOS CQs.

The Quest A/L was originally supposed to support both US EMU and Russian Orlan EVAs, but that capability was never pursued/funded due to the fact that it is now unneeded (in the original ISS plan, no dedicated Russian A/L was to be present at assembly complete. However, now that the SPP has been cancelled and MRM-2 has been added, the RS will always have its own dedicated A/L).

A few weeks ago, Expedition 24 was behind on science due the ETCS problems. The US traded something with Russia and Russian crewmembers were brought into the USOS to help catch up on science.

So, while I would agree that most ISS operations are segmented, I don't think it's through lack of co-operation.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: erioladastra on 09/19/2010 10:10 pm
While they can move freely, it's obvious from monitoring of voice and video from the station that Cosmonauts work almost exclusively in the Russian segment and visa versa for the US/European/Canadian/Japanese astronauts. Roles in the ISS are definitely segmented.  Spacewalks on the Russian segment are conducted in Russian suits from the Russian airlocks.  Russian crews talk to Moscow controllers.  While the ISS is international, sometimes it looks more like a Russian station that happens to be attached to a western one...

Yes, because generally there are enough Russians onboard ot take care of the RS and enough "USOS" astronauts (hate the term but what we are stuck with) for the USOS.  But there is cross training and they do things on both sides.  Right now, in the crew time billing accounting the Russian crew owes NASA some time and therefore they are doing some basic activities in the USOS as training allows.  Segemented ops really means how crew time is allocated and who is responsible for what.  If you go outside of that then something has to be traded somewhere.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Targeteer on 09/20/2010 12:38 am
It would seem the Cosmonauts will permanently "owe" the USOS because they will have 3 members for the forseeable future to work in 2 functionally critical but limited (science particularly) modules compared to the USOS segment. I've heard ISS leadership mention the crew percentage makeup but I would be intrigued to see an explanation of how a station dominated by non russian partner components (mass, functionality, and internal volume) has a 50% russian crew.  Dependence on, and extensive use by the Russians of the US developed and funded TDRS network only increases the disparity.  Progress and Soyuz are vital but use of those missions is paid for by non russian users...  Purchase of Soyuz seats probably has a lot to do with the crew makeup.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/20/2010 03:47 pm
The ZSR in LAB1P1 has been rotated away from the pressure shell to allow access to the Lab FWD-PORT closeout (which has been removed). Doug is installing a jumper to provide power from the lab to the Node 1 Nadir CBM for the PMM.

I asked STS-133 ISS Lead Flight Director Royce Renfrew about this via Twitter.
Quote
Tungsten_Flight:
On Monday Wheels will install a jumper in the US LAB on ISS that we need to get power to the PMM during STS-133.

Space_Pete (me):
@Tungsten_Flight Cool! Will that jumper go thru the CBM or will it be a hatch drag-through?

Tungsten_Flight:
@Space_Pete The jumper is entirely contained in the LAB. It connects to some existing cables to get power into Node 1.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/20/2010 07:39 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 20/09/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-6 Shannon Walker joined forces to relocate the CHeCS (Crew Health Care System) RSR (Resupply Stowage Rack) from rack bay LAB1O5 (Lab Overhead 5) to LAB1D4 (Lab Deck 5).

FE-4 Doug Wheelock had ~2.5 hours set aside for IFM (Inflight Maintenance) preparatory to the arrival of the PMM on STS-133/ULF-5 in November, installing a power jumper for the PMM Mod Kit.

Wheels also cleared out rack bay NOD2D5 (Node 2 Deck 5) for the CQ-3 (Crew Quarters-3) relocation from JPM1D3 (JPM Deck 3) by relocating stowed cargo bags.

In COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), Tracy restored the stowage to its original state before the temporary cargo removal to allow MARES (Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System) Commissioning. [Restored were front stowage bags from bays D1 & D2 to their original positions at O3 (Overhead 3), O4, D3 (Deck 3) & D4.]
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/20/2010 09:18 pm
ISS Cosmonauts Study Polymer Production Methods.

On Sept. 20, Russian crew members of the International Space Station have a rather tough schedule. This day, the cosmonauts are preparing for the landing scheduled for Sept. 24, and perform different experiments.
Biotechnology is the main activity in the today’s scientific program of the crew. Among the experiments, there is Membrane, which is devoted to studying production methods of porous polymers with proper structures. These materials can be used as filters, membranes, sorbents.  The polymers are grown in special tubes in microgravity.
Flight engineer Fiodor Yurchikhin today will work with the first kit of the experiment, and continue with the second one tomorrow. On Wednesday, he will accommodate the kits in the Soyuz TMA-18 vehicle for return early in the morning on Sept. 24.
Alexander Skvortsov and Mikhail Kornienko go on with physical training to restore muscles and adjust themselves for gravity after the long-term mission.

Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10375&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/21/2010 05:52 pm
Expedition 24 - Flight Engineer Tracy Caldwell Dyson Talks About Her Mission
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6161
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/21/2010 08:55 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 21/09/2010:

With the protective shutters of the JPM, Lab and Cupola windows closed, CDR Alexander Skvortsov prepared for Soyuz TMA-18/22S undocking next Thursday evening by spending an hour in the 22S Descent Module (SA) supporting a ground-commanded checkout of the Soyuz MCS (Motion Control System SUD, Mode 2/"Docked") which included pressurization of the KDU (Combined Propulsion System) Section 2 and Tank 2, a test of the pilot's translational hand controller (RUD), and a hot firing of the DPO braking thrusters (7:51 AM to 8:17 AM GMT). DPO lateral thrusters were not fired. [For the RST (rasstjkovkoy/undocking) test, station attitude was handed over to Russian thruster control at 7:30 AM GMT, commanded to free drift at 7:51 AM, then back to LVLH XVV attitude. The one-minute firing started on Daily Orbit 2 during an RGS (Russian Groundsite) pass. Attitude control was returned to the USOS at 8:18 AM GMT.]

Afterwards, FE-4 Doug Wheelock spent several hours in Node 2, installing a rack grounding strap in the D5 (Deck 5) location and making other necessary preparations in support of tomorrow's scheduled relocation of the CQ-3 (Crew Quarters-3) rack from JPM1D3 (JPM Deck 3) to NOD2D5 (Node 2 Deck 5).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/21/2010 10:52 pm
Some great photos of the MARES commissioning are now up at the Expedition 24 Image Gallery (http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-24/inflight/ndxpage24.html) (see pages 24 & 25).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/22/2010 02:34 am
A note about tomorrow's CQ-3 relo from JPM1D3 to NOD2D5: Upon completion of the relo, the ISS's USOS CQ system will be fully assembled (all 4 CQs will be arranged in a circumferential fashion around Node 2 bay 5)!

I'll be away from my PC all day, so if anyone can keep an eye out for NTV coverage, that'd be great. :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/22/2010 03:59 pm
I flicked on NTV just in time! :)

CQ-3 has been relocated to NOD2D5! Tracy is currently hooking it up to power & data lines. The CQ-3 bumpout still needs to be installed.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/22/2010 07:08 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 22/09/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson removed the "bump-out" structural elements on the Portside & Overhead CQs (Crew Quarters) in Node 2, in preparation for the subsequent CQ-3 installation by FE-4 Doug Wheelock.

Wheels, in parts assisted by FE-6 Shannon Walker, transferred the CQ-3 rack from JPM1D3 and installed it in NOD2D5. [Wheels had made necessary preparations in Node 2 yesterday.]

With ISS command now being transferred from Alexander Skvortsov to Douglas Wheelock for Increment 25, beginning this week, and Fyodor Yurchikhin remaining aboard as the sole Russian cosmonauts, Alexander & Fyodor, at ~2:00 PM GMT, signed two copies of the formal Russian handover protocol document certifying RS (Russian Segment) handover/acceptance, including the contents of Progress M-05M/37P (#405), currently docked at DC-1 Nadir, and Progress M-07M/39P (#407), docked at SM Aft. [The first copy remains on ISS, the second copy will be returned to the ground on Soyuz TMA-18. "We, the Undersigned, have executed this Protocol to the effect that Skvortsov Alexander Alexandrovich, a crew member in charge of ISS RS E23/24, handed over and, Yurchikhin Fyodor Nikolayevich, a crew member in charge of ISS RS E24/25 accepted the ISS RS, including:- operation specifics, - onboard systems and hardware anomaly report,- Progress 405 and Progress 407 items (per IMS data)."]

The traditional "Change of Command" ceremony is scheduled later today, at ~9:05 PM to 9:20 PM GMT, with all crewmembers, officially marking the transfer of the baton from Increment 24 to Increment 25. [The official "count" for I-25 begins on Monday 27/09 (GMT 270).]

Soyuz TMA-18/22S Descent Timeline Overview:
If everything proceeds nominally, the return to Earth of the TMA-18 spacecraft tomorrow, 23/09, will proceed along the following approximate event sequence (all times GMT):
• ISS attitude control handover to RS --- 12:30 AM.
• ISS to free drift for undocking --- 1:31 AM.
• Undock command --- 1:32 AM.
• Separation springs action/physical sep (delta-V ~0.12 m/sec) --- 1:35 AM.
• Separation burn #1 (15 sec, ~0.63 m/sec) --- 1:38 AM.
• ISS maneuvers to Relaxation experiment attitude --- 3:48 AM.
• Deorbit Burn start (delta-V 115.2 m/sec) --- 4:04:23 AM.
• Deorbit Burn complete --- 4:09:44 AM.
• Tri-Module separation (140 km alt) --- 4:29:15 AM.
• ISS maneuvers to duty attitude --- 4:32 AM.
• Atmospheric entry (99.5 km alt, with ~170 m/sec) --- 4:32:22 AM.
• Entry Guidance start (80.5 km alt) --- 4:33:57 AM.
• Max G-load (34.5 km alt) --- 4:38:49 AM.
• Parachute deploy command (10.8 km alt) --- 4:40:44 AM.
• 22S Landing (DO1) --- 4:55:44 AM GMT; 7:55:44 AM Moscow DMT; 10:55:44 AM local
  Kazakhstan; (loc. 47deg 22min N, 69deg 35min E).
• ISS attitude control handover to US --- 5:10 AM.
[Note: Kazakhstan time = GMT+6h; = EDT+10h. Moscow DMT = EDT+7h.]

What the Soyuz TMA-18 crew will experience during their reentry/descent on Thursday evening:
• For the reentry, Alexander Skvortsov, Mikhail Kornienko & Tracy Caldwell-Dyson will
  wear the Russian Kentavr anti-G suit under their Sokol suits. [The Kentavr garment is a
  protective anti-G suit ensemble to facilitate the return of a long-duration crewmember
  into the Earth gravity. Consisting of shorts, gaiters, underpants, jersey and socks, it
  acts as countermeasure for circulatory disturbance, prevents crewmember from
  overloading during descent and increases orthostatic tolerance during post-flight
  adaptation. Russian crewmembers are also advised to ingest fluid-electrolyte additives,
  viz., three sodium chloride tablets during breakfast and after the midday meal, each
  time with 300 ml of fluid, and two pills during the meal aboard Soyuz before deorbit.]
• Before descent:
  o Special attention will be paid to the need for careful donning of the medical belt with
     sensors and securing tight contact between sensors and body.
  o During preparation for descent, before atmosphere reentry, crewmembers settle
     down comfortably in the Kazbek couches, fasten the belts, securing tight contact
     between body and the seat liner in the couch.
• During de-orbit:
  o Dust particles starting to sink in the Descent Module (SA) cabin is the first indication
     of atmosphere reentry and beginning of G-load effect. From that time on, special
     attention is required as the loads increase rapidly.
  o Under G-load effect during atmosphere reentry the crew expects the following
     experience:
     . Sensation of G-load pressure on the body, burden in the body, labored breathing
       and speech. These are normal sensations, and the advice is to "take them coolly".
       In case of the feeling of a lump in the throat, this is no cause to "be nervous". This
       is frequent and should not be fought. Best is to "try not to swallow and talk at this
       moment". Crew should check vision and, if any disturbances occur, create additional
       tension of abdominal pressure and leg muscles (strain +abdomen by pulling in), in
       addition to the Kentavr anti-G suit.
     . During deployment of pilot parachute (0.62 & 4.5 square meters), drogue chute
       (16 sq.m.) and main (518 sq.m.) chutes the impact accelerations will be perceived
       as a "strong snatch". No reason to become concerned about this but one should be
       prepared that during the parachutes deployment and change ("rehook") of prime
       parachute to symmetrical suspension, swinging and spinning motion of the SA
       occurs, which involves vestibular (middle ear) irritations.
• It is important to tighten restrain system to fasten pelvis and pectoral arch.
  Vestibular irritation can occur in the form of different referred sensations such as
  vertigo, hyperhidrosis, postural illusions, general discomfort and nausea. To prevent
  vestibular irritation the crew should "limit head movement and eyes movement", as well
  as fix their sight on motionless objects.
• Just before the landing (softened by six small rocket engines behind the heat shield):
  o Crew will be prepared for the vehicle impact with the ground, with their bodies fixed
     along the surface of the seat liner in advance. "Special attention should be paid to
     arm fixation to avoid the elbow and hand squat" (instruction).
     Landing speed: ~9.9 m/sec.
• After landing:
  o Crew should not get up quickly from their seats to leave the SA. They were advised
     to stay in the couch for several minutes and only then stand up. In doing that, they
     should limit head and eyes movement and avoid excessive motions, proceeding
     slowly. Their body should not take up earth gravity in the upright position too quickly.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/22/2010 09:21 pm
Expedition 24 / 25 Change of Command Ceremony
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6162
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/22/2010 09:33 pm
Did anyone manage to get a recording of the CQ-3 xfer (John44)? ;)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 09/23/2010 07:28 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-134

NASA ASTRONAUTS ON SPACE STATION CONNECT WITH HOUSTON STUDENTS

HOUSTON -- International Space Station astronaut Shannon Walker will
speak on Wednesday, Sept. 29 to students from three schools she
attended while growing up in Houston. Students from Parker Elementary
and Westbury High School will join those gathered at Johnston Middle
School to ask questions of Flight Engineer Walker and station
Commander Doug Wheelock from 10:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. CDT.

Media planning to attend should contact Norm Uhl via email at
[email protected] .

Walker is the first native Houstonian astronaut. She has been living
on the International Space Station since June. Walker was assigned to
Expedition 24/25 for a six-month stay and will return to Earth in
late November. She has been employed at NASA's Johnson Space Center
since 1987 and was selected as an astronaut in May 2004.

Students have been preparing for the downlink by participating in
science lessons and studying the space station. To determine who will
have the opportunity to ask questions, Johnston students filled out
applications where they explained the impact the space station has
had on society and their interest in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics.

This live, in-flight education downlink is one in a series with
educational organizations in the U.S. and abroad to improve teaching
and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It
is an integral component of Teaching From Space, a NASA Education
office. Teaching From Space promotes learning opportunities and
builds partnerships with the education community using the unique
environment of human spaceflight.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/23/2010 10:49 pm
NASA TV Video: Space Station Command Changes Hands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJLPuftMGOU
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/23/2010 11:17 pm
The hatches between TMA-18 & MRM-2 are now closed.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/24/2010 12:56 am
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 23/09/2010:

Crew Sleep Cycle Shift:
To accommodate tomorrow morning's Soyuz TMA-18/22S undocking (1:34 AM GMT), crew workday began at 1:30 PM GMT (shifted 7.5 hours) and ends with sleep at 6:30 AM GMT tomorrow morning. Wakeup on 24/09: 2:30 PM GMT, sleep: 9:30 PM GMT, returning to normal.

CDR Doug Wheelock worked several hours with FE-6 Shannon Walker on the MARES (Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System) payload hardware, performing troubleshooting including re-checking cable connections and power verification.

Later, cleaning up after yesterday's relocation of the CQ-3 (Crew Quarters-3) rack from the JPM to Node 2, Shannon reconfigured the JPM1D3 rack bay space with its nominal stowage contents.

Preparations for the Soyuz TMA-18/22S undocking began at ~9:20 PM GMT, with the activation of the Soyuz spacecraft by FE-1 Alexander Skvortsov.

Before ingress, FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko switches the Russian STTS comm. system to "undocking" mode and verifies that the onboard amateur radio stations in the SM and FGB are deactivated, to prevent RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) with the departing spacecraft.

Mikhail & FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson then enter the Descent Module, while Alexander performs the regular communications check from TMA-18.

Next, Mikhail activates the spacecraft's GA gas analyzer, after which Alexander inside and Doug outside will close the Soyuz & MRM-2 hatches. The departing Soyuz crew then starts the standard one-hour leak check on the Soyuz to MRM-2 vestibule.

After attitude control authority has been handed over to the RS MCS (Motion Control System) at ~12:20 AM GMT, the ISS will go into Free Drift at 1:30 AM to 1:39 AM GMT for MRM-2 hooks opening and Soyuz undocking at 1:37 AM. Attitude control will return to US Momentum Management with CMGs (Control Moment Gyroscopes) at ~4:40 AM GMT.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 09/24/2010 01:24 am
Seems like they're having quite a bit of troubles tonight with MRM-2. First there was microswitch for the hatch between the Soyuz and MRM-2 that failed to indicate a good latch and seal of the hatch.

Now they're having problem opening the MRM-2 hooks. Undocking is 12 minutes away.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 09/24/2010 01:29 am
MCC-M have asked Fyodor to listen for actual mechanical motion of the latches in an effort to determine whether or not this is yet another sensor malfunction.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 09/24/2010 01:37 am
NO-GO for undocking on this orbit. Trying again on the next. Beyond the next one, they have two more attempts based on the Soyuz' ballistic capability to reach the targeted landing site.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/24/2010 01:45 am
Just an observation, TMA-18 is the first spacecraft to have been docked to MRM-2 for a 6 month period.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 09/24/2010 01:56 am
They're going for the last undocking opportunity of the day, so ISS is being moved back to the nominal attitude for the time being. So the new de-orbit burn time would be 3:10 am EDT with landing at 4:06 am EDT.

Undocking would be at 12:35 am EDT.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 09/24/2010 02:05 am
MCC-M is going to have Fyodor listen again for any mechanical motion of the MRM-2 latches.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: PahTo on 09/24/2010 02:06 am

Is this the first time any docking mechanism has locked up on the Russian segment?  As they were going through/after depress, I heard FY call down that he had some input about the controls in MRM-2.  When prompted by MC, he said he'd discuss it later...
(I got the impression he was waiting until after tv time)

Is there any type of manual crank a-la the shuttle payload bay doors?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/24/2010 02:08 am
Can they scrub the undocking and try again tomorrow, or will it take several days for another attempt?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: PahTo on 09/24/2010 02:13 am

I would assume a scrub today would mean another try tomorrow.  Heck, they're trying for tonight...
I've also thought about re-pressing the vestibule, then depressing again to shift loads.

I found it interesting that they (apparently) cycled the MRM-2 latches successfully a while ago (90 mins?) but then re-engaged for a thruster firing...
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: PahTo on 09/24/2010 02:36 am

Undocking set for 04:40 GMT.

Re-opening MRM-2 side.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 09/24/2010 02:47 am
Here are the numbers Navias reported:

undock    12:40 EDT
drift away for two orbits, to range of 12 km
deorbit burn   3:14:35 AM EDT   [duration 4min21sec], slow by 115.2 m/sec
modules separation explosive bolts fire        3:39:46 EDT
entry interfact -- first sensible air drag at 326,000 ft      3:42 AM EDT
deploy parachutes         3:51 AM EDT
land   4:05:27   AM EDT
[2:05 PM in Kazakhstan, about 5.5 hrs before sunset]
 
The emergency landing zone is 400 km (240 miles) from
the nominal landing zone, and the recovery helicopters and
aircraft are redeploying to the backup operations base
in Arkalyk. The landing point is 50.4 N,  67.2 E.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/24/2010 03:07 am
Thrown an article together to cover the bases:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/09/live-soyuz-tma-18-undock-working-mrm-2-issue/
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 09/24/2010 04:09 am
Still standing by for word from the RS FCT.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 09/24/2010 04:12 am
Maneuver to undock attitude canceled.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 09/24/2010 04:13 am
A few minutes ago, NASA TV was showing a replay of some downlink of a piece of a "gear mechanism" with "two broken teeth."
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 09/24/2010 04:13 am
Decision is to wave off undocking and landing for the night.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 09/24/2010 04:13 am
Undocking have been canceled.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/24/2010 04:14 am
Yep, cancelled at least 24 hours. Not good on the broken teeth note!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 09/24/2010 04:14 am
A few minutes ago, NASA TV was showing a replay of some downlink of a piece of a "gear mechanism" with "two broken teeth."

Did you manage to capture some screenshots? Missed it as I was more focused on the comms.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 09/24/2010 04:16 am
A few minutes ago, NASA TV was showing a replay of some downlink of a piece of a "gear mechanism" with "two broken teeth."

Did you manage to capture some screenshots? Missed it as I was more focused on the comms.
No, I was hoping someone here might have...but I'm sure we'll see it again if it's related to the problem.

Sounds like they're going to work on opening up the hatches.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/24/2010 04:20 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: PahTo on 09/24/2010 04:20 am

I would assume the "broken teeth/mechanism" was seen when they opened the MRM-2 side.

Per earlier question, has a docking mechanism failure happened on the Russian segment during the ISS program?



A few minutes ago, NASA TV was showing a replay of some downlink of a piece of a "gear mechanism" with "two broken teeth."

Did you manage to capture some screenshots? Missed it as I was more focused on the comms.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/24/2010 04:23 am
A few minutes ago, NASA TV was showing a replay of some downlink of a piece of a "gear mechanism" with "two broken teeth."

I think that was the hatch latching mechanism on MRM-2. A tool (with teeth) is inserted into the gear socket & rotated to latch/unlatch the hatch. If the teeth are broken on the socket, then it'll make latching the hatch more difficult.

Bummer for the TMA-18 crew though - they said their goodbyes, packed up their stuff, and mentally left the ISS and started to think about Earth. Now they've gotta unpack and go though the whole cycle again.

What is it with this increment anyway? Ever since TMA-19 arrived, it’s just been problem after problem! We didn't really expect Tracy to get away without incident, did we? :D
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: PahTo on 09/24/2010 04:57 am

Next undock attempt set for 01:59 GMT tomorrow if I heard correctly.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/24/2010 05:01 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 09/24/2010 05:05 am
Here's my rough translation of a Novosti story that just moved on the Russian-language wire:

The component is discovered which could prevent the separation of "Soyuz " from the ISS

07:55 24/029/2010 //  http://www.rian.ru/science/20100924/278720642.html

MISSION CONTROL CENTER, 24 Sept - RIA Novosti. The flight engineer of the ISS Fedor Yurchikhin, who is located on board the station near the closed entrance port of the ship “Soyuz TMA-18”, discovered under the jacket of the actuator of an attachment point a broken-off gear wheel - possibly, precisely, this component prevented the regular separation of the spacecraft.

The separation of the manned spacecraft “Soyuz TMA-18” with three cosmonauts aboard, planned on 05.39 Moscow Time on Friday, was postponed through technical reasons. The ship could not be unjointed from the mooring port of module “Pirs”. In Mission Control they hope that the separation can be carried out soon; however, they do not exclude the delay of this operation.

On the request of Mission Control specialists, flight engineer Yurchikhin removed the jacket of the actuator of an attachment point - and revealed there the broken off gear wheel with size approximately 2 centimeters, about which he reported to Mission Control.

For the cosmonaut it was possible to photograph the gear wheel with two broken teeth and during a communications tele-session he showed the photograph to specialists.

It was obvious that of seven teeth on the gear wheel, two are broken in the photograph. It is possible that this faulty part was one of the reasons which impeded the opening of the undocking locks of the spacecraft “Soyuz TMA-18” from the ISS module “Pirs”.

Mission Control specialists thus far give no official comments.

Earlier story had this graf vice the final three, above:
"This object, similar to an asterisk with a hole in the middle, flew away further under the cover I do not see it, and therefore thus far I cannot reach it. Possibly, this is a gear wheel in size not more than two centimeters" , said Yurchikhin.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Fuji on 09/24/2010 05:12 am
A few minutes ago, NASA TV was showing a replay of some downlink of a piece of a "gear mechanism" with "two broken teeth."

Did you manage to capture some screenshots? Missed it as I was more focused on the comms.
No, I was hoping someone here might have...but I'm sure we'll see it again if it's related to the problem.

Sounds like they're going to work on opening up the hatches.

CBS News post the dameged gear picture.
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/home/spacenews/files/23edc67089539098be03ef34d7c11073-72.html
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: FinalFrontier on 09/24/2010 05:16 am
A few minutes ago, NASA TV was showing a replay of some downlink of a piece of a "gear mechanism" with "two broken teeth."

Did you manage to capture some screenshots? Missed it as I was more focused on the comms.
No, I was hoping someone here might have...but I'm sure we'll see it again if it's related to the problem.

Sounds like they're going to work on opening up the hatches.

CBS News post the dameged gear picture.
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/home/spacenews/files/23edc67089539098be03ef34d7c11073-72.html
So how does one fix something like this? I am guessing they cannot re open the hatches and reenter ISS with things the way they are now.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: DaveS on 09/24/2010 05:21 am
A few minutes ago, NASA TV was showing a replay of some downlink of a piece of a "gear mechanism" with "two broken teeth."

Did you manage to capture some screenshots? Missed it as I was more focused on the comms.
No, I was hoping someone here might have...but I'm sure we'll see it again if it's related to the problem.

Sounds like they're going to work on opening up the hatches.

CBS News post the dameged gear picture.
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/home/spacenews/files/23edc67089539098be03ef34d7c11073-72.html (http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/home/spacenews/files/23edc67089539098be03ef34d7c11073-72.html)
So how does one fix something like this? I am guessing they cannot re open the hatches and reenter ISS with things the way they are now.
They can and have. The problem isn't closing the MRM-2 hooks and latches, it is opening them for undocking.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/24/2010 05:47 am
Expedition 24 - Undocking Canceled
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6164
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: marshallsplace on 09/24/2010 08:09 am
The damaged gear from NASA TV this morning:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 09/24/2010 11:10 am
Thanks to all for this coverage. Very much appreciated.

I'd say a gear re-design is in order  ;)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: ChrisC on 09/24/2010 12:26 pm
The ruler in that photo should be indicating centimeters, right?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Hungry4info3 on 09/24/2010 01:18 pm
The ruler in that photo should be indicating centimeters, right?

Yes.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 09/24/2010 02:10 pm
Is NASA mistranslating 'jumpers' here?

Stage Set for Undocking Friday
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
   The stage is set for Soyuz TMA-18 to undock from the International Space Station at 10:02 p.m. EDT Friday after overnight repairs successfully fixed a troublesome docking mechanism.
   Space station crew members installed a series of jumpers, bypassing a failed component that had prevented commands from being received by the Russian Poisk module's docking mechanism. Once the jumpers were in place, the Poisk module hooks and latches were successfully opened. A similar series of hooks and latches on the Soyuz side of the docking mechanism remains in place, firmly holding the spacecraft to the space station.
   The station crew will sleep until 2 p.m. before it begins preparations for tonight's undocking and an early Saturday landing of Expedition 24 crew members Alexander Skvortsov, Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Mikhail Kornienko.
   At 12:12 a.m., the Mission Control Centers in Houston and Moscow concurred on a plan to reopen the Soyuz hatches and allow Alexander Skvortsov, Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Mikhail Kornienko to reenter the station. The planned undocking was prevented when commands being sent to disengage the hooks and latches holding the Soyuz TMA-18 spacecraft failed. The spacecraft remains securely docked to the Poisk module.
   Engineers are continuing to troubleshoot the problem. Expedition 25 Commander Doug Wheelock and Flight Engineers Shannon Walker and Fyodor Yurchikhin sent down video and still photos of a small star-shaped gear with two broken teeth, and experts are evaluating whether the part is related to the commanding problem.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: PahTo on 09/24/2010 02:15 pm

Where did the gear come from/what does it actuate?  I imagine it wasn't just a stray piece left behind during fabrication/assembly of MRM-2...

Space Pete noted the manual crank used to seal the hatch cover, but I don't think the cover mechanism means the diocking mechanism itself.  Perhaps this (gear) is part of the hatch cover mechanism?  Is the cover critical to maintaining an airtight seal with no vehicle docked?

I know, I ask a lot of questions, but such is the life of a troubleshooting engineer turned manager.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: psloss on 09/24/2010 02:16 pm
Here's Bill Harwood's update:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/home/spacenews/files/23edc67089539098be03ef34d7c11073-72.html

Quote
09:45 a.m. EDT, 09/24 Update: Installation of electrical bypass jumpers appears to resolve docking system anomaly

Installation of electrical jumpers that mimic an expected-but-absent "hatch locked" signal in the docking mechanism of the space station's Poisk module appears to have resolved a glitch that prevented three crew members from undocking and landing early Friday, officials said.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 09/24/2010 02:29 pm
Russian press reports describe an undocking glitch the last time a vehicle left the Poisk. But date references and the claim it was Soyuz TMA-17 conflict with my own records. Can anybody identify the vehicle and date for the previous Poisk undocking, and whether any 'glitch' was disclosed at that time? Spasibo!!

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/24/2010 04:12 pm
Thanks to all for this coverage. Very much appreciated.

I'd say a gear re-design is in order  ;)

Well, this system has been in use on the FGB & SM for 10 years without issue. However, given that MRM-2 is a new module, I wonder if the gear was redesigned?

For the teeth to have snapped off like that, I'd say the gear would have to have been put under a lot of mechanical force.

The earliest that a replacement part could be flown up is aboard Soyuz TMA-01M on Oct. 8.
However, with MRM-1 now permanently berthed to FGB Nadir, it may be possible to remove the obviously working gear from FGB Nadir & install it in MRM-2.

Russian press reports describe an undocking glitch the last time a vehicle left the Poisk. But date references and the claim it was Soyuz TMA-17 conflict with my own records. Can anybody identify the vehicle and date for the previous Poisk undocking, and whether any 'glitch' was disclosed at that time? Spasibo!!

That would have been Soyuz TMA-16 on March 18, 2010.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 09/24/2010 04:49 pm
That would have been Soyuz TMA-16 on March 18, 2010.

Right! But the only undocking anomaly reported by NASA appears unrelated to hardware:

ISS On-Orbit Status 03/18/10
   Yest posadka! (We have Landing!) Welcome back home, Jeff and Max! After 169 days 4 hrs 9 min in space (167d docked to ISS), Soyuz TMA-16/20S, carrying Exp-22 crewmembers Maxim Suraev (Russia) and Jeff Williams (USA), landed successfully this morning at 7:24am EDT (local time 5:24pm) in the snow-bound steppes of southern Kazakhstan northeast of the town of Arkalyk, with the crew in excellent condition. The descent capsule toppled on its side. See photo below. [TMA-16 (#226) undocked from its MRM2 port this morning at 4:03am EDT. Before undock, the crew performed leaks checks of the vestibule area between the MRM2 and the Soyuz spacecraft, of their suits and of the hatch between the Descent Module (SA) and Orbital Module (BO). There were 3 Longeron Shadowing cautions for the ISS during the preparation for undock, but these were quickly cleared because the vehicle was in planned (verified) configuration & attitudes. The Undock command was issued at 4:00am, followed by separation at 4:03am.

Is the Russian claim a garble or was there more that was unreported?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 09/24/2010 08:51 pm
New entry in Shannon Walker's space blog:

September 24, 2010 // Posted by Eric Berger at 11:28 AM

Being a human test subject in space: On the perils of blood pressure monitors and urine collection in zero gravity

 http://blogs.chron.com/inorbit/
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: mtakala24 on 09/24/2010 08:52 pm
has anyone seen the timeline for the second attempt?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: aquarius on 09/24/2010 09:15 pm
has anyone seen the timeline for the second attempt?

Hatch closure- 6:45 pm EDT
Undocking- 10:02 pm EDT
Deorbit burn- 12:32 am EDT
Landing- 1:21 am EDT.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/24/2010 09:43 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 24/09/2010:

Crew Sleep Cycle Shift:
To accommodate tonight's second attempt at Soyuz TMA-18/22S undocking, crew workday began at 6:00 PM GMT, after a long sleep (from 6:30 AM GMT) and ends with sleep at 5:35 AM GMT tomorrow morning. After a "sleepy" Saturday, wakeup on Sunday (26/09): 6:00 AM GMT, returning to normal.

Soyuz TMA-18/22S Undock Slip:
Last night, during the 22S undock attempt, the MRM-2 hooks failed to open, causing deferral of the departure to tonight after a number of troubleshooting attempts. New times are: Undocking – 1:59 PM GMT; Landing – 5:31 AM GMT. Descent timeline will change commensurably (see yesterday's status report).
• Background: Because of an issue with a TVU/Terminal Computing
  Device in MRM-2, hook opening for undocking was to be commanded
  manually by FE-1 Alexander Skvortsov in lieu of via computer
  (and PPL (Pre Positioned Load)). During MRM-2 hatch closure by the
  crew, the signal for "hatch closure" was received, but the indication of
  "hatch locked" (i.e. sealed) was not. FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin reopened
  & reclosed the hatch and moved the ratchet to the emergency
  position. Vestibule depressurization thereafter did not yield the same
  vacuum measurements from the pressure sensors in Soyuz and in
  MRM-2. After analysis, TsUP-Moscow gave the Go for the Soyuz crew
  to drive the hooks. But because the "hatch locked" indication was
  absent, hook opening did not happen. While waiting for a second
  attempt, Fyodor discovered a 7-toothed sprocket with 2 teeth missing
  floating behind the hatch inside the docking mechanism. It turns out
  that the dislodgment of the sprocket, with its rod sheared, prevented
  the "hatch locked" sensor from passing on its status – which in turn
  kept the hooks from opening.
• As a "workaround", by wiring 6 electrical jumpers appropriately with a
  pin-out board to mask the absence of the signal, the signal was
  emulated (faked), thus mimicking the "sealed" condition. As a result:
  the hooks opened, rendering the 22S spacecraft ready for departure
  tonight. All that's needed is to remove the QD clamps (manually) and
  release the Soyuz side hooks.
• The jumper configuration will be left in place until the next Soyuz
  docking – which will deliver a new jumper, to be installed instead. A
  NASA/Moscow ISS Management Meeting reviewed the situation this
  morning in detail, and there are no objections to tonight's undocking or
  the 08/10 launch date of Soyuz TMA-01M/24S.
• Message from Flight Control to the crew this morning: "Great training
  run yesterday! We also owe a huge thanks to Fyodor and the team for
  working late to get those MRM-2 hooks open! "This was another "First"
  for the ISS Program."

After wake-up at ~6:00 PM GMT, Alexander began going through the standard pre-undocking steps:
• Working with Fyodor & FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko on moving the Russian
  payloads back to Soyuz for stowage which had to be transferred
  overnight to the RS for preservation in the refrigerated containers
  (i.e., BTKh-6/ARIL, BTKh-7/OChB, BTKh-10/KONYUGATSIYA,
  BTKh-27/ASTROVAKTSINA & BIO-1/POLIGENE).
• Activating the Soyuz at ~9:10 PM to 10:10 PM GMT.
• Downlinking the standard report on the finished loading operations
  (~10:10 PM GMT).
• Removing the ZVB quick-release screw clamps on the SSVP docking
  mechanism between the MRM-2 & 22S which had to be put back in last
  night to rigidize the connection.

Wheels also will close the external protective window shutters of the Lab, JPM and Cupola in preparation for the undocking.

Mikhail & FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson are to join Alexander in the Descent Module, while Alexander performs the regular communications check from 22S.

Hatches will be closed by Alexander (in Soyuz) and Fyodor (in MRM-2) at ~10:30 PM to 10:50 PM GMT. The hatch closing will be covered live by photo/video as a PAO event, with FE-6 Shannon Walker in charge of video camera activation and deactivation after the event.

The departing Soyuz crew then starts the standard one-hour leak checks on the Soyuz to MRM-2 vestibule and their Sokol suits.

Later, Fyodor activates & verifies proper operation of the Russian TEKh-15/DAKON-M IZGIB ("Bend") experiment in the SM (Service Module) for taking structural dynamics data during the Soyuz spacecraft undocking. [IZGIB has the objective to help update mathematical models of the ISS gravitation environment, using accelerometers of the Russian SBI Onboard Measurement System, the GIVUS high-accuracy angular rate vector gyrometer of the SUDN Motion Control & Navigation System and other accelerometers for unattended measurement of micro-accelerations at science hardware accommodation locations - (1) in operation of onboard equipment having rotating parts (gyrodynes, fans), (2) when establishing and keeping various ISS attitude modes, and (3) when performing crew egresses into space and physical exercises.]

Structural dynamics measurements of the undocking will also be taken with the US IWIS (Internal Wireless Instrumentation System).

After the undocking, Fyodor will:
• Manually close the MRM2 KVD/PEV (Pressure Equalization Valve).
• Reconfigure the Russian STTS onboard comm system to its "undocked"
  mode, and later, after the Soyuz landing in Kazakhstan, reset it to
  nominal mode.
• Conduct the regular daily check of the aerosol filters at the Russian
  Elektron O2 generator, installed by Maxim Suraev on 19/10/09 in gaps
  between the BZh Liquid Unit and the oxygen outlet pipe (filter FA-K)
  plus hydrogen outlet pipe (filter FA-V) [the filters will be inspected
  again later today].
• Downlink the TEKh-15/DAKON-M IZGIB measurement data and the
  photo/video footage of the hatch closure event to the ground.
• Support the ground-commanded reactivation of the Elektron O2
  generator by monitoring the external temperature of its secondary
  purification unit (BD) for the first 10 minutes of operations to ensure
  that there was no overheating.

After attitude control authority has been handed over to the RS MCS (Motion Control System) at ~1:00 AM GMT, the ISS will go into Free Drift at 1:58 PM to 2:07 PM GMT for MRM-2 hooks opening and Soyuz undocking at ~2:02 PM GMT. Attitude control will return to US CMG Momentum Management at ~3:00 AM GMT.

After 22S departure, CDR Doug Wheelock will remove the 4 protective alignment guides on the T2 COLBERT treadmill.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: otisbow on 09/25/2010 12:51 am
Help!  Is there any  one watching NASA TV off AC-3 Satellite.  They changed there Audio format to AC-3.  I have a Pansat 3500SD and have a great picture but NO SOUND! Dose anybody know how I can get the sound back using this recevied?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 01:41 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 01:48 am
PAO:  All preps smooth this evening.  Hatches were closed at 1735 CDT (2235 GMT).   

MCC-M:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 01:57 am
Remember, if you're going to screenshot (to all) set it to Jpeg, not png, otherwise it's a massive file size.

Much appreciated!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:00 am
One minute to the hooks freeing Soyuz.
Hooks to open.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:01 am
MCC-H reports hooks are driving open.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 02:02 am
Standing by for physical separation.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:04 am
Hooks have driven open. Soyuz TMA physical separation.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 02:04 am
Undocking confirmed.

2102 CDT (0202 GMT)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:04 am
"Thanks to the crew."

"Good luck guys. God be with you."
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 02:05 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:05 am
"We see a large view of the Canadian arm."
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 02:07 am
Sep burn underway (15 second burn). 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:07 am
Search and recovery crews now heading out.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:07 am
Sep burn (15 seconds) underway.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 02:08 am
...and now out of range of Russian ground stations. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:08 am
Rob Navias likes those Russian helicopters (probably cause he's rode in them).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:14 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:15 am
Two orbits of sep now in work. Next event: Deorbit burn at 12:32 am EDT.

Appreciate the help GoforTLI :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 02:19 am
ISS Ku:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:20 am
Searching for Soyuz and found!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:22 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:22 am
We're going to miss orbiters doing flyarounds.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 02:23 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:26 am
Six out of the eight helicopters are wheels up. Two are reserved for the ballistic entry contingency.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 02:30 am
Range from ISS opening up. 

Deorbit burn in 2 hours, 2 minutes.  Deorbit burn will be a 04:21 burn. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 02:36 am
Some times for tonight's deorbit, entry, and landing:

1156 CDT (0456 GMT): module separation
1159 CDT (0459 GMT): entry interface (360,000 feet)
0007 CDT (0507 GMT): parachute deployment sequence begins (pilot chute, followed by drogue and then main)
0021 CDT (0521 GMT): landing

And thanks and farewells ("break a leg") radioed between ISS and TMA-18:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:37 am
HA! Doug wishes them well and Skvortsov (I think) responds with "HA HA Break a leg!" ;D
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:54 am
NTV breaks coverage for the meantime.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 02:55 am
@NASA
 
At midnight EDT NASA TV will air live coverage of the Soyuz TMA-18 deorbit burn (12:31am) and landing (1:21am).
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 03:32 am
On the last orbit for this crew and the TMA-18 vehicle. 

Deorbit burn now inside 60 minutes.

A shot of the vehicle during processing:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: ChrisC on 09/25/2010 03:33 am
Help!  Is there any  one watching NASA TV off AC-3 Satellite.  They changed there Audio format to AC-3.  I have a Pansat 3500SD and have a great picture but NO SOUND! Dose anybody know how I can get the sound back using this recevied?

You posted this same question in the NASA TV HD thread yesterday and we answered it there.  Quoting:

"Use your audio button to select another audio pair (probably audio 2 or 3 or 4) since audio 1 is in AC-3 format and not supported directly with the Pansat 3500SD (although that might be a receiver that passes AC-3 through to an external AC-3 decoder)."

NASA TV swapped their audio feeds on September 1st so that the AC-3 is now primary, and you have to go through the extra audio selection step on your receiver if you want PCM audio.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/25/2010 03:54 am
NASA TV Video: Earthbound Trio Bids Farewell to ISS Crew.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twRXaQMlXfM
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/25/2010 03:56 am
Here's the landing site.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 03:58 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:03 am
Deorbit burn coming up in 28 minutes. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:07 am
Russian equipment that supports the landing and recovery:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 04:13 am
I like how Fyodor gave the Soyuz a slap on the hatch like someone would to a van having its back door closed and ready to depart :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:18 am
Shannon Walker and Dave Wheelock on board the ISS watching the DOB and landing activities. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:21 am
10 minutes until the deorbit burn.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/25/2010 04:23 am
I like how Fyodor gave the Soyuz a slap on the hatch like someone would to a van having its back door closed and ready to depart :)

All crews do that upon hatch closure (I think it's mandatory). It lets the Soyuz CDR know that everything looks good on the Soyuz hatch, and that the station hatch is about to be closed.

I love it too - it's a typical Russian solution. Instead of using expensive radios, just give it a good slap! ;D
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:26 am
Tracking data will be relayed via an Antonov aircraft.

MCC-M:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:26 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 04:29 am
I like how Fyodor gave the Soyuz a slap on the hatch like someone would to a van having its back door closed and ready to depart :)

All crews do that upon hatch closure (I think it's mandatory). It lets the Soyuz CDR know that everything looks good on the Soyuz hatch, and that the station hatch is about to be closed.

I love it too - it's a typical Russian solution. Instead of using expensive radios, just give it a good slap! ;D

Yeah! One of the first Russian launches I watched involved a problem late in the count, with Russian engineers, carrying big hammers, turning up at the pad within seconds. ;D

Can't imagine them giving an orbiter a slap!

---

Four minutes to the deorbit burn.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:30 am
1 minute until the DOB:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 04:32 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:33 am
Deorbit burn.  4 minute, 21 second burn underway.  TMA-18 will slow by 258 mph.   

Hope we stay on the predicted trajectory on the right-most display:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:37 am
Deorbit burn complete.

Module separation coming up at 2356 CDT (0456 GMT). 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 04:37 am
Good burn.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:46 am
From Bill Harwood's (CBS News Space Consultant) last update:

Describing a Soyuz re-entry earlier this week, Caldwell Dyson said "I've heard it described as a train wreck followed by a car crash followed by a falling off your bike kind of thing. ... All I can really say is I'm going to expect this to be 'Mr. Toad's Wild Ride' for me."
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:52 am
4 minutes until module separation.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:56 am
Separation program confirmed as loaded on the TMA-18 computers. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 04:58 am
Ratty comm (expected).

Module sep!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:00 am
Should be at Entry Interface (~360,000 feet). 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:04 am
G's building.  Max-G in another minute. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:07 am
Coming up on the start of the deployment sequence. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 05:09 am
Soyuz beeping away with the radio signal. Crew feel fine.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 05:11 am
12 minutes to landing.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:13 am
MCC-H VVO reports voice link with TMA-18. 

Just inside 10 minutes until landing.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 05:15 am
Visual contact, chutes deployed!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:19 am
Descending under a 518 square meter parachute.

Landing in 2 minutes. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:22 am
Landing should have occurred (my feed is a little behind). 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/25/2010 05:24 am
They're on the ground! :D

And with that, I seriously need some sleep! ;)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 05:25 am
Yay! Nicely done!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:26 am
TMA-18 vehicle is upright. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/25/2010 05:27 am
Hi-res landing photos from Bill Ingalls should be uploaded here shortly.

www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 05:28 am
Not exactly packed at MCC-H FCR.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 05:29 am
Soyuz landed vertically.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/25/2010 05:32 am
Soyuz landed vertically.

Yeah!

I'm glad Tracy's flight ended on a nominal result! ;D
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:37 am
NASA PAO Rob Navias reporting landing coordinates.  Reports landing was very close to the prediction. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:41 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:43 am
TMA-18 CDR Skvortsov out first:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:45 am
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 05:45 am
That's one very happy cosmonaut! :D
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:47 am
FE Tracy Caldwell-Dyson out next:
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:53 am
There's a smile. :)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: GoForTLI on 09/25/2010 05:54 am
Expedition 24 crew is out of the TMA-18 vehicle. 
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2010 06:05 am
Right, going to finish off a STS-133 article. Thanks to GoforTLI for the excellent coverage.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: dawei on 09/25/2010 06:08 am
Anyone know if they will try to locate the heat shield which was released after parachute opening?  How about the pilot chute or drogue chute?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/25/2010 06:17 am
Expedition 24 - Farewells and Hatch Closure -September 24
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6165

Expedition 24 - Undocking from the ISS
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6166

Expedition 24 - Landing
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6167

Expedition 24 - Landing Replay
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6168
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 09/25/2010 07:26 am
RELEASE: 10-231

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION EXPEDITION 24 CREW LANDS SAFELY

WASHINGTON -- Expedition 24 Commander Alexander Skvortsov and Flight
Engineers Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Mikhail Kornienko landed their
Soyuz TMA-18 spacecraft in Kazakhstan on Saturday, Sept. 25, wrapping
up a six-month stay aboard the International Space Station.

Skvortsov, the Soyuz commander, was at the controls of the spacecraft
as it undocked at 10:02 p.m. EDT Friday from the Poisk module's
docking port on the station's Zvezda module. The undocking and
landing occurred a day later than planned because of a hatch sensor
problem Thursday night. That problem prevented hooks on the Poisk
side of the docking mechanism from opening. Station crew members
installed a series of jumper cables, bypassing the sensor, and the
Poisk module hooks retracted.

Following undocking and a normal descent, the crew landed at 1:23 a.m.
near Arkalyk, Kazakhstan.

Russian recovery teams were on hand to help the crew exit the Soyuz
vehicle and adjust to gravity after 176 days in space. Skvortsov and
Kornienko will return Saturday to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training
Center in Star City, outside of Moscow.


The trio launched aboard the Soyuz TMA-18 spacecraft from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in April. As members of the Expedition 23
and 24 crews, they spent 174 days on the station. Caldwell Dyson and
Expedition 25 Commander Doug Wheelock conducted three spacewalks to
replace a faulty cooling pump module on the station's backbone, known
as the truss. Kornienko conducted one spacewalk to prepare the
recently delivered Russian Rassvet Module for future automated
dockings by Russian spacecraft.

The station is occupied by Wheelock, who assumed command of the
station Wednesday, NASA Flight Engineer Shannon Walker, and Russian
Flight Engineer Fyodor Yurchikhin, who arrived in mid-June.

A new trio of Expedition 25 crew members - NASA astronaut Scott Kelly
and Russian cosmonauts Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka - will
launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Oct. 7 (Oct. 8 in Kazakhstan)
and arrive on the station about 48 hours later.

For more information about the space station, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/station

To follow Twitter updates from Expedition 24/25 crew member Wheelock
and Exp. 26 Commander Kelly, visit:

http://twitter.com/Astro_Wheels

http://twitter.com/StationCDRkelly

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 09/25/2010 07:28 am
Alexander Skvortsov, Mikhail Kornienko, Tracy Caldwell Dyson Returned to the Earth

25.09.2010


Soyuz TMA-18 descent capsule with the crew – Alexander Skvortsov, Mikhail Kornienko, Tracy Caldwell Dyson - this morning, landed successfully 35 km away from Kazakh’s Arkalyk at 9:23 (05:23 GMT).

The Soyuz departed from the International Space Station at 6.02.12 MSK. 
Health status of the crew is fine. All descent operations were nominal.
Skvortsov, Kornienko and Caldwell Dyson spent 176 days aboard the ISS. They received 3 Progresses and 2 shuttles, integrated new Russian module Rassvet with the station’s Russian segment. Kornienko and his colleague Fiodor Yurchikhin made one space walk.

In the ISS, the crew of expedition 25 continues its operations. Soyuz TMA-01M to fly from Baikonur on Oct. 8 will bring three new crew members to ISS-25 commander Douglas Wheelock, flight engineers Fiodor Yurchikhin and Shannon Walker.
 
Roscosmos PAO
http://www.roscosmos.ru/
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 09/25/2010 01:11 pm
"All descent operations were nominal. "
Roscosmos PAO
http://www.roscosmos.ru/

That's not what I'm being told. DM cabin pressure issues have been raised. Let's all rattle our contacts about this.

Also, note "Космонавтов задержала на МКС собственная неаккуратность и болтик -- Аппарат корабля "Союз ТМА-18" со второй попытки прилетел на Землю."
http://www.gzt.ru/topnews/science/-kosmonavtov-zaderzhala-na-mks-sobstvennaya-/326707.html

...where Perminov blames the bolt break and consequent false pressure signal on the carelessness of the cosmonauts -- that would be Yurchikhin.

He used an old Russian proverb, "When you have enough muscles who needs brains?" to mock what he characterized as the cosmonaut approach.

This, after only a few hours of investigation. It stinks.

Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: TJL on 09/25/2010 03:15 pm
I don't ever seem to recall a NASA (Soyuz) crew member leaving for Houston so soon after landing.
Haven't previous NASA astronauts spent about 1 to 2 weeks in Russia before flying back home?
Thank you.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 09/25/2010 03:46 pm
Thanks to GoforTLI for the excellent coverage.

Seconded. Thanks to everyone. Glad they made it safely to the ground.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 09/25/2010 04:04 pm
I don't ever seem to recall a NASA (Soyuz) crew member leaving for Houston so soon after landing.
Haven't previous NASA astronauts spent about 1 to 2 weeks in Russia before flying back home?
Thank you.

I belive TJ Creamer also flew back to Houston right after landing. (he was the first to do so)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/25/2010 04:45 pm
I don't ever seem to recall a NASA (Soyuz) crew member leaving for Houston so soon after landing.
Haven't previous NASA astronauts spent about 1 to 2 weeks in Russia before flying back home?
Thank you.

I belive TJ Creamer also flew back to Houston right after landing. (he was the first to do so)

Yep, it's called a direct return, and it was first done on TMA-17.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: racshot65 on 09/25/2010 05:42 pm
Have there been DM pressure issues before ?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: JimO on 09/25/2010 05:50 pm
Have there been DM pressure issues before ?

Yes.

Regarding blaming the cosmonauts, too, it's happened before:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9888881/
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/25/2010 07:32 pm
Here's a great landing photo from Bill Ingalls.
www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/5021870139/sizes/l/in/photostream

NASA TV Video: Soyuz Undocks from Space Station.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8T8uuKTips

NASA TV Video: Expedition 24 Crew Lands Safely on the Steppe of Kazakhstan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKM8j0qFLy4
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 09/25/2010 07:45 pm
Expedition 24 - Landing and Post-Landing Activities
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6169
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Skylon on 09/25/2010 08:02 pm
Have there been DM pressure issues before ?

Yes.

Regarding blaming the cosmonauts, too, it's happened before:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9888881/

Blaming the Cosmonauts is practically SOP for TsuP. If they don't blame them, they turn to NASA, and after blowing smoke in those directions as long as possible, they grumble out an admission of a "technical fault" or something along those lines.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/25/2010 08:53 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 25/09/2010:

Yest posadka! (We have Landing!) Welcome back home, Tracy, Alex and Mikhail! After 177 days 1 hour 19 minutes in space (175 days 23 hours 58 minutes docked to ISS), Soyuz TMA-18/22S, carrying Exp. 24 crewmembers Alexander Skvortsov (Russia), Mikhail Kornienko (Russia) and Tracy Caldwell-Dyson (USA), landed successfully at 5:23 AM GMT this morning (local time: 11:23 AM) in central Kazakhstan near the city of Arkalyk (51.01°N, 66.57°E). The crew was in excellent condition. [TMA-18 (#228) undocked from MRM-2 last night at 2:02 AM GMT, after the crew had performed leak checks of the vestibule area between MRM-2 and the Soyuz, of their Sokol suits and of the hatch between the Descent Module (SA) and Orbital Module (BO). Three minutes after physical undocking, Soyuz performed a 15 second separation burn. The actual de-orbit burn of 4 minutes 17 seconds duration came at 4:31:17 AM GMT, resulting in a 115.2 m/s deceleration. Tri-module separation occurred at 4:56:10 AM GMT. 16 seconds after the separation command, software pitched the Instrumentation/Propulsion Module (PAO) in the rear to a specific angle (-78.5° from reference axis) which, if the PAO would have remained connected to the SA, would have resulted in enough heating on the connecting truss to melt it, thus ensuring separation. Atmospheric entry followed at 4:59:12 AM GMT and nominal parachute deployment at 5:07:42 AM GMT. Following initial observation by Russian SAR (Search And Recovery) personnel, the Soyuz vehicle landed at 5:23 AM GMT. The crew was flown by helicopter to Karaganda where Tracy boarded the waiting NASA Gulfstream-III airplane which today is bringing the crewmember back to Houston (with 2 refueling stops) - the second direct return for USOS crewmembers. Alexander & Mikhail meanwhile were flown on the GCTC (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center) Tu-154 back to Chkalovsky airfield of the GCTC at Zvesdniy Gorodok (Star City).]

Tasks currently listed on Doug's & Shannon's "job jar" job roster are:
• MARES (Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System) hardware stowing
  [MARES is currently in need of troubleshooting due to a power issue].
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: aquarius on 09/25/2010 10:58 pm
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 25/09/2010:

Yest posadka! (We have Landing!) Welcome back home, Tracy, Alex and Mikhail! After 177 days 1 hour 19 minutes in space

It's a mistake, it should be 176 days, not 177.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: tonyq on 09/26/2010 07:30 pm
I enjoyed the headline on this report of the landing:-


http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/09/25/Space-station-astronauts-land-in-China/UPI-78591285423165/

Rather ironic in view of UPI's strapline "100 Years of journalistic excellence" !!
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/26/2010 07:42 pm
NASA TV Video: Traditional Style Homecoming for Expedition 24 Crew.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcLF0tZC1NM
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/26/2010 08:11 pm
Roscosmos Experts Have Found the Cause of Failed Soyuz Departure.

Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov explained the reason for failed Soyuz TMA-18 departure this Friday. According to him, this was a purely mechanical cause, which led to glitches in the software and false signals.
After the interrupted undocking sequence on Sept. 24, Soyuz TMA-18 descent capsule landed safely in Kazakhstan on the next day, Interfax informs.
Roscosmos Head said he appreciated the work done by all experts who supported the departure and landing operations.


www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10420&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: steveS on 09/26/2010 10:55 pm
Tracy did not stand to receive an honor as opposed to the two Russian cosmonauts. Looked like she was still struggling a bit to get accustomed to the new gravitational effects after spending 176 days in space.


NASA TV Video: Traditional Style Homecoming for Expedition 24 Crew.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcLF0tZC1NM
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/26/2010 11:39 pm
Some TMA-18 undocking images from Doug Wheelock via Twitter.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/26/2010 11:41 pm
Two more nice images from Doug Wheelock via Twitter - Tracy in Cupola, and TMA-19 docked to MRM-1.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/27/2010 10:08 pm
A photo of the TMA-18 crew after extraction from the SA.

Hi-res version. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/5031043324/sizes/o/in/photostream/)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Fuji on 09/28/2010 03:00 am
From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 25/09/2010:

Yest posadka! (We have Landing!) Welcome back home, Tracy, Alex and Mikhail! After 177 days 1 hour 19 minutes in space

It's a mistake, it should be 176 days, not 177.

One more mistake ;)
I think 173 days 20 hours 37 minutes, not 175 days 23 hours 58 minutes docked to ISS.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Zero-G on 09/28/2010 02:42 pm
"All descent operations were nominal. "
Roscosmos PAO
http://www.roscosmos.ru/

That's not what I'm being told. DM cabin pressure issues have been raised. Let's all rattle our contacts about this.

Any more info about the DM cabin pressure issue that JimO has mentioned? Was this just a rumour or a misunderstanding/mistranslation, or is there more substance to it? If so, is this about cabin pressure issues during the actual descent, or during leak checks before undocking, or something else? (I think, I have read somewhere that they had different readings from instruments in MRM-2 and Soyuz during leak check of the vestibule when they should all have been the same, but I can't find the article anymore.)
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 09/28/2010 09:33 pm
Fruit Flies Return Home from the ISS.

Soyuz TMA-18 space vehicle successfully landed this weekend returned not only 3 crew members of the International Space Station, but also two containers with fruit flies. The flies born in zero-gravity are to help the scientists to study space impact risk mitigation for the genomes.
The flies studied under Polygen experiment were chosen due to their reparation system which is similar to the human’s one. In addition, the flies propagate quickly, giving the scientists the opportunity to have much material for their work.
Fruit flies were delivered to the station by Progress in mid September, 10 maggots in each of the two containers. Then, after oviposition of the flies hatched from the maggots, the second generation of the flies appeared. Several dozens of insects returned to the Earth last Saturday, in order to let scientists verifying their capabilities in zero-g, with the further on purpose to use the results for similar evaluations of the human body.

Roscosmos PAO.


www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10440&lang=en
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 09/29/2010 02:32 pm
Fruit Flies Return Home from the ISS.

Soyuz TMA-18 space vehicle successfully landed this weekend returned not only 3 crew members of the International Space Station, but also two containers with fruit flies. The flies born in zero-gravity are to help the scientists to study space impact risk mitigation for the genomes.
The flies studied under Polygen experiment were chosen due to their reparation system which is similar to the human’s one. In addition, the flies propagate quickly, giving the scientists the opportunity to have much material for their work.
Fruit flies were delivered to the station by Progress in mid September, 10 maggots in each of the two containers. Then, after oviposition of the flies hatched from the maggots, the second generation of the flies appeared. Several dozens of insects returned to the Earth last Saturday, in order to let scientists verifying their capabilities in zero-g, with the further on purpose to use the results for similar evaluations of the human body.

Roscosmos PAO.


www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10440&lang=en

ISS science needs continued downmass capability, plain and simple. Otherwise, certain science is delayed if not excluded.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: jacqmans on 10/12/2010 05:17 pm
MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-141

NASA ASTRONAUT TRACY CALDWELL DYSON AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS

HOUSTON -- Recently returned from a six-month stay aboard the
International Space Station, astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson will be
available for live satellite interviews from NASA's Johnson Space
Center in Houston between 8:15 a.m. and 10 a.m. CDT on Friday, Oct.
15.

To arrange an interview, reporters should contact producer Jeremiah
Maddix at 281-483-8631, 281-414-6995 or [email protected] by
2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 14. Video b-roll of Dyson's flight will air
Oct 15 from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. on NASA Television.

Dyson and her crewmates launched aboard the Soyuz TMA-18 crew capsule
from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in April. During the
174-day mission, Dyson served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 23
and 24 and conducted three spacewalks, logging 22 hours and 49
minutes outside the station. The crew replaced a faulty cooling pump
module on the station's backbone, known as the truss. The Expedition
24 crew landed safely in central Kazakhstan on Sept. 25.

Dyson was born and raised in Arcadia, Calif. She earned a bachelor's
degree in chemistry from California State University at Fullerton and
a doctorate in chemistry from the University of California at Davis.
Dyson flew as a mission specialist on the STS-118 space shuttle
mission. On the flight, she operated Endeavor's robotic arm and
directed four spacewalks as the intravehicular crew member.

NASA TV's Live Interview Media Outlet channel will be used for the
interviews. The channel is a digital satellite C-band downlink by
uplink provider Americom. It is on satellite AMC 3, transponder 9C,
located at 87 degrees west, downlink frequency 3865.5 Mhz based on a
standard C-band, horizontal downlink polarity. FEC is 3/4, data rate
is 6.0 Mbps, symbol rate is 4.3404 Msps, transmission DVB-S, 4:2:0.

The interviews also will be broadcast live on NASA TV. For streaming
video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/ntv





For complete biographical information about Dyson, visit:



http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/caldwell.html


For more information about the International Space Station, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/station
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 10/18/2010 05:41 pm
Expedition 23-24 - Video B-Roll Feed Featuring Flight Engineer Tracy Caldwell Dyson
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6215

Expedition 23-24 - Live Interviews with Flight Engineer Tracy Caldwell Dyson
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6216
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/25/2010 02:45 am
Bump and lock for relevance with the EVA-15 work that has now moved to STS-134:

STS-134′s additional EVA to pick up on deferred ISS Stage work:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/10/sts-134s-additional-eva-deferred-stage-work/
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 02/18/2011 05:11 pm
Thread temporarily unlocked to allow discussion of this fantastic, 17 minute HD Expedition 24 highlights video released today via NASA TV!

I remember we had a video like this for Expedition 23. Hopefully they're going to become a common feature for all future Expeditions! :)

Expedition 24: Life in Space.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7wPaVpLI4o
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: racshot65 on 02/18/2011 07:07 pm
Incredible WOW

One of the best videos I've ever seen from NASA hope theres more to come


Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 02/18/2011 09:42 pm
Expedition 24 - Mission Highlights - Flash HD
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6438
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: John44 on 03/17/2011 06:02 pm
Expedition 23-24-25 - Crew Presentation by Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Dough Wheelock
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6560

NASA Tweet-Up with Doug Wheelock
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6561
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: robertross on 03/19/2011 12:46 am
Expedition 23-24-25 - Crew Presentation by Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Dough Wheelock
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6560

NASA Tweet-Up with Doug Wheelock
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6561

Been watching these through the live stream.
There's a great section of images in there for the tweet-up with Doug. Highly recommended, just for that!

Also saved a ton of images from the tweet-up feed in HD.
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: The-Hammer on 03/30/2011 10:18 am
Twittering NASA 'naut's Moon snap honoured (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/30/wheelock_shorty/)

Quote
NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock has been honoured for his contribution to the Twitterverse with a Shorty Award for the "best Real-Time Photo of the Year".
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 10/04/2011 06:52 pm
From Doug Wheelock via Twitter:

Wheels, Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & Shannon Walker standing next to the stripped-down failed PM at JSC. Wheels' arch nemesis - the M3 QD - can be seen uncovered.

http://twitpic.com/6v534u
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Targeteer on 10/04/2011 07:14 pm
From Doug Wheelock via Twitter:

Wheels, Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & Shannon Walker standing next to the stripped-down failed PM at JSC. Wheels' arch nemesis - the M3 QD - can be seen uncovered.

http://twitpic.com/6v534u

Any word yet on what actually caused it to fail?
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Space Pete on 10/04/2011 07:24 pm
Any word yet on what actually caused it to fail?

I haven't heard anything as of yet.

This is NASA's best guess so far:

Quote
The S1 Truss PM unexpectedly failed on July 31st 2010, sparking an intense period of ISS reconfiguration, and development of procedures for what ultimately turned out to be three epic EVAs to R&R the failed Pump Module.

According to the SSPCB notes, the failure investigation team are looking at “whether ammonia could have leaked into the pump motor stator area (sealed and filled with N2 normally)”, and will be determining “whether the ammonia flow was interrupted in the ‘secondary’ flow areas in the pump (used to lubricate and cool the bearings and friction surfaces)”.

The notes also state that in late 2008, it was observed that the overall pump pressure was reduced, and that delta pressure (PSI-D) across the pump was showing a variance from nominal values. Current spikes were also noted during this period.

The SSPCB were informed that the delta pressure and current draw data were not part of standard analysis in the past, but that they will be reviewed regularly in future as they may be useful for identifying possible pump degradation. It was also stated that 370mS (milliseconds) prior to the 54A current spike that occurred during the July 31st failure, the current draw from the pump went to zero Amps.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/10/iss-updates-failure-investigations-future-configuration
Title: Re: Expedition 24 thread (June 2 - September 24, 2010) - Includes ETCS Updates
Post by: Life_Support_32 on 10/05/2011 01:30 am
From Doug Wheelock via Twitter:

Wheels, Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & Shannon Walker standing next to the stripped-down failed PM at JSC. Wheels' arch nemesis - the M3 QD - can be seen uncovered.

http://twitpic.com/6v534u

Any word yet on what actually caused it to fail?
Being that the pump has only been on the ground for a couple of months, I would guess that it is still in the process of failure investigation.  That's not the area that I am in, but I'm sure that when they have finished their testing, the information will be disseminated to the correct panels and everybody will find out in due time.  Just takes a while  :)