Expedition 38 thread (November 11, 2013 - March 11, 2014)

[anik]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/12/13
http://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2013/12/12/iss-daily-summary-report-121213

External Thermal Control System (ETCS) Loop A Status:  ETCS Loop A is still operating without full temperature control.  The Loop A Interface Heat Exchangers (IFHX) are still bypassed and isolated, preventing internal heat rejection on loop A.  ETCS Loop B continues to operate nominally.  Due to the loss of heat rejection for the N2 Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL), half of the power loads in the N2, JEM and Columbus modules have been powered down. Overnight, the suspect Flow Control Valve (FCV) was successfully commanded through its entire range. The process commanded the FCV in 5 degree increments from the full radiator bypass position to the full radiator flow position and then returned it back to the full bypass position.  Flow rates were measured to be less than expected.
At 3:50pm CST today the Flight Control Team removed power from ETCS Loop A Pump Control Valve Package (PCVP) and will leave it off for approximately 2 hours in an effort to regain FCV functionality. Engineering teams will continue to assess fault tree and impacts to the current on-board configuration.
   
Radiation Dosimetry Inside ISS-Neutrons 2 (RaDI-N2) Space Bubble Detector Deploy:  Flight Engineer (FE)-5 Mastracchio deployed 8 “bubble detectors” in a special pouch.  Radi-N2 is a follow-on investigation of RaDI-N1 and Matroshka-R experiments.  RaDI-N2 is designed to characterize the neutron radiation environment inside the ISS. The 8 neutron “bubble detectors” are attached to fixed locations inside the ISS, including one carried by a crewmember. The results of this investigation will be used to define the risk to ISS crewmembers’ health and in the development of advanced protective measures for future space flights.

Preparation for Nanoracks Hardware Arrival on Orbital-1 Vehicle:  FE-6 Wakata reviewed onboard computer-based training materials for accessing NanoRacks platforms, reconfiguring modules, and operating NanoRacks Microscope-1 and Microsocpe-2.  To prepare for the arrival of additional NanoRacks hardware on the Orbital-1 vehicle, he removed NanoRacks Platform-2 hardware and reconfigure the locker for stowage use.

Airlock Heater Jumper Installation:  Hopkins installed an Airlock Contingency Jumper to regain functionality of the Airlock Zone 3 and 4 secondary heaters.  The jumper will will bypass the solid-state thermostates in the heater circuit that is believed to be a failed-open circuit.  A patch to the INT MDM will be loaded over the weekend to support software control to the heaters.

[jacqmans]

Rick Mastracchio ‏@AstroRM 

SPHERES experiment - small satellites that operate inside the ISS to test various control algorithms. pic.twitter.com/KmCTKzuClm

[jacqmans]

Koichi Wakata ‏@Astro_Wakata 

京都市立洛陽工業高校でのARISSプログラムに集まって下さった皆さん、今日はアマチュア無線の交信イベントでお話できて楽しかったです。素晴らしい質問をたくさんして戴きありがとうございました。 pic.twitter.com/PR9sBDOrXR

[anik]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/13/13
http://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2013/12/13/iss-daily-summary-report-121313

External Thermal Control System (ETCS) Loop A Status:  Overnight ground specialist power cycled the ETCS Loop A Pump Control Valve Package (PCVP), which includes the Flow Control Valve (FCV), in an attempt to correct the FCV position error.  The ETCS has been repowered, however the FCV position error has not been corrected.  ETCS Loop A is still operating without full temperature control.  The Loop A Interface Heat Exchangers (IFHX) are still bypassed and isolated, preventing internal heat rejection on loop A.  ETCS Loop B continues to operate nominally.  Due to the loss of heat rejection for the Node 2 Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL), half of the power loads in the Node 2, JEM and Columbus modules remain powered off.

Advanced Biological Research System (ABRS) Loop Flush:  Flight Engineer (FE)-6 Wakata, with assistance from FE-5 -Mastracchio, performed a loop flush of the two ABRS internal rear cooling loops to remove any air bubbles.  The flush for Chamber 1 was successful but not for Chamber 2.  Chamber 1, which will be used for Advanced Plant Experiments-02 (APEX-02) arriving on the SpaceX-3 vehicle, has been activated and will be monitored for the next four days.

Body Measures:  FE-6 Hopkins, with operator assistance from FE-5 Mastracchio, configured cameras and cabin video, perform body marker instrumentation, and collect calibration and body pose photos and circumference measurements. This is Hopkins’ Flight Day 80 (FD80) session, which is the second of three sessions planned for him.  The goal of this study is to gather preliminary data to better understand the magnitude and variability of anticipated  changes to body measurements caused by microgravity and fluid shift. This data is important to be able to determine the changes that may occur during long-duration space flight and to be able to apply the changes to suit fit, suit sizing, workstation design, etc. for future missions to maximize performance, prevent injury, and reduce crew time for altering or adjusting their suits, workstation, etc. to accommodate their anthropometrics.

Reversible Figures Experiment: FE-3 Hopkins performed his fourth session, and FE-6 Wakata his second session, of  Reversible Figures in free floating conditions. Each crewmember participating in Reversable Figures performs this activity a minimum of four times during their stay on board.  ESA’s Reversible Figures experiment investigates whether the perception of ambiguous perspective-reversible figures that can normally be seen to change in perspective or orientation is affected by microgravity.  A comparison is made of the perceived reversals during visualization of the figures in crewmembers that occurs before, during and after long-term exposure to microgravity.   It is expected that measurable, perceptual differences will provide insight into human cognitive-perception dynamics in the microgravity environment of the ISS and in normal gravity on Earth.

Cygnus Offset Grapple #2 On-Board Training (OBT):  Today the Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) and performed the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Latching End Effector (LEE) Checkout and the SSRMS LEE, Brake and Joint Diagnostics on the Prime String.  They then powered up the MSS in hot backup configuration and performed the SSRMS Brake and Joint Diagnostics on the Redundant String.   The Crew (Hopkins, Wakata, Mastracchio) maneuvered the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) into and out of the grapple envelope of the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) Flight Releasable Grapple Fixture (FRGF).  They repeated this three times and then started a final maneuver of SSRMS Latching End Effector (LEE)-A into the grapple envelope of the PMM FRGF during which the Robotics Ground Controllers safed the SSRMS.  This was the second of two SSRMS practice sessions to help prepare the ISS Crew for capturing the Orbital-1.  After the completion of the grapple practice, the Robotics Ground Controllers maneuvered the SSRMS to the Node 2 Nadir Active Common Berthing Mechanism (ABCM) Survey position and performed the SSRMS LEE Checkout and Diagnostics on the Redundant String.  MSS performance was nominal.

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/14/13
http://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2013/12/14/iss-daily-summary-report-121413

Orbital 1 Launch Status:  To allow additional time for ground specialist to continue to work the ETCS Loop A issues the Orb-1 Launch date has changed from December 18th (CST) to December 19th (CST).

External Thermal Control System (ETCS) Loop A Status:  ETCS Loop A is operating, however due to a bias on the flow control valve (FCV) temperatures are currently not being controlled within the range to allow integration of the Interface Heat Exchangers (IFHX).  MCC-H is currently performing tests on ETCS Loop A to regain enough temperature control to allow the N2 IFHX to be reintegrated.   The Lab and N3 have been configured to reject all internal heat loads on ETCS Loop B.  However due to the loss of heat rejection for the Node 2 Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL), half of the loads Node 2, JEM and Columbus modules have been powered down.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Prep: The decision has not been made to perform an EVA to Last night, the crew initiated a MetOx regeneration to recondition  the canisters in the event contingency EVAs are needed to recover the ETCS. Today the crew configured the Airlock by relocating any cargo that was temporarily stowed in the airlock.  FE-3 Mike Hopkins and FE-5 Rick Mastracchio completed adjusting the fit on their EMUs (S/N 3005 and 3010).  Additional EVA prep activities performed today included Long Life Battery (LLB) charging, Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) checkout, and reviewing the Pump Module and a Water in EVA Mobility Unit (EMU) briefing packages.

COSMO Shoot: FE-6 Wakata performed a session of this activity today. He will be taking high definition photos of the ISON comet, Earth, and various celestial events from Cupola over the next few months. By utilizing the advantage of high definition and high sensitivity of the camera, the video images can be also used for science purposes.

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/15/13
http://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2013/12/15/iss-daily-summary-report-121513

External Thermal Control System (ETCS) Loop A Status:  ETCS Loop A is still operating without full temperature control.  The Loop A Interface Heat Exchangers (IFHX) remains bypassed and isolated, preventing internal heat rejection on loop A.  ETCS Loop B continues to operate nominally.  MCC-H continues performing tests on ETCS Loop A to determine if they can regain enough temperature control to allow the Node 2 IFHX to be reintegrated.  Due to the loss of heat rejection for the Node 2 Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL), half of the power loads in the Node 2, JEM and Columbus modules remain powered off.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparation:  Flight Engineer (FE)-5 Mastracchio and FE-6 Wakata conducted EVA related activities in preparation for possible Contingency EVAs this coming week.  Today’s activities included a loop scrub for EMUs 3005 and 3010, tool configuration, battery recharging, Generic Thermal EVA Cover (GTEC) build, and snorkel build.  In addition, Wakata reviewed a draft set of robotics procedures that would be used in support of EVA.

Water Processing Assembly (WPA) Fault:  Overnight, WPA experienced a fault during an attempt to start a processing run. Initial indications point towards a Mostly Liquid Separator (MLS) over speed condition. The software is designed to shutdown the WPA if the MLS speed exceeds 3000 RPM.  Telemetry indicated that the MLS speed had reached 3120 RPM. Since the fault, Flight Controllers have attempted to restart WPA twice without success. Potable water has been pumped into the system in order to meet crew needs. Teams continue to evaluate the problem in order to come up with a troubleshooting plan. A spare MLS Pump is located onboard ISS in the event replacement is required.

Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) MDM Swap:  Flight Controllers transitioned the GNC MDM’s from GNC-2 to GNC-1 in order to protect against a next worse failure scenario.  The configuration insures that critical MDMs are not all located under the same power channels during the timeframe when a Lab Contingency Jumper is to be installed later this week.

[John44]

Expedition 38 - In-Flight Interviews - December 13
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8631

Expedition 38 - Space Station Live - December 16 (spacewalk??)
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8632

[jacqmans]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/15/13

Posted on December 15, 2013 by HQ.

External Thermal Control System (ETCS) Loop A Status:  ETCS Loop A is still operating without full temperature control.  The Loop A Interface Heat Exchangers (IFHX) remains bypassed and isolated, preventing internal heat rejection on loop A.  ETCS Loop B continues to operate nominally.  MCC-H continues performing tests on ETCS Loop A to determine if they can regain enough temperature control to allow the Node 2 IFHX to be reintegrated.  Due to the loss of heat rejection for the Node 2 Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL), half of the power loads in the Node 2, JEM and Columbus modules remain powered off.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparation:  Flight Engineer (FE)-5 Mastracchio and FE-6 Wakata conducted EVA related activities in preparation for possible Contingency EVAs this coming week.  Today’s activities included a loop scrub for EMUs 3005 and 3010, tool configuration, battery recharging, Generic Thermal EVA Cover (GTEC) build, and snorkel build.  In addition, Wakata reviewed a draft set of robotics procedures that would be used in support of EVA.

Water Processing Assembly (WPA) Fault:  Overnight, WPA experienced a fault during an attempt to start a processing run. Initial indications point towards a Mostly Liquid Separator (MLS) over speed condition. The software is designed to shutdown the WPA if the MLS speed exceeds 3000 RPM.  Telemetry indicated that the MLS speed had reached 3120 RPM. Since the fault, Flight Controllers have attempted to restart WPA twice without success. Potable water has been pumped into the system in order to meet crew needs. Teams continue to evaluate the problem in order to come up with a troubleshooting plan. A spare MLS Pump is located onboard ISS in the event replacement is required.

Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) MDM Swap:  Flight Controllers transitioned the GNC MDM’s from GNC-2 to GNC-1 in order to protect against a next worse failure scenario.  The configuration insures that critical MDMs are not all located under the same power channels during the timeframe when a Lab Contingency Jumper is to be installed later this week.

[anik]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/16/13
http://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2013/12/16/iss-daily-summary-report-121613/

External Thermal Control System (ETCS) Loop A Status:  ETCS Loop A is still operating without full temperature control.  All Loop A Interface Heat Exchangers (IFHX) remains bypassed and isolated, preventing internal heat rejection on loop A.  ETCS Loop B continues to operate nominally.  MCC-H continues to perform tests on ETCS Loop A to determine if they can regain enough temperature control to allow IFHX reintegration.  Due to the loss of heat rejection for the Node 2 Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL), half of the loads in the Node 2, JEM and Columbus modules remain powered off.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Materials Review:  FE-3 Hopkins, FE-5 Mastracchio, and FE6 Wakata reviewed EVA materials associated with replacing the ETCS Loop A Pump Module.  Included in the package was an overview of each of the three potential EVAs, summary timelines, procedures, translations paths, pump module diagrams and photographs.   

Equipment Lock Preparation: In support of the potential EVA, Hopkins and Mastracchio prepared drink bags, BIO Medical equipment, prebreathe equipment, and verified required hardware was located in the Airlock.

EVA Mobility Unit (EMU) On-Orbit Fit Check:  Hopkins and Mastracchio donned their EMUs to verify correct EMU sizing prior to possibly performing an EVA to replace the ETCS Loop A Pump Module.  During this test the EMU comm and data signals were also checked out successfully.

EMU Helmet Absorption Pad (HAP) Familiarization: Hopkins and Mastracchio familiarized themselves with the absorption properties of the HAP.  They then reported saturation results and downlinked video to the ground.

[anik]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/17/13
http://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2013/12/17/iss-daily-summary-report-121713/

USOS EVA and Orbital Status:  A Program decision was made to pursue USOS EVAs on December 21st, 23rd, and 25th (if required) in order to repair the ETCS Loop A Pump Module. The EVAs will be carried out using EMUs 3010 and 3011. Orbital launch will be delayed until after the beta cutout in January.

External Thermal Control System (ETCS) Loop A Status: Overnight ground teams performed a Lab Low Temperature Loop (LTL) Interface Heat Exchanger (IFHX) integration test.  During this test the team used new tools developed by the Flight Control Team that allow improved control of Radiator Return Isolation Valve movement. More precise control of this valve provides enhanced regulation of the ETCS Loop A temperatures. During the test, the isolated ETCS was successfully re-integrated with the Lab LTL through the IFHX. The team then began to increase the heat load on the internal side of the LTL IFHX while attempting to balance the added heat load on ETCS loop A by manipulating the Radiator Return Isolation valve.  After approximately 40 minutes the pump shut down when the freeze protection Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) limit was reached. Subsequent attempts to stabilize the Loop A temperature and reintegrate the loop were unsuccessful.

Ground teams determined that the current method of commanding the Radiator Return Isolation valve does not provide sufficient control, and additional precision is required to maintain stable temperatures.  A software patch to the S1-1 MDM was delivered and loaded this afternoon which should allow for finer control over the Radiator Return Isolation Valve positioning.  Additional external loop temperature control tests will be performed this evening followed by reintegration attempts. Due to the loss of heat rejection for the Node 2 Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL), half of the loads in the Node 2, JEM and Columbus modules remain powered off.

Water Process Assembly (WPA) Status:  Overnight ground teams performed WPA troubleshooting which resulted in the MLS successfully starting up without an overspeed fault.  Following this test, the crew reconnected process line B between the two Water Recovery System (WRS) racks.  Currently the WPA is in standby and heating up in preparation for future processing.  The first WPA process run will likely not occur until tomorrow at the earliest.

OGA Hydrogen Sensor ORU Removal and Replacement (R&R): Today the crew completed an R&R of the Oxygen Generation System (OGS) Hydrogen Sensor ORU.  This task was being done as a preventative maintenance item that is performed approximately every 150 days.  During the activity the crew reported that foam ring installed around the OGA O2 outlet port was crumbling and falling apart. The purpose of this foam ring is to cushion the port against the rack door to ensure that O2 is expelled into the ISS cabin and prevent O2 from building up behind the rack. Currently, the OGA is powered down and the H2 sensor Quick Disconnects (QD) are not connected while the ground team reviews photos of the degraded foam ring and determines the appropriate forward path.  There is currently one spare O2 outlet ORU onboard.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: In preparation for a potential contingency EVA, Flight Engineer (FE)-3 Hopkins and FE-5 Mastracchio performed a variety of EVA related preparation activities. Today’s activities included a review of the Hard Upper Torso (HUT)/Secondary Oxygen Packs (SOP) swap procedures, QD training, EVA procedures and training material review.

On-board Training (OBT) Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) Session 1:  Utilizing the ROBOT Training Simulator, FE-6 Wakata gained proficiency in Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Operations associated with an ETCS Loop A Pump Module removal and replacement.

[anik]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/18/13
http://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2013/12/18/iss-daily-summary-report-121813/

External Thermal Control System (ETCS) Loop A Status:   Following yesterday’s S1-1 MDM software patch, Flight Controllers continued to perform characterization tests on ETCS Loop A to regain fine temperature control of ETCS loop A.  The Node 2 Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL) IFHX is still isolated from ETCS Loop A, resulting in half of the loads in the Node 2, JEM and Columbus modules remaining powered off.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Mobility Unit (EMU) 3011 Preparation:  This morning, Flight Engineer (FE)-3 Hopkins and FE-5 Mastracchio removed the medium sized HUT on EMU 3011 and replaced it with a large sized HUT. In addition, they swapped out the Secondary Oxygen Packs (SOP) on the EMU.  Later in their day, Mastracchio verified that the reassembled EMU was fully functional. USOS EVA’s are scheduled to occur on December 21st, 23rd, and 25th (if required) in order to repair the ETCS Loop A Pump Module.

Ocular Health (OH) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Test and Fundoscope Examination Deferred:  Today’s OH and OCT sessions were deferred in order to allow enough time to support EVA related activities.

[Lewis007]

News about the first conversation between Wakata and Kirobo
http://spaceref.com/international-space-station/robot-astronaut-kirobo-and-commander-koichi-wakata-conduct-a-conversation-experiment-in-the-iss.html

[Star One]

Kirobo in action from the BBC.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25460724

[jacqmans]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/19/13

Posted on December 19, 2013 by HQ.

External Thermal Control System (ETCS) Loop A Status:  All Interface Heat Exchangers (IFHXs) are still bypassed and isolated from ETCS Loop A, resulting in half of the loads in the Node 2, JEM and Columbus modules to remain powered off.

Extravehicular (EVA) Preparations: In preparation for Saturday’s planned EVA, Flight Engineer (FE)-5 Mastracchio completed pre-EVA loop scrub maintenance for EVA Mobility Unit (EMU) 3011. FE-3 Hopkins, Mastracchio, and FE-6 Wakata reviewed procedures associated with EVA Hardware, tasks that will be performed during the upcoming EVAs, and Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) operations. Wakata configured two D2X cameras with 28 mm EVA lens and installed an EVA camera blanket over the cameras in preparation for use in the upcoming EVAs.

Lab Truss Contingency Jumper Installation:  In preparation for Loop A shut down during the upcoming EVAs, the crew installed the Lab Truss Contingency Jumper which provides power to the DDCU S01A downstream loads.

Biochemical Profile: Wakata completed his Flight Day (FD) 30 Biochemical Profile and Repository blood draw.  Human Research Facility (HRF) Rack 2 was activated on auxiliary power in accordance with the power limitations imposed by the current ETCS Cooling Loop A configuration.  Blood and urine are commonly used to assess an astronaut’s health as well as conduct research in physiological disciplines by measuring key biomarkers found in these fluids.  ISS crewmembers collect, process and store blood and urine samples obtained during the preflight, in-flight and postflight phases of ISS missions. A database of results from the analysis of the samples will provide metabolic profiles of the effects of spaceflight on human physiology.

[Lewis007]

Here's a video of Wakata's chat with Kirobo

[yoichi]

"Koichi Wakata Weekly Activity Report"

Vol.1 Training with ARED


Vol.2 Cleaning in Japanese Experiment Module, KIBO


Vol.3 Configuration of 4K camera


Vol.4 Training with Treadmill


Vol.5 ISS reboost

[John44]

Expedition-38 - US Spacewalk (EVA-24) - December 21 (Full Coverage)
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8638

[jacqmans]

Koichi Wakata ‏@Astro_Wakata

This is how the robotic workstation for controlling Canadarm2 looks like  supporting the EVA 24 on Dec 21. pic.twitter.com/FMHu1aGdZP

-----------

Koichi Wakata ‏@Astro_Wakata 
ISSポンプモジュール交換の船外活動の1日目は無事完了しました。地上で支援してくださっている皆さん、ありがとうございます！この写真は船外活動の支援に使用した米国実験棟の中にあるカナダアーム2の操縦ワークステーションです。 pic.twitter.com/57x8V9gPAq

[jacqmans]

ISS Daily Summary Report – 12/22/13

Posted on December 22, 2013 by HQ.
 

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Mobility Unit (EMU) Resize:  Following yesterday’s EVA, the feed water switch on EMU 3010 was inadvertently switched on for 2-3 seconds.  EMU suit 3010 has been declared no-go until proper drying can be performed due to concerns of water entering the sublimator. Today,  FE-3 Hopkins and FE-5 Mastracchio resized their suits such that Hopkins will wear EMU 3005 and Mastracchio will wear EMU 3011.  Additionally, both crewmembers filled their backup Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garments (LCVGs).  Due to the amount of time required for resize and timeline review, US EVA #25 originally scheduled for Monday, December 23 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 24.

US EVA 25 Procedure and Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics (DOUG) Review: Hopkins, Mastracchio, and FE-6 Wakata performed a review of Tuesday’s EVA and Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) procedures.  The crew used the DOUG software to view the translation and robotics operation paths.  Following the reviews, the crew conducted a conference with ground specialists.

[John44]

Expedition 38 - Spacewalk update December 23
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8642

NASA Television Video-File 2013 Year in Review
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8640

Space Station Research - Top 10 Results - Part 1
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8643

[John44]

Expedition-38 - US Spacewalk (EVA-25) - December 24 (full coverage)
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8644

[Fuji]

"Koichi Wakata Weekly Activity Report" Vol.6


Explaining the EMU PWR (Payload Water Reservoir) degassing.
I've never seen this, good video.