LIVE: Expedition 18 spacewalk - December 23

[anik]

Expedition 18 crewmembers Yuriy Lonchakov and Michael Fincke will perform spacewalk (ISS RS EVA-21) in Orlan-M spacesuits from Pirs airlock on December 23.

Its preliminary beginning is 00:15 UTC and duration is 6 hours 10 minutes.

Its main tasks:
(1) Installation of Langmuir probe on Pirs airlock.
(2) Installation of EXPOSE-R scientific equipment on Zvezda module.
(3) Installation of IPI-SM scientific equipment (Impuls experiment) on Zvezda module.
(4) Removal of container #2 of Biorisk-MSN scientific equipment on Pirs airlock.
(5) Performing of SWG project (test of watch).

[anik]

During upcoming spacewalk astronauts will test Spring Drive Spacewalk watch produced by SEIKO Watch Corporation.

Info about watch - http://www.seikospringdrive.com/spacewalk/watchinfo/index.html

[anik]

Expedition 18 Spacewalk Briefing Materials
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition18/eva21_briefing_121808.html

[eeergo]

Thanks for the varied backgrounds. Some space-fix for the holidays

Is this Langmuir probe installation related to the plasma discharge issues or was it planned from before? Also, I see the Zarya PDGF installation does not seem to be an objective anymore, have the plans been put on hold?

[anik]

Is this Langmuir probe installation related to the plasma discharge issues or was it planned from before?

It is related to recent Soyuz problems.

Also, I see the Zarya PDGF installation does not seem to be an objective anymore, have the plans been put on hold?

L2 section has answer.

[John44]

 Expedition 18 Spacewalk Preview Status Briefing
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4583

[SMS]

According to ISS On-Orbit Status 12/18/08

EV1/Lonchakov will wear Orlan #26 with blue stripe, EV2/Fincke Orlan
#27 with red stripe. 

[anik]

During upcoming spacewalk astronauts will test Spring Drive Spacewalk watch produced by SEIKO Watch Corporation

Information about test of this watch during EVA was published on http://cybersecurity.ru/space/61100.html

But right now Roskosmos said on http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=5052 that there was not agreement with SEIKO Watch Corporation, so this test is not planned.

Quote from ISS On-Orbit Status 12/18/08 (for history):

"Installing 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, SWG space launch project stop watch, promotional OMEGA watches, wire ties, tethers, camera, wrench and cutters)"

[John44]

 Expedition 18 Pre-Spacewalk Activities This Week.
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4584

[anik]

The final timeline of spacewalk was published in ISS On-Orbit Status 12/20/08:

"EVA-21 Timeline Preview: The Orlan EVA-21 by Lonchakov (EV1/blue stripe [Orlan-M #26 - anik]) & Fincke (EV2/red stripe [Orlan-M #27 - anik]) on 12/22 is scheduled to begin at ~7:15pm EST [00:15 UTC on December 23 - anik] (DC1 EV hatch open), to last an estimated 6 hrs 10 min, i.e., concluding at approximately 1:25am [06:25 UTC - anik]. Russian attitude thrusters will be inhibited by TsUP ground commanding at specific times when the spacewalkers work on the SM RO (Working Compartment, l.d./large diameter) and SM AO (Assembly Compartment). Main objectives of the EVA are –

Install a Langmuir Probe on the DC1 Docking Compartment;
Install & connect the EXPOSE-R monobloc unit on [URM-D - anik] the SM RO l.d.;
Install & connect the IPI-SM monobloc unit of the IMPULSE space experiment on [URM-D - anik] the RO l.d.;
Remove/return the BIORISK-MSN payload container #2 from the DC1;
Conduct “SWG” project timer operations;
Inspect & photograph Progress 31P [Progress M-01M - anik] ASF1-M-VKA #2 antenna;
Remove fasteners (Aramide straps) near docking target and AR-VKA & 2AR-VKA antenna areas on DC1 (if time permits);
Close MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) flap on SM FP-10 connector patch (if time permits);
Re-install SKK #9 [SKK #9-SM - anik] removable cassette container in nominal position (if time permits); and
Monitor conditions ISS RS exterior and structure components (“Panorama-2008” DTO, if time permits)"

[catfry]

Two of those experiments to be installed are supposedly collaborations with ESA and have similarities with some on the Columbus external facility. EXPOSE-R is similar to EUTEF and IPI-SM is similar to PLEGPAY I think. Isn't this redundancy a bit wasteful?

[anik]

Impulse is Russian experiment without participation of other countries. EXPOSE-E and EXPOSE-R have different set of experiments. In addition, EXPOSE-R includes Russian experiments.

[catfry]

I heard it on the recent spacewalk briefing on nasatv but I may have got it wrong.

[rdale]

catfry - the premise is the same, you put experiments on a platform then put the platform outside. But the experiments are different.

[Michael Z Freeman]

Will there be a live thread for this walk, or is that only for Shuttle missions ?

[ShuttleDiscovery]

Will there be a live thread for this walk, or is that only for Shuttle missions ?

Yes, live threads are usually used for spacewalks 

[usn_skwerl]

Is this Langmuir probe installation related to the plasma discharge issues or was it planned from before?

It is related to recent Soyuz problems.

Also, I see the Zarya PDGF installation does not seem to be an objective anymore, have the plans been put on hold?

L2 section has answer.

Some of us don't have L2. a simplified answer would be welcome.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Preview of the spacewalk from Fincke, including an overview of the modified suits:

[brahmanknight]

Is all of that noise in the background the air circulation fans?  I've always heard that it is loud on the Russian side. 

[Chris Bergin]

Converted into a live coverage thread. We will require help in coverage of this spacewalk.

[ShuttleDiscovery]

Is all of that noise in the background the air circulation fans?  I've always heard that it is loud on the Russian side. 

Yeah, I remember reading that members of the early expeditions wore earplugs!

[Chris Bergin]

Is this Langmuir probe installation related to the plasma discharge issues or was it planned from before?

It is related to recent Soyuz problems.

Also, I see the Zarya PDGF installation does not seem to be an objective anymore, have the plans been put on hold?

L2 section has answer.

Some of us don't have L2. a simplified answer would be welcome.

Anik did the right thing, as we don't allow L2 content to move to the open section unless I santion it (given it could be misused, or reported by other media who didn't acquire it themselves etc.etc.)

I will santion this one to help. I believe the reference was on one of the previous MOD 8th Floor 'memos' which are expansive and include notes from the SSPCB etc. Covering ISS. The specific snippet is from two weeks ago (we publish same day):

8th Floor ISS News (SSPCB Notes) - Dec 8, 08 - note four of eight for those on L2 which includes:

"SPDM Parking and Node 3 PVGF

As of this date, analysis indicates that the SPDM could not be stored at the FGB PDGF after the MLM1 is docked to the FGB (as long as the airlock which may eventually move to MRM1 is mated to MLM1). The board chair asked OM to see whether any PDGF reorientations would allow SPDM install. He also asked OM to work with the Russians to consider making MRM1 config changes so that  the airlock does not interfere with SPDM. The chair wants to be able to use the  FGB PDGF as the standard SPDM stowage location.

There was no decision on whether to pursue a Node 3 PVGF until the questions regarding FGB PDGF are answered."

Don't see any references on the Dec 15 version, which was all about SARJ, but will keep an eye out for todays.

[dsmillman]

The ISS timeline at:

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/298043main_1222_2308_tl.pdf

provides the timeline of EVA preparation activities.

[anik]

Some of us don't have L2. a simplified answer would be welcome

I am sorry for such answer, but I really did not know current situation with PDGF then. L2 section has similar info, that is why I have pointed to it. But Chris has already said about rules of L2 section.

As for PDGF installation on Zarya module, now I know as per open source, that it is planned during the fourth STS-119 spacewalk.

Chris mentioned here about current plan for using of PDGF on Zarya module. Earlier its installation there was planned for relocation of Pirs module from the nadir to the zenith port of Zvezda module (this task is cancelled), then for relocation of MRM-1 module from the Space Shuttle cargo bay to the nadir port of Zarya module (this task can be done by SSRMS on other location).

[eeergo]

Will they be using helmet cameras during this spacewalk? Seemed like it from the fit checks videos shown during today's ISS hour, but I'm not sure if those were cameras or just the headlamps.

[wjbarnett]

Will they be using helmet cameras during this spacewalk? Seemed like it from the fit checks videos shown during today's ISS hour, but I'm not sure if those were cameras or just the headlamps.

There is one on Yuri's helmet, but not Mike's. At least that was what was shown a few days ago during a pre-view video that Mike downlinked. I believe both helmets have lights borrowed from US, too.

[MBK004]

Will they be using helmet cameras during this spacewalk? Seemed like it from the fit checks videos shown during today's ISS hour, but I'm not sure if those were cameras or just the headlamps.

There is one on Yuri's helmet, but not Mike's. At least that was what was shown a few days ago during a pre-view video that Mike downlinked. I believe both helmets have lights borrowed from US, too.

From that video, Yuri's suit has the video and US lights while Mike's suit has just the Russian lights.

[bobthemonkey]

Converted into a live coverage thread. We will require help in coverage of this spacewalk.

Should be around till 4am. Hopefully the translator will be a little easier to understand than the one used for the Soyuz pyro-bolt EVA.

As an aside, is there any info on the watch thing on the schedule. I assume this is another advertising tie-up like the golf ball and Pepsi can.

[rdale]

As an aside, is there any info on the watch thing on the schedule.

Yep - in this very thread...

[John44]

 Expedition 18 Pre-Spacewalk Activities 2
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4585

[Johnny Rönnberg]

NTV coverage has began. 0115 CET still official plan start time.

I wonder where the advertising in the MCM have gone?

[eeergo]

Hatch reported open.

Correction: It appears the "hatch" was not the main one, but a sort of equalization valve for depress.
Now that I think of it, Sandy is inside the Soyuz, so she must be preparing the DM/OM hatch for the EVA and contingency operations.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Depress underway

[Svetoslav]

Looks like we are behind schedule, aren't we?

[Ronsmytheiii]

[rdale]

Yes, per PAO, some additional discussions at the start. But he's speaking over EVERYTHING right now so hard to tell what's going on.

[Ronsmytheiii]

[rdale]

10-15 minutes away from start of EVA.

[The-Hammer]

A pressure equalization valve in the transfer compartment wasn't responding to electronic commands. I think they said Sandy could manually actuate it so I'm assuming it is on the Zvezda/Zarya hatch and that it needs to be closed.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Yury will be in Blue and will have the US lights/SVS system, while Mike will be in redc with the new LED light system.

[The-Hammer]

Seem to be some comm issues. Doesn't seem to be a constraint though.

[bobthemonkey]

DC1 approaching vacuum. Final suit checks soon.  Live video from Pirs can be seen in the video from MCC-H.

[bobthemonkey]

Still undergoing pressure checks.

[rdale]

Crew has passed 5-min leak check.

[The-Hammer]

Sandy needs to return to the PkhO to re-close the valve.

EDIT: EVAs about to transition to internal power.

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Ronsmytheiii]

Demating suits, both demated:

[otisbow]

What is that under the Unit module?

[Ronsmytheiii]

Go to open hatch

[eeergo]

What is that under the Unit module?

Nadir: PMA-3.
Zenith: Z1.

Fincke ready to open the hatch.

[Svetoslav]

Hatch Opened!

[Ronsmytheiii]

Hatch open

[bobthemonkey]

Official start 6.51pm CST.

[eeergo]

Bits and pieces flying away (presumably loose insulation) as the hatch is opened.

[Svetoslav]

It's the fifth spacewalk for Fincke and the first for Lonchakov.

[bobthemonkey]

EV1 & EV2 preparing to activate sublimators for cooling.

[eeergo]

Fincke kicking Strella 

[bobthemonkey]

Mike outside the hatch

[eeergo]

Both spacewalkers reporting sublimators functioning nominally.

Starting the Langmuir probe task.

[bobthemonkey]

Mike being directed to the worksite on Pirs by MCC-H.

[eeergo]

Activating the camera, (and the watch, did they just say?) instructed by MCC-H, while preparing the installation of the probe cables

[eeergo]

Nice view.

[bobthemonkey]

This is slightly out of sequence, but a nice shot of Yuri emerging from the hatch, but behind Mike's legs.

[bobthemonkey]

MCC-H confirming that the camera (helmetcam) is running on Yuri's suit.

First pictures from the WVS camera.

[eeergo]

Great addition, this helmetcam

[bobthemonkey]

Now entering orbital night according to MCC-H.

EV's confirming teather location .

[eeergo]

Yuri going to remove the Biorisk canister while Mike continues his probe work.

[bobthemonkey]

0:34 PET. Continuing to install probe on Pirs, and work on Biorisk experiment.

[bobthemonkey]

While the cables are being strung for the Langmuir probe by Yuri, Mike is retrieving the Biorisk experiment. This exposes biological samples to the harshness of space, and will be retrieved for study on the ground.

[eeergo]

Correction to my earlier post: the roles are reversed, that is, Mike is working with Biorisk (as Bob has pointed out )

Yuri routing the probe's cable.

[bobthemonkey]

MCC-H asking if the crew need a rest. Despite, the late start, crew are on schedule.

[bobthemonkey]

Bringing Biorisk inside now.

[eeergo]

The package with Impuls and EXPOSE-R can be seen in the foreground.

[bobthemonkey]

Biorisk in hand, and a nice shot of Mike.

[eeergo]

Nice shots of the EVAers working to secure the Biorisk canister (in the viewer's hands)

[bobthemonkey]

Good view of Mike.

p.s. Sorry for the lack of images. Something appears to have borked somewhere along the line.

Catchup images below. I like no.2.

[eeergo]

MCC advising Yuri to take a minute break, look around and calmly find a better position to proceed with the exposure experiments task.

Getting late in my side of the world (almost 3am!) so I'll call it an EVA. Great to share the coverage for a few moments with you guys.

[bobthemonkey]

MCC-H PAO. 1:01 PET. 119'th ISS EVA.

[bobthemonkey]

Biorisk now inside DC-1. Preparing to move 'Expose 1' and 'Impulse' to their location on the outside of Zvezda.

Video continues to show MCC-M.

[bobthemonkey]

Yuri discussing the most efficient route from Pirs to the large diameter section of Zvezda with MCC-M.

[bobthemonkey]

It appears Yuri is snagged on/blocked by something, and is having problems traversing an antenna. 

Video continues to show MCC-M.

[bobthemonkey]

Helmetcam is back. Yuri at Pirs hatch, Mike/Misha in bottom of frame.

1:15 PET (MCC-H PAO).

[stockman]

[stockman]

[bobthemonkey]

Langmuir setup completed. Commencing closeout photo's.

[bobthemonkey]

Goodbye DC1, going onto SM.

Resetting tethers; not a good idea to have both on the same pole.

[Aobrien]

Why do they use the Russian space suits?

[bobthemonkey]

EV1 & EV2 at the end of the Pirs Ladder. 1:27 PET, crew slightly behind schedule. Crew preparing to translate to the wide diameter section of Zvezda

[rdale]

Because it's a Russian EVA.

[stockman]

[bobthemonkey]

RS Thrusters now inhibited.

[stockman]

Nice shots..

[bobthemonkey]

Some concern being expressed about proximity to solar arrays.

[bobthemonkey]

Mike on the left, Yuri on the right. Some confusion about the exact location of the worksite between the EVA'ers and MCC-M.

[bobthemonkey]

"I'm a paparazzi; at least 1 out of 100 [shots] should come out OK. Afterwards, you can give me the camera, and I can take some photo's of you."

OK given to transverse to large diameter section, and a chance to look inside the station on helmetcam.

[bobthemonkey]

Mike very close to the Array's. Suitcheck with MCC-M.

[stockman]

[bobthemonkey]

Nice view of the experiment packages from helmetcam. Crew still expressing concern over the proximity to the solar array.

[bobthemonkey]

Mike still having difficulty with the array. Ground preparing to rotate it through 90 deg.

[bobthemonkey]

1:48 PET

[bobthemonkey]

Yuri passing Expose R experiment to Mike.

[bobthemonkey]

Array rotated on opposite side.

[bobthemonkey]

[bobthemonkey]

PET approaching 2:00. EVA'ers waiting for rotation of Array.

[bobthemonkey]

Nice view of Soyuz, DC1 and the semi-retracted arrays of Zarya. EV1 & 2 being asked to reduce their cooling to ensure they do not get too cold during their inactivity during orbital night.

[stockman]

nice shot of Mike

[bobthemonkey]

2:00 PET. Array now in correct position MCC-H PAO.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Take a rest:

[Ronsmytheiii]

transition to night

[Ronsmytheiii]

Putting Expose-R into place:

[bobthemonkey]

OK, my coverage is going to have to end here. I trust someone can take over.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Mike's boot drifting into view:

[Ronsmytheiii]

Yury working with cables, moving closer:

[Ronsmytheiii]

2 hr 15 minutes in, Yury working on cables:

[stockman]

trying to Connect Cables

[Ronsmytheiii]

Having difficulties with a connector

[Ronsmytheiii]

Looking at connectors, Mike working on it and Yury going to the kit

[Ronsmytheiii]

Connection is good, WVS is now off....  as a space enthusiast I ask why not leave it on

[Ronsmytheiii]

Taking a couple of minutes for sunrise:

[Ronsmytheiii]

Telemetry does not indicate cable is connected, will try to mate it one more time

[Ronsmytheiii]

Lost track of the connector, PAO talked over the comm.  Looks like they gave up.

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Ronsmytheiii]

Right now they are over China, 2hr 45 minutes in.  in ZOE right now.  Maks you miss sts1canada's eva coverage, but we will be fine.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Signal is back, turning WVS back on:

[Ronsmytheiii]

4 minutes of telemetry left:

[Ronsmytheiii]

[stockman]

nice shot of the Russian arrays

[Ronsmytheiii]

Taking a break to talk, connector seems to be connected including double checking by both.  Many caps. 3 hours in, going to go over issue on ground

Maybe errors in the telemetry station

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Ronsmytheiii]

Ready to demate

[Ronsmytheiii]

PAO:  Can only record data from Expose-R over Russian ground sites, 15 minutes away from contact with them.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Tdrss is back, Yury working with his tether:

[Ronsmytheiii]

Sunset on the earth

[Ronsmytheiii]

Transition to night, Yury offered a rest but declined

[Ronsmytheiii]

Its been a long day so I am signing off, someone else take over if you can please:

[Chris Bergin]

Very good work Ron and all.

Demating connectors to an experiment.

[Chris Bergin]

The demate/remate operation is on the EXPOSE-R experiement.

[Chris Bergin]

Waiting on a forward plan for the apparent issues with the above operation.

[Chris Bergin]

Taking pictures of the issues with the connectors. They may demate/remate it one more time later, but for now they want pictures.

[Chris Bergin]

The problem was a lack of telementry from EXPOSE-R, and the decision is to return it back into the airlock.

[Chris Bergin]

Demating the connections in preparation to return the troublesome EXPOSE-R.

[Chris Bergin]

Russian controllers working out if they have for the last two remaining tasks (removal of straps, photography of the KURS antenna.)

[Chris Bergin]

Heh. They are about to remove it, which is greeted by one of the EVAers saying "I bet they don't want us to remove it now".

[Chris Bergin]

They are going to be very cautious and bring it back into the airlock with the connector wire wrapped in place via wire tie.

[Chris Bergin]

5hrs into the 6hr EVA.

[Chris Bergin]

Starting to head back to the airlock with EXPOSE-R.

MCC-M image (really does look like a cool place):

[Chris Bergin]

Russian controllers working out if they have for the last two remaining tasks (removal of straps, photography of the KURS antenna.)

Rob Navias reckons they won't have time for the above get-ahead tasks.

[Chris Bergin]

And they are going to call time on the EVA it seems, as they note they won't be going back to the worksite from the airlock.

[Chris Bergin]

Thrusters being reactivated on Zvezda seen as they won't be returning to that location.

[Johnny Rönnberg]

Russian controllers working out if they have for the last two remaining tasks (removal of straps, photography of the KURS antenna.)

Rob Navias reckons they won't have time for the above get-ahead tasks.

Did the do the “Panorama-2008” and photography of the 31P?

[Chris Bergin]

Russian controllers working out if they have for the last two remaining tasks (removal of straps, photography of the KURS antenna.)

Rob Navias reckons they won't have time for the above get-ahead tasks.

Did the do the “Panorama-2008” and photography of the 31P?

No, they've pulled the two tasks which were removal of some thermal straps and the photography of the KURS on 31P.

Bringing the EVA to a close now.

[Chris Bergin]

You can just make out Yuri carrying EXPOSE-R back to the airlock. Looks like a suitcase.

[Chris Bergin]

Yuri: "You did great my friend" to Mike.

Mike "Shame we had to bring the EXPOSE-R back."

Go to close the hatch.

[Chris Bergin]

Go for depress. And we'll call it on the coverage too.

[catdlr]

Go for depress. And we'll call it on the coverage too.

Thanks Chris and everyone for the great coverage.

[Carl G]

Thank you all, and Chris where it is 6:30am

[ShuttleDiscovery]

I couldn't manage to stay up till 6am to watch this, but I see Chris has! How do you stay awake?

Thank you all for the great coverage!

[Ronsmytheiii]

Wonder if the EXPOSE-R problems will lead to another stage EVA

Here are some video highlights:

[Ronsmytheiii]

[TJL]

Was this the only planned EVA for Expedition 18?

[anik]

Nice view of Soyuz, DC1 and the semi-retracted arrays of Zarya

Progress, not Soyuz.

Did the do the “Panorama-2008” and photography of the 31P?

"Panorama-2008" task was not included in the final variant of spacewalk timeline sent to a crew on December 20th.

Was this the only planned EVA for Expedition 18?

Yes. I wonder why do I update the Schedule of ISS flight events if no one reads it?

[stockman]

Yes. I wonder why do I update the Schedule of ISS flight events if no one reads it?

People DO read it... just not EVERYONE reads it... Keep the good work coming please..

[TJL]

Sorry, Anik...you do a great job of keeping us informed here.
I should have checked first...

[Life_Support_32]

From the ISS On-Orbit Status regarding the KVD:

The spacewalk began at 7:51pm EST, 36 minutes late due to the pressure equalization valve (PEV; Russian: KVD) in the hatch between the spherical SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and the DC1 SU (Transfer Vestibule) not opening on electric command (requiring FE-2 Magnus to enter the PkhO for manual cycling of the valve).  The EVA ended at 1:29am.  Subsequent repressurization of the DC1 from the SM PkhO failed when the KVD valve remained closed, even on an attempt by Sandy Magnus to open it manually from inside.  The spacewalkers had to repressurize the DC1 from one of the backup BPN tanks (#7).  The hatch could then be opened.  The KVD valve suddenly became electrically functional again shortly before hatch opening (the second vestibule hatch, between the SU and the DC1 SO interior, could be opened OK during equalization).

The item of interest is that last statement that the hatch between the SU and DC-1 SO interior could be opened OK.  That hatch should not have been closed, which would have allowed the KVD to repress the DC-1.  Because that hatch was closed, when the DC-1 was up at a relatively high pressure (i.e. after the 250 mmHg hold during repress), the hatch was forced closed and did not allow the repress.  When the DC-1 was at vacuum, the KVD worked, since the hatch had a large negative delta pressure (~14.5 psi).  Once they opened the hatch, the KVD worked again.

[John44]

 Expedition 18 EVA - December 22 HIGHLIGHTS
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4588

 Expedition 18 EVA - December 22 Full Coverage
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4586

[Lawntonlookirs]

Thanks everyone fot the coverage.