Author Topic: Possible ammonia leak inside the ISS - January 14th 2015 (Read 71264 times)

corgius · « **on:** 01/14/2015 09:06 am »

it seems that an ammonia leak is currently on-going inside the ISS, reported by Italian News website AstronautiNEWS

http://www.astronautinews.it/2015/01/14/aggiornamento-emergenza-corso-sulla-iss/

NSF Article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/01/iss-ammonia-leak-alarm-false-indication/

Pete Harding technical overview article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/01/iss-returning-normal-false-ammonia-leak-alert/

mtakala24 · « **Reply #1 on:** 01/14/2015 09:28 am »

Gathered from MCC-M discussion with the crew just moments ago:

Drastic DPDT spike. (not sure if atmosphere or the pressure in a loop.)
edit: The above Italian site says that it was the atmosphere pressure.

No ammonia detected.

A loop has been depressed, the DPDT has stopped. (not sure which loop they were talking about.)
The above italian side reports Node 2 loop B, whatever that its. Don't have access to documentation right now.

No-go for science as of now. ISS survival is not an issue.

It sounded like the crew was in the Russian Segment and the hatch to USOS was closed.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #2 on:** 01/14/2015 09:52 am »

MCC-H is starting to shut down stuff as per Los-of-Cooling checklists.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #3 on:** 01/14/2015 09:54 am »

Not sure what to make of this. Node 2 LTL is negative.

marcozambi · « **Reply #4 on:** 01/14/2015 09:58 am »

mtakala24, being one of the contributors to that live updated article (in Italian), I can confirm that the capcom on the loop confirmed at about 10.55 CET (04.55 EST) there was a leak in the Node 2 LTL from loop B, so loop B is now shut down, the depress of loop B is n process, and the DPDT was brought back to zero.
The source is of course the Live ISS stream available on Ustream, that by the way continues to transmit live audio.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #5 on:** 01/14/2015 10:00 am »

Now there is a fire alarm. MCC-H cannot tell if false or not.

..and thanks marcozambi, I'm listening to that too.

TSomers · « **Reply #6 on:** 01/14/2015 10:01 am »

Here's the ISS Live view of the Loop A and Loop B cooling data. I'm not sure what the nominal data is, but Loop B looks mostly shutdown.

Additionally, there was just a fire alarm onboard in the docking compartment.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #7 on:** 01/14/2015 10:06 am »

I missed that display, thanks for posting it.

No fire nor smoke, CSA readings are basicly zero as reported by crew.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #8 on:** 01/14/2015 10:16 am »

The crew and MCC-H are going through the fire procedures now.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #9 on:** 01/14/2015 10:21 am »

Another alarm. Houston is taking a look.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #10 on:** 01/14/2015 10:30 am »

FGB smoke detectors tripped - the same ones from the day before yesterday.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #11 on:** 01/14/2015 10:40 am »

The ammonia reference from my first post in this thread could have been in reference to the ammonia in Russian Segment.

Did anyone catch if they actually smelled or detected ammonia in the USOS before evacuating?

mtakala24 · « **Reply #12 on:** 01/14/2015 10:53 am »

Another alarm on the loop. CSA-CP readings to be taken in MRM-2.

Orbiter · « **Reply #13 on:** 01/14/2015 10:56 am »

No visual indications of anything off-nominal in MRM-2.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #14 on:** 01/14/2015 10:57 am »

Another alarm again. Repeat of the above MRM-2 smoke and fire alarms.

Orbiter · « **Reply #15 on:** 01/14/2015 10:58 am »

Another smoke/fire alarm in MRM-2, same signature and sensor. False alarm.

woods170 · « **Reply #16 on:** 01/14/2015 11:02 am »

This situation now being reported thru Roscosmos website: http://www.federalspace.ru/21240/

mtakala24 · « **Reply #17 on:** 01/14/2015 11:04 am »

Big picture:

Gracefull powerdown in progress

Loop B has not been vented yet. (Capcom said about it being something that cannot be taken back. Loss of NH3 and N2 are obvious.)

Not convinced it is an ammonia leak.

Possibly thermal effects, sensor problems. Smart people looking at data.

DPDT stable, only very small increases seen from time to time right now. A days worth of increase at this rate can be tolerated before any over-pressure.

Targeteer · « **Reply #18 on:** 01/14/2015 11:06 am »

Per CAPCOM, Houston is not convinced there was a leak and they are having experts come in to pour over the data

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #19 on:** 01/14/2015 11:12 am »

Good work on here everyone! I'm at work, but you all seem to have it covered nicely.

max_schmurz · « **Reply #20 on:** 01/14/2015 11:16 am »

Now crew is trying to call to mr Ostapenko (head of Roscosmos)

max_schmurz · « **Reply #21 on:** 01/14/2015 11:21 am »

And finally they've managed to call him. "No panic aboard"

Targeteer · « **Reply #22 on:** 01/14/2015 11:22 am »

Mr Ostapenko was reached on his cell-phone and they are jabbering on the loop now. An update from Houston is being clobbered and unintelligible. Cosmonauts are talking about camping out the Russian section over night.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #23 on:** 01/14/2015 11:22 am »

They are asking about when they can re-enter the USOS. For now they are going to camp out in the Russian section.

max_schmurz · « **Reply #24 on:** 01/14/2015 11:22 am »

Get ready to sleep all the crew in Russian segment

max_schmurz · « **Reply #25 on:** 01/14/2015 11:24 am »

And they will try to call mr Rogozin

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #26 on:** 01/14/2015 11:29 am »

NASA ‏@NASA 4m4 minutes ago
#NASA TV #ISS update in about 20 minutes. Crew is safe. No ammonia leak confirmed. Crew responded to coolant loop pressure increases.

Targeteer · « **Reply #27 on:** 01/14/2015 11:40 am »

ISS update on NASA TV at 745am EST--5 minutes

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #28 on:** 01/14/2015 11:42 am »

NASA:
Flight controllers are not sure if the alarm was triggered by a pressure spike, a faulty sensor, or a problem in a computer relay box.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #29 on:** 01/14/2015 11:44 am »

Targeteer · « **Reply #30 on:** 01/14/2015 11:45 am »

now 0750

laughninja · « **Reply #31 on:** 01/14/2015 11:46 am »

Quote from: max_schmurz on 01/14/2015 11:21 am

And finally they've managed to call him. "No panic aboard"

Expedition 42. Don't Panic

Targeteer · « **Reply #32 on:** 01/14/2015 11:48 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #33 on:** 01/14/2015 11:49 am »

Interface Heat Exchangers (IFHX) documentation in L2 bumped. Will use in an article if this gets mentioned as a suspect.

Targeteer · « **Reply #34 on:** 01/14/2015 11:52 am »

music started

Targeteer · « **Reply #35 on:** 01/14/2015 11:53 am »

Cosmonauts instructed to perform recovery of 40 and 41s vehicles and confirm fan functionality

Space Pete · « **Reply #36 on:** 01/14/2015 11:54 am »

Ammonia can enter the ISS via what is called an Interface Heat Exchanger (IFHX) - this is a piece of hardware that transfers the heat from the internal LTL (Low Temperature Loop) or MTL (Moderate Temperature Loop) water coolant loops, to the external ammonia coolant loops.

There are 10 IFHXs on the ISS in total - 2 on the US Lab, 6 on Node 2, and 2 on Node 3. They are located outside the pressure vessel on the endcones of their respective modules.

It is possible for ammonia to enter the ISS via the IFHX since both the external ammonia loop and the internal water loop are connected to the heat exchanger - so if the exchanger fails, ammonia can flow from outside to inside. In this case, it seems the concern is with one of the Node 2 IFHXs that transfers heat from the internal LTL to the external coolant loop B.

IFHXs can be R&Rd via EVA if necessary.

L2 members, have a look at the IFHX FRAT (Failure Response Analysis Team) document here:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28291

Targeteer · « **Reply #37 on:** 01/14/2015 11:55 am »

lots of folks in mission control Houston

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #38 on:** 01/14/2015 11:56 am »

Rob Navias making a big point about no actual leak detected.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #39 on:** 01/14/2015 11:58 am »

Lots of folk in meetings in the FCR.

Targeteer · « **Reply #40 on:** 01/14/2015 11:59 am »

the crew was advised some alarms might enunciate as systems were brought back online

zerm · « **Reply #41 on:** 01/14/2015 12:01 pm »

No hard data that there was an actual leak

Targeteer · « **Reply #42 on:** 01/14/2015 12:04 pm »

mission status briefing later in the day is possible

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #43 on:** 01/14/2015 12:07 pm »

Crew portrait - all in the Russian section.

Dragon unloading tasks obviously ceased.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #44 on:** 01/14/2015 12:09 pm »

Rob Navias "No leak, contrary to the reports circulating" - sounds a bit annoyed by a few mass media who have been getting a bit over excited about it all.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #45 on:** 01/14/2015 12:12 pm »

So I'll write a short state of play article. Pete's going to write a technical article, which will coincide with when we'll know more.

SoulWager · « **Reply #46 on:** 01/14/2015 12:13 pm »

So the suspicion is that ammonia was leaking from the external cooling loop into the internal cooling loop, but there's no evidence of either loop venting into the station's interior? Is the water loop designed to contain the same pressure as the ammonia loop?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #47 on:** 01/14/2015 12:14 pm »

New message to the crew about to go up.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #48 on:** 01/14/2015 12:16 pm »

Big picture:

Good news:
Node 2 LTL back up, normal.

Strong belief that false indication of ammonia leak.

Probably won't ingress USOS tonight.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #49 on:** 01/14/2015 12:16 pm »

To Butch - big picture:

Good news, everything looking nominal. Looks like a false indication - looking to confirm. Should ingress back to USOC tonight.

Targeteer · « **Reply #50 on:** 01/14/2015 12:20 pm »

NASA TV signing off

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #51 on:** 01/14/2015 12:20 pm »

That's the end of the update.

Space Pete · « **Reply #52 on:** 01/14/2015 12:23 pm »

It seems the initial pressure spike was to the internal atmospheric pressure in Node 2, leading the ground to think that ammonia was entering the atmosphere via loop B leaking into the Node 2 LTL.

However, it seems there is no indication of an increase in pressure in the Node 2 LTL (which there would be if there was ammonia leaking into the loop).

So, a faulty atmospheric pressure sensor then?

mtakala24 · « **Reply #53 on:** 01/14/2015 12:29 pm »

Faulty sensor should be easy to rule out - the pressure would also show in the other sensors.

Targeteer · « **Reply #54 on:** 01/14/2015 12:32 pm »

Moscow is telling the Cosmonauts to make sure everyone knows how to use the bathroom in the Russian segment without overloading it--breaks between use are required

Ben the Space Brit · « **Reply #55 on:** 01/14/2015 12:40 pm »

Definitely sounds like instrumentation but it might be interesting to see the solar radiation readings for the relevant period. Could a particle shower have caused several sensors (including the MRM-2 fire/smoke sensor) to have malfunctioned?

I expect the incoming Congress to ask why "there is no US lifeboat" or something similar and then shout 'ORION! SLS!" loudly. No-one will mention that the US lifeboat was de-funded by Congress ages ago...

[edit]
Hmmm... There was an M5-class solar flare early this morning, UT. I'm not knowledgeable of the physics of it but I suppose that the ionising effect could have left enough charged particles in certain parts of the ionosphere to cause shorts in things like sensors.

asmi · « **Reply #56 on:** 01/14/2015 01:15 pm »

Quote from: Ben the Space Brit on 01/14/2015 12:40 pm

I expect the incoming Congress to ask why "there is no US lifeboat" or something similar and then shout 'ORION! SLS!" loudly. No-one will mention that the US lifeboat was de-funded by Congress ages ago...

In this specific case US lifeboat wouldn't help much. Because if some repairs would be necessary, they can be done off RSOS, while in the lifeboat the crew can't do much except sitting around looking nervous.

robertross · « **Reply #57 on:** 01/14/2015 01:17 pm »

Thanks for the coverage guys; I've been following along in the background.
I'm glad it isn't serious as it was once thought.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #58 on:** 01/14/2015 01:35 pm »

My quick state of play article. Pete will show us how it's done with a technical article late tonight.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/01/iss-ammonia-leak-alarm-false-indication/

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #59 on:** 01/14/2015 02:00 pm »

NASA ‏@NASA 6m6 minutes ago
.@Space_Station Manager Mike Suffredini will discuss today's events on NASA TV at 11 am ET: http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv

Can someone look after this, as I've got to catch up on work I put on hold due to the ISS sensor system having a fit!

ThereIWas3 · « **Reply #60 on:** 01/14/2015 02:02 pm »

An "instrumentation failure" is still a failure. It isn't supposed to give false alarms.
It will be interesting to see what this turns out to be, so they can prevent it happening again.

asmi · « **Reply #61 on:** 01/14/2015 02:25 pm »

File Photo from NK

Joey S-IVB · « **Reply #62 on:** 01/14/2015 03:03 pm »

Space Station Live, Michael Sufferendi interviewed. He mentions that at 4 a.m. the systems indicated that there were four measurements that were off scale. The time didn't know what the cause was. The cumelator level was the issue. He mentioned the ammonia system as part of the cooling system and heat exchangers that go between the water loop and the heat exchange loop. There was a possible path for the ammonia to leak into the water. If the accumulator was filling up, that would indicate a leak. The team then discussed if it was a real leak or not. They immediately safed the crew and segment.

Joey S-IVB · « **Reply #63 on:** 01/14/2015 03:06 pm »

The crew moved to the Russian segment and then take tests of the atmosphere. Confusing things, included increase cabin pressure, which might indicate an ammonia leak.

They've checked the environment twice, and no leak found. Crew allowed back in the US lab. Pressure went up again, and the crew donned masks and moved back to the Russian segment.

WindnWar · « **Reply #64 on:** 01/14/2015 03:09 pm »

Would like to get the crew back into the US segment by tonight. Looks to be tied to an MDM failure.

Joey S-IVB · « **Reply #65 on:** 01/14/2015 03:10 pm »

Seems to be an electronic card that contains sensors is the problem. They think everything is good. They have the water loop up. Have done data dumps. Powering up systems, external loop B is being integrated, which takes time.

Steps.
1) Powerup
2) Get insight into the accumolator to make sure it is tight to get crew back in the USA segment

Trying to get crew back in the US segment tonight. Crew hanging out in the Russian segment.

Impacts to Science were Micro5 was delayed. Fruit flys were the other experiment that was affected, they needed to be fed, but they will be alright. They didn't lose any research.

JimO · « **Reply #66 on:** 01/14/2015 03:12 pm »

Mike says there's a chip in an MDM that, if failed, could account for the funny readings. The MDM's memory was dumped and is now being checked. Once the MDM is cleared, its power will be recycled to try to get the chip working again. Mike says they want to check accumulator level to verify there is nothing leaking into the water. Only then will they clear the crew to return.

Space Pete · « **Reply #67 on:** 01/14/2015 03:15 pm »

Mike Suffredini:

Ground detected increased pressure in water loop via increased accumulator quantity.

So ground shut down loop B PM, thus requiring equipment powerdowns. Meanwhile crew closed Node 1 Aft hatch and took shelter in RS.

Then detected increased pressure in cabin - believe this could be a result of powerdowns, so not necessarily related to increased pressure in water loop.

Some pressure measurements lost due to some cards inside an MDM going down.

Crew re-entered USOS when cabin pressure begain to lower, however when pressure began to climb again the crew were re-isolated in RS again.

Team does not believe any ammonia leak has occurred.

Now looking to get loop B back up, get internal water loop back up, do MDM data dump and power cycle suspect cards, then re-power equipment and let crew back into USOS - hope to get this done tonight. They want to take a look at the water loop accumulator quantity before letting crew back in, but need MDM to be back up for that.

WindnWar · « **Reply #68 on:** 01/14/2015 03:16 pm »

Pressure build up that was detected they believe may be tied to the shutdown procedures done in that segment, they are looking at the data to understand it. Says everyone performed the steps of the plan very well. Data points to it not likely being an ammonia leak, but rather a faulty sensor or computer.

JimO · « **Reply #69 on:** 01/14/2015 03:23 pm »

In the big picture, here's an interesting take by Susan Helms from ten years ago about how the bipolar design accidentally provided enhanced robustness: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/7763702/#.VLaWi8J0xjo

SkipMorrow · « **Reply #70 on:** 01/14/2015 03:34 pm »

How do they detect an increase in the US side cabin pressure? Would the cabin pressure be the same throughout the ISS, including the Russian side?

robertross · « **Reply #71 on:** 01/14/2015 03:43 pm »

Quote from: SkipMorrow on 01/14/2015 03:34 pm

How do they detect an increase in the US side cabin pressure? Would the cabin pressure be the same throughout the ISS, including the Russian side?

From a Fluid Power standpoint, it would be due to air flow through the cabin.

With an exhaust fan on in a segment, the air passes through the hatch openings from one segment to another. This pressure drop can be read, and it would be highest at the origin, dropping along the way until it is sucked up by an air intake fan.

SkipMorrow · « **Reply #72 on:** 01/14/2015 03:59 pm »

Oh, wow, that seems like the cabin pressure sensors would have to be pretty accurate, but not beyond the realm of possibility.

So, if I am understanding all of this, they noticed a drop in ammonia pressure at the same time as an increase in cabin pressure. And maybe even some fire alarms? That does seem like a lot of simultaneous things using independent sensors, which sure would make me think this was the real deal. Talk about pucker factor...

But if there is a chip on an MDM that feeds all of these, and failure of that chip could lead to such erroneous simultaneous indications, then I can see that.

But still, wow!

Thanks for the great updates on this! I've been following it all morning.

robertross · « **Reply #73 on:** 01/14/2015 04:04 pm »

I wouldn't think there would be a sensor chip on an MDM board, but I could be wrong. It could be integrated together as a functionality card (sensor + MDM) for rack mounting.

MDM is Multiplexer/Demultiplexer, which in essence means it allows a bunch of individual wires (signals) to be combined together to be transmitted in serial format to a computer (usually a certain distance away), to be analyzed. The signal (or other control signals) can then be sent back to the MDM card from the computer to do things like turn off, isolate, go to channel B, ETC.

Jim · « **Reply #74 on:** 01/14/2015 04:22 pm »

Quote from: ThereIWas3 on 01/14/2015 02:02 pm

An "instrumentation failure" is still a failure. It isn't supposed to give false alarms.
It will be interesting to see what this turns out to be, so they can prevent it happening again.

That can't be prevented. instrumentation failure are always going to happen. False positives happen. The evacuation is erring on the safe side.

corgius · « **Reply #75 on:** 01/14/2015 05:25 pm »

NASA International Space Station Program Manager Mike Suffredini explains what happened today inside the ISS

erioladastra · « **Reply #76 on:** 01/14/2015 05:31 pm »

Quote from: SkipMorrow on 01/14/2015 03:34 pm

How do they detect an increase in the US side cabin pressure? Would the cabin pressure be the same throughout the ISS, including the Russian side?

There is a Pressure Control Assmebly that reads the pressure. Sensors also measure the quanity of fluid in the accumlator (reserve tank you can think of) to see if the level is changing. All of these sensors go through analog cards on the MDM

asmi · « **Reply #77 on:** 01/14/2015 05:32 pm »

Quote from: corgius on 01/14/2015 05:25 pm

NASA International Space Station Program Manager Mike Suffredini explains what happened today inside the ISS

Can somebody please provide an executive summary of what he said to those of us at work with youtube banned off?

erioladastra · « **Reply #78 on:** 01/14/2015 05:35 pm »

Quote from: SoulWager on 01/14/2015 12:13 pm

So the suspicion is that ammonia was leaking from the external cooling loop into the internal cooling loop, but there's no evidence of either loop venting into the station's interior? Is the water loop designed to contain the same pressure as the ammonia loop?

No - once ammonia is in the water it starts leaking into the cabin.

Targeteer · « **Reply #79 on:** 01/14/2015 06:09 pm »

Additional alarms have been heard on the loop and CAPCOM explained during the DPC that issues are now occurring with a Node 1 MDM. That issue is being evaluated. The plan and hope is to re-enter the USOS tonight but remaining there overnight is still being assessed. Recovery of loop B cooling will occur tomorrow because a bubble was likely introduced into the system by the shutdown actions today.

Targeteer · « **Reply #80 on:** 01/14/2015 06:10 pm »

CAPCOM did report that a power cycle of the suspect Node 2 MDM cleared the indications of concern this morning but the cause of the indications is still unknown.

Targeteer · « **Reply #81 on:** 01/14/2015 06:38 pm »

CAPCOM is passing a big picture update

Targeteer · « **Reply #82 on:** 01/14/2015 06:41 pm »

The P1 MDM errors were a data exception. Plan is still to re-enter the USOS tonight with all crew members wearing the masks and filters they did this morning. Two members will enter the USOS with measurement devices and redirect ducting to prevent airflow from the USOS.

Targeteer · « **Reply #83 on:** 01/14/2015 06:44 pm »

Dreger samples will be taken in US nodes 1 and 2 and the US Lab. Any readings over 5 will result in retreat into the Russian segment. Terry and Samantha are the ground suggestions to go forward because they are requesting the Soyuz 40 crew to enter their Soyuz and close but not lock a hatch--I can't make out the Russian designations.

Targeteer · « **Reply #84 on:** 01/14/2015 06:45 pm »

The P1 MDM errors and a RPC trip were both believed unrelated to this mornings issues.

Targeteer · « **Reply #85 on:** 01/14/2015 06:48 pm »

Terry and Butch are the members going forward to take the measurements. Houston is ready for the crew to proceed.

Targeteer · « **Reply #86 on:** 01/14/2015 06:52 pm »

Moscow is re-explaining the plan to the Russian crew who sound very confused

mtakala24 · « **Reply #87 on:** 01/14/2015 07:00 pm »

Hatch opening coming up. MCC-H warns the crew that USOS is slightly higher pressure, so equalizing could take a bit longer than normal. Houston should have internal KU video.

Targeteer · « **Reply #88 on:** 01/14/2015 07:01 pm »

Crew is getting ready to open the hatch into the US segment. Houston cautioned that the US segment is at a higher pressure than the Russian segment and for the crew to be prepared for that. All available camera views have been routed to the ground so the Butch and Terry will have full coverage

pericynthion · « **Reply #89 on:** 01/14/2015 07:03 pm »

Targeteer, thanks for the running commentary. Much appreciated.

Targeteer · « **Reply #90 on:** 01/14/2015 07:05 pm »

Comm should be interesting with the crew wearing masks. Brings back bad memories of trying to talk on the phone during "chem" exercises in the Air Force...

Targeteer · « **Reply #91 on:** 01/14/2015 07:07 pm »

Crew is in the lab and no indications yet in Node 2, checking the lab. Crew audio is muffled but readable. Again bad memories...

Targeteer · « **Reply #92 on:** 01/14/2015 07:09 pm »

Views on US Stream are unfortunately exterior only...

Targeteer · « **Reply #93 on:** 01/14/2015 07:11 pm »

no indications after two measurements in Node 2. Crew is go to doff the masks. Yeah.

Targeteer · « **Reply #94 on:** 01/14/2015 07:12 pm »

Ground sounds like they were unprepared for the good news. Discussing what to do next. Sam checked in from the Russian segment that they are not hearing the ground.

Targeteer · « **Reply #95 on:** 01/14/2015 07:13 pm »

Russian crew cleared to doff masks and open the hatches.

Targeteer · « **Reply #96 on:** 01/14/2015 07:16 pm »

Sam asking about cleaning the masks before re-stow. Again flashbacks about signing the inspection log after an all-clear sounded...

SkipMorrow · « **Reply #97 on:** 01/14/2015 07:17 pm »

Are there any live continuous air sampling devices on the ISS that look for things like ammonia and smoke? You know, like the smoke detectors and CO2 detectors we have in our houses? If they do, what all do they look for?

Finally, assuming that there are such devices, in today's scenario, the one thing that they were missing was an alarm indicating that the actual air had been contaminated, true?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #98 on:** 01/14/2015 07:18 pm »

All sounds like things are returning to normal! They'll need to go feed the Dragon.

Targeteer · « **Reply #99 on:** 01/14/2015 07:30 pm »

Butch requesting location of spare Personal Breathing Aparatus' (PBA)

Targeteer · « **Reply #100 on:** 01/14/2015 07:51 pm »

Due to limitations caused by the loss of cooling loop B, the crew can spend the night in the USOS but they must camp out aft of Node 2.

Targeteer · « **Reply #101 on:** 01/14/2015 08:12 pm »

Crew is reconfiguring Ku comm at Houston's request before sleep.

JimO · « **Reply #102 on:** 01/15/2015 02:44 am »

News reports tonight kept referencing the crew hearing the sound of an alarm that alerted them to the initial problem. But weren't they first notified by a voice call from the Capcom? Sorry, I'm confused. Was there EVER an audible alarm sounding?

Lee Jay · « **Reply #103 on:** 01/15/2015 03:26 am »

Quote from: JimO on 01/15/2015 02:44 am

News reports tonight kept referencing the crew hearing the sound of an alarm that alerted them to the initial problem. But weren't they first notified by a voice call from the Capcom? Sorry, I'm confused. Was there EVER an audible alarm sounding?

Jim, I thought you had L2 access. The ISS section has a pretty good description of what transpired, but I'm not qualified to interpret it to just give you a solid yes or no.

Targeteer · « **Reply #104 on:** 01/15/2015 04:20 am »

Speaking of alarms, the crew had one go off about 15 minutes ago but CAPCOM quickly called to say no crew action was required. I heard the crew setting up the comm consoles before they went to bed and the only one they left on was the closest to Butch's head

I think Samantha ended up hanging out in the PMM as her temp sleep location.

JimO · « **Reply #105 on:** 01/15/2015 04:41 am »

Quote from: Lee Jay on 01/15/2015 03:26 am

Jim, I thought you had L2 access. The ISS section has a pretty good description of what transpired, but I'm not qualified to interpret it to just give you a solid yes or no.

Thanks, got it, am nearing clarity -- slowly [grin].

Targeteer · « **Reply #106 on:** 01/15/2015 06:19 am »

Morning DPC. Planning to repress the cooling loop today. System restorations though-out the day and Houston will alert the crew for any impacts of changes. No fans in the Dragon so CO2 buildup is possible and the crew needs to monitor for symptoms. Crew is also prime for smoke detection in Node 2 and Dragon.

AJA · « **Reply #107 on:** 01/15/2015 07:59 am »

Quote from: Targeteer on 01/14/2015 07:01 pm

Houston cautioned that the US segment is at a higher pressure than the Russian segment and for the crew to be prepared for that.

How much higher, and what caused it? Rise in the temperature of the segment due to the shut-down of the cooling loops?

mtakala24 · « **Reply #108 on:** 01/15/2015 08:42 am »

Ping JimO:

The Italian site referenced in the first post has a youtube recording of the problem originally starting.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #109 on:** 01/15/2015 11:57 am »

Tons of notes in a dedicated L2 section.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=36573.0

Pete will have an article on this tonight.

Prober · « **Reply #110 on:** 01/15/2015 12:35 pm »

Quote from: Targeteer on 01/15/2015 04:20 am

Speaking of alarms, the crew had one go off about 15 minutes ago but CAPCOM quickly called to say no crew action was required. I heard the crew setting up the comm consoles before they went to bed and the only one they left on was the closest to Butch's head I think Samantha ended up hanging out in the PMM as her temp sleep location.

Pulled up: http://spacestationlive.nasa.gov/displays/ethosDisplay1.html

Destiny numbers looked "strange' compared to everything else. Is that where the issues are happening?

woods170 · « **Reply #111 on:** 01/15/2015 12:58 pm »

Quote from: Prober on 01/15/2015 12:35 pm

Quote from: Targeteer on 01/15/2015 04:20 am
Speaking of alarms, the crew had one go off about 15 minutes ago but CAPCOM quickly called to say no crew action was required. I heard the crew setting up the comm consoles before they went to bed and the only one they left on was the closest to Butch's head I think Samantha ended up hanging out in the PMM as her temp sleep location.

Pulled up: http://spacestationlive.nasa.gov/displays/ethosDisplay1.html

Destiny numbers looked "strange' compared to everything else. Is that where the issues are happening?

Don't seem out-of-the-ordinary to me. The issues were earlier reported to be taking place in Node 2 (Harmony)

mtakala24 · « **Reply #112 on:** 01/15/2015 04:08 pm »

Loop B flowrate has not increased yet. That restart procedure must be tedious.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #113 on:** 01/16/2015 01:34 am »

And as promised, here's the highly technical overview via L2 notes from Pete Harding!

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/01/iss-returning-normal-false-ammonia-leak-alert/

Read this be instantly become cleverer

mtakala24 · « **Reply #114 on:** 01/16/2015 01:48 am »

Loop B still not running; the "situation" is not normal as now the cooling is single-string still. But off to bed now, smiling after watching certain Mission Status Briefing video.

DaveJSC · « **Reply #115 on:** 01/16/2015 11:52 am »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 01/15/2015 11:57 am

Tons of notes in a dedicated L2 section.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=36573.0

Pete will have an article on this tonight.
Quote from: Chris Bergin on 01/16/2015 01:34 am
And as promised, here's the highly technical overview via L2 notes from Pete Harding!

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/01/iss-returning-normal-false-ammonia-leak-alert/

Read this be instantly become cleverer

What a brilliant article!! Well done Pete

robertross · « **Reply #116 on:** 01/16/2015 02:59 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 01/16/2015 01:34 am

And as promised, here's the highly technical overview via L2 notes from Pete Harding!

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/01/iss-returning-normal-false-ammonia-leak-alert/

Read this be instantly become cleverer

That was an excellent piece of work Pete. Great job!
That would enable anyone in the mass media be able to correct their inaccuracies (being kind)

mtakala24 · « **Reply #117 on:** 01/16/2015 04:05 pm »

Loop B was at well over 1000kPa an hour ago, but its now back to around 988kPa. Still higher than yesterday.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #118 on:** 01/17/2015 05:06 pm »

Over 1100kPa. Pump still not running.

Mapperuo · « **Reply #119 on:** 01/17/2015 06:54 pm »

MCH just told crew the MDM card failed again and it would have triggered another toxic alarm like before but they adjusted it so it did not in this case. Looking at a forward plan for this failed card.

Targeteer · « **Reply #120 on:** 01/17/2015 06:59 pm »

The Node 2 MDM with the failed card is still up but Houston fears that if it failed overnight the crew would lose airflow in Node 2. They would receive a caution to wake them up.

SkipMorrow · « **Reply #121 on:** 01/17/2015 09:35 pm »

Samantha just posted another log book entry on G+.
https://plus.google.com/+SamanthaCristoforetti/posts/YRvtvYbKuUF

She said that when they went back into the USOS the second time,

Quote

Houston directed us to send two people forward to sample the atmosphere first and Butch decided that he and Terry, as the Soyuz right seaters, would go.

Ok, I know the right seat is the 2nd Flight Engineer. So why would it make sense to send the 2nd flight engineer to do the air tests?

Space Pete · « **Reply #122 on:** 01/17/2015 09:41 pm »

If the MDM in question is the Node 2-2 MDM (the same one that was responsible for the original false ammonia alarm), then it is an internal MDM so it would not require an EVA to R&R it. Don't know whether a spare is available on-board, or whether the individual cards could be repaired/replaced.

Targeteer · « **Reply #123 on:** 01/17/2015 09:49 pm »

I think I caught word that Houston power cycled the MDM to restore the misbehaving card. Terry did say he was going to say a prayer for the Node 2 MDM

robertross · « **Reply #124 on:** 01/18/2015 01:52 am »

I have a question. Where do we stand on NTA available volume?
It was noted they vented the Nitrogen from the system into space. How much margin is there left in the Nitrogen Tank Assembly on orbit before it requires a replacement?

(I know there's two pre-positioned spares on orbit):
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31826.msg1222357#msg1222357

hop · « **Reply #125 on:** 01/18/2015 06:20 am »

Quote from: SkipMorrow on 01/17/2015 09:35 pm

Ok, I know the right seat is the 2nd Flight Engineer. So why would it make sense to send the 2nd flight engineer to do the air tests?

If they were incapacitated, it would have the least impact on an evacuation. FE2 is the "tourist" seat.

mtakala24 · « **Reply #126 on:** 01/18/2015 12:49 pm »

aaand Loop B is alright now, even higher pressure than loop A. And PM is running.

Targeteer · « **Reply #127 on:** 01/18/2015 06:27 pm »

CAPCOM confirmed during a lengthy and impromptu DPC that loop B is fully restored and that all systems are reintegrated. Also discussed was a burning smell detected strongest in Node 3 this morning by the crew that failed to cause any alarms or sensor detections. The crew was asked to perform one more combustion product (CSACP) test to verify no increased readings from the nearly zero readings this morning. The ground is continuing to investigate the source of the smell described as either burning rubber or ash. Normal operations were resumed once no conclusive indications of fire were detected.

robertross · « **Reply #128 on:** 01/18/2015 10:11 pm »

Thanks for the great coverage on here guys; it was amazing.

360-180 · « **Reply #129 on:** 01/19/2015 12:51 am »

Quote from: hop on 01/18/2015 06:20 am

Quote from: SkipMorrow on 01/17/2015 09:35 pm
Ok, I know the right seat is the 2nd Flight Engineer. So why would it make sense to send the 2nd flight engineer to do the air tests?
If they were incapacitated, it would have the least impact on an evacuation. FE2 is the "tourist" seat.

sequence seating crew of the Soyuz
FE1
FE2
Soyuz Commander

escape sequence crew of Soyuz spacecraft
Soyuz Commander
FE2
FE1

dks13827 · « **Reply #130 on:** 01/19/2015 01:08 am »

A real emergency of this kind is bad anywhere but what if you were months away from Earth ?

erioladastra · « **Reply #131 on:** 01/19/2015 08:33 am »

Quote from: 360-180 on 01/19/2015 12:51 am

Quote from: hop on 01/18/2015 06:20 am
Quote from: SkipMorrow on 01/17/2015 09:35 pm
Ok, I know the right seat is the 2nd Flight Engineer. So why would it make sense to send the 2nd flight engineer to do the air tests?
If they were incapacitated, it would have the least impact on an evacuation. FE2 is the "tourist" seat.
sequence seating crew of the Soyuz
FE1
FE2
Soyuz Commander

escape sequence crew of Soyuz spacecraft
Soyuz Commander
FE2
FE1

Depends on skill mix and CDR preference at the time - nothing to do with seats or who would be least impact.

rdale · « **Reply #132 on:** 01/19/2015 12:19 pm »

Quote from: dks13827 on 01/19/2015 01:08 am

A real emergency of this kind is bad anywhere but what if you were months away from Earth ?

That would also be bad. But that's not possible on the ISS due to its need to orbit the Earth.

the_other_Doug · « **Reply #133 on:** 01/20/2015 05:10 am »

Quote from: erioladastra on 01/19/2015 08:33 am

Quote from: 360-180 on 01/19/2015 12:51 am
Quote from: hop on 01/18/2015 06:20 am
Quote from: SkipMorrow on 01/17/2015 09:35 pm
Ok, I know the right seat is the 2nd Flight Engineer. So why would it make sense to send the 2nd flight engineer to do the air tests?
If they were incapacitated, it would have the least impact on an evacuation. FE2 is the "tourist" seat.

sequence seating crew of the Soyuz
FE1
FE2
Soyuz Commander

escape sequence crew of Soyuz spacecraft
Soyuz Commander
FE2
FE1

Depends on skill mix and CDR preference at the time - nothing to do with seats or who would be least impact.

The evacuation seats are literally all pre-located, correct? Each Expedition crew member has his/her custom-molded Soyuz seat liner, and these are pre-installed in the Soyuz to which a given crew member is assigned for evacuation, right?

So, at any given time, an evacuating crew member ought to have one, and only one, Soyuz seat to try and get to in an emergency?

Hog · « **Reply #134 on:** 01/21/2015 01:10 pm »

Quote from: the_other_Doug on 01/20/2015 05:10 am

Quote from: erioladastra on 01/19/2015 08:33 am
Quote from: 360-180 on 01/19/2015 12:51 am
Quote from: hop on 01/18/2015 06:20 am
Quote from: SkipMorrow on 01/17/2015 09:35 pm
Ok, I know the right seat is the 2nd Flight Engineer. So why would it make sense to send the 2nd flight engineer to do the air tests?
If they were incapacitated, it would have the least impact on an evacuation. FE2 is the "tourist" seat.

sequence seating crew of the Soyuz
FE1
FE2
Soyuz Commander

escape sequence crew of Soyuz spacecraft
Soyuz Commander
FE2
FE1

Depends on skill mix and CDR preference at the time - nothing to do with seats or who would be least impact.

The evacuation seats are literally all pre-located, correct? Each Expedition crew member has his/her custom-molded Soyuz seat liner, and these are pre-installed in the Soyuz to which a given crew member is assigned for evacuation, right?

So, at any given time, an evacuating crew member ought to have one, and only one, Soyuz seat to try and get to in an emergency?

Would they not evacuate to the seat that they rode up on?

ThereIWas3 · « **Reply #135 on:** 01/21/2015 01:53 pm »

Quote from: rdale on 01/19/2015 12:19 pm

Quote from: dks13827 on 01/19/2015 01:08 am
A real emergency of this kind is bad anywhere but what if you were months away from Earth ?

That would also be bad. But that's not possible on the ISS due to its need to orbit the Earth.

I think dks's question was speculative about BEO missions. These ISS MDMs seem unreliable (they had to replace the external one last year) so hopefully by then they will have come up with a more reliable and more distributed design. From the pictures, these things are using rather old technology.

Fuji · « **Reply #136 on:** 01/23/2015 09:13 pm »

C&W display and laptop screen are red. Rare photos

http://www.federalspace.ru/21249/