Author Topic: Expedition 25 thread (September 25 - November 26, 2010)  (Read 101418 times)

Offline Space Pete

NASA TV Video: ISS Crew Pays Veterans Day Tribute to US Servicemen and Women.

NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Space Pete

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 09/11/2010.

CDR Doug Wheelock conducted a lengthy (3 hour 15 minutes) inflight maintenance in Node 2, troubleshooting the reduced ventilation in the Starboard 5 (S5) CQ (Crew Quarters) by isolating the degraded airflow path and cleaning it. [By temporarily covering the stbd CQ exhaust airflow sensor, a false positive failure signal was to be created allowing determination which channel (intake or exhaust) is degraded. If nothing happened upon covering the sensor, the failure was in the exhaust leg; if a "Dual Fan Failure Warning" was annunciated, the culprit is the intake leg.]

In the Soyuz TMA-01M/24S spacecraft, FE-1 Alexander Kaleri performed more troubleshooting on the SPS Analog/Digital Converter of the Descent Module's (SA's) "Neptun-ME" console (PKSA), which failed during ascent, today first checking the PM1,2-SPS fuse in its fuse box, then conducting a health check on the SPS power box using the MultiMeter instrument to measure voltages between pins. [Preliminary results from the Russian specialists have indicated that the problem is hardware related, preventing the SPS from receiving power.]

Continuing preparations for EVA-26 15/11 and the onboard dry-run on 12/11, FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin switched the BRTA-2 telemetry unit for the Orlan-MK #4 suit to SK-2 radio frequency, then installed the BNP portable repress tank in the SM RO (Work Compartment), for making up cabin pressure after the DC-1/A/L losses.
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Space Pete

Where Over the World is Astronaut Scott Kelly?

Geography Trivia from Space: Tweet to Test Your Global IQ.

Astronaut Scott Kelly is living off the planet aboard the International Space Station for a period of nearly six months. Traveling the world more than 230 miles above Earth and at 17,500 mph, he circumnavigates the globe more than a dozen times a day. During his stay on station, he will have opportunities to see and photograph various geographical locations on Earth from space. In fact, part of his job while in space will be to capture a kaleidoscope of geographical spots for Earth scientific observations.

Through these snapshots, astronaut Kelly will share his view from space and also engage the public by way of a virtual journey around the world via a geography trivia game on Twitter.

How to play: Users follow @StationCDRKelly, who will tweet from space a photo during the Expedition 25/26 flight. The first person to @reply to @StationCDRKelly with the correct answer wins. Use the hashtag #spacegeo after your reply and to follow the geography game on Twitter from space. Players are competing to be the first to name that inkblot of Earth from space to win a printed photo of the shot taken from space and autographed by astronaut Kelly after his return to Earth. At the end of each week, the trivia photo will be posted to nasa.gov along with the winner’s name.

› View complete contest rules

In the meantime, you can take your own “virtual” photo of the Earth below the station’s current position at:
http://external.jsc.nasa.gov/events/issphotos


www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition25/geo_trivia_contest.html
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Space Pete

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 10/11/2010.

After switching off the two circuit breakers of the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System) in the SM and allowing ~1 hour for cooldown, FE-3 Scott Kelly, FE-6 Shannon Walker & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin worked several hours on the TVIS, removing it from the "pit" and replacing its flywheel case with a spare (previously used) unit onboard, then restoring the treadmill to its original configuration. [Based on the audio/noise data gathered and downlinked yesterday, ground specialists have zeroed in on the flywheel case as the most likely culprit for the TVIS noise. After the IFM (Inflight Maintenance), there will be the usual speed characterization tests, recorded on MPC (Multi-Protocol Converter) camera and downlinked for analysis.]

FE-2 Oleg Skripochka meanwhile verified the presence of an activity/event on the Russian "EVA from DC-1" checklist which was missing from the checklist used during the PEV (Pressure Equalization Valve) commanding tests from the SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment) POV (EVA Support Panel) on 04/11. [The missing activity, "RO-PkhO PEV Open Inhibit" of the Orlan-MK checklist printout, was correctly listed in TsUP's master copy, and the crew obviously had used an older RODF (Russian Operations Data File) version. Oleg today verified that two current copies of the "EVA from DC-1" procedures and two commensurate cue cards, dated 05/10/10, are the correct ones.]

Continuing their paced preparations for EVA-26 next Monday (15/11) and the suited dry-run on Friday (12/11), Fyodor & Oleg:
• Completed individual fit sizing (central strap, lateral strap, hip strap, calf strap, arm
  cable and shoulder size, front & rear) on their Orlan-MK spacesuits.
• Adjusted the palm sizing bars of their GP-10KM suit gloves as required.
• Ran leak checks & valve functionality tests on the Orlans and their BSS interface units
  in the DC-1 & SM PkhO from the EVA POVs.
• Conducted pressure checks on the SM BK-3 O2 tanks and the BNP portable repress O2
  tank in DC-1.

Later, CDR Doug Wheelock had another ~90 minutes reserved for preparing US tools & equipment to be used by Fyodor & Oleg on the Russian EVA-26.

RS EVA Flight Rule Change:
IMMT (ISS Mission Management Team) today approved a change in a Flight Rule which in the past called for RS EVA to take place only over RGSs (Russian Ground Sites) for downlinking Orlan suit telemetry via VHF (Very High Frequency). ISS, Soyuz, and Orlan suits utilize VHF-2 frequency pair. VHF-2 up to now had been limited to spacecraft emergencies or any contingency scenarios. The FR change allows Orlan spacesuit EVA operations over CONUS (Continental US) using the VHF-2 channel as well as spacecraft emergencies and contingencies. Use of VHF over CONUS requires GSFC network director pre-coordination due to frequency proximity to those of general aviation.
« Last Edit: 11/10/2010 07:47 pm by Space Pete »
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Space Pete

Russian Cosmonauts to Have Pre-EVA Dress Rehearsal on Friday.

ISS-25 flight engineers Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Skripochka continue preparing for the space walk to take place on Nov. 15, at 17:30 MSK, Yurchikhin told Roscosmos PAO.
"We continue intensive pre-EVA. On Wednesday, we tested our space suits. It included also fit-check", Yurchikhin said.
He added that pre-EVA dress rehearsal would take place on Friday. The cosmonauts will put on their suits and pressurize them in order to simulate EVA pressure. With their suit on, Yurchikhin and Skripochka will 'walk' to the airlock to validate all the steps of the EVA procedure, including off-nominals. The cosmonauts will also operate umbilical cords, locks, tools, etc.
The EVA scheduled to last about 5 hours 55 minutes will cover mounting of the universal platform for scientific payloads on the outer surface of Zvezda module, Test experiment which implies sampling of the ISS outer surface, operations with Zvezda and Poisk scientific hardware.
This is to be the first space walk for Skripochka, and the second one for Yurchikin during this expedition. Yurchikhin will also mark a kind of jubilee, as this will be the 5th EVA in his orbital flight career.

Roscosmos PAO.

www.roscosmos.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=10796&lang=en
« Last Edit: 11/10/2010 07:53 pm by Space Pete »
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Space Pete

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 11/11/2010.

FE-1 Alexander Kaleri readied Progress M-08M/40P at the DC-1 Nadir port for undocking if required in an EVA-26 contingency. Steps included:
• Installing the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma)
  between Progress and the DC-1 Nadir port [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-1 and MRM-2].
• Activating Progress' electronics and taking out the ventilation/heating
  air duct.
• Closing the hatches (with help by FE-2 Oleg Skripochka).
• Removing the BZV QD screw clamps 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 Alexander's video depicting the interface before hatch
  closure, for review by ground specialists. [During hatch closure, leak
  checking and initial clamp installation, Russian thrusters were inhibited
  due to load constraints from ~8:55 AM to 10:40 AM GMT.]

Continuing preparations for the RS (Russian Segment) EVA-26 on 15/11 and tomorrow's suited dry-run, CDR Doug Wheelock, FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin & Oleg reviewed airlock depress/repress operations for the EVA.

Doug had ~1 hour set aside to unstow and prepare US EVA hardware to be used by Fyodor & Oleg in the EVA next Monday. Referring to uplinked tables, Doug gathered all items in a mesh bag for subsequent transfer to the RS for Fyodor & Oleg to include in their preps.

Working in DC-1, Fyodor & Oleg:
• Installed the portable O2 tanks (BK-3) and portable air
  repress bottles (BNP).
• Set up Orlan BRTK "Korona" and BSS (EVA Interface Unit) comm.
  configuration, running voice checks and testing 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 [EVA-26 will feature the first use of the
  Orlan TMI (Telemetry Matching Unit) not over RGSs (Russian Ground
  Sites) but over CONUS (Continental US), via VHF-2 channel].
• Installed US EHIP (Extravehicular Mobility Helmet Interchangeable
  Portable) lights and one WVS camera on Orlan-MK #4.
• Installed Orlan attached hardware (OTA) and took 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.
• Mounted the Fresnel lens viewing aid in the helmets.
• Unstowed EVA emergency first-aid medical packs and staged them in
  the SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and DC-1 [NP-2/Cardiovascular
  Remedies Kit & Replacement Kit were moved from the SM med locker to
  the PkhO, and the AB/Onboard First Aid Kit was relocated from the
  Soyuz TMA-19/23S (#229) to DC-1].

FE-3 Scott Kelly configured two NIKON D2XS still cameras with 28mm lenses and transferred them to the RS for the EVA-26. [During the EVA, Scott & Alexander will be isolated in MRM-2 & Soyuz TMA-01M/24S, and Scott will have a few audits to perform while being locked out.]

At ~3:30 PM GMT, Scott held a teleconference with ground specialists to discuss planned activities during his RS EVA-26 Isolation.

Afterwards, Scott worked on the BCMs (Battery Charge Modules) in the US A/L, uploading new charge parameters to the BCMs from a T61p SSC (Station Support Computer) via a USB-to-Serial cable (first time use on orbit). The new "smoothing" parameters improve the sensitivity of the BCMs to detect charge completion. [In the past, there were overtemperature events when the BCMs did not terminate charging quickly enough. The new procedure allows for the update of the smoothing parameter on 3 of the 4 BCMs. BCM-3 will be updated at a later time because it was still charging a battery.]
« Last Edit: 11/11/2010 09:49 pm by Space Pete »
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Space Pete

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 12/11/2010.

After yesterday's completion of all Orlan-MK suit preparations, EVA-26 dry-run activities began today at ~6:50 AM GMT with FE-2 Oleg Skripochka tearing down & removing the air ducts between the SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and DC-1, including their V3 ventilation fan, to make room for the subsequent suited exercise. [Removals included the IP-1 airflow sensor in the hatch between the SM PkhO & DC-1, reinstalled afterwards.]

At the same time, FE-5 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 (activated: ~7:20 AM GMT). Tranzit-B TM was turned off after the checkout.]

After another functionality & leak check of the Orlan-MK suits, their equipment and their BSS (EVA Interface Unit) interface units in the SM PkhO & DC-1, Fyodor & Oleg began donning EVA gear at ~8:10 AM GMT, 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 (~9:00 AM GMT) 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 1.5 hours of testing/training of suited mobility & translation
  inside DC-1, beginning at ~9:40 AM GMT.

[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. The dry-run was successful; no major issues were reported.]

Fyodor & Oleg's egress from their Orlan-MKs was at about 11:30 AM GMT, followed by restoration of communication settings in DC-1 to nominal ops. and post-training close-out activities, including air duct assembly.

Afterwards, Fyodor & Oleg replaced the Orlan replaceable elements, filling the water tanks and generally readying their spacesuits for Monday's EVA. Preparations were also conducted in MRM-2 which will be close off for EVA-26 with FE-1 Alexander Kaleri & FE-3 Scott Kelly inside.

After the dry-run, CDR Doug Wheelock turned around (readied) the NIKON D2Xs cameras for Monday's EVA.

Also in support of EVA-26, Doug worked with Kapton tape, scissors and tape measure to create an extension for the pull tab on the US REBA which allows activation of the battery's power switch once it is installed in the Orlan-MK.

In preparation for his lockout in MRM-2 on Monday, Scott set batteries aside for the T61p SSC (Station Support Computer) laptop he will use during that time.

Afterwards, FE-6 Shannon Walker worked in the JPM (Japanese Pressurised Module) on the JEM RMS for a checkout of the BDS (Backup Drive System), connecting cables and powering up the RLT (Robotics Laptop Terminal) and BUC (Backup Controller).  After the checkout and worksite cleanup, the cabling was configured for RLT downlink.
« Last Edit: 11/12/2010 08:10 pm by Space Pete »
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Space Pete

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 14/11/2010.

FE-1 Alexander Kaleri completed final activities closing up Progress M-07M/39P, docked at the SM Aft port, for the case of an EVA-26 contingency, specifically:
• Installing the docking mechanism (StM, Stykovochnovo mekhanizma)
  between the cargo ship and the SM Aft port  [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. ASA is mounted on the Progress' cargo module (GrO),
  while PSA sits on the docking ports of the SM, FGB, DC-1, MRM-1, &
  MRM-2].
• Activating Progress' electronics and taking out the ventilation/heating
  air duct.
• 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 9:40
  AM to 11:25 AM GMT due to load constraints].
• Closing the SM/39P hatches (~10:00 AM GMT).
• Starting the standard one-hour leak checking of the SU docking
  vestibule and fuel/oxidizer transfer line interface between Progress and
  SM.
• Downlinking the formal report on loading completion and the video
  depicting the close-out interface, for review by ground specialists.

FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin & FE-2 Oleg Skripochka finished up their paced preparations for tomorrow's EVA, by:
• Refilling the RDBs (Russian Drink Bags) of their Orlan-MK suits.
• Configuring MRM-2 and Soyuz TMA-01M/24S for FE-3 Scott Kelly's &
  Alexander's lockout tomorrow.
• Readying both NIKON D2X cameras for the excursion.
• Retrieving three "Pille-MKS" radiation dosimeters and first setting them
  up in DC-1 (A0311), MRM-2 (A0312) & MRM-1 (A0313), then recording
  their dosages and equipping each of the two Orlan-MK suits (in pocket
  on left calf) with a sensor unit (A0311/FE-2 & A0312/FE-5).

EVA-26 Overview:
• EV-1 – Fyodor Yurchikhin, Orlan-MK #4.
• EV-2 – Oleg Skripochka, Orlan-MK #5.
• Wakeup: 15/11 @ 6:00 AM GMT.
• DC-1 Hatch Open: 2:30 PM GMT.
• DC-1 Hatch Close & Repress begin: ~8:40 PM GMT.
• Sleep: 16/11 from 1:40 AM to 11:00 AM GMT (i.e., 5 hour sleep
  extension).
• EVA Objectives (6 hours 10 minutes):
  o Conduct space experiment "Test" on SM & DC-1 (i.e., take samples
     from external surfaces).
  o Install the URM-D portable multipurpose workstation on Plane IV of
     the SM RO (Work Compartment) LD (Large Diameter).
  o Take photos of IPI-SM monoblock unit (accelerator channel) of the
     IMPULSE space experiment on SM RO LD.
  o Wipe KONTUR ("ROKVISS" robotics) monoblock with dry towels, then
     deactivate & remove KONTUR from URM-D on Plane II on SM RO LD.
  o Install fasteners & SKK #1-M2 cassette on MRM-2.
  o Install a gap spanner on DC-1.
  o Install struts between MRM-2 & SM and MRM-2 & FGB.
  o Relocate MRM-1 TV camera from its location at the side of the
     active STA (docking mechanism) and installing it on the side of the
     MRM-1 passive STA.
• DC-1 is Prime A/L (MRM-2/SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment) is Backup A/L).
• IV Crew:
  o 24S crew (Scott & Alexander) isolated in MRM-2 (Soyuz
     TMA-01M/24S is docked to MRM-2).

JAXA Payload Status:
• Myco 2nd Sample Collection was scheduled on STS-133/ULF-5 flight
  plan. With ULF-5 slipped to after Soyuz TMA-19/23S undocking, it is
  rescheduled to Week 9 (just before 23S leaves with CDR Doug
  Wheelock, FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin & FE-6 Shannon Walker).
• PCG (Protein Crystallization Growth) experiment is in progress in Ryutai
  rack. Temperature in the equipment is stabilized and the experiment is
  going well so far. The PCG sample will be returned on 23S.
• Marangoni Exp-4 has just passed the halfway point (12 of 24 days as
  of 12/11) . All experiments have provided "very rich data which satisfy
  our science team". This experiment will continue until the end of this
  year.
« Last Edit: 11/14/2010 07:50 pm by Space Pete »
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Chris Bergin

Excellent article from Pete Harding on Russian EVA-26:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/11/iss-crew-set-conduct-26th-russian-eva/

Not sure what the coverage is like, such as if we need a live thread. I'm totally unavailable to cover due to the STS-133 troubleshooting, but if there's people willing to cover, we can do a live thread.
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Offline SiberianTiger

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Re: Expedition 25 thread (September 25 - November 30, 2010)
« Reply #149 on: 11/15/2010 01:34 pm »
http://www.infox.ru/science/universe/2010/11/15/Sammit_ATES_izmyenil_print.phtml

OSCE summit changed plans of the Cosmonauts

text: /Infox.ru

Due to holding of OSCE summit in the capital city of Kazakhstan, Astana, on Dec. 1-2, the Cosmonauts will have to return to Earth sooner. Russian Mission Control Centre (TSUP-M) calculated a new landing date for Soyuz TMA-19 spaceship with Russian Cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin and American Astronauts Shannon Walker and Duglas Wheelock aboard.

"Head of Manned Programs of Roscosmos ordered the primary operating group of MCC-M and Energia corp. to consider a new landing date for Soyuz TMA-19's landing, which was due to return to Earth on November, 30th. This correction was called by closure of airspace over entire Kazakhstan due to holding of OSCE summit" - said a source of Interfax news agency.

According to Roscosmos representative, landing of the spaceship will commence, most probably, around 6 o'clock Moscow time on November, 26th. The backup date would be Nov., 27th".

The source also said that the spaceship should land at about 70 km to North of Kazakh town Arkalyk. "Thus, the landing will happen before November, 28th from which date Kazakh airspace is to be closed due to OSCE summit in Astana".

Offline robertross

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Re: Expedition 25 thread (September 25 - November 30, 2010)
« Reply #150 on: 11/15/2010 03:06 pm »
Thanks for that SiberianTiger!

Offline Space Pete

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 15/11/2010.

Sleep cycle shift:
• Due to today's Russian EVA-26, the crew's working day has been
  extended by 4 hours 10 minutes: 6:00 AM 15/11 to 1:40 AM 16/11
  GMT.
• Tomorrow: Wake – 11:00 AM GMT, sleep – 9:30 PM GMT (i.e.,
  workday 5 hours shorter).

Also in preparation for the EVA, FE-6 Shannon Walker closed the protective window shutters in Lab, JPM and Cupola.

In preparing the RS (Russian Segment) for the EVA by shutting down selected systems, FE-1 Alexander Kaleri also supported TsUP-Moscow in deactivating the Elektron O2 generator. As part of the standard deactivation process the Elektron was purged with N2, controlled from laptop.

After setting up the MRM-2 for their isolation period, Alexander removed the air duct from DC-1 (leaving the V3 fan in place) and from MRM-2, while FE-3 Scott Kelly gathered the items he was to use during his isolation and relocated the SSC-6 (Station Support Computer-6) laptop from Node 2 to MRM-2 in preparation for operations during the EVA.

With the assistance of CDR Doug Wheelock, the two spacewalkers then closed the MRM-2 to SM (SU) hatch, at ~12:30 PM GMT, and Alexander turned on the Russian TEKh-15/DAKON-M IZGIB ("Bend") experiment hardware in MRM-2 to take structural dynamics data during the EVA.

While Alexander and Scott were sequestered for almost 7 hours, the US CDM (Carbon Dioxide Monitor) was used for CO2 (carbon dioxide) measurements in MRM-2 + Soyuz TMA-01M/24S due to the failure of the Neptun InPU panel in 24S.

During the lockout, Scott was to work a number of tasks, including:
• Inventorying/auditing/consolidating a CTB (#1379) containing WRS
  (Water Recovery System) protective caps & QD plugs.
• Auditing/checking the contents of an IVA (Intravehicular Activity) Tool
  Kit in a CTB for usage & manifesting purposes.
• Recording an EPO (Education & Public Outreach) demo session on
  Gyroscopes with the G1 camcorder, using a gyrotube to explain the
  station's CMGs (Control Moment Gyroscopes), for subsequent downlink
  via the MPC (Multi Protocol Converter).

The Russian Orlan EVA-26 by FE-2 Oleg Skripochka & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin, currently underway, began at 2:54 PM GMT (24 minutes behind schedule), scheduled to last about 6 hours. Attitude control authority was handed over to Russian MCS (Motion Control System) thrusters at 12:10 PM GMT and returned to US Momentum Management at ~2:55 PM GMT.

Objectives of the 6 hour EVA are to:
• Collect surface samples from the MLI (Multi Layer Insulation) near a
  vent location on the SM (experiment "Test").
• Install the URM-D portable multipurpose work station on Plane IV of
  the SM RO (Work Compartment) LD (Large Diameter).
• Take photographs of IPI-SM monoblock unit (accelerator channel) of
  the IMPULSE space experiment on SM RO LD.
• Wipe the ESA/German "ROKVISS" (KONTUR ) robotics monoblock with
  dry towels, then deactivate & remove ROKVISS experiment from URM-D
  on Plane II on SM RO LD.
• Install fasteners & SKK #1-M2 cassette on MRM-2.
• Install a gap spanner on DC-1.
• Install struts between MRM-2 & SM and MRM-2 & FGB.
• Relocate MRM-1 TV camera from its location at the side of the active
  STA (docking mechanism) and install it on the side of the MRM-1
  passive STA.

After conclusion of EVA-26, Oleg & Fyodor will:
• Repressurize the SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment).
• Conduct their second MO-9 "Urolux" biochemical (post-EVA) urine test.
• Reset STTS communications in the SM/PkhO.
• Re-install the air duct through the DC-1 hatch.
• Restore systems configurations in the SM to pre-EVA conditions.
• Set up the Orlan-MK suits, umbilicals and BSS (EVA Interface Unit)
  interface units for drying out.

Also as part of post-EVA close-outs, Scott is to return the SSC-6 laptop to its nominal place.

Shannon will:
• Relocate the CDM to the USOS.
• Downlink the EVA images.
• Reconfigure the two NIKON D2Xs EVA cameras for nominal ops.
« Last Edit: 11/15/2010 08:21 pm by Space Pete »
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Space Pete

NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly Kicks Off Geography Trivia From Space.

Where over the world is NASA astronaut Scott Kelly? Kelly, who will be living aboard the International Space Station for nearly six months, wants to test your knowledge of the world through a geography trivia game on Twitter.

The first person to correctly identify the place depicted in his photos will win an autographed copy of the picture. Kelly began his contest at the start of Geography Awareness Week, which continues through Nov. 21. He plans to continue the game for the duration of his flight.

Kelly launched to the space station along with two Russian cosmonauts, Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka on Oct. 8. He is set to return to Earth March 16, 2011. The orbiting outpost and its six crew members circle Earth more than a dozen times each day, travelling more than 200 miles above Earth at 17,500 mph.

During Kelly's stay on station, he will have opportunities to see and photograph various locations on Earth. In fact, part of his job is to capture a kaleidoscope of geographic spots used for scientific analysis of our planet.

"From the cupola, which is much like a bay window in a house, we are able to take pictures for many scientific reasons, but also to share with the public what we are learning about the planet on which we live," Kelly said.

Kelly announced the contest Nov. 8 by posting the following update from his Twitter account, @StationCDRKelly: "Got game? Be the first to correctly name that inkblot on Earth from space."

He posted the first image in the geography contest on Monday, Nov. 15. To play the geography trivia and get other updates from Kelly throughout his mission, follow his Twitter account at:
www.twitter.com/StationCDRKelly

"Expanding our geography knowledge is essential to our economic well-being, our relationships with other nations and the environment," Kelly said. "It helps us make sense of our world and allows us to make connections between people and places. Space exploration is a global endeavor, and the International Space Station is the result of these connections."

For complete rules of the Geography Trivia from Space contest and more information about the International Space Station, visit:
www.nasa.gov/station 

Find all the ways you can connect and collaborate with NASA at:
www.nasa.gov/connect


www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/nov/HQ_10-300_Kelly_Geography.html
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline arkaska

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Re: Expedition 25 thread (September 25 - November 30, 2010)
« Reply #153 on: 11/16/2010 01:58 am »
Gallery showing Wheelock's night photography (or as the article says: Nasa Shuttle commander Douglas H. Wheelock  ;D)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1328467/Spectacular-night-time-photos-Earth-taken-space-station.html#ixzz15IyhhA6J

Offline John44

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Offline JimO

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Re: Expedition 25 thread (September 25 - November 30, 2010)
« Reply #155 on: 11/16/2010 07:49 pm »
Altitude gain from EVA?

ISS On-Orbit Status 11/16/10

http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/reports/iss_reports/

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. [snip]

Mean altitude gain in the last 24 hours – 171 m (due to RS EVA-26)

Offline Space Pete

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 16/11/2010.

Wake – 12:00 PM GMT (day shortened by 5 hours); Sleep – 9:30 PM GMT (returning to nominal).

The Russian Orlan EVA-26 by FE-2 Oleg Skripochka & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin concluded successfully last night at 9:22 PM GMT, with a total duration of 6 hours 27 minutes (begin: 2:55 PM GMT). It was the first EVA to utilize the Orlan telemetry via S-Band matching unit, instead of executing the EVA on VHF (Very High Frequency) over RGSs (Russian Ground Sites). Russian EVA specialists reported successful telemetry throughout the EVA, i.e., also over CONUS (Continental US).
Tasks completed by the spacewalkers were:
• Installation of the URM-D portable multipurpose workstation in Plane IV
  (Starboard) on the SM RO (Work Compartment) LD (Large Diameter).
• Removal of the ESA/German ROKVISS hardware and stowing it in DC-1.
• Installation of SKK removable exposure plates on MRM-2.
• Installation of DC-1 Gap Spanner.
• Collecting four samples from underneath MLI (Multi Layer Insulation) at
  two locations: (1) on the SM RO LD near the Elektron O2 generator
  hydrogen-vent, (2) on the DC-1; purpose: looking for the existence of
  bio-organisms and FORP (Fuel/Oxidizer Reactive Products) beneath MLI.
• Removal of the MRM-1 TV camera from the Zenith location and
  bringing it inside DC-1 for future EVA deployment (Note: camera could
  not be relocated on MRM-1 and installed as planned due to
  interference with some insulation at the final site).

Oleg & Fyodor conducted a ~1.5 hour debriefing conference with EVA and Orlan specialists on the ground via S-band to discuss EVA and Orlan equipment particulars.

Afterwards, Oleg & Fyodor worked on drying out the water feed lines and Orlan-MK suits & gloves.

Other post-EVA closeout activities by Oleg were:
• Returning the EVA emergency first-aid medical packs, staged
  temporarily in the SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and DC-1, to their
  original stowage sites in the SM med. locker and Soyuz TMA-19/23S
  (#229).
• Removing the BNP #3 (portable air repress bottle 3) from the SM RO
  and transferring it to the 23S BO (Orbital Module), with IMS update.
• Downloading the EVA photographs from the NIKON cameras to the
  SSC-15 (Station Support Computer-15) U drive for subsequent OCA
  downlink.
• Setting up the first Orlan-MK 825-M3 battery pack for discharge and
  starting discharging it.
• Completing Orlan and BSS (EVA Interface Unit) equipment storage
  activities.

CDR Doug Wheelock had ~1.5 hours set aside for cleaning up and stowing the US EVA tools & equipment used during the EVA.

FE-3 Scott Kelly meanwhile stowed the T61p SSC laptop batteries used during his lockout in MRM-2 & Soyuz TMA-01M/24S.

Alexander gathered and downloaded radiation readings from the ID-3 personal dosimeters worn by Oleg & Fyodor during their EVA and from PILLE-MKS dosimeters at cabin exposure locations. [The ID-3 dosimeters were returned to Oleg & Fyodor for placing at their usual locations on their flight suits, the PILLE dosimeters were redeployed to their original cabin positions and to DC-1, MRM-1 & MRM-2. Automatic reading of the dosimeters is set at 90 minutes.]
« Last Edit: 11/16/2010 07:51 pm by Space Pete »
NASASpaceflight ISS Editor

Offline Life_Support_32

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Re: Expedition 25 thread (September 25 - November 30, 2010)
« Reply #157 on: 11/16/2010 10:40 pm »
Altitude gain from EVA?

ISS On-Orbit Status 11/16/10

http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/reports/iss_reports/

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. [snip]

Mean altitude gain in the last 24 hours – 171 m (due to RS EVA-26)
It is due to a combination of the propulsive depress and the thruster actuations done to keep the station in the correct attitude.

Offline Lewis007

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Re: Expedition 25 thread (September 25 - November 30, 2010)
« Reply #158 on: 11/17/2010 07:40 am »
I cannot find the ISS Status Report of November 13 on the web; has anyone seen it?

Offline JimO

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Re: Expedition 25 thread (September 25 - November 30, 2010)
« Reply #159 on: 11/17/2010 01:46 pm »
Quote from: Life_Support_32
It is due to a combination of the propulsive depress and the thruster actuations done to keep the station in the correct attitude.
[/quote

So i've been advised -- but i checked all previous Russian EVAs for 2009-2010 and there's no sign it ever happened then.

EVA by Fincke and Lonchakov on 10.03.2009
Mar 10 alt loss 42m
Mar 11 alt loss 57m

EVA by Padalka and Barratt on 05.06.2009
Jun 10 alt loss 71m
Jun 11 alt loss 83m


EVA by Surayev and Kotov on 14.01.2010 (5h 44m)
Attitude control authority was handed over to Russian MCS (Motion Control System) thrusters at 2:50am and returned to U.S. momentum management at ~6:50am
1-14 Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours -- 109 m
1-15  Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours -- 95 m


EVA by Yurchikhin and Korniyenko on July 27, 2010 (6h 42m)
7-27   Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours – 41 m
7-28   - 31 Not provided  but...
http://www.heavens-above.com/IssHeight.aspx shows small hiccup

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