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More Details for 2008-01-25

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CDR Whitson and FE-2 Tani started out with the daily reading of SLEEP (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Exposure during Spaceflight) experiment data accumulated during the night, for logging and filling in questionnaire entries in the SLEEP session file on the HRF-1 laptop for downlink.

(To monitor the crewmembers' sleep/wake patterns and light exposure, Dan and Peggy wear a special Actiwatch device which measures the light levels encountered by him as well as his patterns of sleep and activity throughout the Expedition. The log entries are done within 15 minutes of final awakening for seven consecutive days, as part of the crew's discretionary 'job jar' task list.)

Upon wakeup, FE-1 Yuri Malenchenko terminated his eighth MBI-12 SONOKARD experiment session, started last night, by taking the recording device from his SONOKARD sports shirt pocket and later copying the measurements to the RSE-MED laptop for subsequent downlink to the ground. (SONOKARD objectives are stated to (1) study the feasibility of obtaining the maximum of data through computer processing of records obtained overnight, (2) systematically record the crewmember's physiological functions during sleep, (3) study the feasibility of obtaining real-time crew health data. Investigators believe that contactless acquisition of cardiorespiratory data over the night period could serve as a basis for developing efficient criteria for evaluating and predicting adaptive capability of human body in long-duration space flight.)

For his first session of the ESA/Russian biomed experiment 'IMMUNO', Yuri Malenchenko set up the IMMUNO urine collection hardware and took air samples with the IPD-NH3 Draeger tubes sampler, testing for ammonia (NH3) in the SM, then started the experiment. (IMMUNO is a 24-hr. test of human immune system changes, with the objective to investigate immune neuro-endocrine reactions in the space environment by studying samples of saliva, blood and urine using collection kits and the biomedical (MBI) protection kit. Samples are secured in the MELFI (Minus-Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS). Also included are entries in a fluid/medications intact log, and a stress-test questionnaire to be filled out by the subject at begin and end. Urine is collected during a 24-hour period, conventionally divided into two twelve-hour phases: morning-evening and evening-morning.)

At ~3:25am EST, the FE-2 again activated the VDS MPC (Video Distribution System/Multi-Purpose Converter) with its four downlinks to allow the ground to conduct HDTV (high-definition TV) playback and downlink operations. Later (~1:30pm), the MPC was powered off again. (The end-to-end test of the system, conducted by the crew and ground specialists on 1/17 to verify the MPC HDTV (Multi-Purpose Converter/High-Definition TV) capability all the way to the NASA TV satellite, was very successful, yielding an overall end-to-end audio latency (delay) for the MPC System of 3.2 seconds. This is the delay from the crewmember to JSC/MCC-H to NASA Headquarters and out to the NASA TV satellite in high definition (including, but are not limited to, CNNHD, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Discovery HD Theater), i.e. the sum total of the audio delay the interviewer and interviewee will "feel" during an interactive event. This Japan/JAXA originated system will be utilized soon for downlink messages and in-flight interviews based on client capability.)

CDR Whitson and FE-2 Tani reviewed the POC DOUG (Portable Onboard Computer Dynamic Ubiquitous Graphics) software for the subsequent SSRMS activities, then conducted SSRMS operations by maneuvering the robotarm through an inchworm-like walk-off to the MT MBS (Mobile Transporter/Mobile Base System), detached it from Node-2 and re-based it (mathematically) on MBS PDGF-1 (Power & Data Grapple Fixture 1).

Afterwards, the MT was translated along its rail track to the Stbd SARJ (Solar Alpha Rotary Joint) inspection position, with Russian thrusters disabled during this period (~7:45am - 10:10am).

FE-1 Malenchenko supported TsUP-Moscow in the last of four days of ASN-M Satellite Navigation System testing, first transferring raw ASN date from the recent (1/22) ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) approach rehearsals from Laptop3 to PCMCIA memory card and setting it up for data downlinking to TsUP for analysis and determination how the test is proceeding, then tearing down and disassembling the ASN/laptop raw data gathering setup for subsequent stowage. (The purpose of the week long testing is to confirm ASN-M hardware readiness for the upcoming ATV 'Jules Verne' vehicle docking.)

Continuing her preparations in the Airlock for EVA-14 next week, CDR Whitson spent some time cleaning out the small EVA trash bag.

With the Elektron-VM O2 (oxygen) generator currently off, a 5-min cabin air refresh was to be performed by the FE-1 from Progress 27P storage (SrPK) as required.

Malenchenko had time set aside to take documentary photography of the current mounting location of the third REGUL-OS set (CA325) in the Service Module (SM) behind panel 338, to assess the feasibility of installing a new system in place of С�-325 at the Regul-OS work area. (Regul-OS is the Russian radio control and communications system (RSUS), equivalent to the U.S. S-band system. It is the nominal uplink path for all Russian commanding, and it handles two-way voice comm, digital/command/program data, as well as telemetry via RGS (Russian ground sites).)

In preparation for tomorrow's robotics activities causing structural dynamics, CDR Whitson installed IWIS (Internal Wireless Instrumentation System) accelerometer RSUs (Remote Sensing Units) in the Airlock and Node-2. RSUs are also iknstalled in the Lab, Node-1, FGB and SM (Sync Mode).

For upcoming experiments with the U.S. ULTRASOUND payload, the FE-2 set up and powered on the HRF1 (Human Research Facility1) rack drawers for troubleshooting the ULTRASOUND equipment (by checking light responses to inputs).

Continuing his troubleshooting of the Russian SKV2 air conditioner, the FE-1 inspected and replaced the inlet filter of the NOK-2 condensate evacuation pump. Removal & replacement of the NOK-2 pump is an additional task, currently listed on the Russian 'time permitting' discretionary task list.

FE-2 Tani filled out the regular FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire), his 11th, on the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer). (By means of these FFQs, U.S. astronauts keep a personalized log of their nutritional intake over time on special MEC software. Recorded are the amounts consumed during the past week of such food items as beverages, cereals, grains, eggs, breads, snacks, sweets, fruit, beans, soup, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, chicken, sauces & spreads, and vitamins.)

Dan also completed today's routine maintenance of the SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the SM, including ASU toilet facilities systems/replaceables.

Peggy Whitson worked in the SM preparing (clearing) two panels (#226, #227) for the upcoming installation of the new ATV PCE (Automated Transfer Vehicle/Proximity Communications Equipment; Russian: MBRL) and the BUAP antenna switching controller, along with their BKS cabling, in preparation for ATV docking at the SM aft end later this year.

The CDR took air samples for the periodic (currently daily) atmospheric status check for ppO2 (Partial Pressure Oxygen) and ppCO2 (pp Carbon Dioxide), using the hand-held CSA-CP (Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion Products), CSA-O2 (CSA -Oxygen sensor) and CDMK (CO2 Monitoring Kit). Batteries were to be replaced if necessary. (Purpose of the 15-min activity is to trend with MCA (Major Constituents Analyzer), i.e., to correlate the hand-held readings with MCA measurements.)

Dan Tani performed his daily status check on the BCAT-3 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-3) science payload, running by itself in Node-2 since 12/13/07 (briefly interrupted for EVA-13 photo support). (The status check, conducted on the last image taken by the DCS 760 digital still camera which is controlled by EarthKAM software on an A31p laptop, is to verify proper image focus and camera alignment. The SSC (Station Support Computer) is taking photography of the phase separation occurring in the BCAT Sample 3, with the photo flash going off every half hour.)

Yuri completed the daily 20-min. IMS (Inventory Management System) maintenance, updating/editing its standard 'delta file' including stowage locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur), working off his voluntary task list.

Also off the 'job jar' task list, the FE-1 performed the daily monitoring, picture-taking and downloading on the newly set up BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 ("Plants-2") experiment. (Rasteniya-2, researches growth and development of plants (peas) under spaceflight conditions in the Lada-12 greenhouse from IBMP (Institute of Bio-Medical Problems, Russian: IMBP). During its operation, the experiment requires regular daily maintenance of the experiment involving monitoring of seedling growth, humidity measurements, moistening of the substrate if necessary, and photo/video recording. During the duration of the BI O-5 experiment, students of the Moscow City Palace for Youth Creativity of the Meshchansky inter-regional center #15 in Moscow) and the Prince of Oldenburg Lyceum in St. Petersburg will be cultivating plants in parallel on the ground and conducting comparative observation of plant growth and development under gravity and zero-gravity conditions. They are receiving the photo images taken by Yuri.)

The crewmembers performed their regular 2.5-hr physical workout program (about half of which is used for setup & post-exercise personal hygiene) on the CEVIS cycle ergometer (CDR, FE-2), TVIS treadmill (FE-1), RED (CDR, FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (FE-1).

Afterwards, Tani copied the exercise data file to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) laptop for downlink, including the daily wristband HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) data of the workouts on RED, followed by their erasure on the HRM storage medium (done six times a week).

At ~3:10am, the crew held the regular (nominally weekly) tagup with the Russian Flight Control Team (GOGU), including Shift Flight Director (SRP), at TsUP via S-band/audio, phone-patched from Houston and Moscow.

At ~8:20am, the CDR and FE-2 held a crew conference with the next U.S. flight engineer replacing Dan Tani, ESA Astronaut LÃ(c)opold Eyharts.

At ~12:15pm, Peggy, Yuri and Dan conducted their standard bi-weekly teleconference with the JSC Astronaut Office (Steve Lindsey), via S-band S/G-2 audio & phone patch.

CEVIS Controller Failure: Yesterday (~6:37am EST), after CDR and FE-2 successfully completed PFE-OUM, the CEVIS (Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation) control panel indicated failure of the cycle's controller. The crew was instructed to deploy the CEVIS Contingency Controller (CCC), although it cannot capture Heart Rate (HR) and load data, and to stow the control panel in the CEVIS accessories kit. The crew was also directed to the appropriate CEVIS procedure. CEVIS data will be downlinked and analyzed to determine if any troubleshooting is possible. The crew will be emailed protocols to be used with the CCC.

Robotics & SARJ Preview: Tomorrow (1/26) and on 1/27, the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) will be maneuvered to conduct the scheduled Stbd SARJ (Solar Alpha Rotary Joint) inspection via ground control. On Saturday, SSRMS will inspect the race ring's outer canted surface, while on Sunday the survey will focus on the Datum A surface. During each inspection, the SARJ will be rotated using 12 degree directed positioning moves every 5 minutes (requires 8 orbits for a full 360 degree inspection). Meanwhile, ground analysis of the root cause continues. Power analyses for upcoming missions are scheduled to be completed over the next month. SARJ cleaning and lubrication techniques are being evaluated. A grease gun will be added to 1E manifest. ULF-2 manifest will likely have 12 TBAs (Trundle Bearing Assemblies) and 1 DLA (Drive Lock Assembly). Increment 18 and ULF-2 crew will receive training on outboard mode R&R and SARJ cleaning operations.

CEO (Crew Earth Observation) photo targets uplinked for today were Heard Island, S. Indian Ocean (a clear weather window was predicted to be present in the region of Heard Island at the time of this orbit pass. Looking to the right of track as ISS approached Antarctica. Mapping photography of the island was requested to capture snow and ice extent), IPY - Aurora Borealis, followed by S. Georgia/S. Sandwich, S. Atlantic Ocean (some low clouds were predicted over these South Atlantic islands during this orbit pass, but the potential for useful photography was still high. Looking to the right of track for the islands. Mapping photography of snow and ice on eastern/southeastern portion of the island was requested. There may also have been sea ice visible to the S-SW of the island for photography, including a large iceberg (A53A).), and Patagonian Glaciers, S. America (ISS orbit track provided a traverse across the northern portion of the Patagonian ranges where clear weather conditions were predicted. Overlapping, nadir mapping frames of summit glaciers and icefields, taken along track, were requested).