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More Details for 2008-04-22

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FE-1 Kononenko performed major periodic replacements on the SM(Service Module)'s ASU toilet facility, changing out replaceable parts with new components, such as a sensor unit (A8A-9060), two receptacles (PR and MP), four hoses, a T-connector, an elbow fitting, an indicator, a filter insert (F-V), and the pretreat container (E-K) with its hose.

All old parts were discarded as trash. The KTO waste container is being kept for ~7 days. The activity was supported by ground specialist tagup. (E-K contains five liters of pre-treat solution, i.e., a mix of H2SO4 (sulfuric acid), CrO3 (chromium oxide, for oxidation and purple color), and H2O (water). The pre-treat liquid is mixed with water in a dispenser (DKiV) and used for toilet flushing.)

In the US Lab, after inspecting, activating & configuring the MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox) facility, FE-2 Reisman initiated a new series of vacuum draws on the sample chamber by opening the vent and vacuum valves in preparation for CSLM-2 (Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures 2) experiment ops on 4/24. After configuring the EMCS for water reservoir replacement, Reisman then replaced the water reservoirs on both rotors and set EMCS switches to allow ground commanding of the facility. The setup was photo documented. (CSLM-2 examines the kinetics of competitive particle growth within a liquid matrix. During this process, small particles shrink by losing atoms to larger particles, causing the larger particles to grow (coarsen) within a liquid lead/tin matrix. This study defined the mechanisms and rates of coarsening that govern the manufacture with metals from turbine blades to dental amalgam fillings.)

Starting a new round of preventive ventilation system maintenance in the Russian Segment (RS), CDR Volkov cleaned Group A, B & C fan screens in the SM and inspected equipment & structural elements in the maintenance areas to check for residue & condensate, taking photographs of the latter if found, for subsequent downlink.

Garrett Reisman performed the periodic offloading of the Lab CCAA (Common Cabin Air Assembly) dehumidifier's condensate tank, filling a CWC (Contingency Water Container, #1062) with the collected water slated for processing. No samples were required this time. (Estimated offload time before reaching the tank's neutral point (leaving ~6 kg in the tank): ~25 min.)

Garrett also deactivated and safed the US OGS (Oxygen Generation System). Next activation is tentatively planned after the 1J flight, sometime in mid-June. (Activities included deactivation of the WDS (Water Delivery System), accessing the OGS rack front and demating the O2 outlet QD (Quick Disconnect) at the LAB1PD1 panel, then performing an O2 purge of the H2 (hydrogen) sensor, retrieving the WW (Waste Water) plug for disconnecting the WW jumper and reinstalling the WDS on the OGS rack front.)

Sergei Volkov unstowed the RSK2 A31p laptop used by So-Yeon Yi and installed it (with Velcro) in the SM (panel 418) for use with the Kenwood amateur/ham radio station, which he connected and later tested with the laptop in a health check.

Kononenko conducted the routine maintenance of the SOZh system (Environment Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the SM, including ASU toilet facilities systems (see also above for replacement maintenance). (Regular daily SOZh maintenance consists of replacement of the KTO & KBO solid waste containers, replacement of an EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine container, replacement of the KOV EDV at the SKV-2 air conditioner for the Elektron-intended water, and processing U.S. condensate water as it becomes available in a filled CWC from the Lab humidifier.)

Working off the Russian discretionary 'time permitting' task list, the CDR & FE-1 updated/edited the IMS (Inventory Management System)'s standard 'delta file', including locations, for the regular weekly automated export/import to its three databases on the ground (Houston, Moscow, Baikonur).

In continued support of the Japanese CW/RW (Cell Wall/Resist Wall) experiment in the MSG EMCS (Microgravity Science Glovebox/European Modular Cultivation System), which has been having problems with insufficient hydration, Garrett Reisman's attention today focused on the Water Reservoirs, which he replaced with new ones on both rotors. (CW/RW operates in the EMCS facility in eight special ECs (Experiment Containers) which Garrett recently (3/30) installed on the centrifuges of the facility. The EMCS rack contains two rotating centrifuges, Rotor A & Rotor B that can support a wide range of small plant & animal experiments under partial gravity conditions.)

Later, the FE-2 spent ~30 min reviewing an uplinked forward plan for troubleshooting the failed science experiments in the COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory). (Starting tomorrow (4/23), Garrett will check the FCE (Facility Core Element) drawers for correct seating to verify proper functioning of the laser safety switches in the rear part and closure of a front panel switch. On 4/24, troubleshooting will focus on ODM (Optical Diagnostic Module) Laser Switch Verification and ODM/CEM (Central Experiment Module) functions, including telemetry, to verify the ODM laser switches integrity ODM & CEM functionalities. On 4/29, Reisman will support a software upgrading of the RIC (Rack Interface Controller) and VMU (Video Management Unit). followed on 4/30 by the long-overdue LAN (Local Area Network) cable repair with an uploaded repair kit and a temporary repair of the MIL BUS A connector, followed by a ground-only repair checkout and minimum system/subsystem checkout. If these activities are successful, Reisman will support the ground, after 5/5, in conducting Optical Checkout #1, Optical Target exchange, Procedure walkthrough, Optical Checkout #2, GEOFLOW EC (Experiment Container) insertion, another Procedure walkthrough, GEOFLOW check-out, and GEOFLOW science start.)

Oleg used the Russian BAR-RM Thermohygrometer instrument (Iva-6A ) to take air temperature measurements at the VPrK inlet fan of the SM Transfer Compartment.

The FE-2 performed a tape exchange on both VDS VTRs (Video Distribution System/Video Tape Recorders), VTR1 & VTR2. The old tapes were stowed for later return to Houston.

Garrett also downloaded the IWIS (Internal Wireless Instrumentation System) structural dynamics data taken during Soyuz 15S departure and ATV1 reboost to an SSC (Station Support Computer) for subsequent downlink to the ground.

At ~10:40am EDT, Garrett Reisman downlinked two televised PAO messages of greetings, one for use at NASA Visitors Centers around the US, the other for replay at the Academy of Arts & Sciences 40th anniversary screening of the Stanley Kubrick/Arthur C. Clarke film '2001: A Space Odyssey' on 4/25, at a second screening of this film at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival at the mall in Washington, D.C., and possibly also at its screening at the Tribeca Film Festival.

The three crewmembers had their standard PMC (Private Medical Conference) today.

The crew also completed 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 (FE-2), TVIS treadmill (CDR, FE-1), RED resistive exercise device (FE-2) and VELO bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR, FE-1).

Afterwards, Garrett downloaded the crew's exercise data file to the MEC (Medical Equipment Computer) for downlink, as well as 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).

Sergei & Oleg had the regular 60 minutes for themselves for general orientation (station familiarization & acclimatization) as is standard daily rule for fresh crewmembers for the first two weeks after starting station residency.

VolSci Program Update: For the Voluntary Science program on 4/26 (Saturday) or 4/27 (Sunday), Garrett Reisman was offered two options for his choice: (1) SLAMMD (Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement - Body Mass Measurement), or (2) EPO(Education Payload Operations) Careers Demo (Identify all the different steps crewmembers have taken to get to where they are today; identify all the different NASA careers that work together to prepare an astronaut for spaceflight. Objective: to motivate students to strive for a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to someday work for NASA).)

CEO photo targets uplinked for today were Central Asia dust event (Dynamic event. A major dust event is taking place in the Takla Makan Desert of western China. This desert basin is often much hazier than surrounding areas due to blowing dust. The crew was to include the mountainous margins of the basin so that we can gauge the altitude of the top of dusty airmass. The Takla Makan is one of the dustiest places on Earth, with its dust frequently falling on Beijing and Japan. Looking right of track, for three minutes) and Nile River delta, Egypt (looking right of track for general views of the delta region. These images will be used to pinpoint future targets).