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7 June 2003

ISS On-Orbit Status 6 Jun 2003

Part 1 of 2

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except as noted
previously or below.

CDR Malenchenko continued the current maintenance cycle on the RS
(Russian segment) ventilation system, today starting out with removal
and replacement of the two PS1/PS2 dust collector filters in the FGB
(funktsionalnyi-grusovoi blok) air ventilation system, disposing of
the old filters (last time done: 5/1).  In the FGB, he also cleaned
the protective mesh screens of the TsV ventilation fans and the
removable screens of its three GZhT gas-liquid heat exchangers (last
time done 5/8). 

FE/SO Ed Lu configured the MSS (mobile service system) video system
for the upcoming SSRMS (space station remote manipulator system)
camera viewing test, which will be using both the analog ISS VTR
(video tape recorder) and the digital Sony V10 VTR.  [The viewing
test supports the development of methods to inspect (and repair if
necessary) Shuttle orbiter TPS tiles and RCC (reinforced
carbon-carbon) elements on orbit utilizing ISS assets for
viewing/mapping of the orbiter surface.  Prior to its docking, at
the "Rbar" position underneath the station, the orbiter would perform
a 360-degree pitch-over maneuver to expose its entire surface
(top/bottom) to the ISS for video and still photography.  Tomorrow's
first test is to view known ISS targets with the external cameras
under similar lighting conditions experienced by the orbiter at
Rbar.  Targets selected for the viewing test are the MISSE (Materials
ISS Experiment) at the Airlock endcone and the starboard EVA toolbox
#1.]

Continuing preparations for the Progress 11P docking next Wednesday,
Yuri Malenchenko conducted a test of the TORU teleoperator control
system between the Service Module (SM) and the docked Progress 10P at
9:45am EDT.  Progress thrusters were inhibited and not involved.
[TORU is the manual mode through which Malenchenko can perform
necessary guidance functions from the SM in the event of a failure of
the "Kurs" automated rendezvous and docking (AR&D) of the Progress.
He would control the cargo ship's motions from a control panel,
viewing the approach to the ISS via the Klest-M television camera
mounted on the Progress.  Remote TORU control from the ground is not
available.]

Malenchenko performed inspection of the QD (quick disconnect) screw
clamps of the SM's docking and internal transfer mechanism (SSVP),
where Progress M-247 is linked up.  The threaded clamps rigidize the
mating surfaces. 

Also in preparation for the docking (which will be at the DC-1
docking compartment), the CDR transferred a bag containing the active
docking assembly (ASA-G) from DC-1's central spherical section to the
FGB module. 

In a tagup with IMS (inventory management system) specialists,
Malenchenko discussed his task assignment of locating 14 "missing"
items compiled on an uplinked list, such as batteries, a camera bag,
digital camcorder, etc. Also discussed were Soyuz-212/6S-delivered
items and their stowage locations on board the ISS.   The NASA
Science Officer performed another one of the weekly inventory audits
of the available CWCs (collapsible water containers) and their
contents.  [Last time done: 5/29]. 

He also completed an audit/checkup of CWC US/RS adapter hoses.  Then,
in preparation for the 11P docking, he repacked GSC (grab sample
container) units, to prevent any mix-up of used/expired and fresh
GSCs.  [All used and unused GSCs were to be stowed in a
Return-to-Houston bag.]

Malenchenko conducted his regular daily inspection of the BIO-5
Rasteniya-2 ("Plants-2") experiment which researches growth and
development of plants under spaceflight conditions in the Lada-2
greenhouse. 

Later, Yuri completed the regular weekly checkout of the IP-1 air
flow sensors which are installed in the various RS (Russian segment)
hatchways and the hatchway between FGB and Node.

Ed Lu completed his fourth weekly filling-out of the FFQ (food
frequency questionnaire), which keeps a log of his nutritional intake
over time on special MEC software.

Lu also conducted a PEP (portable emergency provisions) audit,
verifying that PFEs (portable fire extinguishers), PBAs (portable
breathing apparatus), QDMs (quick-don masks) and the oxygen extension
hose tee kit are all free of damage, to ensure their functionality.
He also recorded the serial numbers/bar codes and locations of the
PEP equipment. 

Yesterday's EMU battery discharge initiation by Ed Lu with the SSC6
laptop was unsuccessful, and MCC-H suspects a communications problem
with SSC6.  Ed swapped to SSC4 and successfully initiated discharge
on the two remaining charged EMU batteries.  The discharge was
completed today. 

FE/SO Lu conducted the weekly transfer of accumulated data files with
exercise data from the TVIS and RED exercise equipment to the MEC via
PCMCIA cards (personal computer memory card international
association) for subsequent downlink to Earth.  Afterwards, he
transferred storage files from the CMS HRM (crew medical systems/
heart rate monitor) to the MEC, then deleted them on the HRM.  [Last
time done: 5/31/03.] 

Malenchenko completed the regular preparation of the daily IMS
inventory "delta" file and the daily routine maintenance of the SM's
SOZh environment control and life support system.

Overnight (11:15pm EDT), MCC-H switched the PCU-2 (plasma contactor
unit #2) remotely back to Standby mode.  [PCU-2 has been on Discharge
since 5/16, for characterization of its performance, viz., its Cesium
emission current, at exit from orbital eclipse (Earth's shadow) under
rapidly changing exit latitudes, as is the case from late May to
early June.  PCU emission current is the sum of the electron currents
collected from the ambient ionosphere by (1) the high-voltage (160V)
P6 solar arrays (when in ram position) and (2) via low-voltage
induction by the ISS structure moving through the ionosphere.  The
currently used FPP (floating potential probe) instrument data for
determining the potential between ISS and the ambient environment are
very limited.  A more advanced Floating Potential Measurement Unit
(FPMU) will arrive on ULF-1.  The PCU-2 characterization of the past
two weeks enables forward-work on extending and validating the plasma
charging model used by the ground for when the FPMU is in place.]

NASA has teamed up with several educational institutions to
commemorate the adventures of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark
whose famous expedition two hundred years ago gathered vital
information about America's previously undocumented land, resources
and native inhabitants while facing unknown elements.  There are
several parallels between the Lewis and Clark expedition and the ISS,
and the Crew Earth Observations (CEO) target list will include
locations that "track" the Lewis and Clark expedition.  See also the
website "Space Station Challenge" at http://voyager.cet.edu/iss/ 

 - Continued -

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