Question Q/A's about ISS - Page 7 - Orbiter-Forum

**Urwumpe** · 02-27-2011, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElPelado

I think once someone asked what those white circles with black dots all around the station are, and someone said that those were points used to guide the robot-arm.... or something like that...

Can any one explain what those really are? and what's their use?
Thanks!

They are reference marks for the automatic SSRMS motion. The control computer uses the dots for telling where the end-effector is and how to locate for example the next grapple fixture for walking over the skin of the space station (Grappling the new fixture on the hull, releasing the old fixture, make the base the new end effector...repeat until the robot arm is at the fixture that is planned to be used for the task).

The astronauts don't need to execute that themselves, the robot arm can do such basic tasks itself.

DaveS · 02-27-2011, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urwumpe

They are reference marks for the automatic SSRMS motion. The control computer uses the dots for telling where the end-effector is and how to locate for example the next grapple fixture for walking over the skin of the space station (Grappling the new fixture on the hull, releasing the old fixture, make the base the new end effector...repeat until the robot arm is at the fixture that is planned to be used for the task).

The astronauts don't need to execute that themselves, the robot arm can do such basic tasks itself.

Actually, not correct. Those dots are part of the now defunct Canadian Advanced Space Vision System (ASVS):

Advanced Space Vision System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ElPelado · 02-27-2011, 09:38 AM

Ok, thats what I asked. I remembered that it is used for automatic motion of the arm, but I didnt know that automatic motion was being used.

So, for example, yesterday, after the arm gave the shuttle arm the ELC-4 and moved to the truss, it was done automatically?

Thanks!

**Urwumpe** · 02-27-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveS

Actually, not correct. Those dots are part of the now defunct Canadian Advanced Space Vision System (ASVS): Advanced Space Vision System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I had the dots explained as part of the robot arm control system. And not as defunct. After all, such dots are not mysterious experimental technology, but exist in more sophisticated ways already in industry, for example in car factories.

DaveS · 02-27-2011, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urwumpe

I had the dots explained as part of the robot arm control system. And not as defunct. After all, such dots are not mysterious experimental technology, but exist in more sophisticated ways already in industry, for example in car factories.

Well, they aren't used any more on ISS. The MPLMs for example used to have them, but they have been removed. And there's none on the trusses or any of the pressurized modules beyond Destiny.

---------- Post added at 10:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 AM ----------

Just to settle this I have asked ULF5 Lead Flight Royce Renfrew if the ASVS is used anymore on Twitter.

**Donamy** · 02-27-2011, 12:52 PM

At one point, it looked like the cross hairs in the ODS were centered on the dot, on the grapple pole of the PMA2. Maybe just a coincidence.

DaveS · 02-27-2011, 02:49 PM

Just got a reply from ULF5 Lead Flight on the ASVS "dots". According to him, they're not used anymore.

**Izack** · 02-28-2011, 05:06 PM

Is there a good source of information on the electrical systems of the ISS?

Wishbone · 03-26-2011, 07:21 PM

http://www.spaceref.com/iss/ - the only linky that currently comes to mind, specifically http://www.spaceref.com/iss/ops/iss.familiarization.pdf

I've got a Q, though. Are there any reports on the detailed inner workings of Data Management System and other main ISS GNC software?

**dnt462** · 04-02-2011, 12:58 AM

How is Mission Control set up, because i have a hard time imagining it runs a schedule like during Apollo were a flight could last up to 2 weeks?

Wishbone · 04-03-2011, 01:54 PM

MCC-Moscow is operating in shifts, 24 hours a day. Each organisation with a piece of the responsibility pie has its representatives in the control group. There is also a NASA support group that does shifts the same, and is the backup for MCC-Houston.

Their e-mail is corp@tsniimash.ru; the web site is less informative: http://www.mcc.rsa.ru/

MCC-M is a department within TsNIIMash, the head research institute of Roskosmos.

**IronRain** · 04-23-2011, 03:10 PM

I have a question about the forward docking mechanism of Zvezda. How was it attached to the hatch (because the only attachment point seems to be in the center and where is the docking mechanism now? (disposed or still on ISS...)

**Orbinaut Pete** · 04-23-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronRain

I have a question about the forward docking mechanism of Zvezda. How was it attached to the hatch (because the only attachment point seems to be in the center and where is the docking mechanism now? (disposed or still on ISS...)

The forward port of Zvezda uses the passive Hybrid docking system. The hatch itself includes a docking cone, as seen in the image below.

Once the docking to Zarya was completed, the hatch was removed. It currently resides in the Transfer Compartment of Zvezda (see image below), as it will still be needed when the MLM docks to Zevzda's Nadir port (as the hatch is completely removable from the forward port, it can also be used in the Zenith and Nadir ports of Zvezda).

Hi-res version.

**IronRain** · 04-23-2011, 05:36 PM

Thanks! Do they need to de-pressurize the hatch section or a special EVA to position the hatch? Something needs to be remove from the nadir hatch I guess?

**Orbinaut Pete** · 04-23-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronRain

Thanks! Do they need a special EVA to position the hatch? Something needs to be remove from the nadir hatch I guess?

For the Nadir hatch, they can just close it as normal before Pirs undocks from Zvezda. However, when there is negative pressure on the other side of the hatch (like in 2009 when they needed to put the docking cone in place ready for the MRM-2 docking to Zevzda Zenith), and "internal" EVA is required. In such a scenario, the crew suit up inside Zvezda's Transfer Compartment, close the hatches between the Transfer Compartment and the rest of the station, depressurise the Transfer Compartment, then remove a flat hatch and put the conical hatch in place of it.

02-27-2011, 09:35 AM	#92
DaveS SSU GSE Specialist	Quote: Originally Posted by Urwumpe They are reference marks for the automatic SSRMS motion. The control computer uses the dots for telling where the end-effector is and how to locate for example the next grapple fixture for walking over the skin of the space station (Grappling the new fixture on the hull, releasing the old fixture, make the base the new end effector...repeat until the robot arm is at the fixture that is planned to be used for the task). The astronauts don't need to execute that themselves, the robot arm can do such basic tasks itself. Actually, not correct. Those dots are part of the now defunct Canadian Advanced Space Vision System (ASVS): Advanced Space Vision System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Advanced Space Vision System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

03-26-2011, 07:21 PM	#99
Wishbone Clueless developer	http://www.spaceref.com/iss/ - the only linky that currently comes to mind, specifically http://www.spaceref.com/iss/ops/iss.familiarization.pdf I've got a Q, though. Are there any reports on the detailed inner workings of Data Management System and other main ISS GNC software? Last edited by Wishbone; 03-26-2011 at 07:29 PM.

04-23-2011, 03:51 PM	#103
Orbinaut Pete ISSU Project Manager	Quote: Originally Posted by IronRain I have a question about the forward docking mechanism of Zvezda. How was it attached to the hatch (because the only attachment point seems to be in the center and where is the docking mechanism now? (disposed or still on ISS...) The forward port of Zvezda uses the passive Hybrid docking system. The hatch itself includes a docking cone, as seen in the image below. Once the docking to Zarya was completed, the hatch was removed. It currently resides in the Transfer Compartment of Zvezda (see image below), as it will still be needed when the MLM docks to Zevzda's Nadir port (as the hatch is completely removable from the forward port, it can also be used in the Zenith and Nadir ports of Zvezda). Hi-res version. Last edited by Orbinaut Pete; 04-23-2011 at 03:54 PM.

04-23-2011, 05:36 PM	#104
IronRain Orbinaut	Thanks! Do they need to de-pressurize the hatch section or a special EVA to position the hatch? Something needs to be remove from the nadir hatch I guess? Last edited by IronRain; 04-23-2011 at 05:41 PM.

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02-27-2011, 09:24 AM	#91
Urwumpe Donator	Quote: Originally Posted by ElPelado I think once someone asked what those white circles with black dots all around the station are, and someone said that those were points used to guide the robot-arm.... or something like that... Can any one explain what those really are? and what's their use? Thanks! They are reference marks for the automatic SSRMS motion. The control computer uses the dots for telling where the end-effector is and how to locate for example the next grapple fixture for walking over the skin of the space station (Grappling the new fixture on the hull, releasing the old fixture, make the base the new end effector...repeat until the robot arm is at the fixture that is planned to be used for the task). The astronauts don't need to execute that themselves, the robot arm can do such basic tasks itself.

02-27-2011, 09:38 AM	#93
ElPelado Orbinaut	Ok, thats what I asked. I remembered that it is used for automatic motion of the arm, but I didnt know that automatic motion was being used. So, for example, yesterday, after the arm gave the shuttle arm the ELC-4 and moved to the truss, it was done automatically? Thanks!

02-27-2011, 09:47 AM	#94
Urwumpe Donator	Quote: Originally Posted by DaveS Actually, not correct. Those dots are part of the now defunct Canadian Advanced Space Vision System (ASVS): Advanced Space Vision System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia I had the dots explained as part of the robot arm control system. And not as defunct. After all, such dots are not mysterious experimental technology, but exist in more sophisticated ways already in industry, for example in car factories.

02-27-2011, 09:59 AM	#95
DaveS SSU GSE Specialist	Quote: Originally Posted by Urwumpe I had the dots explained as part of the robot arm control system. And not as defunct. After all, such dots are not mysterious experimental technology, but exist in more sophisticated ways already in industry, for example in car factories. Well, they aren't used any more on ISS. The MPLMs for example used to have them, but they have been removed. And there's none on the trusses or any of the pressurized modules beyond Destiny. ---------- Post added at 10:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 AM ---------- Just to settle this I have asked ULF5 Lead Flight Royce Renfrew if the ASVS is used anymore on Twitter.

02-27-2011, 12:52 PM	#96
Donamy Beta Tester	At one point, it looked like the cross hairs in the ODS were centered on the dot, on the grapple pole of the PMA2. Maybe just a coincidence.

02-27-2011, 02:49 PM	#97
DaveS SSU GSE Specialist	Just got a reply from ULF5 Lead Flight on the ASVS "dots". According to him, they're not used anymore.

02-28-2011, 05:06 PM	#98
Izack Non sequitur	Is there a good source of information on the electrical systems of the ISS?

04-02-2011, 12:58 AM	#100
dnt462 Donator	How is Mission Control set up, because i have a hard time imagining it runs a schedule like during Apollo were a flight could last up to 2 weeks?

04-03-2011, 01:54 PM	#101
Wishbone Clueless developer	MCC-Moscow is operating in shifts, 24 hours a day. Each organisation with a piece of the responsibility pie has its representatives in the control group. There is also a NASA support group that does shifts the same, and is the backup for MCC-Houston. Their e-mail is corp@tsniimash.ru; the web site is less informative: http://www.mcc.rsa.ru/ MCC-M is a department within TsNIIMash, the head research institute of Roskosmos.

04-23-2011, 03:10 PM	#102
IronRain Orbinaut	I have a question about the forward docking mechanism of Zvezda. How was it attached to the hatch (because the only attachment point seems to be in the center and where is the docking mechanism now? (disposed or still on ISS...)

04-23-2011, 05:51 PM	#105
Orbinaut Pete ISSU Project Manager	Quote: Originally Posted by IronRain Thanks! Do they need a special EVA to position the hatch? Something needs to be remove from the nadir hatch I guess? For the Nadir hatch, they can just close it as normal before Pirs undocks from Zvezda. However, when there is negative pressure on the other side of the hatch (like in 2009 when they needed to put the docking cone in place ready for the MRM-2 docking to Zevzda Zenith), and "internal" EVA is required. In such a scenario, the crew suit up inside Zvezda's Transfer Compartment, close the hatches between the Transfer Compartment and the rest of the station, depressurise the Transfer Compartment, then remove a flat hatch and put the conical hatch in place of it.