Updates ISS UPDATES

[N_Molson]

Seems like a prefect EVA ! Congrats F. Yurchikhin & M. Kornienko :thumbup:

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 27/07/2010:

Today's sleep/wake cycle:
Wake last night = 6:40 PM GMT. Sleep = 3:00 PM GMT today (until 6:00 AM GMT tomorrow morning).

Russian EVA-25 spacewalk by FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin began at 4:11 AM GMT (26 minutes behind schedule) and lasted 6 hours 42 minutes, concluding successfully at 10:53 AM GMT. Attitude control authority was handed over to Russian MCS (Motion Control System) thrusters at 1:25 AM GMT and returned to U.S. momentum management at ~4:05 PM GMT. All scheduled objectives were completed.

During the EVA, the two spacewalkers:
• Replaced the ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) Klest-154 video camera.
• Routed and mated external KURS-P AFU (Antenna Feeder Device) MRM-1-to-FGB cables to the FGB.
• Routed and mated SUBA (Onboard Equipment Control System) Ethernet cables to the SM (Service Module).
• Jettisoned the old ATV Klest-154 video camera.
• Brought the MRM-1 cable reels back inside the ISS (instead of jettisoning them as originally planned).
[The new SM ATV video camera that was installed was checked out successfully. The KURS cables have not yet been tested but Moscow plans to do that later this week. During the EVA, several objects were detected floating away from the ISS. One was tentatively identified as a cable clamp. The videos are being reviewed by the Russians to determine the identity of the other objects.]

After the conclusion of the EVA, Mikhail & Fyodor:
• Repressurized the SM PkhO (Transfer Compartment).
• Conducted their second MO-9 "Urolux" biochemical urine test.
• Reset STTS communications in the SM/PkhO.
• Re-installed the air duct through the PkhO hatch.
• Restored systems configurations in the SM to pre-EVA conditions.
• Set up the Orlan-MK suits, umbilicals and BSS interface units for drying out.

CDR Alexander Skvortsov, who remained isolated in MRM-2 during EVA-25 with FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson:
•Opened the MRM-2-to-SM(SU) hatches.
• Installed the air ducts in SM, MRM-2 and DC-1.
• Supported the ground-commanded reactivation of the Russian Elektron O2 (Oxygen) generator by monitoring the external temperature of its secondary purification unit (BD) for the first 10 minutes of operations to ensure that there was no overheating. [The gas analyzer used on the Elektron during nominal operations for detecting H2 (Hydrogen) in the O2 line (which could cause overheating) is not included in the control algorithm until 10 minutes after Elektron startup.]
• Completed post-EVA MRM-2 reconfiguration to nominal and Soyuz TMA-18/22S deactivation.

After the EVA, Tracy:
• Relocated the SSC-18 (Station Support Computer-18) laptop from MRM-2 to its nominal plug-in location in the Cupola & returned batteries to deployed SSCs.
• Returned stowage equipment, CTBs (Cargo Transfer Bags) and other required hardware from MRM-2 to their nominal locations for reconfiguration.


From NASA's main ISS webpage:

The ISS operations team met late yesterday to review results of last week's dry run for using the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) and the SPDM (Special Purpose Dextrous Manipulator) to replace a failed RPCM (Remote Power Control Module) in the P1 Truss. The team elected to defer additional work with the SPDM until additional analysis of the forces required to remove the smart circuit breaker from its housing in the truss is completed.

The delay will not affect plans for the upcoming spacewalk by Doug Wheelock and Tracy Caldwell-Dyson. Power systems on the station are operating well with the failed RPCM in its current installed position.

---------- Post added at 06:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------

New Scientist: "Time to go atomic on space station".

Here's some good ESA pages about ACES (Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space).
Page 1.
Page 2.

It occurred to me the other day that ACES is probably the reason why NASA want to get the LWAPA (Light Weight Adaptor Plate Assembly) returned to Earth – the LWAPA is currently blocking ACES' attachment point on the COL (Columbus Orbiting Laboratory) EPF (External Payload Facility).

---------- Post added at 07:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:39 PM ----------

RIA Novosti: "ISS commander responds to love letter from Earth".

 

[dougkeenan]

---------- Post added at 07:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:39 PM ----------

RIA Novosti: "ISS commander responds to love letter from Earth".

What the ...? "in Russia, Russian bride comes to you." :lol:

 

[SiberianTiger]

What the ...? "in Russia, Russian bride comes to you." :lol:

Too true.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 28/07/2010:

FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin & FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko spent most of their workday on close-out activities after yesterday's EVA. Activities included:
• Holding an EVA debrief/close-out conference with ground personnel.
• Removing the BK-3 portable O2 (Oxygen) repressurization tanks (primary & backup) from the DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1) BSS (Orlan Interface Unit).
• Removing the BNP portable repress tank from the SM (Service Module) Work Compartment (RO) and relocating it to Soyuz TMA-19/23S.
• Removing the Orlan BRTA radio/telemetry unit batteries.
• Taking post-EVA radiation readings of the "Pille-MKS" dosimeters carried by the spacewalkers in their Orlan suits.
• Putting the EVA medical kits back in storage.
• Setting up the first 825M3 Orlan battery pack for complete discharge/recharge.
• Removing the US EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) lights, video cameras, REBAs (Rechargeable EVA Battery Assemblies) & electric power cables from the Orlan-MK suits for return to FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson.
• Refilling the Orlan feedwater bladders as required.
• Configuring the Orlan-MKs, umbilicals and BSS interface units for drying out & subsequent storage.
• Taking their post-EVA PMCs (Private Medical Conferences), via S-band & Ku-band audio/video.

Meanwhile, Tracy & FE-4 Doug Wheelock worked on preparatory tasks for their US EVA-15 on 05/08. Activities included:
• Gathering & configuring EVA tools.
• Installing REBA #1008 into EMU 3005 (Wheels) & REBA #1012 into EMU 3009 (Tracy).
• Installing & checking out Video Camera #19 & HL (Helmet Light) #1008 on EMU 3005 and Camera #20 & HL #1006 on EMU 3009.
• Checking out SAFER (Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue) units 1006 & 1007.

In final close-out activities after yesterday's EVA, CDR Alexander Skvortsov worked in DC-1 to re-integrate Progress M-05M/37P (docked at DC-1 Nadir) with the ISS by:
• Conducting a leak check on the DC-1/37P vestibule.
• Opening the DC-1/SU & SU/37P hatches and installing the QD (Quick Disconnect) screw clamps (BZV) of the docking & internal transfer mechanism (SSVP) to rigidize the coupling.
• Deactivating Progress.
• Installing the ventilation/heating air duct.
• Dismantling the docking mechanism between the cargo ship and DC-1.

Alexander also purged & charged the SrPK (air supply tankage) Section 2 of Progress M-06M/38P (docked at SM Aft) with N2 (Nitrogen) and later, on TsUP Go, was to repressurize the ISS cabin atmosphere with N2 from 38P to make up total pressure.

---------- Post added at 05:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:04 PM ----------

Mission control is monitoring a piece of orbital debris that may come near the space station.

No further information at this time.

---------- Post added at 07:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:11 PM ----------

From NASA's main ISS webpage:

The International Space Station crew members will not need to take shelter in their Soyuz spacecraft when a piece of debris from a Chinese satellite makes its closest pass by the station at 1:47 PM EDT/5:47 PM GMT today. Mission Control gave the all-clear to the Expedition 24 crew at 12:45 PM EDT/4:45 PM GMT, after additional tracking information showed the debris would not come any closer than 5 miles (8 kilometers).

Mission Control Centers in the U.S. and Russia have been keeping a close eye on the piece of orbital debris for the past several days, but the object has proven difficult to track precisely. Earlier in the week, tracking data on the debris showed that it would pass near the station, but not close enough to require a debris avoidance maneuver. Early Thursday, however, new tracking data on the object showed that it might pass close enough to require the crew members to take shelter in their Soyuz spacecraft when the debris made its closest approach. Additional tracking today showed the Soyuz sheltering was unnecessary.

SPACE.com: "Chinese Space Junk Won't Endanger Space Station Crew".

---------- Post added 30th Jul 2010 at 04:31 PM ---------- Previous post was 29th Jul 2010 at 07:04 PM ----------

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 29/07/2010:

In preparation of the planned installation of the PDGF (Power & Data Grapple Fixture) on the exterior of the FGB (Funktsionalnyi Grusovoi Blok, English: Functional Cargo Block) during US EVA-15 by FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson & FE-4 Doug Wheelock (currently scheduled for 05/08), Doug configured the brackets for the Russian-built PDGF adapter ("rama" = frame), delivered on Progress M-05M/37P. [The additional PDGF with its power/data cabling, the first on the RS (Russian Segment), will extend the "roving" range of the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System), which moves itself inch-worm like from PDGF to PDGF.]
(NOTE: Here is an image of the "rama". The 3 brackets on the "rama" attach to the 3 mount points on the Port side of the FGB GA/Pressurized Adapter (visible in this image), and the PDGF then attaches to the "rama").

In DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1), FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko terminated the discharge process on the first 825M3 Orlan battery pack in the ZU-S recharge unit and started it on the second set.

Wrapping up their post-EVA closeout activities, Mikhail & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin returned EVA tools & equipment to stowage, updating the IMS (Inventory Management System) appropriately.

In the JPM (Japanese Pressurized Module), FE-6 Shannon Walker successfully completed the first activation and checkout & functional test of the MELFI-3 (Minus Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS-3), which was delivered to the ISS in April on STS-131/19A. Later it was deactivated.

Payload Milestone:
An important milestone was completed today when 12 utilization racks were active at one time. Over the course of the day a combination of 12 of the following 13 payload racks were active and conducting or preparing to conduct weekly science operations: ER-1 (ExPrESS Rack-1), ER-2, ER-3, ER-4, ER-6, CIR (Combustion Integration Rack), FIR (Fluids Integrated Rack), MSG (Microgravity Science Glovebox), MELFI-1, MELFI-2, MELFI-3, SAIBO and RYUTAI.

Kurs MRM-1 Testing:
Following the Kurs cable installation task during Russian EVA-25 this week, TsUP-Moscow performed a Kurs test from the FGB Kurs equipment to MRM-1 (Mini Research Module-1) antennas and did not receive good results due to incorrect uplink settings. Later the test was completed with the correct settings and successful results were achieved.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Here's a great image from Roscosmos showing an Orlan spacesuit atop the FGB during Russian EVA-25! The big silver foil-like object is the rear of the Z1 Truss.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Kentucky Space: "Powering up NanoRacks: 'Seeing that little LED very exciting'".

Kentucky Space: "Downloading first data from NanoRacks".

---------- Post added 31st Jul 2010 at 03:28 PM ---------- Previous post was 30th Jul 2010 at 10:24 PM ----------

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 30/07/2010:

In DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1), FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko terminated the discharge process on the second 825M3 Orlan battery pack in the ZU-S recharge unit.

Other post EVA-25 closeout activities included:
• Mikhail & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin configured the SM (Service Module) PkhO (Transfer Compartment) and DC-1 to Nominal status.
• CDR Alexander Skvortsov prepared Russian tools to be used in the upcoming US EVA-15 (ratchet wrench, extender, tether, protective blanket with latch, etc.).

----------

Shannon Walker's 4th Blog Entry from the ISS: "Fixing the toilet. Or, what makes one appreciate simple mechanical systems and the local hardware store".

----------

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 31/07/2010:

In DC-1 (Docking Compartment-1), FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko terminated the discharge process on the third 825M3 Orlan battery pack in the ZU-S recharge unit.

 

[DaveS]

Late breaking update!

Earlier this evening the Loop A External Thermal Control System(ETCS) Pump Module went offline when the Remote Power Control(RPC) for it was tripped.

Currently it looks like the fault is with the Pump Module which is bad as that might indicate that the Pump Module is need of a Remove and Replace(R&R).
The crew will move some samples from MELFI-1 to MELFI-2 to save some science.

They're also going to two-CMG mode for the time being.

 

[IronRain]

They're going on an EVA:

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1007/31station/

Trouble with one of the International Space Station's external coolant loops, used to dissipate the heat generated by the lab's electronics systems, triggered an extensive powerdown late Saturday. NASA managers met Sunday and gave preliminary approval to a difficult two-spacewalk repair job, starting as early as Thursday, to restore the critical system to normal operation.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

They're going on an EVA:

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1007/31station/

We have a dedicated thread for this.

 

[IronRain]

We have a dedicated thread for this.

whoops, sorry, missed it

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

JAXA: "Space Experiments Expand Possibilities for the Future".


Aviation Week: "Darpa Eyes Crowd-sourcing To Generate Ideas".

The Darpa International Space Station Spheres Integrated Research Experiments (Inspire) program represents an initial step in that direction. With the ISS acting as a "satellite wind tunnel", the goal is to enable rapid, iterative testing of space systems while providing students with an opportunity to perform meaningful space experiments.

Inspire will upgrade the Spheres microsatellites already onboard the ISS. Designed and prototyped by MIT students, the three microsatellites are used for formation-flying algorithm research. They have been on the ISS since 2006 and are operated by astronauts in their free time, for about 12 experiments a year. Now in the Kibo module, the battery-powered microsatellites use cold-gas thrusters to maneuver and an ultrasonic "GPS simulation" to navigate.

The Inspire program has four elements: electromagnetic formation flying; vision-based relative navigation; a design study for "Exo-Spheres" microsatellites that could fly outside the ISS; and a design challenge to involve high school students in the development of algorithms for the Spheres spacecraft.

Two of the Spheres satellites will be equipped with steerable magnetic coils that will enable them to maneuver relative to each other by generating forces and torques via electromagnetic coupling. In a cluster of satellites, such as Darpa's System F6, this would allow a formation of modules to maneuver in space by wirelessly coupling to one thruster-equipped spacecraft.

The vision-based relative navigation project will involve two microsatellites circumnavigating the third and using sensors to build a 3D model of the target Sphere. This will enable the two Spheres to navigate relative to the third by visual reference—matching images to the model—and allow formation flight in the absence of precise GPS positioning.

The Exo-Spheres design study will be an undergraduate project to prototype the next-generation Spheres testbed, which would be able operate for short periods outside the ISS. "They would throw them out of the Kibo airlock, perform experiments and use the small Japanese robotic arm to retrieve them", says Paul Eremenko, a Darpa program manager.

Cool! :speakcool:

 

[SiberianTiger]

Very cool indeed! :thumbup:

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Aviation Week: "ISS Program Reaches Out".

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Here's a great article about NASA Astronaut Cady Coleman's training for Expedition 26/27.

The Guardian: "I'm an astronaut, I need some space".

---------- Post added 9th Aug 2010 at 11:23 PM ---------- Previous post was 8th Aug 2010 at 11:35 PM ----------

Spaceflight Now: "Robotics work stalled by spacewalks, stuck spring".

Dextre is required to remove a cargo container and flex hose rotary coupler from the ship [HTV-2] and place them on the station, according to the Canadian Space Agency.

This tells us that HTV-2's EP (Exposed Pallet) will carry a CTC (Cargo Transport Container) and FHRC (Flex Hose Rotary Coupler).

 

[orb]

It was already mentioned at this post of "Space Station suffers Coolant loop issue" thread, but I think that spacewalk stats should go here as well:

Today marked the fifth EVA in the career of Doug Wheelock and second for Tracy Caldwell Dyson. Wheelock has accumulated 36 hours and 10 minutes of spacewalking time on his previous excursions and 15 hours and 29 minutes for Caldwell Dyson. Today's EVA started at 8:27 a.m. EDT / 12:27 UTC, lasted 7 hours and 26 minutes, and ended at 3:53 p.m. EDT / 19:53 UTC.

This was the 149th spacewalk devoted to station assembly and maintenance and the 13th so far this year. Total space station EVA time since construction began in 1998 stands at 937 hours and 4 minutes.​

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

JAXA improving plans for unmanned cargo spacecraft to bring back supplies from ISS.

I like this idea! :thumbup:

---------- Post added at 02:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:31 AM ----------

Expedition 27 patch preview from collectSPACE.

Another nice ISS patch! Note Dragon berthed to Node 2 Nadir - when it's on a patch, it's going to happen! :lol:

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Roscosmos MCC PAO: "ISS Reboost is to Take Place on August 19".

In accordance with the program of the International Space Station mission ballistics support, ISS reboost is scheduled for August 19.
The maneuver is to be assisted by 8 attitude thrusters of cargo vehicle Progress M-06M attached to Russian module Zvezda. The engines are to be started at 00:30 Moscow time, following the commands from the ISS RS central computer. As a result of the 1.3mps-burn, the altitude of the ISS will become 2.2 km higher (355,5km) in order to provide favorable conditions for Soyuz TMA-18 landing on Sept. 24 and Progress M-07M docking on Sept. 10.

---------- Post added at 07:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:37 PM ----------

RIA Novosti: "ISS could last another decade - Roscosmos".

---------- Post added at 10:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:26 PM ----------

Roscosmos PAO: "ISS can Become a Basis for Mission to Mars - Anatoly Perminov".

Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov supports the idea about turning the International Space Station into a basis for future missions to other planets.
"Many people today say that this is feasible for the station. I also support the idea", Roscosmos Head said questioned by The Voice of Russia.
"We shall try, with new technologies capable of flying not only to LEO, but to the other planets. It would be one of options for the ISS", Perminov added.
He also added that a mission to Mars would not take place in the nearest future.
"I believe it’s to happen in 2030-2035, not earlier", Roscosmos Head concluded.

Roscosmos PAO: "China and India would be Useful Partner in the ISS Program - Fyodor Yurchikhin".

The number of the International Space Station program participants may be enlarged by adding China and India, ISS flight engineer Fyodor Yurchikhin said answering the question from the ISS Mail Box. The Mail Box is the project by Memorial Space Museum supported by Roscosmos PAO and Moscow's Department of Culture.
"I am sure that partnership with China and India would be mutually beneficial in the program", Yurchikhin said, Interfax AVN informs.
"Chinese achievements in human space missions are well-known. A Chinese module in the ISS? It is not a fantasy, provided that all parties agree with is", Yurchikhin believes. "But I am against thoughtless involvement; interesting ideas, technologies shall be involved in the program".

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

BBC News: "Beer microbes live 553 days outside ISS".

Related Blog entry:
BBC News'/Jonathan Amos' "Spaceman" Blog: "Bugs and humans will team up to explore space".

---------- Post added at 10:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 PM ----------

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 23/08/2010:

In an attempt to regain command capability to access science data of the JAXA MAXI (Monitor of All-sky X-ray Images) payload, MCC-Houston remotely transited the primary C&C (Command & Control) MDM (Multiplexer/Demultiplexer) computer to the standby C&C. In support of the transition, FE-4 Doug Wheelock then reconnected all powered PCS (Portable Computer System) laptops to the new prime, C&C-2. [C&C-1 is now backup, and C&C-3 is on standby. The MAXI experiment is attached to the JEF (Japanese Exposed Facility) on the exterior of the station.]

FE-6 Shannon Walker transferred CubeLab-2 from stowage to the ER (ExPrESS Rack) location, then installed and activated the frame and CubeLab module(s). CubeLab-1 hardware was installed by Shannon on 12/07. [CubeLab is a low-cost 1 kg platform for educational projects. It is a multipurpose research facility that interfaces small standard modules into the ERs (ExPrESS Racks). The modules can be used within the pressurized space station environment in orbit, with a nominal length, width, and height of 100 mm and a mass of no more than 1 g. Up to 16 CubeLab modules can be inserted into a CubeLab insert inside an ER.]

---------- Post added at 10:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:00 PM ----------

A second life for ISS segments?

---------- Post added at 11:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 PM ----------

2nd NanoRacks activated. Our Kentucky Space Mission Control reports all is well. Thanks to Shannon Walker for a job well done.

Awesome! :thumbup:

---------- Post added 24th Aug 2010 at 10:42 PM ---------- Previous post was 23rd Aug 2010 at 11:17 PM ----------

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 24/08/2010:

FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson retrieved the MELFI-1 (Minus Eighty-degree Lab Freezer for ISS) trays, which had been put out for drying after the recent power-downs, and inserted them into MELFI-3's Dewar 1.

In preparation for the next Progress M-07M/39P on arrival 10/09, CDR Alexander Skvortsov & FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko, with TsUP support, conducted the standard 30 minute intermodular space-to-space (wireless) test of the TORU teleoperated rendezvous & docking system, i.e., between the TORU control station in the SM (Service Module) and Progress M-06M/38P, docked at SM Aft. Progress DPO (Approach & Attitude Control) thrusters were not commanded. [TORU is the manually teleoperated backup approach and docking system for the automated Progress ships. It will be on "hot standby" during the upcoming arrival of 39P.]

With Alexander, Mikhail & Tracy due to depart on Soyuz TMA-18/22S on 24/09, Alexander & Mikhail (of Expedition 24) spent several hours with FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin (of Expedition 25) on handover activities, to get Fyodor up to date with RS (Russian Segment) tasks and issues.

TVIS Update:
TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System) is currently No-Go due to some off-nominal noise during operation, and one of the slats appears to be partially buckled. A troubleshooting procedure was developed. This activity has some urgency since Alexander & Mikhail are within the thirty day deadline of required return exercise protocol. They are currently approved for using the T2 COLBERT treadmill. (Note: TVIS is located in the SM, and TVIS ops. are currently under RS control, however maintenance remains the responsibility of US specialists.)

---------- Post added 25th Aug 2010 at 10:21 PM ---------- Previous post was 24th Aug 2010 at 10:42 PM ----------

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 25/08/2010:

With all remaining propellants in Progress M-06M/38P transferred, TsUP/Moscow today performed the standard vacuum purging of the Progress fuel (ZUG) and oxidizer (ZUO) lines, venting propellant residuals in the plumbing between Progress & SM into space, with prior attitude control handover to the Russian MCS (Motion Control System). All events were nominal.
Earlier, FE-4 Doug Wheelock had closed the protective shutters of the Lab, JPM & Cupola science windows. Also, to protect the T2 treadmill during the line purging/venting, the orange-colored snubber alignment guides (4) were installed by Wheels before the US-to-RS handover and removed again by FE-2 Tracy Caldwell-Dyson after the RS-to-US handover.

TVIS Update:
TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System) is currently No-Go due to some off-nominal noise during operation, and one of the slats appears to be partially buckled. A troubleshooting procedure was developed and uplinked for comment, to be implemented by CDR Alexander Skvortsov & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin tomorrow. The procedure includes involves removal of the raised belt slat along with the two slats surrounding it and replacement of all three with spares if they are damaged. Afterwards, both a manned and unmanned ACO (Activation & Checkout) run with video/audio capture complete the procedure.

---------- Post added 26th Aug 2010 at 10:00 PM ---------- Previous post was 25th Aug 2010 at 10:21 PM ----------

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 26/08/2010:

CDR Alexander Skvortsov & FE-5 Fyodor Yurchikhin spent several hours on a major IFM (Inflight Maintenance) on the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System) treadmill in the SM (Service Module), trying to repair the running belt which had created off-nominal noise due to a buckled belt slat. TVIS troubleshooting is expected to continue tomorrow (see note at bottom).

FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko meanwhile replaced the TVIS Control Panel in the SM, first powering it off with the circuit breaker, waiting for about an hour (to cool down), then uninstalling the current control panel (#1001), taping & stowing it, and installing the new control panel (#1002) instead. Both panels were photo documented.

Additionally, Mikhail used pressurized O2 (oxygen) from Progress M-06M/38P O2 stores for another refresh of the ISS cabin for about an hour. [The Elektron O2 generator is currently off.]

TVIS Update:
After the Russian crewmembers this morning obtained video of the original anomaly and also removed the raised belt slat, they found a small bolt under the slat – the cause of the buckling and noise. The original troubleshooting plan was to remove 3 slats and weld nuts and then to conduct an overall inspection of the tread belt, chassis, and chassis components. Now that the root cause of the noise is known, ground teams are meeting to optimize the remaining work that must be performed. TVIS troubleshooting is expected to continue tomorrow.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 27/08/2010:

CDR Alexander Skvortsov, with FE-3 Mikhail Kornienko assisting for the checkout, spent several more hours on Part 2 of the IFM (Inflight Maintenance) on the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration Isolation System) in the SM (Service Module), repairing the running belt which had a buckled belt slat due to a loose screw found under it, stemming probably from a TVIS drum. [The new situation required the crew to (1) inspect both drums, (2) check the tread belt fabric for damage, (3) verify weld nut alignment, (4) re-torque the belt slat screws & apply new witness marks to them (which would indicate, over time, slight rotational displacements of the screws), and (5) inspect the roller bearings for possible damage by the screw. An unmanned & manned ACO (Activation & Checkout) run was to wrap up the troubleshooting.]

Activities conducted by FE-6 Shannon Walker today included:
• Equipping the Node 2 Port stowage hatch handle with the label "Use Manual Override".
• Performing a data collection session on the CubeLab and transferring the data to laptop.
• Looking for missing Node 2 CQ (Crew Quarters) rack brackets.

---------- Post added 28th Aug 2010 at 09:41 PM ---------- Previous post was 27th Aug 2010 at 10:24 PM ----------

From ISS On-Orbit Status Report for 28/08/2010:

TVIS Update:
FCT (Flight Control Team) uplink: "Great work on the TVIS Troubleshooting yesterday. TVIS is now GO for use!".

---------- Post added at 11:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:41 PM ----------

Here's some interesting ISS articles from the past few days:

Spaceflight Now: "Europe, Japan weigh cargo return from space station".

BBC News: "Vacuum lab to grow space crystals may be added to ISS".
-Way cool! :speakcool:

Terma to head the ASIM observatory for the International Space Station.

RIA Novosti: "ISS astronauts call Peru's ancient Machu Picchu".

ESA: "ISS ship-tracker operating alongside Norwegian satellite".

Aviation Week: "NRC Faults NASA ISS Research Focus".

Aviation Week: "Commercial Crew Life-Support Unit Passes".

---------- Post added at 11:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 PM ----------

Great NASA TV Video: "Expedition 23: From Launch to Landing" - in HD!​

 

[Xyon]

Video is also posted in the videos thread