Good Morning All,
 

Here is today's Severe Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service:
... THERE IS A SLGT RISK OF SVR TSTMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE CNTRL/ERN
DAKOTAS... and ...THERE IS A SLGT RISK OF SVR TSTMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE
UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY...
 

News and Comments....

Here we go with more than you cared to know about the ISS Status:

ISS On-Orbit Status 08/09/10

All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted
previously or below. Underway: Week 10 of Increment 24.

Upon wake-up, FE-5 Yurchikhin performed the regular daily early-morning
check of the aerosol filters at the Russian Elektron O2 generator which
Maxim Suraev had installed on 10/19/09 in gaps between the BZh Liquid Unit
and the oxygen outlet pipe (filter FA-K) plus hydrogen outlet pipe (filter
FA-V). [The CDR will inspect the filters again before bedtime, currently a
daily requirement per plan, with photographs to be taken if the filter
packing is discolored.]

Also at wake-up, FE-6 Walker completed another session of the Reaction Self
Test (Psychomotor Vigilance Self Test on the ISS) protocol (skipped
yesterday). [The RST is performed twice daily (after wakeup & before
bedtime) for 3 days prior to the sleep shift, the day(s) of the sleep shift
and 5 days following a sleep shift. The experiment consists of a 5-minute
reaction time task that allows crewmembers to monitor the daily effects of
fatigue on performance while on ISS. The experiment provides objective
feedback on neurobehavioral changes in attention, psychomotor speed, state
stability, and impulsivity while on ISS missions, particularly as they
relate to changes in circadian rhythms, sleep restrictions, and extended
work shifts.]

CDR Skvortsov completed the periodic maintenance of the active Russian BMP
Harmful Impurities Removal System, starting the "bake-out" cycle to vacuum
on absorbent bed #1 of the regenerable dual-channel filtration system. The
process will be terminated later tonight (~5:05pm EDT) before sleeptime,
followed tomorrow by Bed #2 regeneration. [Regeneration of each of the two
cartridges takes about 12 hours and is conducted only during crew awake
periods. The BMP's regeneration cycle is normally done every 20 days. (Last
time done: 7/20-7/20).]

In preparation for the next spacewalk, EVA-16, on 8/11 (Wednesday), Tracy
Caldwell-Dyson resized her EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) #3009 by
adding ~1 in. to its torso length to lessen suit pressure on her shoulders
while working outside.

FE-4 Wheelock terminated METOX (Metal Oxide) canister regeneration in the
A/L (Airlock) bakeout oven, and FE-6 Walker finished recharging the EMU
batteries in the BSA (Battery Stowage Assembly.

Then, Doug & Tracy re-equipped their spacesuits with the METOX CO2 absorber
cans and freshly charged EMU batteries, while Shannon re-installed the
charged HL batteries in the Helmet Lights and the PGT batteries in the
powered Pistol Grip Tools. [EMU #3005: METOX #5 & Battery #2088; EMU #3009:
METOX #15 & EMU Batt #2086.] 

Afterwards, FE-2, FE-4 & FE-6 joined in a 2-hr review & discussion of
preliminary details of the EVA-16 spacewalk on Wednesday, followed by an EVA
teleconference with ground support personnel at ~9:15am. [See below for a
summary.]

Starting a new round of the monthly preventive maintenance of RS (Russian
Segment) ventilation systems, Fyodor Yurchikhin performed a one-hour
inspection & cleaning session of Group A ventilator fans and grilles in the
SM (Service Module), while Alex Skvortsov a bit later conducted ventilation
system maintenance in the FGB on the TsV1 fan, and then in the DC1 (Docking
Compartment) and MRM2 Poisk modules where he cleaned the PF1 & PF2 dust
collectors in its air duct system and the protective mesh screens of the V1
& V2 ventilator fans.

After recharging the SONY HVR-Z1J camcorder battery for the GFI-1
"Relaksatsiya" (Relaxation) Earth Observation experiment, Fyodor assembled &
installed the payload hardware and later conducted the measurement session
from SM window #9 at specific times (11:30am-12:00pm; 12:00pm-12:20pm),
recording atmospheric radiation spectra. Afterwards, the equipment was taken
down and stowed. [Using the GFI-1 UFK "Fialka" ultraviolet camera, SP
spectrometer and HD (High Definition) camcorder, the experiment is designed
for spectral observations of the Earth atmosphere and surface, with
spectrometer measurements controlled from Laptop 3. Today's thunderstorm
measurements involved UV-range measurement of formations radiation during
global electro-magnetic processes in the upper atmosphere. "Relaxation", in
Physics, is the transition of an atom or molecule from a higher energy level
to a lower one, emitting radiative energy in the process as equilibrium is
achieved.]

Fyodor also completed the periodic refresh of the IUS AntiVirus program in
the Russian VKS auxiliary (non-network) laptops RSS1, RSK1, RSK2, RSE1,
which are not loaded from the ground, from a special software program
working with Norton AV on the FS (File Server) laptop, first scanning the
latter, then transferring the database by flash-card to the other computers
and scanning them one by one. [Only the RSS2 laptop is automatically updated
(once a week on Fridays from MCC-Houston).]

Afterwards, FE-5 performed the periodic calibration & adjustment test of the
O2 sensor of the SM SOGS (Pressure Control & Atmospheric Monitoring System)
IK0501 gas analyzer (GA), using the BKGA/Gas Analyzer Calibration Assembly
and IGZ/Analyzer Status Indicator (constituent meter). [IK0501 is an
automated system for measuring CO2, O2, and H2O in the air as well as the
flow rate of the gas being analyzed.]

Activities completed by Shannon Walker included -

The periodic maintenance & visual inspection of the ARED (Advanced Resistive
Exercise Device), checking out rails & rollers, greasing the Y- and Z-axis
rails & rollers and evacuating its cylinder flywheels to maintain proper
vacuum condition and sensor calibration,
Preparing MELFI 1 (Minus Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS 1) for
reactivation by wiping down internal surfaces and leaving Dewar 2 trays out
to dry, replacing them with trays from MELFI 3 (MELFI 1 Dewar 2 to be
activated later),
Checking out the Lab RWS (Robotic Workstation) by switching DCP (Display &
Control Panel) and RHC (Robotics Hand Controller) for control, and
Turning around (reconfiguring) the SONY D2Xs EVA cameras for EVA-16.

FE-3 Kornienko performed special 4-hr maintenance on the TVIS treadmill
which included a swap-out of the old control panel with a new one, FOD
(foreign object/debris) inspection, installation of closeout panel
fasteners, and an unmanned speed run and audio capture, the latter recording
the noise of the TVIS (with gyro deactivated) via a Shure microphone.

Mikhail also set up and readied the PZE MO-9 equipment for another Russian
"Urolux" biochemical urine testing, scheduled tomorrow for all three Russian
crewmembers. [MO-9 is conducted regularly every 30 days (and also before and
after EVAs) and is one of five nominal Russian medical tests adopted by NASA
for US crewmembers for IMG (Integrated Medical Group) PHS evaluation as part
of the "PFE w/o Blood Labs" exam. The analysis uses the sophisticated
in-vitro diagnostic apparatus Urolux developed originally for the Mir
program. The data are then entered in the Medical Equipment Computer (MEC)'s
special IFEP (In-Flight Examination Program) software.]

Afterwards, Misha initiated overnight (10-hr) charging of the KPT-2 Piren
battery for the new Piren-B Pyro-endoscope, part of the Russian BAR science
instruments suite (other BAR components being the ôôí-2
Anemometer-Thermometer, the charger cable, and the video display unit).
[Piren-B, a video-endoscope with pyrosensor, is part of the methods & means
being used on ISS for detecting tiny leaks in ISS modules which could lead
to cabin depressurization. Objective of the Russian KPT-12/EXPERT science
payload is to measure environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, air
flow rate) and module shell surface temperatures behind SM panels and other
areas susceptible to possible micro-destruction (corrosion), before and
after insolation (day vs. night). Besides Piren-B, the payload uses a remote
infrared thermometer (Kelvin-Video), a thermohygrometer (Iva-6A), a
heat-loss thermoanemometer/thermometer (TTM-2) and an ultrasound analyzer
(AU) to determine environmental data in specific locations and at specific
times. Activities include documentary photography with the NIKON D2X camera
and flash.]

With its payload battery freshly charged, Kornienko set up the Russian
DZZ-12 RUSALKA ("Mermaid") experiment at SM window #9 for another sun-glint
observation session, using the bracket-mounted spectrometer (without use of
the TIUS three-stage rate sensor), synchronized with a coaxially mounted
NIKON D2X camera for taking snapshots, and later downloading the data to
laptop RSE1 for subsequent downlink via OCA. [RUSALKA is a micro
spectrometer for collecting detailed information on observed spectral
radiance in the near IR (Infrared) waveband for measurement of greenhouse
gas concentrations in the Earth atmosphere.]

CDR Skvortsov's timeline today included -

More relocating of stowage items from "unauthorized" FGB locations to
alternate sites, performing a storage bag audit before equipment relocation
and updating all relocations in the IMS (Inventory Management System),
Completing the routine daily servicing of the SOZh system (Environment
Control & Life Support System, ECLSS) in the SM [regular daily SOZh
maintenance consists, among else, of checking the ASU toilet facilities,
replacement of the KTO & KBO solid waste containers and replacement of
EDV-SV waste water and EDV-U urine containers], 
Conducting the daily IMS 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), and
Working the regular weekly maintenance of the TVIS (Treadmill with Vibration
Isolation & Stabilization), primarily inspecting the condition of the SLDs
(Subject Loading Devices) in contingency configuration, SLD cables for
fraying and SPDs (Subject Positioning Devices), lubricating as required,
plus recording time & date values. [Sasha's report: "Everything OK."]

At ~2:40pm EDT, Shannon Walker had her weekly PMC (Private Medical
Conference), via S- & Ku-band audio/video.

The crew worked out on today's 2-hr physical exercise protocol on the CEVIS
cycle ergometer with vibration isolation (FE-4), TVIS treadmill with
vibration isolation (CDR, FE-3, FE-5), ARED advanced resistive exercise
device (FE-2, FE-4, FE-5, FE-6), T2/COLBERT advanced treadmill (FE-2, FE-6)
and VELO ergometer bike with bungee cord load trainer (CDR, FE-3). [T2
snubber arm inspection is no longer needed after every T2 session but must
be done after the last T2 session of the day.]

ETCS Loop A Pump Module Update: EVA-16, on 8/11 (Wednesday), is being
extensively & thoroughly replanned as a result of the disappointing outcome
of EVA-15 which failed to get the nonfunctional ETCS (External Thermal
Control System) Loop A PM (Pump Module) out and start work on the new pump.
Spacewalkers Wheelock & Caldwell-Dyson ended up short of that, due to a
balky and leaky QD (Quick Disconnect, M3) at the old PM (losing about 3 lbs
of NH3 in the process). Re-attaching the QD and re-opening the valve stopped
the leak. For EVA-16, the plan is to lower Loop A NH3 pressure (from 370 psi
to ~200 psi), close two additional QDs (one each at each end of the S1 truss
segment) to isolate/minimize the line segment to be vented, and then vent
that coolant piping in the zenith direction (NH3 to be lost from the pipe: ~
15lbs, later from the PM: ~22 lbs, i.e., a total just under 40 lbs of
ammonia). M3 should then be "dry" (without pressure), allowing
straight-forward valve closing and demating. Next, 5 power/data cables will
have to be removed, followed by four attachment bolts of the PM. The latter
will then be attached to the MBS POA (Mobile Base System Payload ORU
Accommodation) via a grapple bar and vented, to be left on the POA for an
extended period of time. Replacing the PM and making all necessary
connections will very likely require a third EVA (tentatively on 8/15,
Sunday). If at all necessary, a fourth EVA is also possible.

No CEO (Crew Earth Observation) photo targets uplinked for today.

ISS Orbit (as of this morning, 8:49am EDT [= epoch])
Mean altitude - 354.1 km
Apogee height - 358.6 km
Perigee height - 349.6 km
Period -- 91.62 min.
Inclination (to Equator) -- 51.65 deg
Eccentricity -- 0.0006725
Solar Beta Angle -- 10.8 deg (magnitude increasing)
Orbits per 24-hr. day -- 15.72
Mean altitude loss in the last 24 hours - 66 m
Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. 98) - 67,186.

Significant Events Ahead (all dates Eastern Time and subject to change):
--------------Six-crew operations-----------------
08/11/10 -- US EVA-16 (Caldwell/Wheelock)
08/15/10 -- US EVA-17 (Caldwell/Wheelock) - if required
09/07/10 -- Progress M-06M/38P undock
09/08/10 -- Progress M-07M/39P launch
09/10/10 -- Progress M-07M/39P docking 
09/24/10 -- Soyuz TMA-18/22S undock/landing (End of Increment 24)
--------------Three-crew operations-------------
10/08/10 -- Soyuz TMA-20/24S launch - Kelly (CDR-26)/Kaleri/Skripochka
10/10/10 -- Soyuz TMA-20/24S docking
--------------Six-crew operations-------------
10/26/10 -- Progress M-05M/37P undock
10/27/10 -- Progress M-08M/40P launch
10/29/10 -- Progress M-08M/40P docking
11/01/10 -- STS-133/Discovery launch (ULF5 - ELC4, PMM) ~4:33pm EDT -
"target"
11/10/10 -- Russian EVA-26
11/17/10 -- Russian EVA-27
11/26/10 -- Soyuz TMA-19/23S undock/landing (End of Increment 25)
--------------Three-crew operations-------------
12/10/10 -- Soyuz TMA-21/25S launch - Kondratyev (CDR-27)/Coleman/Nespoli
12/12/10 -- Soyuz TMA-21/25S docking
--------------Six-crew operations-------------
12/15/10 -- Progress M-07M/39P undock
12/xx/10 -- Russian EVA-28
12/26/10 -- Progress M-08M/40P undock
12/27/10 -- Progress M-09M/41P launch
12/29/10 -- Progress M-09M/41P docking
02/26/11 -- STS-134/Endeavour (ULF6 - ELC3, AMS-02) ~4:19pm EDT - "target"
03/16/11 -- Soyuz TMA-20/24S undock/landing (End of Increment 26)
--------------Three-crew operations-------------
03/30/11 -- Soyuz TMA-22/26S launch - A. Borisienko (CDR-28)/R,
Garan/A.Samokutayev
04/01/11 -- Soyuz TMA-22/26S docking
--------------Six-crew operations-------------
04/26/11 -- Progress M-09M/41P undock
04/27/11 -- Progress M-10M/42P launch
04/29/11 -- Progress M-10M/42P docking
05/16/11 -- Soyuz TMA-21/25S undock/landing (End of Increment 27)
--------------Three-crew operations-------------
05/31/11 -- Soyuz TMA-23/27S launch - M. Fossum (CDR-29)/S. Furukawa/S.
Volkov
06/01/11 -- Soyuz TMA-23/27S docking
--------------Six-crew operations-------------
06/21/11 -- Progress M-11M/43P launch
06/23/11 -- Progress M-11M/43P docking
08/30/11 -- Progress M-12M/44P launch
09/01/11 -- Progress M-12M/44P docking
09/16/11 - Soyuz TMA-22/26S undock/landing (End of Increment 28)
--------------Three-crew operations-------------
09/30/11 -- Soyuz TMA-24/28S launch
10/02/11 - Soyuz TMA-24/28S docking
--------------Six-crew operations-------------
10/20/11 -- Progress M-10M/42P undocking
10/21/11 -- Progress M-13M/45P launch
10/23/11 -- Progress M-13M/45P docking
11/16/11 -- Soyuz TMA-23/27S undock/landing (End of Increment 29)
--------------Three-crew operations-------------
11/30/11 -- Soyuz TMA-25/29S launch
12/02/11 -- Soyuz TMA-25/29S docking
--------------Six-crew operations-------------
12/??/11 -- 3R Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) w/ERA - on Proton.
12/26/11 -- Progress M-13M/45P undock.
 

Closing Thoughts...

Conscience is a man's compass, and though the needle sometimes deviates,
though one often perceives irregularities when directing one's course by it,
one must still try to follow its direction. -Vincent van Gogh, painter
(1853-1890)
 

That's it for today, remember Pinky's Place tonight
(http://kcdawnpatrol.blogspot.com/, password dpchat), and be careful out
there,

Roger

Copyright 2010 by Roger M. Tener, with individual rights reverting back
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