Unobscured Vision Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 Darn you, DD. Every time I think I've hit my limit on Twitter stuff to add to my "Follow" collection, you go and find me more stuff to add. Draggendrop 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 1, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 1, 2016 Not much on the news front today, just a few bits.... Deployment of Diwata-1 in space, a first for Japan’s Kibo Quote Tsukuba City, Japan – When “Kibo” (Hope), the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), deploys the Philippines’ Diwata-1 satellite to its orbital path in space in April, it will also mark Kibo’s first try at deploying a 50-kg class satellite. Kibo is attached to the multinational US$120-billion International Space Station (ISS), orbiting some 250 miles above the Earth. JEM is owned and operated by the Japanese government through its Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and is being used for various experiments as well as deployment of satellites. JAXA Vice President Takashi Hamazaki told the Manila Bulletin that Kibo had already deployed 106 small satellites called cube satellites (cubesats) in the past. “But for a 50-kg microsatellite like Diwata-1, it’s going to be the first time,” he said. The JAXA official said deploying Diwata-1, and Diwata-2 in 2017, would be quite a challenge. http://www.mb.com.ph/deployment-of-diwata-1-in-space-a-first-for-japans-kibo/ That is a fair size for the airlock...will find out later which rack will be used to deploy it, probably something along the lines of the "Cyclops" sled. ------------------------------- misc tweets from space... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 2, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 2, 2016 ISS Daily Summary Report – 02/1/16 Quote Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) Operations: Peake opened the outer hatch of the JEM Airlock and extended the Airlock Slide Table external to the ISS. Ground controllers then transferred Cyclops from the Small Fine Arm (SFA) on the JEMRMS to the Slide Table. Once the transfer was complete, Peake brought the Slide Table back into the Airlock. Later this week ISS crewmembers will remove Cyclops and stow it on-board the ISS. Biolab Door Removal: Peake removed the Biolab Door Assembly and replaced it with a dummy cover. The assembly will be returned to the ground for repair. Fine Motor Skills: Kelly, Kornienko and Peake each completed sessions of the Fine Motor Skills experiment today. During the experiment they performed a series of interactive tasks on a touchscreen tablet. This investigation is the first fine motor skills study to measure long-term microgravity exposure, different phases of microgravity adaptation, and sensorimotor recovery after returning to Earth gravity. Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection: Kelly, Kopra, and Peake worked to obtain ITCS coolant samples from the Lab, Node 2, Node 3, and Columbus modules today. The samples will be prepared for return onboard SpaceX-8. Orbital ATK (OA)-4 Cargo Operations: The crew completed transferring Cygnus cargo to ISS on Friday. Today, Kelly started loading trash into Cygnus. An estimated 6.5 hours remain to complete the trash loading. Cygnus is scheduled to unberth from ISS on February 19th. Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Fault: This afternoon the OGA faulted to shutdown due to a failed H2 sensor. The OGA will be taken to standby until the H2 sensor can be replaced. There is one spare sensor on-orbit. Quote Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Nominal System Commanding Three-Day Look Ahead: Tuesday, 02/02: Story Time, Cargo Ops, Torque Analyzer Kit (TAK) Data Gather, MCDA H/W Replace, Portable 3D Printer Ops Wednesday, 02/03: RS EVA 42, MCDA H/W Replace, BASS M, JEM Stowage Frame Conslidate, SABL Activation and Checkout Thursday, 02/04: N3 CDRA R&R, Cargo Ops, RS EVA Tool Stow, MBSU Demo QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group: Component Status Elektron On Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) On [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Operate Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Override Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Fast Shutdown Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Shutdown Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Full Up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Off https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2016/02/01/iss-daily-summary-report-02116/ ---------------------------------- Cosmonauts Finalize Preps Before Wednesday Spacewalk Cosmonaut Sergey Volkov is pictured during a spacewalk in August 2011 when he was a Flight Engineer for Expedition 28. Quote Two cosmonauts are getting ready for a spacewalk to install hardware and science experiments outside the International Space Station’s Russian segment. Meanwhile, the other four crew members are working on research hardware, water testing and trash stowage. Veteran flight engineers and spacewalkers Yuri Malenchenko and Sergey Volkov are finalizing their reviews and preparations for the second Expedition 46 spacewalk in less than a month. NASA Television will provide live coverage of the Russian spacewalk set to begin tomorrow at 8:10 a.m. EST. They are scheduled to work outside in their Russian Orlan spacesuits for about 5 hours and 30 minutes on scheduled maintenance tasks. Commander Scott Kelly set up a portable 3D printer today inside the Destiny laboratory module. The test fabrications on the device may precede the installation of a full-sized 3D printer in the future. Kelly also replaced fuel gear inside the Combustion Integrated Rack. European astronaut Tim Peake collected and tested samples from water dispensers in the U.S. and Russian segments of the orbital lab. The samples will also be returned to Earth inside a Soyuz spacecraft for further analysis. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra continued stowing trash inside the Orbital ATK cargo craft while also checking the status of pistol grip tools used during spacewalks. https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/02/02/cosmonauts-finalize-preps-before-wednesday-spacewalk/ ---------------------------------------- Successful Deployment of University Satellites From Space Station Cubesat deployment NASA Quote Expedition 46 flight engineer Tim Peake of ESA captured this photo on Jan. 29, 2016 from the International Space Station, as the robotic arm in Japan's Kibo laboratory successfully deployed two combined satellites from Texas universities. The pair of satellites -- AggieSat4 built by Texas A&M University students, and BEVO-2 built by University of Texas students -- together form the Low Earth Orbiting Navigation Experiment for Spacecraft Testing Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking (LONESTAR) investigation. The satellites will demonstrate communication protocols between them and with ground stations, as well as systems that allow the satellites to navigate through space and relative to each other and to orient themselves in three dimensions. Flight demonstration of these abilities, necessary for unmanned craft to be able to rendezvous and dock in space without direct human intervention, will contribute to future satellite missions as well. http://spaceref.com/onorbit/successful-deployment-of-university-satellites-from-space-station.html -------------------------------- Astronaut Onishi eager to board space station Astronaut Takuya Onishi JAXA Quote Astronaut Takuya Onishi is looking forward to inheriting the dreams of his predecessors when he blasts off into space for a four-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). “I'm happy to receive the sash of space exploration, and I hope I can continue the good work into the future,” the 40-year-old told The Asahi Shimbun on Feb. 1. Onishi, who works for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, is currently in the final stages of training before boarding the Russian Soyuz spacecraft around June. After launch, it will deposit him at the ISS for a four-month mission. The trainee is from the same cadet class as Kimiya Yui, 46, who worked at the ISS from July to December 2015, and Norishige Kanai, 39, who has been selected for next year’s ISS mission. “Yui has made a marvelous start for us,” Onishi said. “I hope my mission leads on to Kanai’s and further achievements in Japanese space exploration.” He also said Yui had informed him of daily problems that may arise on the space station, the things he struggled with and descriptions of how he succeeded in completing his objectives. The Japanese government decided in December 2015 to extend the nation's participation in the ISS program to 2024. “It makes me very happy because this means that my predecessors’ accomplishments have been recognized and it gives us opportunities to achieve even more,” Onishi said, regarding the extension. “As results are demanded, I hope to properly carry out my work.” http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201602020046 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 3, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 3, 2016 Cosmonaut Duo set to move external ISS Experiment Hardware in busy Spacewalk Photo: Roscosmos (File) Quote Two veteran Cosmonauts are set for a busy spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Wednesday to complete a series of tasks related to the removal and installation of different scientific experiments on the Russian Segment of the orbiting laboratory as well as other reconfigurations on the exterior of ISS. Yuri Malenchenko and Sergei Volkov, both with previous spacewalks under their belts, will spend about five and a half hours outside as part of the 42nd Russian EVA on ISS. Serving as the lead spacewalker, Yuri Malenchenko brings plenty of experience from five previous EVAs totaling over 30 hours spent outside. He completed his first two EVAs back in 1994 on the Mir Space Station followed by a spacewalk using U.S. Spacesuits in 2000 when ISS was still in its early assembly phase. Malenchenko again ventured out into the vacuum of space in 2007, also using the EMU, with his most recent spacewalk having taken place in 2012 out of the Russian airlock using the Orlan suits. Sergei Volkov can look back at three spacewalks conducted as part of his two previous long-duration missions to ISS with a total career EVA time of 18.5 hours. He served as lead spacewalker for two EVAs in 2008, performed with Oleg Kononenko and conducted his third EVA in 2012 – all using the Pirs module of ISS as Airlock. Pirs and the two Orlan space suits to be used on Wednesday went through several weeks of preparations including checkouts of the two space suits and the EVA support systems inside the Pirs module. The two spacewalkers made fit checks inside their suits and completed several review sessions to study procedures and translation paths, also making use of virtual reality trainers. Their Orlan suits were outfitted with USOS equipment such as lights and cameras and the crew members completed a last rehearsal and translation exercise in their suits on Monday. Wednesday’s spacewalk – the 193rd dedicated to ISS Assembly & Maintenance – is expected to commence at 13:10 UTC and has a number of objectives. The spacewalking duo will be tasked with the removal of the Expose-R space exposure experiment that was installed on the exterior of ISS for one and a half years, the removal of an CKK exposure experiment and the installation of its successor, the installation of the next Vinoslivost materials science experiment, the reconfiguration of the БКДО Plume Impingement and Deposit Unit, the installation of gap spanner hand rails, and the completion of the “Test” and “Restoration” experiments. more at the link... http://spaceflight101.com/eva-42-preview/ -------------------------------- New Tool Provides Successful Visual Inspection of ISS Robot Arm On Oct. 9., 2015, NASA used the zoom lens (left) on VIPIR, a new inspection space tool, to examine an unexplained discoloration on the SSRMS, the Space Station Remote Manipulator System. Image courtesy NASA and Chris Gunn. Quote Gas station attendant, electronics installer, home inspector: is there any fix-it job that NASA's Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) can't tackle during its four-year career? As NASA takes a break in RRM operations, it's looking back on past achievements and celebrating one of its latest accomplishments - the successful inspection of Canadarm2, the International Space Station's (ISS) robotic arm. In time, this visual inspection capability may help future servicing ventures at other orbits inspect for damage and failures on their spacecraft. Launched to the space station in 2011, the RRM experiment has long served as a modular, instructive proving ground to try out groundbreaking satellite-servicing tools, technologies and techniques. NASA engineers carefully curate the RRM investigations so that they can identify and mature the critical technologies needed to robotically refuel, diagnose and upgrade satellites - and then prove that these technologies work in orbit. In October 2015, one of RRM's latest technological debuts, the Visual Inspection Poseable Invertebrate Robot (VIPIR), had an opportunity to move from the training camp of RRM to helping a real client. This is a big moment for the team that developed these technologies, says Benjamin Reed, deputy project manager of NASA's Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office (SSCO). "It's very rare for a demonstration tool to be used as part of day-to-day operations on a real mission," Reed said. "We were thrilled to have this opportunity." Quote "We were fascinated by the difference in the imagery under the dynamic lighting conditions found in low-Earth orbit," said Ross Henry, the Vision Lead for VIPIR. "During the majority of the inspection, the imagery looked relatively the same with a limited amount of detail visible. However, at one point the sun illuminated the inspection site from the side (at an oblique angle), and the imagery changed completely. A shadow that was cast showed clearly the raised mass at the inspection site. This exercise helped us learn even more about what VIPIR can observe in orbit." The Image Science and Analysis Group is now analyzing the results from VIPIR's inspection to determine the cause. Initial finds from a 3D analytical tool confirm the slightly elevated structure for most of the anomaly. Further work is planned to try to characterize internal detail within the raised mass. In the meantime, the RRM team is celebrating the other successful work they completed this fall. more at the link... http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/New_Tool_Provides_Successful_Visual_Inspection_of_ISS_Robot_Arm_999.html --------------------------- Magna Parva Launches In-Space Manufacturing Website Quote LEICESTER, England (Magna Parva PR) — We have launched a dedicated In-Space Manufacturing microsite. Magna Parva has produced a prototype in-orbit manufacturing system that should provide a method of producing huge carbon composite 3D structures in space. A prototype COPMA system has been successfully built and tested under ‘near space’ conditions at Magna Parva’s Leicester development facility. It demonstrates the potential for the production of assemblies, equipment or even buildings from fully cured and consolidated carbon fibre materials, potentially miles in length. Magna Parva’s innovative technology enables the deployment of extremely large, repeatable, composite structures. Radio antennae, synthetic aperture radar systems and radio / optical interferometers are examples of items that are feasible to make in space using the COPMA system. The new precision robotic technology manufactures 3D space structures using a supply of carbon fibres and a resin that are processed by pultrusion through a heat forming die in a continuous process, producing cured carbon composite elements of extraordinary length. As the resin and materials behave differently in space, the development has included testing under both ambient atmospheric and vacuum conditions. While pultrusion itself is an established manufacturing process, it has now been scaled down to a size where the equipment can be accommodated on spacecraft, and further work is under way to advance the technical readiness of the concept. COPMA stands for ‘Consolidated Off Planet Manufacturing and Assembly System for Large Space Structures’, and allows the fabrication in space of large structures that would be difficult to produce on Earth due to limitations at launch. Current pre-manufactured structures designed to go into space are high in mass and volume and have specific launch environment requirements. By manufacturing in space, many of these requirements are eliminated, allowing the production and deployment of extremely large composite structures. They can be made much thinner, larger and use less material than they would need if terrestrially produced, avoiding the rigours of launch. http://www.parabolicarc.com/2016/02/02/magna-parva-launches-inspace-manufacturing-website/ Quote Specification Structure lengths of miles possible even with current launchers due to the compact nature of carrying only base machine + raw materials Length limited only by raw material supply Accurate, reliable, repeatable manufacturing process, closed loop control system with quality monitoring Manufacturing speed of prototype system (based on spacecraft power supply capability) is 1mm/s equating to 1 mile of structure deployed/manufactured in 18 days Constant cross-section booms Cost effective, reduced launch costs, mass for large structures increasing capability of small-sats Integration of sensors, panels, wiring, optical fibres within the structure increasing the structure utility Design for application NOT launch (mass, volume, vibration) Length/size of structure potential can drive new applications Excellent mechanical properties (strength to weight) Simplification of systems, no requirement for HDRMs, Pyros etc. http://inspacemanufacturing.com/portfolio/specification/ http://inspacemanufacturing.com/ ------------------------------------ Spacewalk starts at 8:10 am, EST, Wednesday, February 3rd....NASA TV coverage starts at 7:30 am, EST http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 3, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 3, 2016 ISS Daily Summary Report – 02/2/16 Quote Portable 3D Printer Operations: Kelly set up the Portable 3D Printer in the Lab and initiated a fabrication process that completed successfully. The unit, with the fabricated item, was then stowed for return to the Earth. The Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI) Portable 3D printer may be used to manufacture small plastic pieces to be used for a variety of tasks. Results from this experiment may pave the way for the installation of a full-sized 3-D printer on board the ISS in the future. Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) Maintenance: Kelly completed the first of three planned days of Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA) reconfiguration in the CIR. He removed the MDCA Chamber Insert Assembly and placed it on the Maintenance Work Area. During the multi-day reconfiguration he will replace the needles, fuel reservoirs, igniter tips and the fiber arm. The CIR reconfiguration activities performed this week are to prepare it for runs of the FLEX-2 experiment next week. The CIR is used to perform combustion experiments in microgravity. FLEX-2 studies the rate and manner in which fuel is burned, the conditions that are necessary for soot to form, and the way in which a mixture of fuels evaporate before burning. The results from these experiments are expected to give scientists a better understanding of how fires behave in space and will provide information that will be useful in increasing the fuel efficiency of engines that use liquid fuels. Education Payloads Operations (EPO) – AstroPi: Peake set up the European Space Agency (ESA) AstroPI Vis in the Columbus starboard cone and the payload will then autonomously run a pre-defined sequence of program files. AstroPi is composed of RaspberryPi B+, Sense HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) and a camera module, contained within a protective aluminum case. Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that enables students to explore computing and learn how to program. Two AstroPi are on board: AstroPi Vis, with visible light camera, and AstroPi IR, with an infrared camera. Both AstroPi will run programs written by the winners of a student competition and collect data from sensors (i.e., inertial movement, barometric pressure, relative humidity and temperature). The data will be shared with schools. Story Time from Space: Scott Kelly read from the book Mousetronaut, written by his twin brother Mark Kelly, and discussed the subject on camera. The video recording will be downlinked to the ground and used for educational purposes. Orbital ATK (OA)-4 Cargo Operations: Kopra transferred trash from ISS into Cygnus today. An estimated 6.0 hours remain to complete the trash loading. Cygnus is scheduled to unberth from ISS on February 19th. Water Sampling: Peake collected samples from the USOS Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) and the Service Module Water Dispensers then performed microbial testing using a MIcrobial Capture Device (MCD) and coliform detection bags. The samples will be returning to the ground by way of Soyuz 44 next month. Extravehicular Activities (EVA) Pistol Grip Tool (PGT) Torque Analyzer Kit (TAK) Data Gather: Kopra installed the TAK onto each of the PGTs and recorded their torque output for ground analysis. This activity is part of a 6-month requirement for all on-orbit PGTs. Food Warmer Inspection: Kopra performed an annual food warmer inspection for the unit located in Node 1. As part of the inspection, he reported no abnormal wear on the unit and performed a successful powered functional test. Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Status: OGA experienced a fault associated with its H2 sensor yesterday afternoon. Ground Teams have since analyzed the data and have scheduled a change out of the H2 sensor to occur tomorrow morning. Oxygen levels remain within limits and the Russian Segment Elektron System is operating nominally. There are currently two spare sensors on-orbit. Lab Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Fault: This afternoon the Lab CDRA faulted due to the Air Selector Valve (ASV)-4 valve not reaching the correct position. Flight Controllers are working to recover. Amine Swingbed is being activated to help manage carbon dioxide levels. The Node 3 CDRA experienced a fault with its Fan Motor Controller on January 19th and is currently deactivated. The Russian Vozdukh will be deactivated tomorrow for the Russian EVA. Quote Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Nominal System Commanding JEM RMS Operations Small Fine Arm (SFA) installation to SFA Stowage Equipment (SSE) Three-Day Look Ahead: Wednesday, 02/03: RS EVA 42, OGA H2 Sensor R&R, MDCA H/W Replace, BASS M Thursday, 02/04: N3 CDRA R&R, Cargo Ops, RS EVA Tool Stow, MBSU Demo Friday, 02/05: N3 CDRA R&R, MBSU Demo QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group: Component Status Elektron On Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) On [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Override Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Override Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Standby Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Norm Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Full Up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Off https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2016/02/02/iss-daily-summary-report-02216/ ----------------------------------- ISS EVA was a success and here are two in depth articles and an animated video of tasks. When a video is released, I will post it. Cosmonauts check off all Objectives in Experiment-Oriented Spacewalk http://spaceflight101.com/russian-eva-42-success/ Russian duo successfully complete ISS EVA – US suit investigation continues http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/02/russian-duo-retrieve-experiments-emu/ International Space Station - ISS - Russian EVA-42, narrated animation video is 6:49 min. Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 4, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 4, 2016 We have video for us earthlings....3 varieties... ISS: Russian cosmonauts Volkov & Malenchenko conduct spacewalk video is 1:08 min. Russian Cosmonauts Conduct Spacewalk Outside the International Space Station video is 4:42 min. LIVE: Russian Expedition 46 cosmonauts to conduct spacewalk video is 5:54:42 hr/min/sec Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 4, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 4, 2016 (edited) Russian Spacewalkers Maintain Experiments, Launch Ceremonial Flash Drive Into Space Cosmonaut Sergey Volkov hangs onto the outside of the International Space Station as he prepares to throw a flash drive into space Feb. 3. The flash drive contains video and messages from a celebration of the 70th anniversary of Russian Victory Day last year. Credit: NASA TV Quote Two cosmonauts completed a spacewalk today to retrieve, install and adjust experiments clinging to the outside of the International Space Station and to jettison a ceremonial flash drive into space. Sergey Volkov and Yuri Malenchenko of the Russian federal space agency, known as Roscosmos, ventured outside the station today (Feb. 3) for a quicker-than-planned spacewalk of 4 hours and 45 minutes. The cosmonauts were assisted from inside the station by NASA astronaut Tim Kopra and British astronaut Tim Peake, who went on their own spacewalk in mid-January (which was cut short when Kopra noticed water in his helmet). The mission was Volkov's fourth spacewalk and mission commander Malenchenko's sixth — his first was almost 22 years ago, when Malenchenko was aboard Russia's Mir space station. Both of the spacewalkers are Soyuz pilots — they piloted the spacecraft that initially brought them to the station, three months apart. Their primary tasks on the spacewalk focused on maintaining many of the experiments arrayed outside the space station and checking for wear and tear. Quote When the spacewalk began, Volkov exited the space station first to complete an unusual task added to the to-do list just a few days ago: throwing into space a small flash drive that was used in a celebration of the 70th anniversary of Russian Victory Day on May 9, 2015. (Victory Day marks Nazi Germany's capitulation to the Soviet Union at the end of World War II.) The flash drive carries messages and video from last year's celebration. To give the flash drive enough mass to be successfully thrown from the station, the cosmonauts attached it to an empty film canister filled with disposable towels. Volkov propelled the whole bundle into a retrograde orbit — the opposite direction to that of the space station — where it will not get in the station's way before spiraling down to burn up in Earth's atmosphere within a few weeks. Malenchenko filmed the flash drive's flight with a GoPro camera. more at .... http://www.space.com/31819-cosmonauts-spacewalk-international-space-station.html ------------------ Russian cosmonauts Yuri Malenchenko and Sergei Volkov launched a flash drive from the 'SMS to ISS: 70,000 Thank You' PR action into space. Quote The flash drive contains 70,000 'thank you' text messages dedicated to the victory in World War II. The cosmonauts launched the package from outside the International Space Station during their first spacewalk in 2016. http://sputniknews.com/science/20160203/1034175053/iss-spacewalk-cosmonauts-sms.html ISS Twitter account https://twitter.com/Space_Station This was excellent...well done guys... Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 4, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 4, 2016 Russian spacewalk marks end of ESA's exposed space chemistry Installing the Expose-R2 facility on the International Space Station. As part of ESA's Expose-R2 project, 46 species of bacteria, fungi and arthropods are inside those containers as they spend 18 months bolted to the outside of the International Space Station. The vacuum of space is sucking out the water, oxygen and other gases in the samples. Their temperature can drop to -12 C as the Station passes through Earth's shadow, rising to 40 C at other times, and undergoing a similar process to the freeze-drying used to preserve foods. The Expose experiments are exploring the limits of terrestrial life, whether the organisms can survive in space and how the full blast of solar radiation is affecting accompanying chemicals. Image courtesy Roscosmos. Quote ESA's Expose facility was retrieved from outside the International Space Station by cosmonauts Yuri Malenchenko and Sergei Volkov, who were completing a spacewalk to place new experiments on the outpost's hull. Expose is a series of chemistry laboratories that place samples in the harsh environment of space unprotected. Subjected to vacuum, radiation, temperature differences and the full blast of our Sun's energy, 46 species of small organisms and over 150 organic compounds have returned after spending 18 months bolted to the Zvezda module. Having travelled around the world over 8500 times, researchers are eager to see how the organisms and chemical samples have endured their trip. Inspecting the organisms back on Earth could help in the search for alien life while chemical analysis will help researchers understand how molecules react to space travel. Astrochemistry on the Space Station The building blocks of life on Earth, organic chemicals, could have landed on our planet via meteorites after travelling millions of years through space. Most chemical compounds are not stable but over time break down to form different molecules. The chemistry experiment that is part of the Expose facility, called Photochemistry on the Space Station (PSS), is investigating which chemicals we find on Earth could have come from space. Lead investigator Herve Cottin, from the University of Paris-Est Creteil, explains: "Expose is nothing less than a little chemistry box to help us better understand chemical reactions in space. If a molecule survives 18 months in space then it could come to Earth from space. "If a molecule has changed after its 18-month voyage then we know that space travel filters our observations on Earth and a chemical might have formed from a different configuration." This research has implications for data gathered from other space missions such as comet-chaser Rosetta or Titan probe Huygens, or the upcoming ExoMars mission. These spacecraft and rover provide researchers with information on the chemicals they detect as they explore our Solar System. On those distant worlds, solar radiation is not filtered by our atmosphere, so their chemistries could be quite different to that on our planet. Of the 150 samples are on Expose-R2, half are in direct sunlight and another half were protected from the Sun. Another 225 samples have been kept on Earth in varying conditions as a control. Thirty researchers from 11 laboratories in the Netherlands, Italy, France and USA started on this project in 2009, and the samples will return to Earth on a Soyuz spacecraft soon for analysis. http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Russian_spacewalk_marks_end_of_ESAs_exposed_space_chemistry_999.html ----------------------------------- Spacewalkers Clean Up as Crew Works on Life Support Gear Astronauts Tim Kopra (foreground) and Scott Kelly work on the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly inside the Tranquility module. Credit: NASA TV Quote Two cosmonauts are cleaning up today after a successful spacewalk on Wednesday. The other crew members are working on life support gear and taking out the trash. Flight Engineers Yuri Malenchenko and Sergey Volkov completed the third spacewalk of Expedition 46 after installing hardware and science gear and conducting experiments. Today the duo are cleaning and recharging their Orlan spacesuits and stowing their tools. British astronaut Tim Peake helped Malenchenko and Volkov as he stowed the U.S. gear used on the suits. Peake later videotaped himself reading a children’s storybook and performing science demonstrations for students. Commander Scott Kelly and NASA astronaut Tim Kopra partnered together to swap parts inside the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA). Kelly then packed trash inside the Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo craft due to leave the International Space Station on Feb. 19. Kopra later wrapped up the CDRA maintenance work. https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/02/04/spacewalkers-clean-up-as-crew-works-on-life-support-gear/ ---------------------------- Why Do We Go to Space and How to Flush Toilets There: Record-breaking Astronaut Explains crummy article title, I'll make my own.... Sam hangs out in Israel Samantha Cristoforetti, wearing her blue European Space Agency flight suit, meets with students and fans in Tel Aviv.Michal Roche-Ben Ami, Tel Aviv University Quote "That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 200 days in space," Samantha Cristoforetti, the record-breaking Italian astronaut, told a rapt Israeli audience at Tel Aviv University Wednesday. Cristoforetti is visiting Israel for Israeli Space Week, in honor of Israel’s first astronaut, Col. Ilan Ramon, who was killed with six other crew members when the Space Shuttle Columbia blew up on reentry to Earth's atmosphere in 2003. Slight and short-haired, and dressed in her European Space Agency flight suit, Cristoforetti – a sci-fi buff whose records include the longest single space flight by a woman, if only because she got stuck in space – describes in simple but evocative terms the wonder, and tedium, of long sojourns in outer space. "For me, when this became a reality, it was the greatest adventure you could possibly imagine," she said in her Italian-accented English, describing the takeoff on November 23, 2014 on the Futura Mission. (She would only return on June 11, 2015.) "We were sitting on the very top of the rocket that suddenly came alive and really lit up the steppes of Kazakhstan." It was her first time in space – and being weightless. "For the first half hour, I had a strong feeling that I was falling towards the control panel in front of me," she told students and fans gathered for a Q&A at Tel Aviv Univeristy. Thus Cristoforetti, with Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov and NASA astronaut Terry Virts, zipped dizzily around the earth four times until rendezvousing with the International Space Station orbiting the planet. (No, with all due respect to Hollywood, rendezvousing spacecraft is neither easy,obvious nor accompanied by synthetic music.) There they joined three other orbiting astronauts, bringing the crew of the football field-sized International Space Station, which took some 10 years to build, to six. Cristoforetti's main job: To run scientific experiments under conditions of micro-gravity. She jokes that in space, she was just a "lab technician." Some lab tech - Cristoforetti is also a jet fighter pilot with the Italian Air Force and an engineer, schooled at the Technical University of Munich. more at the link.... http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/science/1.701324 Yayyy Sam..... Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobscured Vision Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 Everyone loves Sam. They should make a sitcom with just her. She's awesome, and what a personality. Gosh .. she's great. Just buy her a latte' or something. Take her to dinner. She doesn't care. Draggendrop 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 5, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 5, 2016 ISS Daily Summary Report – 02/4/16 Quote Node 3 Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Repair: Kelly and Kopra replaced the Fan Motor Controller (FMC) on the Node 3 CDRA which had failed on January 19th. In addition to the FMC change out, the crew took advantage of the CDRA configuration and also replaced a faulty Secondary Heater Controller, an Air Selector Valve 104, and cleaned the Node 3 Avionic Rack Air Assembly. Following the repair, ground controllers successfully reactivated the unit. Habitability: Today Kopra recorded a narrated task video of his activities to remove and replace the Node 3 Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Heater Controller, Motor Controller and CO2 Selector Valve. He captured details such as hardware and tool interface issues, volume needed to perform the task, or other human factors concerns for task performance. The Habitability investigation results will be used to assess the relationship between crew members and their environment in order to better prepare for future long-duration spaceflights to destinations, such as near earth asteroids and Mars. Observations recorded during 6 month and 1 year missions can help spacecraft designers determine how much habitable volume is required, and whether a mission’s duration impacts how much space crew members need. ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) Tool Stow: Peake received USOS tools from Volkov that were used as part of yesterday’s Russian Segment EVA. Once the tools were transferred, he stowed the items within the US Airlock. Among the items transferred were Tethers, Radio Frequency Camera Assemblies, Helmet Interchangeable Portable Lights, and Rechargeable EVA Battery Assemblies. Potable Water Dispenser Sample Analysis: Peake visually analyzed water samples within Coliform Detection Bags and Microbial Capture Devices (MCDs) after 48 hours of incubation. The samples had been obtained from the USOS and RS water dispensers on Tuesday. The samples will be returning to the ground by way of Soyuz 44 next month. Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) Main Bus Switching Unit (MBSU) Demonstration: Ground controllers began 3 days of activities designed to validate robotic transfer of battery style Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) prior to the delivery of new ISS batteries on HTV-6. A successful demonstration will allow planners to reduce the number of EVAs to install the batteries. This afternoon, controllers are using the SPDM to move the spare MBSU Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism (FRAM) from Express Logistics Carrier (ELC)-2 to the Enhanced ORU Temporary Platform (EOTP) on SPDM. Controllers will then use the Right-hand Off-Set Tool (ROST) to unfasten the MBSU secondary bolt. Quote Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Nominal System Commanding SPDM MBSU Demo Three-Day Look Ahead: Friday, 02/05: Cygnus cargo operations, remove Cyclops from JEM slidetable, CIR stow and bottle replace, EPO classroom videos, PILOT-T, SPDM MBSU Demo Saturday, 02/06: Weekly Cleaning, Crew Off Duty, SPDM MBSU demo Sunday, 02/07: Crew off Duty QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group: Component Status Elektron Off Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) Off [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) On Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Fail Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Idle Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Shutdown Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Full Up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Off https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2016/02/04/iss-daily-summary-report-02416/ --------------------- Russia to Deliver Three Advanced Spacesuits to ISS in 2016 The Orlan-MKS is the fifth generation spacesuit which features automated environmental control systems, as well as as polyurethane seals to increase the lifespan of the suits. Quote Three new advanced Russian Orlan-MKS spacesuits will be delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of 2016, the head of the Russian segment of the ISS said on Wednesday. Earlier this week, a source in the Russian space industry told RIA Novosti that Russian cosmonauts Yuri Malenchenko and Sergei Volkov, who completed their first spacewalk of 2016 earlier in the day, were supposed to wear the newest Orlan-MKS spacesuits during the event. However, the suits were not delievred in time, and the cosmonauts wore an earlier model of the spacesuits, Orlan-MK. "This year, we are planning to deliver three suits [to the ISS] - in the summer and in the fall," Vladimir Solovyov told reporters. The Orlan-MKS is the fifth generation spacesuit which features automated environmental control systems, as well as as polyurethane seals to increase the lifespan of the suits. http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Russia_to_Deliver_Three_Advanced_Spacesuits_to_ISS_in_2016_999.html ------------------------------- Life Science Studies for Crew at End of Week Astronaut Tim Kopra works on a combustion experiment inside the Microgravity Science Glovebox. Quote The Expedition 46 crew members are wrapping up their work week on different types of research including botany, bone loss and pilot training. The crew also checked for pressure leaks, installed life support gear and continued cleaning up after a spacewalk. Plants are being grown on the International Space Station so future crews can learn to become self-sustainable as they go farther out in space. Commander Scott Kelly took photos of the botany work today as part of the Veggie experiment. The commander started his day in Japan’s Kibo lab module with British astronaut Tim Peake stowing a Cyclops satellite deployer and checking for leaks in the airlock. Kelly also joined Flight Engineer Tim Kopra cleaning up after installing the refurbished Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly the day before. Cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko participated in a couple of experiments today looking at bone loss and pilot performance in space. He also checked for pressure leaks before the Progress 61 supply ship undocks March 29. His fellow cosmonauts Sergey Volkov and Yuri Malenchenko are still stowing tools and gear after Wednesday’s spacewalk. https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/02/05/life-science-studies-for-crew-at-end-of-week/ --------------------------- The Original Starship Enterprise from 'Star Trek' Is Getting a Face-Lift Just in time for Star Trek's 50th anniversary, the original U.S.S. Enterprise model used in The Original Series is undergoing extensive restoration at the National Air and Space Museum. Credit: National Air and Space Museum Quote The voyages of "Star Trek's" USS Enterprise now include an extensive restoration at the hands of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Work on preserving the 11-foot (3.4 meters) model craft is now underway, in an effort to make the ship resemble how it looked in the episode "The Trouble with Tribbles." That episode was the last known modification to the model during the run of "Star Trek." The model appeared in all 79 episodes of the original "Star Trek" TV series, which ran from 1966 to 1969. "It will go back on public display in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall this year, in time for the museum's 40th birthday in July and the 50th anniversary of 'Star Trek' in September," museum officials wrote in a blog post on Jan. 28. [Pictures of Original USS Enterprise Model Restoration] Museum officials will paint the Enterprise in April using reference photos from the model's history, partly gathered from Trek fans who took pictures of the ship over the years. The engine casings (nacelles) will house LED lights that will mimic what fans saw on the TV show. "The LED lights can be programmed to match the original VFX [visual effects] footage while eliminating the burnt-out bulbs, extreme heat and motor problems that troubled the original lights," said museum conservator Ariel O'Connor in the same statement. "It is a wonderful solution to re-light the nacelles while ensuring the model's safety and longevity." Meanwhile, the model has been separated into its components for individual study, photographing and X-raying to determine their condition. So far, conservators have found that the secondary hull needs a metal collar to stabilize the structure, which is currently held together by old adhesive and no other support. Analysis revealed many levels of paint overlaying the structure, applied during four generations of filming and four previous restorations. Only one exterior spot, the top of the saucer, had the original paint. That part will be cleaned and stabilized, while everything else will be painted to match the original hull's gray color. (A large portion of that shade of gray was also found under the saucer bolt cover, making matching fairly simple.) To advise on the paint job, the museum added two new experts to its advisory committee: Academy Award-winner Bill George from Lucasfilm's Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Kim Smith, now with Creature Art & Mechanics Digital and formerly with ILM. These two members, along with current advisor John Goodson of ILM, have combined experience on eight "Star Trek" films and four episodes of "Star Wars." Also, Smith's father — mural artist William A. Smith — advised artist Robert "Bob" McCall as he painted the museum's mural "The Space Mural: A Cosmic View." http://www.space.com/31833-star-trek-uss-enterprise-model-smithsonian-restoration.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 7, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 7, 2016 Maintenance Work on Tap for Space Station Crew after String of Systems Issues ISS NASA Quote The International Space Station has been hit by a string of problems in a number of onboard systems in the past week, temporarily leaving the orbital outpost without Carbon Dioxide removal capability. Though not overly serious in nature, the systems issues were an inconvenience for the crew and teams on the ground, requiring dozens of work hours to resolve. Trouble first emerged last Friday when the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) in the Destiny Laboratory went into shutdown mode after encountering a issue with its Fan Motor Controller. This left ISS in an undesirable situation with no CO2 removal capability since the Station’s other CDRA located in Node 3 had been out of commission since January 19 and the Russian Vozdukh was in manual mode and not processing. CO2 levels were seen rising to a partial pressure of over 3.0mmHg and Mission Control instructed the crew to monitor for CO2 symptoms, but the CO2 concentration remained well below dangerous levels. ISS Expedition 46 commander Scott Kelly had a discussion with Mission Control on whether normal operations should continue while no system was actively removing Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere or if the crew should stand down on some of the planned activities. Operations continued as planned while Mission Control began working the issue once specialists had come in. Mission Controllers and support personnel worked out the issue and successfully rebooted the Fan Motor Controller later on Friday to restore the Lab CDRA’s functions. Over the weekend, the Lab CDRA again faulted, but this time due to a known condition related to the 104 Air Selector Valve which needed to be commanded manually before re-activation of CDRA. Air Selector Valve 104 acted up yet again early on Tuesday, needing another cycle through ground commanding before CDRA could re-start processing. Issues with these particular valves have been an ongoing struggle for a period of years due to an intrinsic design flaw. Only a few hours into CDRA’s operation, on Wednesday morning, the 105 valve stopped CDRA operation and the system was out of commission for good, leaving ISS with only one primary CO2 removal system – the Russian Vozdukh. Because the Russian Vozdukh was switched off for Wednesday’s Spacewalk, Mission Control activated the Amine Swingbed on the U.S. Segment to help manage CO2 levels. The Amine Swingbed started out as an experimental device designed to use an amine-based chemical combined with the vacuum of space to renew cabin air. It has since been implemented in operational applications, managing CO2 levels aboard ISS. In addition to issues related to the Station’s atmospheric conditioning systems, teams on the ground had to deal with a high-pressure anomaly within the Urine Processor Assembly in charge of converting the crew’s urine to potable water for consumption. Other recurring issues encountered in the last week included a power supply failure in an external camera system, a communications issue with payload systems and a Water Processor Assembly fault. All issues were resolved by Mission Control using established procedures. With all issues overcome successfully, activities are again proceeding in an orderly fashion aboard the Space Station. Although none of the issues were an immediate danger to ISS or its six crew members, recovery efforts required over 15 hours of crew time that is taken away from ISS Utilization Activities. To maximize the science return from ISS, NASA plans to increase the size of the U.S. Segment crew to four once the commercial crew spacecraft start flights to ISS. Kelly & Kopra during Thursday’s CDRA Maintenance – Photo: NASA Tim Kopra conducting Urine Processing Assembly – Photo: NASA http://spaceflight101.com/iss/maintenance-work-on-tap-for-space-station-crew-after-string-of-systems-issues/ -------------------------------- Italian-made 3D Printer Undergoes Testing on International Space Station image credit ASI Quote ROME (ASI PR) –A 3D printer made in Italy on the International Space Station has been activated and is functioned nominally. Astronaut Scott Kelly triggered the Portable 3D Printer on board, which aims to create spare parts and tools in orbit. During the experiment, which lasted an hour, everything performed in nominal mode. The printer is designed to use PLA , a biodegradable and biocompatible plastic that, once expelled, permits the creation of 3D shapes. The entire session was filmed through the printer’s transparent window, allowing visual monitoring from the ground. The manufactured object will be compared with another similar printed to the ground, in order to consolidate the structural diversity. The printer is a very technologically advanced object. It is subject to extremely tight controls that any hardware on board the space station has to respect, to allow it to function in the absence of gravity. “The project involved a team coordinated by the Italian Space Agency , in constant contact with NASA , composed of technical and researchers from three national industries,” said Gabriele Mascetti, head of Human Flight and Microgravity at ASI. “Use in orbit of the Portable Printer is a further demonstration of the Italian capacity to aspire and achieve high goals, both in terms of technological achievement and effective international cooperation.” The portable on-board printer is the first step towards self-production tools in orbit. In the future, it will be possible to create real systems of digital production and automation on board the ISS and other vehicles, greatly reducing the cost of future space missions. The experiment of the 3D printer, which was launched to the ISS aboard the Cygnus cargo on Dec. 6 and arrived on Dec. 9, was developed by Altran Italy. In 2013, the company won the ASI tender, ” Human Space Flight for Research and Demonstrations technology on the International Space Station” . The project involved the cooperation of Altran Italy as prime contractor with responsible for the mechanical concept and system, Thales Alenia Space for the aspects of PA/Safety and integration with the ISS, and IIT for characterization and post-flight analysis. http://www.parabolicarc.com/2016/02/06/italian-3d-printer-undergoes-testing-international-space-station/ ------------------------------ International Space Station Calendar Quote Date Event February 3, 2016 Russian EVA-42 (Malenchenko, Volkov) February 19, 2016 Cygnus Orb-4 Unberthing & Free Flight March 2, 2016 Soyuz M-18M Landing (Volkov, Kornienko, Kelly) March 10, 2016 Cygnus OA-6 Launch atop Atlas V March 13, 2016 Cygnus OA-6 Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing to Node 1 March 19, 2016 Soyuz TMA-20M Launch & Docking (Ovchinin, Skripochka, Williams) March 20, 2016 Dragon SpX-8 Launch atop Falcon 9 March 22, 2016 Dragon SpX-8 Capture & Berthing to Harmony March 29. 2016 Progress M-29M Undocking from Zvezda March 31, 2016 Progress MS-2 Launch & Docking to Zvezda April 22, 2016 Dragon SpX-8 Departure & Landing April /May Dragon SpX-9 April /May U.S. EVA-36 & 37 May 2, 2016 Cygnus OA-6 Unberthing, Release May 31, 2016 Cygnus OA-5 Launch atop Antares 230 2016 Relocation of Pressurized Mating Adapter 3 from Node 3P to Node 2Z June 2, 2016 Cygnus OA-5 Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing to Unity June 5, 2016 Soyuz TMA-19M Undocking & Landing (Malenchenko, Kopra, Peake) June 10, 2016 Dragon SpX-10 Launch atop Falcon 9 June 12, 2016 Dragon SpX-10 Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing to Node 1 June 20/21, 2016 Soyuz MS Launch & Docking (Ivanishin, Onishi, Rubins) Summer Russian EVA-43 & 44 July 2, 2016 Progress MS Undocking from Pirs July 4, 2016 Progress MS-03 Launch atop Soyuz 2-1A & Docking to Pirs July 12, 2016 Dragon SpX-10 Unberthing & Release Early August Cygnus OA-5 Departure & End of Mission August 15, 2016 Dragon SpX-11 Launch atop Falcon 9 August 17, 2016 Dragon SpX-11 Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing September 7, 2016 Soyuz TMA-20M Undocking & Landing September 16, 2016 Dragon SpX-11 Unberthing & Release September 23/24, 2016 Soyuz MS-02 Launch & Docking (Ryzhikov, Borisenko, Kimbrough) October 4, 2016 Cygnus OA-7 Launch atop Upgraded Antares October 7, 2016 Cygnus OA-7 Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing October 18, 2016 Progress MS-02 Undocking from Zvezda October 20, 2016 Progress MS-4 Launch & Docking to Zvezda October 28, 2016 Cygnus Orb-7 Unberthing & Release October 30, 2016 Soyuz MS Undocking & Landing (Ivanishin, Onishi, Rubins) October 2016 HTV-6 Launch, Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing to Node 2 November 16, 2016 Soyuz MS-03 Launch & Docking (Novitskiy, Pesquet, Whitson) December 15. 2016 Dragon SpX-12 Launch December 17. 2016 Dragon SpX-12 Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing December 2016 US EVA January 30, 2017 Progress MS-4 Undocking from Pirs February 1, 2017 Progress MS-5 Launch & Docking to Pirs February 7, 2017 Dragon SpX-13 Launch atop Falcon 9 February 9, 2017 Dragon SpX-13 Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing to Node 2 March 11, 2017 Dragon SpX-13 Unberthing & Release March 15, 2017 Soyuz MS-02 Undocking & Landing March 30, 2017 Soyuz MS-04 Launch & Docking April 1, 2017 Dragon SpX-14 Launch atop Falcon 9 April 3, 2017 Dragon SpX-14 Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing to Node 2 April 25, 2017 Progress MS-5 Undocking May 3, 2017 Progress MS-6 Launch & Docking May 15, 2017 Soyuz MS-03 Undocking & Landing May 30, 2017 Soyuz MS-05 Launch & Docking June 9, 2017 Cygnus OA-8 Launch atop Upgraded Antares June 12, 2017 Cygnus OA-8 Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing July 22, 2017 Cygnus OA-8 Unberthing & Release July 31, 2017 Progress MS-7 Launch & Docking August 6, 2017 Dragon SpX-15 Launch atop Falcon 9 August 8, 2017 Dragon SpX-15 Rendezvous, Capture & Berthing September 7, 2017 Dragon SpX-15 Unberthing & Release September 12, 2017 Soyuz MS-05 Undocking & Landing October 16, 2017 Progress MS-8 Launch & Docking November 30, 2017 Soyuz MS-07 Launch & Docking 2017/2018 MLM Nauka Launch NET 2018 Transition to 4 USOS Crew Members http://spaceflight101.com/iss/iss-calendar/ ------------------------------------- Some images from Planet Labs Gallery https://www.planet.com/gallery/ Quote The Great Pyramids Egypt October 29, 2015 The Great Pyramids of Giza have stood on the edge of the Nile River’s floodplain for thousands of years. The landmarks are now almost surrounded by bustling Cairo. Quote Niagara Falls USA/Canada October 26, 2015 Niagara Falls is a 12,000-year-old relic of the last Ice Age. Since then, the falls have moved more than 6 miles upstream from their original location near Lake Ontario. Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobscured Vision Posted February 7, 2016 Share Posted February 7, 2016 I always enjoy reading your news entries about the ISS, DD. Thanks for keeping it interesting and informative, bub. Draggendrop 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 7, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 7, 2016 We now have a good idea why a few additional items were put into Cygnus. One cannot mess around or take chances with life support functions such as the CDRA, waste processor or OGA. Spares are needed asap as they have been used the last few weeks. Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobscured Vision Posted February 7, 2016 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Yep, now we know. Those items should have been on the manifest anyway. Can't believe that the ISS didn't have spares on hand though. Bad planning. When it comes to life support systems, always have two of everything plus spares -- that's just good planning and good engineering. But this is NASA-designed, after all. *sigh* Draggendrop 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 7, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 7, 2016 The guys had spares until the last few months...and particularly the last few weeks when the "space gremlins" awoke and ran amok. All of a sudden, supplies are being used more than under normal circumstances. This is not counting the communication and solar power issues of late. It also sounds like they will be getting ready to replace some "battery packs" on the array in the near short time. I have a hunch the next bunch of heavier lifts will be spreading out the mass of these replaceable units, as they are heavy. Routine maintenance and this is going to be so easy when F9FT and FHFT are running "full steam" and we have the seventh crew member. Overall, the community and ISS are doing a top notch job and I can't say enough about the job they do. Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 7, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 7, 2016 (edited) NASA ISS Space to Ground Weekly Report - 5 February 2016 NASA ISS Space to Ground Weekly Report - 5 February 2016. NASA Quote NASA's Space to Ground is your weekly update on what's happening aboard the International Space Station. http://spaceref.com/international-space-station/nasa-iss-space-to-ground-weekly-report---5-february-2016.html Space to Ground: A Walk in Space: 02/05/2016 video is 2:12 min. -------------------------- Touchdown! Yes, Astronauts in Space Can Watch the Super Bowl Quote When the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos square off Sunday, astronauts on the International Space Station will be able to watch the kickoff in real time. While NASA astronauts Scott Kelly and Tim Kopra on the orbiting laboratory haven't announced their picks for the big game, they will be off duty and able to watch. (Kelly is a Houston Texans fan and watched football on Thanksgiving with former crewmember Kjell Lindgren.) "Crew will be able to watch in real time; it will be sent up as usual for live events from Mission Control Houston," NASA spokesman Dan Huot told Space.com in an email. "It's a nominal off-duty Sunday for the entire crew, so no additional tasks for them aside from exercise." In fact, the crewmembers have more in common with the football players they're watching than one might realize. For one thing, the outstretched arms of the International Space Station where the astronauts reside are about the length and width of a football field. For another, NASA pioneered the shock-absorbing foam, shiny outside shell and wireless communications found in football helmets. Plus, in 2010, the coin flipped to start the big game had flown in space on the space shuttle Atlantis for 11 days, racking up 4 million miles (6.4 million kilometers) around the Earth. After their day off, the crewmembers will return to their experiments on the space station. Kelly and cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko are within four weeks of the end of their yearlong mission, and the two are currently joined by Kopra, British astronaut Tim Peake, and cosmonauts Yuri Malenchenko and Sergey Volkov (who just completed a spacewalk Wednesday, Feb. 3). http://www.space.com/31834-astronauts-will-watch-super-bowl-in-space.html ------------------------ tweets from space http://spaceflight101.com/tweets-from-space-february-6-2016/ Quote I picked up with Yuri Malenchenko some photos of our EVAs: https://vk.com/iss_volkov Quote Yuri Malenchenko even managed to make # kosmoselfi // # spaceselfie by cosmonaut # YuriMalenchenko Looks like the editor is cranky again...if issues, check out the tweets at the main link....sorry folks. Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 8, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 8, 2016 Science in Short: BASS-M, Igniting Innovation on the Space Station NASA astronaut Tim Kopra performs BASS-M operations in the Microgravity Sciences Glovebox in the Destiny Lab aboard the International Space Station. Credits: NASA Quote Things have been heating up in the Microgravity Sciences Glovebox (MSG) in the Destiny Lab aboard the International Space Station as NASA astronaut, Tim Kopra performs operations for the BASS-M, a National Lab investigation which came about as a result of a partnership between CASIS and Milliken. Milliken is a commercial company who, among other things, produces custom engineering textiles, including flame-retardant ones used by a variety of industrial markets, such as the military and fire fighters. Milliken is interested in seeing how the absence of gravity affects the burning of the textiles and materials. They are testing the hypothesis that materials in microgravity, with adequate ventilation, burn as well, if not better than, the same material being burned here on Earth under the same conditions. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra tweeted this picture of a flame from the BASS-M operations. Credits: NASA Quote The investigation tests 10 different treated flame-retardant cotton fabrics at varying air flow rates, and studies their flammability and their ability to self-extinguish. Ultimately, Milliken is using innovation in trying to design and engineer the right chemicals so that the textiles don’t burn. This applies specifically to the military and fire-fighters, for whom – if these textiles are designed correctly – could be protected from getting 2nd and 3rd degree burns. https://blogs.nasa.gov/ISS_Science_Blog/2016/02/08/science-in-short-bass-m-igniting-innovation-on-the-space-station/ OA-4/CASIS Payload Overview: Milliken Flame Retardant Investigation video is 1:53 min. --------------------------------- Crew Starts Week with Spacesuit Work and Vision Checks Astronauts Tim Kopra and Scott Kelly received a call from former President George H. W. Bush on Friday. Quote The Expedition 46 crew members kicked off their work week today with a series of physics experiments and life science studies. The crew also worked on U.S. and Russian spacesuits and continued packing trash inside the Orbital ATK resupply ship. British astronaut Tim Peake wrapped up maintenance work on the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace which will study the thermophysical properties of various materials. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra tested the flammability of different textiles inside the Microgravity Science Glovebox for the BASS-M experiment. Peake also explored crew immunology to potentially improve astronaut health and life on Earth. Kopra continued taking out the trash today loading the Cygnus spacecraft before its release on Feb. 19 for disposal over the Pacific Ocean. Peake then joined Commander Scott Kelly in the Quest airlock to get a U.S. spacesuit ready for gear replacement work on Wednesday. Kelly also partnered up with cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko for vision tests and blood pressure checks for the Ocular Health study. Cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko is recharging Russian Orlan spacesuit batteries after completing a spacewalk last week. His fellow cosmonaut Sergey Volkov also helped stow spacewalk tools. https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/02/08/crew-starts-week-with-spacesuit-work-and-vision-checks/ ----------------------------------- Canadian Aurora Seen From Above Quote NASA astronaut Scott Kelly tweeted this aurora image over Canada on Jan. 21, 2016 with the message: ""O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies. You were beautiful this morning! #YearInSpace" http://spaceref.com/onorbit/canadian-aurora-seen-from-above.html --------------------------------- Volcano Steaming As Seen From Orbit Quote A volcano steaming into the air. NASA astronaut Scott Kelly captured this image while aboard the International Space Station. http://spaceref.com/earth/volcano-steaming-as-seen-from-orbit.html ------------------------------- and these are the most expensive seats..... Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 10, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 10, 2016 NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 8 February 2016 Day 318. Over a #Shanghai night. Wishes for a happy #ChineseNewYear! #GoodNight from @space_station! #YearInSpace. Credit: NASA/Scott Kelly. Quote The Expedition 46 crew members kicked off their work week today with a series of physics experiments and life science studies. The crew also worked on U.S. and Russian spacesuits and continued packing trash inside the Orbital ATK resupply ship. British astronaut Tim Peake wrapped up maintenance work on the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace which will study the thermophysical properties of various materials. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra tested the flammability of different textiles inside the Microgravity Science Glovebox for the BASS-M experiment. Peake also explored crew immunology to potentially improve astronaut health and life on Earth. Kopra continued taking out the trash today loading the Cygnus spacecraft before its release on Feb. 19 for disposal over the Pacific Ocean. Peake then joined Commander Scott Kelly in the Quest airlock to get a U.S. spacesuit ready for gear replacement work on Wednesday. Kelly also partnered up with cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko for vision tests and blood pressure checks for the Ocular Health study. Cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko is recharging Russian Orlan spacesuit batteries after completing a spacewalk last week. His fellow cosmonaut Sergey Volkov also helped stow spacewalk tools. Quote Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Preparation: In preparation for EMU 3003 Fan Pump Separator changeout scheduled to start this Wednesday, Kelly removed EMU 3008 from the Aft EMU Don/Doff Assembly (EDDA) then installed EMU 3003 in its place. Later, Kelly and Kopra reviewed the procedure associated with the Fan Pump Separator changeout activity. Orbital ATK (OA)-4 Cargo Operations: The crew transferred trash into the Cygnus vehicle today in preparation for the vehicle's unberth from ISS on February 19th. Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) Main Bus Switching Unit (MBSU) Demonstration: Over the weekend, the Robotics Team completed their three day activity to validate the robotic transfer of battery style Orbital Replacement Units (ORU) prior to the delivery of new ISS batteries on HTV-6. On Friday evening, the team successfully removed the MBSU from the Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism (FRAM) structure and temporarily stowed it on the Enhanced ORU Temporary Platform (EOTP) before returning the MBSU back to the FRAM. On Saturday, the demonstration concluded when the MBSU/FRAM was moved back to its home on Express Logistics Carrier 2. One issue was encountered during the demonstration which prevented the SPDM from grasping the Robotic Offset Tool (ROST) in order to remove it from its holster for use. Robotics team accomplished the bolt loosening task using the OTCM instead. Quote Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. MCC-21 Final Command Testing MT Translation from WS-2 to WS-4 Three-Day Look Ahead: Tuesday, 02/09: Ocular Health, CARDOX, EMU 3005 Dump and Fill, FPS Tool Gather Wednesday, 02/10: SPRINT, EMU 3003 FPS R&R, BASS-M Thursday, 02/11: EVA FPS R&R, Ocular Health, SPRINT, NanoRacks Multi-Gas Monitor Deploy, Col Desiccant Module R&R, PEPS Inspection QUICK ISS Status - Environmental Control Group: Component - Status Elektron - On Vozdukh - Manual [СКВ] 1 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV1") - On [СКВ] 2 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV2") - Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab - Override Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 - Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab - Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 - Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) - Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) - Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab - Full Up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 - Off http://spaceref.com/international-space-station/nasa-international-space-station-on-orbit-status-8-february-2016.html ------------------------------ Viewing The Seas Around The Bahamas From Orbit Quote In orbit around the Earth on board the International Space Station NASA astronaut Scott Kelly captured this blue water image in his "Earth Art" series and tweeted it out with this message: " A splash of #EarthArt over the #Bahamas! #YearInSpace ". The Seas Around The Bahamas NASA http://spaceref.com/onorbit/viewing-the-seas-around-the-bahamas-from-orbit.html Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 11, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 11, 2016 NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 9 February 2016 fuji san, your majesty casts a wide shadow! #Japan YearInSpace! Credit: NASA/Scott Kelly. Quote The Expedition 46 crew members participated in immunology research today helping scientists learn to keep astronauts healthy on longer and farther space missions. The crew also continued more vision checks and explored heart health. Commander Scott Kelly, British astronaut Time Peake and cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko each participated in a different experiment looking at the immune system of space residents. Kelly collected body samples looking for microbes that could potentially cause infections or allergies and stowed them in a science freezer for analysis. Peake took a saliva sample for an experiment that is researching biomarkers for immune dysfunction in space. Kornienko explored how radiation and other unique factors of living in space could affect a crew member's immune system. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra also joined Kelly and Kornienko for eye exams for an experiment studying vision impairment reported by some International Space Station astronauts. Kopra and Peake also partnered up for ultrasound scans of their arteries with guidance from doctors on the ground. The ongoing Cardio Ox study looks at an astronaut's carotid and brachial arteries before, during and after a space mission. Quote Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Maintenance: Today, Peake temporarily installed EMU 3005 on the forward EMU Don/Doff Assembly (EDDA). Once installed, he performed a dump and fill of the EMU's feed water tanks in order to satisfy maintenance requirements for on-orbit stowage. After the dump and fill activity was complete, he removed EMU 3005 from the EDDA and placed it in storage within the Crew Lock. Fan Pump Separator Remove and Replace (R&R) Tool Gather: Kelly gathered required tools in support of tomorrow's EMU 3003 FPS R&R. The FPS had failed to start up on December 19th during a Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) fill activity. Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Yesterday afternoon, Robotic Flight Controllers powered up the MSS and maneuvered the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) and Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) into position for the Mobile Transporter (MT) translation. The MSS was then powered down and the MT was successfully moved from Worksite (WS)-2 to WS-4. This move will be followed by a SSRMS walk off to the Node 2 Power Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF) on Thursday in preparation for Cygnus unberth February 19th. Quote Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Nominal System Commanding Three-Day Look Ahead: Wednesday, 02/10: SPRINT, EMU 3003 FPS R&R, BASS-M Thursday, 02/11: EVA FPS R&R, Ocular Health, SPRINT, NanoRacks Multi-Gas Monitor Deploy, Col Desiccant Module R&R, PEPS Inspection Friday, 02/12: SPRINT, Microbe-IV Sample Collection, FPS Pack and Tool Stow, SkinB, BASS-M QUICK ISS Status - Environmental Control Group: Component - Status Elektron - On Vozdukh - Manual [СКВ] 1 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV1") - Off [СКВ] 2 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV2") - Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab - Override Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 - Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab - Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 - Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) - Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) - Shutdown Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab - Full Up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 - Off http://spaceref.com/international-space-station/nasa-international-space-station-on-orbit-status-9-february-2016.html -------------------------- ISS Operations Update – February 9, 2016 Photo: NASA/Tim Kopra Quote Experiments: Mycological Evaluation of Crew Exposure to ISS Ambient Air (Myco) – Collection of body samples and processing of samples for return to Earth. [This study obtains samples from ISS crew members to assess fungi which may cause opportunistic infections or allergies if a crewmember’s immunity is compromised on the ISS.] Multi-Omics Sampling & Questionnaire [Multi-Omics studies the effect of the space environment and prebiotics on astronauts’ immune function.] Cardio Ox – [„The purpose of this study is to measure levels of biomarkers in blood and urine that are affected by oxidative and inflammatory stress before, during, and after long duration spaceflight and relate them to the risk of developing atherosclerosis.“ (NASA)] Dose Tracker – Medication Intake Log Fine Motor Skills [Fine Motor Skills uses a tablet touchscreen application to monitor degradation in fine motor abilities over the course of an extended exposure to microgravity. A drop in fine motor skills can lead to problems when crew members are tasked with medical treatment, repairing sensitive equipment and interacting with touch-based equipment. Tests utilized by this study include multidirectional pointing, dragging, shape tracing, and object manipulation to create a knowledgebase that will allow scientists to evaluate the risk of fine motor performance decrements due to long-duration exposure to microgravity.] Ocular Health – Fundoscope Exams, Vision Tests & Blood Pressure Measurements [OH is a human physiology study. Its full name is Prospective Observational Study of Ocular Health in ISS Crews. “The Prospective Observational Study of Ocular Health in ISS Crews (Ocular Health) protocol aims to systematically gather physiological data to characterize the Risk of Microgravity-Induced Visual Impairment/Intracranial Pressure on crewmembers assigned to a 6 month ISS increment,” the NASA experiment overview said. It is known that some (not all) astronauts in orbit experience changes in visual acuity (visual clarity) and intraocular pressure as a result of fluid shifts within the body as it is subjected to microgravity. About 20% is astronauts flying to ISS have reported these kinds of changes. Test subjects will undergo pre-flight, flight and post-flight testing of their eyes using a variety of techniques.] NEIROIMMUNITET. Saliva Collection and Questionnaire Matryoshka-R – Dosimeter Readings [Matryoshka-R consists of a number of radiation dosimeters that are set up inside the space station to assess radiation exposure of the crew relative to ISS position in its orbit and shielding provided by the modules.] VEG-01 Investigation – Plant Photo Survey. [VEGGIE or Veg-01 is a deployable plant growth unit to be set up on the Space Station to demonstrate the feasibility of a space garden. The experiment facility provides lighting and nutrient supply and is capable of supporting a variety of plant species that can be cultivated for educational outreach, fresh food and even recreation for crewmembers on long-duration missions. Thermal control is provided from ISS in-cabin systems and the carbon dioxide source is the ambient air aboard ISS.] Interactions Experiment [‘Vzaimodeistviye’ (Interactions) looks at psychological aspects of long duration space flight during which different cultures come together aboard a Spacecraft such as ISS and seeks to improve crew interactions aboard ISS and with teams on the ground.] Maintenance/Systems: Nominal Inspections/Servicing Tasks (Morning Inspection, Caution & Warning Panel Check, Sozh System Maintenance) (Russian Crew) SM Ventilation System Preventive Maintenance. Group А Aurora Camera setup in the Cupola for collection of imagery to auroral displays. Other Activities: Cygnus OA-4 Cargo Operations Extravehicular Mobility Unit #3005: Water dump & fill to set the suit up for in-orbit stowage. Extravehicular Mobility Unit #3003: Setup to tools needed for the Fan Pump Separator Replacement planned on Wednesday. Orlan Battery Discharge Operations Post EVA Reconfiguration of PKhO and Pirs Modules Robotics: The Mobile Transporter with Canadarm2 and Dextre in a stowage configuration was translated from Worksite 2 to WS-4 to allow the robotic arm to change base to the Node 2 Power & Data Grapple Fixture in preparation for Cygnus unberthing and release on February 19. http://spaceflight101.com/iss-operations-update-february-9-2016/ ------------------------------- ISS Operations Update – February 10, 2016 Photo: NASA/Scott Kelly Quote Experiments: Burning and Suppression of Solids – Milliken (BASS-M) [BASS-M stands for Burning and Suppression of Solids – Milliken and is part of a series of BASS experiments that investigate how solid materials burn without the presence of gravity which is of use in physics but also in spacecraft engineering and fire protection. The BASS-M experiment looks at flame-retardant cotton fabrics to determine how well they resist burning in microgravity. This can be used in the development of flame-retardant textiles for use on Earth and in space.] Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Training Study (Sprint) – Leg Ultrasounds [This study evaluates a high-intensity, low-volume exercise protocol to minimize the loss of muscle, bone and cardiovascular function but also minimizing the time spent with daily exercise. To asses the protocol, crew members conduct regular measurements of VO2max, heart rate (HR) response to submaximal exercise and ventilatory threshold. Monthly ultrasounds of the thigh and calf are used to evaluate spaceflight-induced changes in the muscle volume. Post-flight data on muscle and bone mass is compared to pre-flight measurements and to data from control subjects that use the regular exercise protocol.] VIRU Battery Charging & Software Upgrade [Relaxation is an Earth Observation Experiment that uses the Photospectral Hardware to acquire spectral and photographic imagery of Earth’s surface and atmosphere under ground commanding.] Circadian Rhythms Experiment – Thermolab Study [The BLR48 and Circadian Rhythms Study will examine the role of synchronized circadian rhythms and possible maintenance during long-duration spaceflight and addresses the impacts to crew members’ health and wellbeing. Understanding how the dark/light cycle and sleep shifting affects circadian rhythms and with that the performance of the crew members will enable scientists to develop new sleep shifting techniques for crew members in space and shift workers on Earth.] Maintenance/Systems: Nominal Inspections/Servicing Tasks (Morning Inspection, Caution & Warning Panel Check, Sozh System Maintenance) (Russian Crew) EarthKAM Lens Change Other Activities: Extravehicular Mobility Unit #3003: Fan Pump Separator Replacement http://spaceflight101.com/iss-operations-update-february-10-2016/ -------------------------------- Crew Studies Space Exercise Techniques and Human Research A student on Earth programmed a space station camera, the Sally Ride EarthKAM, to capture this image of the Grand Canyon area of Arizona Quote The Expedition 46 crew continued studying how living off the Earth affects exercise, the biological clock and fire today. The orbiting space residents also worked on a spacesuit and other lab maintenance tasks. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra scanned his legs mid-morning with an ultrasound for the Sprint study exploring exercise techniques for crews working in space for long periods. Kopra then moved on to fire research observing how different materials burn in space potentially improving fire safety on Earth and in space. Kelly then joined British astronaut Tim Peake for ongoing gear replacement work inside a U.S. spacesuit for the rest of the day. Peake ended his shift attaching sensors to himself so doctors can monitor how a crew member adapts to 16 sunrises and sunsets a day while in low-Earth orbit. The three cosmonauts worked on their share of station science and upkeep today. Sergey Volkov looked at the human digestive system while Yuri Malenchenko explored interactive ways to train crews on orbit. Mikhail Kornienko changed a lens on camera that students can control to photograph Earth features. https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/02/10/crew-studies-space-exercise-techniques-and-human-research/ ------------------------ An African Desert Viewed From Space African desert NASA Quote NASA astronaut Scott Kelly captured this beige desert image as the International Space Station passed over Africa. He tweeted out this message: " I can always count on #Africa for colorful #EarthArt. #YearInSpace". ISS046e004756 (01/04/2016) http://spaceref.com/onorbit/an-african-desert-viewed-from-space.html larger image Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 12, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 12, 2016 NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 10 February 2016 NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 10 February 2016. NASA Quote The Expedition 46 crew continued studying how living off the Earth affects exercise, the biological clock and fire today. The orbiting space residents also worked on a spacesuit and other lab maintenance tasks. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra scanned his legs mid-morning with an ultrasound for the Sprint study exploring exercise techniques for crews working in space for long periods. Kopra then moved on to fire research observing how different materials burn in space potentially improving fire safety on Earth and in space. Kelly then joined British astronaut Tim Peake for ongoing gear replacement work inside a U.S. spacesuit for the rest of the day. Peake ended his shift attaching sensors to himself so doctors can monitor how a crew member adapts to 16 sunrises and sunsets a day while in low-Earth orbit. The three cosmonauts worked on their share of station science and upkeep today. Sergey Volkov looked at the human digestive system while Yuri Malenchenko explored interactive ways to train crews on orbit. Mikhail Kornienko changed a lens on camera that students can control to photograph Earth features. Quote Burning and Suppression of Solids - Milliken (BASS-M): Today Kopra completed the fifth set of BASS-M operations, preparing and testing five different samples with ground assistance from the Principal Investigator. The BASS-M investigation tests flame-retardant cotton fabrics to determine how well they resist burning in microgravity. Results benefit research on flame-retardant textiles that can be used on Earth and in space. Circadian Rhythms: Peake configured and donned the Armband Monitor and Thermolab sensors and belt for his Flight Day 30 Circadian Rhythm session. He will wear the monitors for 36 hours and then doff and download the data on Friday. Circadian Rhythms investigates the role of synchronized circadian rhythms, or the "biological clock," and how it changes during long-duration spaceflight. Researchers hypothesize that a non-24-hour cycle of light and dark affects crewmembers' circadian clocks. The investigation also addresses the effects of reduced physical activity, microgravity and an artificially controlled environment. Changes in body composition and body temperature, which also occur in microgravity, can affect crewmembers' circadian rhythms as well. Understanding how these phenomena affect the biological clock will improve performance and health for future crewmembers. Sprint Ultrasound: Kelly assisted Kopra in performing his Flight Day 60 thigh and calf ultrasound scans today. Ultrasound scans are used to evaluate spaceflight-induced changes in the muscle volume. The Sprint investigation evaluates the use of high intensity, low volume exercise training to minimize loss of muscle, bone, and cardiovascular function in ISS crewmembers during long-duration missions. Upon completion of this study, investigators expect to provide an integrated resistance and aerobic exercise training protocol capable of maintaining muscle, bone and cardiovascular health while reducing total exercise time over the course of a long-duration space flight. This will provide valuable information in support of the long term goal of protecting human fitness for even longer space exploration missions. Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) 3003 Fan Pump Separator Remove and Replace (R&R): As part of a two day activity, Kelly and Peake removed the failed FPS from EMU 3003 today and replaced it with a new pump. Tomorrow, the crew will finalize the installation by performing pump priming and preparing the EMU for a return to service checkout. The FPS being removed had failed to start up on December 19th during a Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) fill activity. Quote Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Nominal System Commanding Three-Day Look Ahead: Thursday, 02/11: EVA FPS R&R Part 2, Ocular Health, SPRINT, NanoRacks Multi-Gas Monitor Deploy, Col Desiccant Module R&R, PEPS Inspection, SSRMS Walkoff Friday, 02/12: SPRINT, Microbe-IV Sample Collection, FPS Pack and Tool Stow, SkinB, BASS-M Saturday, 02/13: Crew Off Duty, Weekly Cleaning QUICK ISS Status - Environmental Control Group: Component - Status Elektron - On Vozdukh - Manual [СКВ] 1 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV1") - On [СКВ] 2 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV2") - Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab - Override Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 - Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab - Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 - Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) - Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) - Normal Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab - Full Up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 - Off http://spaceref.com/international-space-station/nasa-international-space-station-on-orbit-status-10-february-2016.html --------------------------- Spacesuit Work Wraps Up as Robotic Arm Preps for Cygnus Release NASA astronaut Scott Kelly works on a spacesuit inside the Quest airlock. Quote Two astronauts are wrapping up spacesuit maintenance today while a variety of human research takes place inside the International Space Station. Outside the station, the 57.7 foot long Canadarm2 robotic arm is being prepared for the upcoming release of a space freighter. Commander Scott Kelly and astronaut Time Peake from the European Space Agency are finalizing gear replacement work on a U.S. spacesuit today. The spacesuit will be inspected Monday before it is certified for return to service. On the life science front, Kelly joined cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko and NASA astronaut Tim Kopra for eye and heart scans with an ultrasound. The scans are part of the ongoing Ocular Health study seeking to understand visual impairment some astronauts have experienced during their space missions. Kopra earlier attached sensors to himself for the Sprint study which seeks to reduce muscle and bone loss with new exercise techniques while living in space. Peake collected his own breath sample for the Marrow experiment that observes how microgravity affects bone marrow and blood cells. Ground controllers are maneuvering the Canadarm2 in position for the Feb. 19 grapple and release of the Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo craft. The Cygnus will be released for a fiery destruction high in the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean after being attached to the Unity module for over two months. https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2016/02/11/spacesuit-work-wraps-up-as-robotic-arm-preps-for-cygnus-release/ ---------------------------- African Water-Carved Valley Seen From Space Quote "A valley in Africa. Magnificent. The #StoryOfWater." - Kjell Lindgren iss045e108725 (11/14/15) http://spaceref.com/onorbit/african-water-carved-valley-seen-from-space.html Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherITguy Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 Hey doc, i have a question, considering that the Russians are spending quite the bit of cash in the Angara rocket, wouldn't it have been cheaper for them just to revive the Buran project, with the RD-180 Motors instead? I mean, their Soyuz program has been spotty lately and so has Proton. Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobscured Vision Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 21 minutes ago, AnotherITguy said: Hey doc, i have a question, considering that the Russians are spending quite the bit of cash in the Angara rocket, wouldn't it have been cheaper for them just to revive the Buran project, with the RD-180 Motors instead? I mean, their Soyuz program has been spotty lately and so has Proton. Any thoughts? No way. Buran and other Shuttle-type craft are seriously old, outdated tech. The promises of "faster access to space at less cost with quick turnaround" were hogwash. Buran was the more capable Shuttle on paper compared to its' American counterparts; larger Cargo Bay, the launch system that sent it uphill could handle heavier payloads, and there were designs for a deployable Solar Array to keep it powered indefinitely ... and it could be remote-piloted from the ground, where the U.S. Shuttle could not be. Think of it in terms of this. The Buran-Class Shuttles were a 2.0 design. The Enterprise-Class Shuttles were a 1.0 design and received incremental upgrades that would bring them to the 1.3 standard by their retirement. We have to call them Enterprise-Class because Enterprise was the Prototype, and it was the first one that was completely built and actually used in the Test Program. Did anyone know that there was, in fact, another Shuttle built (but never completed) at the same time as Enterprise? I'm still digging up information on it -- but it existed and there was a reference about it in something I watched recently. There's a wonderful gallery here in the Science Section with a rundown on the Soviet Shuttles. Enjoy! Draggendrop 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 13, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 13, 2016 NASA ISS Space to Ground Weekly Report - 12 February 2016 NASA ISS Space to Ground Weekly Report - 12 February 2016. NASA Quote NASA's Space to Ground is your weekly update on what's happening aboard the International Space Station. Got a question or comment? Use #spacetoground to talk to us. http://spaceref.com/international-space-station/nasa-iss-space-to-ground-weekly-report---12-february-2016.html Space to Ground: Space Suit Repairs: 02/12/2016 video is 2:14 min. ------------------------- NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 11 February 2016 Quote Two astronauts are wrapping up spacesuit maintenance today while a variety of human research takes place inside the International Space Station. Outside the station, the 57.7 foot long Canadarm2 robotic arm is being prepared for the upcoming release of a space freighter. Commander Scott Kelly and astronaut Time Peake from the European Space Agency are finalizing gear replacement work on a U.S. spacesuit today. The spacesuit will be inspected Monday before it is certified for return to service. On the life science front, Kelly joined cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko and NASA astronaut Tim Kopra for eye and heart scans with an ultrasound. The scans are part of the ongoing Ocular Health study seeking to understand visual impairment some astronauts have experienced during their space missions. Kopra earlier attached sensors to himself for the Sprint study which seeks to reduce muscle and bone loss with new exercise techniques while living in space. Peake collected his own breath sample for the Marrow experiment that observes how microgravity affects bone marrow and blood cells. Ground controllers are maneuvering the Canadarm2 in position for the Feb. 19 grapple and release of the Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo craft. The Cygnus will be released for a fiery destruction high in the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean after being attached to the Unity module for over two months. Quote Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) 3003 Fan Pump Separator Remove and Replace (R&R) Part 2: Following yesterday's EMU 3003 FPS R&R, Kelly and Peake primed the new pump and prepared the EMU for a return to service checkout scheduled on Monday. Tomorrow, the faulty pump will be packed for return onboard Soyuz 44 next month for ground examination. The FPS which was removed had failed to start up during an activity to fill the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) in December. Orbital ATK (OA)-4 Cargo Operations: Kopra transferred trash into the Cygnus vehicle today in preparation for its unberth and release on February 19th. Portable Emergency Provisions (PEPs) Inspection: Peake conducted an audit of the PEPs hardware and verified the emergency response equipment was in the expected location and is free of damage. Among the items inspected were Water Mist Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFEs), Portable Breathing Apparatus (PBA) including Quick Don mask Assemblies (QDMAs) and Pre-Breathe Masks. Condensate Water Separator Assembly (CWSA) Desiccant Module R&R: Kopra utilized the 3D Visual Trainer (3D ViT) in order to familiarize himself with the CWSA Desiccant Module inspection and R&R task within Columbus. Once the training was complete, he proceeded with the inspection and Desiccant Module R&R. The Desiccant Module is placed inside the CWSA in order to provide a dry atmosphere and prevent condensation on the cold outer surfaces of the water separator housing/parts. The module is inspected and replaced as part of preventative maintenance. Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: This evening, Robotics Flight Controllers will be stowing the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) on the Mobile Base System (MBS), and walking off the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) from the MBS power and data grapple fixture (PDGF)-1 to the Node2 PDGF. Once the walk off is complete, they will grapple Cygnus in preparation for its unberth and release on February 19th. Quote Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. SSRMS Walk off from MBS PDGF1 to Node 2 and Cygnus Grapple Three-Day Look Ahead: Friday, 02/12: SPRINT, Microbe-IV Sample Collection, FPS Pack and Stow, SkinB, BASS-M Saturday, 02/13: Crew Off Duty, Weekly Cleaning Sunday, 02/14: Crew Off Duty QUICK ISS Status - Environmental Control Group: Component - Status Elektron - On Vozdukh - Manual [СКВ] 1 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV1") - Off [СКВ] 2 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV2") - On Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab - Override Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 - Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab - Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 - Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) - Standby Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) - Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab - Off Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 - Warmup http://spaceref.com/international-space-station/nasa-international-space-station-on-orbit-status-11-february-2016.html ---------------------------------- Dextre demo paving the way for robotic EVA assistance Quote The Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) has completed a series of tests aimed at reducing the human EVA workload involved with the installation of new batteries on the International Space Station (ISS). The impressive Canadian robot – more commonly known as “Dextre” – worked through three days of Main Bus Switching Unit (MBSU) demonstrations ahead of the arrival of new batteries on the Japanese cargo ship HTV-6. Dextre: Dextre is a permanent fixture on the outside of the ISS, ready to be translated to worksites where it can be tasked with external maintenance tasks, the removal and replacement of dexterous compatible Orbit Replaceable Units (ORUs) and the servicing of scientific payloads. The SPDM was designed and built by MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates, (MDA), and financed by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Quote The robot rode to space in the payload bay of Shuttle Endeavour in 2008 (STS-123) and is now part of a trio of Canadian robotic assets that provide vital services to the ISS and a number of Visiting Vehicles. Dextre was assembled during STS-123 EVAs, with spacewalkers Rick Linnehan and Mike Foreman installing the robots 11-foot arms to the torso of the robot on Flight Day 6 on the mission. more at the link... http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/02/dextre-demo-robotic-eva-assistance/ ------------------------------ Studying Earth From Space Using An Ancient map Hereford Mappa Mundi Replica TIM PEAKE Quote Wikipedia: Hereford Mappa Mundi: The Hereford Mappa Mundi is a mappa mundi, of a form deriving from the T and O pattern, dating from ca. 1285. It is currently on display at Hereford Cathedral in Hereford, England. It is the largest medieval map known still to exist. The Hereford Mappa Mundi hung, little regarded, for many years on a wall of a choir aisle in the cathedral. During the troubled times of the Interregnum the map had been laid beneath the floor of Bishop Audley's Chantry where it remained secreted for some time. In 1855 it was cleaned and repaired at the British Museum. During the Second World War, the mappa mundi and other valuable manuscripts from Hereford Cathedral Library were kept elsewhere in safety and returned to the collection in 1946. http://spaceref.com/onorbit/studying-earth-from-space-using-an-ancient-map.html ------------------------- Earth from Space: Madrid, Spain Earth from Space: Madrid, Spain. ESA Quote The diverse landscapes of the autonomous Community of Madrid in the heart of Spain are evident in this week's image. The community and country's capital city is visible near the centre of the image. Zooming in, we can see the Buen Retiro park just east of the city centre with its large, artificial pond. About 3.5 km due north sits the Santiago Bernabéu football stadium. Southeast of the stadium we can see another circular structure: the Las Ventas bullfighting ring. In the upper left corner of the image is the El Pardo mountain and protected natural park, which is popular for mountain biking. The other areas surrounding Madrid are blanketed with agricultural structures. East of the city are large fields along the Jarama river, and more areas of agriculture appearing brown further east still. This image, also featured on the Earth from Space video programme, was taken by the Sentinel-2A satellite on 16 November 2015. more at... http://spaceref.com/earth/earth-from-space-madrid-spain.html ------------------------------------- Apollo 11 Crew Wrote on Moon Ship Walls, Smithsonian 3D Scan Reveals "Smelly Waste!" A warning seemingly written by one of the Apollo 11 astronauts, was found with other writings on the inside walls of the command module Columbia during a 3D scan of the spacecraft Credit: Smithsonian via collectSPACE.com Quote Apollo 11, the first moon landing mission in July 1969, produced a number of iconic quotes, such as, "The Eagle has landed," and "That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind." Now, thanks to a surprising discovery by the Smithsonian, history can possibly add "Smelly Waste!" to that list. Curators working at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. uncovered the short but perhaps notable quip, among other unexpected inscriptions, written on the walls inside the Apollo 11 command module, Columbia. "By writing 'Smelly Waste!' on there, we presume that [the astronauts] were warning themselves they probably should open this locker again at their own peril — and probably leave it closed," said Allan Needell, a curator in the space history division at the museum. The olfactory warning, along with a hand-drawn calendar and navigational notations, were found during the first 3D scan of the historic spacecraft, which flew Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins to the moon and back. more at... http://www.space.com/31917-apollo-11-crew-moon-ship-graffiti.html Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 16, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 16, 2016 Wreath Honors Apollo Astronaut Edgar Mitchell Quote In memory of NASA astronaut Edgar Mitchell, a memorial wreath was placed in the Apollo Saturn V Center at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The brief ceremony took place on the morning of Feb. 12, 2016. The wreath was placed in the Treasures of Apollo exhibit where the Apollo 14 command module, flown by Mitchell, Alan Shepard and Stuart Roosa, is on display. One of 12 humans to walk on the moon, Mitchell died Feb. 4, 2016, in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 85. It was the eve of the 45th anniversary of his lunar landing. As Apollo 14’s lunar module pilot, Mitchell and mission commander Shepard touched down in the moon’s Fra Mauro highlands aboard the lunar module Antares on Feb. 5, 1971. Mitchell was born Sept. 17, 1930, in Hereford, Texas, but considered Artesia, New Mexico, his hometown. After being commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy, Mitchell went on to accumulate 5,000 hours flight time, including 2,000 hours in jet aircraft. NASA selected Mitchell as an astronaut in 1966. Mitchell was drawn to spaceflight by President John F. Kennedy’s call to send astronauts to the moon. “That’s what I wanted, because it was the bear going over the mountain to see what he could see and what you could learn,” Mitchell said after Kennedy announced the moon program. “I’ve been devoted to that, to exploration, education and discovery since my earliest years, and that’s what kept me going,” As Apollo 14 command module pilot Stuart Roosa orbited the moon, Mitchell and Shepard collected 94 pounds of lunar rock and soil samples that later were distributed for analysis across 187 scientific teams in the United States and 14 other countries. Mitchell retired from NASA and the U.S. Navy in 1972. In an interview for NASA’s oral history program in 1997, Mitchell commented on what spaceflight meant to him. “To me, that was the culmination of my being,” he said, “and what can I learn from this? What is it we are learning? That’s important, because I think what we’re trying to do is discover ourselves and our place in the cosmos and we don’t know. We’re still looking for that.” Mitchell lived in Palm Beach County, Florida, since 1975. He is survived by four daughters, Karlyn Mitchell, Elizabeth Kendall, Kimberly Mitchell and Mary Beth Johnson, a son, Paul Mitchell, and nine grandchildren. His son Adam Mitchell died in 2010. https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2016/02/12/wreath-honors-apollo-astronaut-edgar-mitchell/ --------------------------------------- NASA's Valentine's Day Flower Harvest Takes Space Gardening Beyond Romance Quote Understanding how plants grow in space will be vital to future long-haul missions -- such as one to Mars -- because astronauts will have to grow some of their own food. American astronaut Scott Kelly, who is toward the end of his scheduled year in space, has been busy tending to a garden on board the International Space Station, growing lettuce and flowers. Meanwhile, a team on the ground is also working on a control experiment that will better inform NASA's vision for having a fully functional garden in space. "We need to learn a tremendous amount to help develop more robust sustainable food production systems as NASA moves toward long-duration exploration and the journey to Mars," Gioia Massa, a scientist on NASA's "Veggie" team, said in a blog post. Zinnia flowers were harvested last week from the ground control experiment. Scott Kelly harvested his space zinnias on Valentine's Day. While both are the same flower, scientists will be able to compare them to better understand the different changes plants undergo when growing in space. Kelly and Dr. Kjell Lindgren were the first astronauts to sample their space garden when they dined on lettuce last year. “We’re going to have to have a spacecraft that is much more self sustainable with regards to its food supply," Kelly said, explaining the importance the produce experiment will have on a potential future trip to Mars. "There's going to be a long period of time when we’re going to have to be completely self sufficient." Future astronauts at the International Space Station will also be treated to some more variety. The Veggie team said it plans to send seeds for "Outredgeous" red romaine lettuce and for "Tokyo Bekana" cabbage on a future cargo resupply mission. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/nasas-valentines-day-flower-harvest-takes-space-gardening/story?id=36947968 --------------------------------- Shuttle Launch from Space // I threw this in, since I have recently seen people attributing this image, as seen from the ISS, which is not true... Quote The above-displayed photographs do capture the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis (NASA Mission STS-115) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on 9 September 2006. However, the pictures were not (as claimed in the accompanying text) taken from the International Space Station (ISS), which would be at a considerably higher altitude than shown here, but rather from NASA/JSC WB-57 High Altitude Research aircraft. http://www.snopes.com/photos/space/shuttlelaunch.asp fun images..... Atlantis as Seen Through the International Space Station's Cupola NASA As seen through one of the windows on the International Space Station's Cupola, this is a view of the space shuttle Atlantis and its Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module during the final day of being docked with the International Space Station, July 19, 2011, Flight Day 12. Atlantis Docked to the International Space Station with Robotic Arm Deployed NASA This view of the space shuttle Atlantis while still docked with the International Space Station was taken by a crew member aboard the station on the final day of joint activities between the crew members for the STS-135 and Expedition 28 missions. The robotic arm on the shuttle appears to be saluting "good-bye" to the station. Earth's airglow is seen as a thin blue line above Earth's horizon. The Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module, full of items to be returned to Earth, is seen in the aft cargo bay, July 19. 2011. Flight Day 12. Atlantis Undocking as Seen by Astro_Ron NASA via Ron Garan/Astro_Ron Astronaut Ron Garan tweeted this picture from the International Space Station: "The Last view #FromSpace of Shuttle #Atlantis Taken today (7/19/11) from Sergei's #ISS bedroom window." The end of an era...and the beginnings of a new one.... Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 16, 2016 Author Veteran Share Posted February 16, 2016 ISS Daily Summary Report – 02/15/16 Quote Veg-01 Plant Harvest: Kelly harvested, cleaned and dried the Zinnia plants grown for the Veg-01 experiment. This investigation is used to assess on-orbit function and performance of the Veggie facility, focusing on the growth and development of seedlings in the spaceflight environment and the composition of microbial flora on the plants and the facility. Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) Troubleshooting: Peake completed setup of the JAXA ELF facility and installed the Ultraviolet Lamp unit and door sensor. The ELF is an experimental facility designed to levitate, melt and solidify materials employing containerless processing techniques that use the electrostatic levitation method with charged samples and electrodes. With this facility, thermophysical properties of high temperature melts can be measured and solidification from deeply undercooled melts can be achieved. Biochemical Profile: Kopra continued his Flight Day (FD) 60 blood and urine collections for the Biochemical Profile investigation. Samples were stowed in a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) for return on a later flight. The Biochemical Profile experiment tests blood and urine samples obtained from astronauts before, during, and after spaceflight. Specific proteins and chemicals in the samples are used as biomarkers, or indicators of health. Post-flight analysis yields a database of samples and test results, which scientists can use to study the effects of spaceflight on the body. Ocular Health Testing: Kopra and Peake continued their FD 60 session of Ocular Health. They completed tonometry and vision testing, measured blood pressure, and completed a vision questionnaire. The Ocular Health protocol calls for a systematic gathering of physiological data to characterize the risk of microgravity-induced visual impairment/intracranial pressure in the ISS crewmembers. Researchers believe that the measurement of visual, vascular and central nervous system changes over the course of this experiment and during the subsequent post-flight recovery will assist in the development of countermeasures, clinical monitoring strategies, and clinical practice guidelines. Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) 3003 Check Out: Following last week’s Fan Pump Separator R&R, Kelly successfully performed a Return to Service Checkout on EMU 3003. The activity consisted of a visual water leakage inspection, structural gas leakage test at the maximum operating suit pressure, and a long-duration leak check. Log files were downlinked and analyzed by ground teams. Orbital ATK (OA)-4 Cargo Operations: Kopra transferred trash into the Cygnus vehicle in preparation for unberth from ISS on February 19th. Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Stowage Frame Installation: Peake initiated the assembly and installation of the JEM Stowage Frame. Once fully installed, the frame will increase JEM stowage capability by 19 Cargo Transfer Bag Equivalents (CTBE). Quote Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Nominal System Commanding Three-Day Look Ahead: Tuesday, 02/16: Ocular Health, BASS-M, EMU Loop Scrub, Crew Departure Preparation Wednesday, 02/17: ISS Reboost, Biological Rhythms 48, Ocular Health, Cygnus Departure CBT, CARDOX, Cygnus Cargo Ops Thursday, 02/18: Node 1 CPA Install, Cygnus Hatch Closure, Microbiome, Cognition Test, RWS DCP Checkout, ELF Cartridge Install QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group: Component Status Elektron On Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) On [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Override Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Norm Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Off Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Full Up https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2016/02/15/iss-daily-summary-report-021516/ ------------------------------ Astronaut ice cream is a lie Quote Any space-enthused kid has endured the crumbly, chalky agglomeration of flavors known as "astronaut ice cream." We deal with it because of the supposed connection to the lives of real space explorers. The only problem is that astronaut ice cream is a lie. Phil Edwards/Vox Astronaut ice cream, up close and crumbly. Quote Apollo 7 is identified by Wikipedia (and most other sources) as the only flight to harbor the chalky ice cream. When I asked astronaut Walt Cunningham, the sole surviving member of the crew, about it, he said, "We never had that stuff." As you can hear above, he said that years later, when he first encountered the freeze-dried dessert, he wished they'd had it on Apollo 7 — but they never did. That matches with the complete absence of ice cream from mission transcripts as well. Jennifer Levasseur, museum curator at the National Air and Space museum, said it's likely Cunningham remembers correctly. "I think it’s very likely it never flew," she wrote me. "It probably got made, tested on the ground, and rejected. They do always get to try things in advance, and they probably thought it was as horrible as it actually is when you buy it in the gift shop." That fits with the technical obstacles to space ice cream — as Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield explained (along with Buzz Aldrin and many other astronauts), crumbly food like astronaut ice cream would be a major hazard in space. That's the reason John Young was reprimanded for sneaking a corned beef sandwich on board during the Gemini program — bread crumbs could easily float into instruments. Even if astronaut ice cream were on Apollo 7, it would probably have been rehydratable food similar to most of the other food options on the flight, not the freeze-dried block we recognize today. That might be what makes astronaut ice cream so disconcerting — it teaches kids that something terrible for space travel is what astronauts eat. If kids want to eat astronaut ice cream, they should just enjoy delicious, real ice cream, as real astronauts have many times since the 1970s, when refrigerators became available in space. http://www.vox.com/2016/2/15/10998344/astronaut-ice-cream Astronaut ice cream is a lie, video is 4:50 min. -------------------------------- came across these images... Photos Chris Hadfield has posted from the International Space Station Dubai, the Palm Island like a trilobite in the night. Chris Hadfield Bullet hole - a small stone from the universe went through our solar array. Glad it missed the hull. Chris Hadfield Noctilucent Cloud - rare super high altitude cloud, barely visible from Earth, seen at dawn in the mesosphere from ISS. Space dust - dirt doesn't fall to the floor here, it gets pulled into the filters. Chris Hadfield This dry salt lake in the Australian Outback looks like a good place to drive very fast. Chris Hadfield Asteroid impact - the Manicouagan Crater in Quebec. On old scar, but a big one at 100 km across. Chris Hadfield Clouds Chris Hadfield I think Brianna will be a fine astronaut. The Right Stuff, in miniature. Chris Hadfield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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