Expedition 16 Crew Lands in Kazakhstan

04.21.08

Commander Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko of the 16th International Space Station crew landed on the steppes of Kazakhstan around 4:30 a.m. EDT Saturday after 192 days in space.

All three people aboard the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft were reported to be in good condition after their re-entry and landing.


Image above: Expedition 16 Commander Peggy
Whitson waves to a crowd of well wishers from
the top of the airplane steps as she arrives at
Chkalovsky airport, Star City along with Flight
Engineer and Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko
and South Korean So-yeon Yi. Whitson, Malechenko
and Yi landed their Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft on
April 19, 2008 in central Kazakhstan to complete
192 days in space for Whitson and Malenchenko
and 11 days in orbit for Yi.
Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The landing was approximately 295 miles from the expected landing site, delaying the recovery forces’ arrival to the spacecraft by approximately 45 minutes.

With Whitson and Malenchenko was spaceflight participant So-yeon Yi. She launched to the station April 8 with the Expedition 17 crew, Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko, under contract with the Russian Federal Space Agency.

Astronaut Garrett Reisman came to the station aboard Endeavour on its STS-123 mission, launched March 11. He served for the last few weeks as a member of Expedition 16. He remains aboard as a member of the Expedition 17 crew.

Expedition 16 crew members undocked their Soyuz spacecraft from the station at 1:06 a.m. Saturday. The deorbit burn to slow the Soyuz and begin its descent toward the Earth took place at 3:40 a.m.

When they landed, Whitson and Malenchenko had spent 192 days in space on their Expedition 16 flight, 190 of them on the station.

Whitson, 48, returned from her second mission to the station. She served as a flight engineer on the Expedition 5 crew, launching June 5, 2002, and returning to Earth Dec. 7 after almost 185 days in space.

She landed Saturday with a total of 377 days in space, more than any other U.S. spacefarer. On April 16 she broke the previous mark of 374 days set by Mike Foale on his six flights.

She holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Rice University in Houston. She began working for NASA as a research biochemist in 1989 and was selected as an astronaut in 1996.

Malenchenko, 46, a Russian Air Force colonel, is making his third long-duration spaceflight. He spent 126 days aboard the Russian space station Mir beginning July 1, 1994, and commanded Expedition 7, spending 185 days in space beginning April 26, 2006. He also was a member of the STS-106 crew of Atlantis on an almost-12-day mission to the station beginning Sept. 8, 2000.

He landed Saturday with a total of 515 days in space on his four flights. He has the ninth highest total of cumulative time in space of all humans.

Source: NASA - Space Station - Expeditions

New Crew Performs Science and Maintenance


Image above: April 17, 2008, Expedition 17 Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman posed for a
photo after signing the Expedition 16 patch, which was added to the growing collection of
insignias representing crews who performed spacewalks from the Quest Airlock of the
International Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA

The Expedition 17 crew members aboard the International Space Station conducted science experiments and routine maintenance Tuesday.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman worked with Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2, an experiment which examines the kinetics of competitive particle growth within a liquid metal matrix.

Also, in the Destiny Laboratory, Reisman replaced sensors on the Oxygen Generation System that separates water into breathable oxygen.

The Expedition 16 crew members are in good spirits after they safely landed their Soyuz spacecraft Saturday in the steppes of Kazakhstan at approximately 4:30 a.m. EDT. Spaceflight participant So-yeon Yi also returned to Earth aboard the Soyuz. The landing was about 295 miles from the expected landing site, delaying the recovery forces' arrival to the spacecraft by approximately 45 minutes.

Now at Star City, Russia, Astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko launched to the International Space Station on Oct. 10, 2007, and spent 192 days in space. They will spend the next several weeks there for standard debriefs and rehabilitation.

The Russian Federal Space Agency, Roskosmos, and Energia representatives have established a commission to investigate the cause of the ballistic reentry. This was the second consecutive ballistic entry for a Soyuz spacecraft and the third Soyuz ballistic entry in the history of the International Space Station.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Crew Performs Reboost Test; Conducts Maintenance


Image above: Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman works on the Fluid Science Laboratory in the
Columbus module on the International Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA

On Wednesday, the Expedition 17 crew members conducted a leak check of the Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle's (ATV) hydraulic systems.

The engines of the ATV can be used to lift the International Space Station to a higher altitude while the cargo craft is docked to the orbiting complex. A reboost is scheduled to be performed Thursday, setting the station in the proper configuration for the arrival of space shuttle Discovery during the STS-124 mission which launches May 31.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman performed troubleshooting procedures in the Columbus module on software regulating the operation of the Fluid Science Laboratory used for conducting fluid physics research in microgravity conditions.

Reisman also continued working with Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2, an experiment which examines the kinetics of competitive particle growth within a liquid metal matrix.

The Expedition 16 crew members are in Star City, Russia. Astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko landed in the steppes of Kazakhstan on April 19 after 192 days in space. They will spend the next several weeks in Star City for standard debriefs and rehabilitation.

The Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Energia representatives have established a commission to investigate the cause of Expedition 16's ballistic re-entry. This was the second consecutive ballistic re-entry for a Soyuz spacecraft and the third Soyuz ballistic re-entry in the history of the International Space Station.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Crew Conducts Science; Station Set for Reboost


Image above: The Expedition 17 crew members, astronaut Garrett Reisman (left), cosmonauts
Sergei Volkov (center) and Oleg Kononenko, pose for a portrait in the Harmony node.
Photo Credit: NASA

The Expedition 17 crew members are busy with science and preparations for the arrival of future spacecraft at the International Space Station.

Commander Sergei Volkov spent Thursday morning photographing the docking cone on the Zarya module in preparation of the Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft relocation May 6.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman continued working with Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2, an experiment which examines the kinetics of competitive particle growth within a liquid metal matrix.

Early Friday, the Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle's main engines will fire for 12 minutes, 15 seconds to complete the two-part reboost of the station. Ignition is scheduled for 12:22 a.m. EDT.

This will place the orbiting complex at the correct altitude for docking of the Progress 29 resupply ship on May 16, two days after its launch. The reboost will also place station in the proper configuration for the arrival of space shuttle Discovery of the STS-124 mission, to launch May 31.

The Expedition 16 crew members are in Star City, Russia, for debriefs and rehabilitation. Astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko landed in the steppes of Kazakhstan on April 19 after 192 days in space.

The Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Energia representatives have established a commission to investigate the cause of Expedition 16's ballistic re-entry. This was the second consecutive ballistic re-entry for a Soyuz spacecraft and the third Soyuz ballistic re-entry in the history of the International Space Station.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Crew Conducts Science; Station Reboosted


Image above: The Expedition 17 crew members, astronaut Garrett Reisman (left), cosmonauts
Sergei Volkov (center) and Oleg Kononenko, pose for a portrait in the Harmony node.
Photo Credit: NASA

The Expedition 17 crew members are busy with science and preparations for the arrival of future spacecraft at the International Space Station.

Commander Sergei Volkov spent Thursday morning photographing the docking cone on the Zarya module in preparation for the Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft relocation May 6.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman continued working with Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2, an experiment which examines the kinetics of competitive particle growth within a liquid metal matrix.

Early Friday the Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle's main engines fired for 12 minutes, 15 seconds to complete a perfect two-part reboost of the station.

This placed the orbiting complex at the correct altitude for docking of the Progress 29 resupply ship on May 16, two days after its launch. The reboost also placed the station in the proper configuration for the arrival of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-124 mission scheduled to launch May 31.

The Expedition 16 crew members are in Star City, Russia, for debriefs and rehabilitation. Astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko landed in the steppes of Kazakhstan on April 19 after 192 days in space.

The Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Energia representatives have established a commission to investigate the cause of Expedition 16's ballistic re-entry. This was the second consecutive ballistic re-entry for a Soyuz spacecraft and the third Soyuz ballistic re-entry in the history of the International Space Station.

Source: NASA - Space Station

ATV Reboosts Station; Crew Wraps Up Busy Week of Science


Image above: Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman participates in an in-flight media interview.
Photo Credit: NASA

Early Friday, the Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle's main engines fired for 12 minutes, 15 seconds to complete a two-part reboost of the International Space Station.

This placed the orbiting complex at the correct altitude for docking of the Progress 29 resupply ship on May 16, two days after its launch. The reboost also placed the station in the proper configuration for the arrival of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-124 mission scheduled to launch May 31.

The Expedition 17 crew also wrapped up a productive work week filled with science experiments and station maintenance.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman continued working with Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2, an experiment which examines the kinetics of competitive particle growth within a liquid metal matrix.

Commander Sergei Volkov conducted routine checks of the Zvezda Service Module audio subsystem which allows crew members to communicate with each other aboard the station.

The Expedition 16 crew members are in Star City, Russia, for debriefs and rehabilitation. Astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko landed in the steppes of Kazakhstan on April 19 after 192 days in space.

The Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Energia representatives have established a commission to investigate the cause of Expedition 16's ballistic re-entry. This was the second consecutive ballistic re-entry for a Soyuz spacecraft and the third Soyuz ballistic re-entry in the history of the International Space Station.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Expedition 17 Crew Begins New Week of Science


Image above: Expedition 17 Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko works in the International
Space Station’s Zvezda Service Module.
Photo Credit: NASA

The Expedition 17 crew began a busy week aboard the International Space Station Monday with science and maintenance.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman continued his work with Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2, an experiment which examines the kinetics of competitive particle growth within a liquid metal matrix. This work has direct applications to the production of metal alloys on Earth, including materials such as aluminum that are critical for aerospace applications.

Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko worked on moving containers from the Automated Transfer Vehicle to the station’s Zarya module. A replaceable pump panel in the orbital outpost’s internal thermal loop was the focus of much of Commander Sergei Volkov’s time.

All three crew members performed their regular exercise activities.

The Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Energia representatives have established a commission to investigate the cause of the Expedition 16 crew's ballistic re-entry on April 19. This was the second consecutive ballistic re-entry for a Soyuz spacecraft and the third Soyuz ballistic re-entry in the history of the International Space Station.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Expedition 17 Crew Begins New Week of Science


Image above: Expedition 17 Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman works aboard the International
Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

The Expedition 17 crew continues to work with science experiments and perform maintenance tasks aboard the International Space Station.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman Tuesday continued his work with Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2, an experiment which examines coarsening within a liquid metal matrix. Coarsening, which is an increase in the size of grains in a metal, is a process that occurs in nearly any mixture containing two phases of elements, from raindrops in clouds to metal alloys. It is important in industry because it affects the strength of alloys such as aluminum that are critical for aerospace applications.

With the help of specialists on Earth, Commander Sergei Volkov replaced a condenser on one of the Zvezda service module's dehumidifiers and did leak checks. He also conducted a standard audit to determine what hardware is plugged into power outlets in the station’s Russian segment.

Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko continued moving and installing stowage enclosures from the Automated Transfer Vehicle to the station’s Zarya module. These enclosures provide more efficient space for stowage in the module.

The Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and Energia representatives have established a commission to investigate the cause of the Expedition 16 crew's ballistic re-entry on April 19. This was the second consecutive ballistic re-entry for a Soyuz spacecraft and the third Soyuz ballistic re-entry in the history of the International Space Station.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Crew Works with Ventilation, Cargo, Experiments


Image above: The Expedition 17 crew aboard the International Space Station talks to the
media on Earth.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

Ventilation maintenance work, cargo transfers, and experiment activity kept the Expedition 17 crew busy Wednesday.

Commander Sergei Volkov performed preventive maintenance on the Zvezda Service Module’s ventilation system.

In addition to the continued moving and installing stowage enclosures from the Automated Transfer Vehicle to the Zarya module, Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko worked with the Russian Sonokard experiment, which records a crew member’s physiological functions during sleep. He copied the measurements to a laptop so they could be downlinked to the ground later.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman continued his work with Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2, an experiment which examines coarsening within a liquid metal matrix. Coarsening, which is an increase in the size of grains in a metal, is a process that occurs in nearly any mixture containing two phases of elements, from raindrops in clouds to metal alloys. It is important in industry because it affects the strength of alloys such as aluminum that are critical for aerospace applications.

Reisman also replaced cables in the station’s Fluid Science Laboratory.

Officials have decided to delay the relocation of the Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft from the Pirs Docking Compartment to the Zarya module's nadir port until later in Expedition 17. The move, which was slated for May 6, will be postponed until late August or early September, enabling investigators to press ahead with their inquiry into the Expedition 16 crew’s ballistic re-entry. It also will allow for the delivery of a new Sokol launch and entry suit for Volkov on a future Progress cargo ship launch. The suit Volkov wore for launch and docking April 8 and 10 has a broken zipper.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Expedition 17’s Day Includes Ventilation Work, Experiments


Image above: Expedition 17 Commander Sergei Volkov looks over checklists while working
in the Zvezda Service Module..
Photo Credit: NASA

Along with scientific work, Thursday was Russian Segment ventilation systems cleanup day for the Expedition 17 crew members. Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko performed regular periodic preventive maintenance on fan grilles and airducts in both the Pirs docking compartment and the Zarya module.

Volkov also worked with the Russian Sonokard experiment, which records a crew member’s physiological functions during sleep. He copied measurements taken during the previous night’s sleep to a laptop so they could be downlinked to the ground later.

In addition, Kononenko conducted a routine checkup of docking compartment circuit breakers and fuses as part of his regular morning inspection tour.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman worked with the Elaboratore Immagini Televisive - Space 2 (ELITE-S2) payload. The Italian ELITE-S2 experiment analyzes human motion to study the connection between brain, visualization and motion in microgravity. By recording and analyzing the three-dimensional motion of astronauts, this study should help engineers apply ergonomics into future spacecraft designs and determine the effects of weightlessness on breathing mechanisms for long-duration missions.

Controllers are keeping tabs on a minor refrigerant leak that occurred after a new compressor was installed in one of the air conditioning units in the Zvezda Service Module earlier this week. There is no risk to the crew and no impact to operations.

Officials have decided to delay the relocation of the Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft from the Pirs docking compartment to the Zarya module's nadir port until later in Expedition 17. The move, which was slated for May 6, will be postponed until late August or early September, enabling investigators to press ahead with their inquiry into the Expedition 16 crew’s ballistic re-entry. It also will allow for the delivery of a new Sokol launch and entry suit for Volkov on a future Progress cargo ship launch. The suit Volkov wore for launch and docking April 8 and 10 has a broken zipper.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Expedition 17 Enjoys Quiet Day


Image above: The Expedition 17 crew works in the International Space Station’s Destiny
laboratory.
Photo Credit: NASA

The Expedition 17 crew enjoyed a relatively quiet day Friday, conducting routine maintenance work and exercise.

Commander Sergei Volkov audited and restocked the International Space Station’s Docking and Internal Transfer System accessory kits in the Soyuz TMA-12. He also worked with the Russian experiment Diatomea, an ocean observations program.

Along with Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko, Volkov conducted an audit of available stowage space in the Pirs docking compartment, as well as the Zarya and Zvezda modules.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman worked with the Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2 experiment, which examines the growth, or coarsening, of tin particles suspended in a liquid tin-lead matrix. Coarsening impacts the strength of metal alloys such as aluminum and other materials critical for aerospace applications. He also packed items for return to Earth when space shuttle Discovery visits during the STS-124 mission.

Reisman also was interviewed by New York City's WABC-TV.

Officials have decided to delay the relocation of the Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft from the Pirs docking compartment to the Zarya module's nadir port until later in Expedition 17. The move, which was slated for May 6, will be postponed until late August or early September, enabling investigators to press ahead with their inquiry into the Expedition 16 crew’s ballistic re-entry. It also will allow for the delivery of a new Sokol launch and entry suit for Volkov on a future Progress cargo ship launch. The suit Volkov wore for launch and docking April 8 and 10 has a broken zipper.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Crew Begins New Week Aboard Orbital Outpost


Image above: Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman works with spacewalk equipment in the Quest
airlock of the International Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA

The Expedition 17 crew of the International Space Station kicked off a new week Monday with science, routine maintenance and preparations for the upcoming shuttle mission.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman changed out containers in the European Modular Cultivation System, a facility that uses a centrifuge to grow small organisms in variable gravity conditions. Next he worked with the Fluid Science Laboratory in the Columbus module to restore data connectivity.

Reisman later participated in a private conference with astronaut Greg Chamitoff, who will arrive at the station early June aboard space shuttle Discovery on the STS-124 mission and join the Expedition 17 crew. Reisman will return to Earth on Discovery.

Reisman also configured tools that will be used during the three spacewalks planned for STS-124. The crew will install the Japanese Pressurized Module of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and its robotic arm. They will also replace a failed nitrogen tank assembly on the station’s truss.

In the Russian segment of the orbital outpost, Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko conducted an audit of equipment, including Russian spacewalk tools and lighting hardware.

Russian flight controllers are completing a series of tests on the Kurs automated rendezvous system before next week's launch and docking of the ISS Progress 29 unpiloted cargo ship.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Crew Preps for Upcoming Shuttle Arrival


Image above: Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman works with spacewalk equipment in the Quest
airlock of the International Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA

Systems aboard the International Space Station continued performing well Tuesday as the crew focused on science, routine maintenance and preparations for the upcoming shuttle mission.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman worked in the Quest airlock to configure tools that will be used during the three spacewalks planned during joint operations with the space shuttle Discovery crew in June. The STS-124 crew will install the Japanese Pressurized Module of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and its robotic arm. They will also replace a depleted nitrogen tank assembly on the station’s truss.

Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko performed a Russian experiment aimed at improving air leak detection in station modules.

Kononenko later installed new stowage enclosures in the Zarya module. The enclosures, which were among the cargo delivered by the Automated Transfer Vehicle in April, provide more efficient stowage and improve air circulation.

Meanwhile, Russian flight controllers are continuing a series of tests on the Kurs automated rendezvous system before next week's launch and docking of the ISS Progress 29 unpiloted cargo ship.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Crew Checks Out Health Care System


Image above: Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman works with the Crew Health Care System rack
in the Destiny lab of the International Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

Science, maintenance and preparations for the arrival of space shuttle Discovery occupied the Expedition 17 crew’s time Wednesday on the International Space Station.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman performed routine maintenance on the Crew Health Care System rack in the station’s Destiny lab. The system includes hardware that provides the medical and environmental capabilities necessary to ensure the health and safety of crew members during long-duration missions.

Reisman also gathered items for transfer to Discovery, set to arrive at the station in early June on the STS-124 mission. Reisman will return home on the shuttle as astronaut Greg Chamitoff takes his place as an Expedition 17 crew member.

Commander Sergei Volkov installed additional stowage enclosures in the Zarya module. The enclosures, which were among the cargo delivered by the Automated Transfer Vehicle in April, provide more efficient stowage and improve air circulation.

Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko conducted another session with a Russian experiment aimed at improving air leak detection in station modules.

Source: NASA - Space Station

May 7, 2008. Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

Progress M-64 transport cargo vehicle was docked with the transfer compartment in the Spacecraft Assembly and Testing Facility.



Source: S.P. Korolev RSC Energia

May 8, 2008. Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

Designers inspection of the Progress M-64 cargo vehicle was completed.




Payload shroud roll on to the cargo vehicle was performed.



Source: S.P. Korolev RSC Energia

Crew Works With Robotics, Conducts Interview


Image above: Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman participates in an interview aboard the
International Space Station on Thursday.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

Robotics, science and an interview took center stage Thursday as the Expedition 17 crew of the International Space Station orbited 208 statute miles above the Earth.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman maneuvered the station’s robotic arm to grapple Dextre, the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, for a test of Dextre’s latching end effector systems.

Reisman later worked with the Microgravity Science Glovebox, cleaning the system and checking temperature sensors and fans. The glovebox provides a safe environment for research with liquids, combustion and hazardous materials aboard the station.

Reisman took a break from his tasks for a chat with Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.”

Meanwhile, Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko participated in a Russian experiment that studies the respiration of crew members during long-duration spaceflight.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Station Crew Enjoys Holiday After Busy Week


Image above: Commander Sergei Volkov (left) and Flight Engineers Oleg Kononenko (center)
and Garrett Reisman dine together in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

The Expedition 17 crew of the International Space Station enjoyed an off-duty day after a busy week filled with robotics, science and preparations for the arrival of space shuttle Discovery.

In observance of Victory Day, a Russian holiday commemorating the end of World War II in Europe, the three station crew members took a breather from their usual busy schedule Friday. During the light-duty day, the crew attended to several routine station maintenance tasks as well as the daily 2-hour exercise regimen to maintain physical fitness during long-duration spaceflight.

On Thursday, Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman worked with the station’s robotic arm, Canadarm2. He maneuvered the arm to grapple Dextre, the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, for a test of Dextre’s latching end effector systems.

Reisman took a break from his tasks on Thursday for a chat with Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.”

Earlier in the week, Reisman gathered items for transfer to Discovery, set to arrive at the station in early June on the STS-124 mission. Reisman will return home on the shuttle as astronaut Greg Chamitoff takes his place as an Expedition 17 crew member.

Reisman also configured tools that will be used during the three spacewalks planned for STS-124. The crew will install the Japanese Pressurized Module of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and its robotic arm. They will also replace a depleted nitrogen tank assembly on the station’s truss.

Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko installed stowage enclosures in the Zarya module. The enclosures, which were among the cargo delivered by the Automated Transfer Vehicle in April, provide more efficient stowage and improve air circulation.

Throughout the week, Volkov and Kononenko also conducted several sessions with a Russian experiment aimed at improving air leak detection in station modules.

Meanwhile, Russian flight controllers conducted a series of tests on the Kurs automated rendezvous system before the upcoming launch and docking of the ISS Progress 29 unpiloted cargo ship. Loaded with more than two tons of food, fuel and supplies for the orbital outpost, Progress 29 is set to launch May 14 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and dock with the station May 16.

Source: NASA - Space Station

May 10, 2008. Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

Orbital module of the Soyuz-U launch vehicle, containing Progress M-64 spacecraft was transported from the spacecraft processing facility for the general integration with LV.



Source: S.P. Korolev RSC Energia

May 11, 2008. Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

Orbital module of the Soyuz-U launch vehicle, containing Progress M-64 spacecraft was integrated with the Soyuz-U launch vehicle in the processing facility.



Source: S.P. Korolev RSC Energia

May 11, 2008. Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

Technical management meeting and Government Commission meeting were convened. A decision is made to roll out Soyuz-U launch vehicle with Progress M-64 transport vehicle to the launch pad.



Source: S.P. Korolev RSC Energia

May 12, 2008, Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia.
At Baikonur launch site the preparations continue for the launch of Progress M-64 cargo vehicle under the International Space Station program.
Soyuz launch vehicle was rolled out from the integration building to the launch pad. Soyuz-U launch vehicle with Progress M-64 transport vehicle is installed on the launch pad. L-2 days activities have been started

Source: S.P. Korolev RSC Energia - News

Preparations for Progress and Shuttle Continue


Image above: Expedition 17 Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman participates in an interview
aboard the International Space Station on Monday.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

The Expedition 17 crew began a new week filled with robotics, science and maintenance aboard the International Space Station on Monday. The crew also continued to make preparations for the arrivals of the Progress 29 unpiloted cargo ship and space shuttle Discovery.

Robotic operations and tests were conducted today by ground controllers using the Mobile Transporter to confirm power and data redundancy at a work station on the orbiting laboratory's Port 1 truss. Equipment tests are being conducted throughout the station to prepare for the arrival of space shuttle Discovery and the STS-124 crew next month.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman installed the Centerline Berthing Camera System on the interior port side of the Harmony module. The camera system will be used by crew members in the installation of the Japanese Experiment Module during the STS-124 mission.

Reisman took a break from his activities to talk with students from Bellflower, Calif., and Richmond Hill, N.Y.

Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko continued the transfer and installation of stowage enclosures in the Zarya module. The enclosures, which arrived on the Automated Transfer Vehicle in April, provide the module with more efficient stowage and improve air circulation.

Volkov and Kononenko also set up hardware in preparation for a Russian health and fitness test. The test is scheduled to start Tuesday using one of the station's stationary exercise cycles and continue though Wednesday.

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Progress 29 unpiloted cargo ship was transported from its processing facility to the launch pad on Monday. Progress 29 is loaded with more than two tons of food, fuel and supplies for the space station. Progress 29 is set to launch Wednesday at 4:23 p.m. EDT and is scheduled to dock with the station Friday.

Source: NASA - Space Station

The press release is reproduced below:

Michael Curie
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-4715
michael.curie@nasa.gov

Jennifer Morcone
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256-544-7199
jennifer.j.morcone@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 08-119

New Water Reclamation System Headed for Duty on Space Station

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- International Space Station crews soon will have a new water reclamation system that will recycle wastewater, allowing up to six crew members to live aboard the orbiting laboratory.

The latest addition to the station's life support system departs today from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., for final flight preparations.

The new Water Recovery System, or WRS, is the second part of a comprehensive life support system for the station. It is scheduled to fly aboard space shuttle Endeavour on STS-126 targeted for later this year. The first part of the system, the Oxygen Generation System, was launched on shuttle Discovery in July 2006. The two systems are part of NASA's Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System, or ECLSS, for the station.

"Recycling will be an essential part of daily life for future astronauts, whether on board the space station or living on the moon," said Mike Suffredini, the station program manager. "Delivering this hardware is an important step in achieving the station's full potential, allowing for additional crew members and more scientific research."

By recycling, the system reduces the dependence on Earth resupply by cutting the amount of water and consumables needed to be launched by about 15,000 pounds, or 6,800 kilograms, a year.

"As early as the late 1960's we knew sustaining life in space would require recycling water and oxygen," said Bob Bagdigian, ECLSS project manager. "A number of us have experienced the entire lifecycle of this technology, all the way from early ideas to implementation. Knowing that we will soon see this system completed, gives us great pride."

Through a series of chemical treatment processes and filters, the Water Recovery System creates water clean enough to drink. In fact, part of the same process has been used in Third World countries to produce drinkable water.

A distillation process is used to recover water from urine. The process occurs within a rotating distillation assembly that compensates for the absence of gravity, aiding in the separation of liquids and gases in space. Once distilled, the water from the urine processor is combined with other wastewaters and delivered to the water processor for treatment.

The water processor removes free gas and solid materials such as hair and lint, before the water goes through a series of filtration beds for further purification. Any remaining organic contaminants and microorganisms are removed by a high-temperature catalytic reaction. These rigorous treatment processes create water that meets stringent purity standards for human consumption.

Engineers at Marshall and at Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International Inc., Windsor Locks, Conn., led the design and development of the Water Recovery System.

NASA Television will show highlights of the Water Recovery System undergoing checkout at Marshall, before shipment to Kennedy. The highlights will air during the NASA TV Video File Monday at 4 p.m. EDT and 10 p.m., and Tuesday at 6 a.m.

For downlink and scheduling information and links to streaming video, visit:


For information about the space station, visit:


Source: NASA Press Release 08-119

May 9, 2008: Any Trekkies out there? Remember the tricorder? Dr. McCoy and Mr. Spock both carried them, and they came in mighty handy exploring "strange new worlds ...where no one has gone before."

On the International Space Station, astronauts are carrying an experimental device that looks strikingly similar: LOCAD-PTS, short for Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development Portable Test System. This handheld biological lab is the first step along the path to developing something akin to Dr. McCoy's medical tricorder.



"LOCAD is like that tricorder in that it is portable, rapid, and detects a biochemical molecule," says Heather Morris, LOCAD scientist from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and an admitted Star Trek fan. But while tricorders could do almost anything from checking vital signs to finding alien life, LOCAD is a little more specialized: "LOCAD is specifically designed to detect and identify microbes on space station surfaces."

It is a fact of life that wherever humans go, microbes follow. Biologists estimate that every human body has at least a trillion hitchhiking microbes, accounting for as much as 2% of a person's total mass. Most live in harmony with native human cells; others can make you sick.

LOCAD keeps track of these tiny lifeforms.

Here's how it works: An ISS crewmember uses a dry swab to take samples of surfaces where microbes might be lurking. Flushing sterile water through the swab converts the sample to liquid form, and the astronaut puts a few drops into the LOCAD. What's in the sample? The system gives its answer less than 15 minutes later. The whole easy procedure is done on location. Nothing has to be sent back to a lab on Earth, which would take time and introduce the possibility of contamination en route.

"It's important to monitor bacteria on the space station so we can find the best way to keep them under control," says Morris, who adds this curiosity: "LOCAD can't yet distinguish between live and dead bacteria." So no one can cry out, it's dead, Jim! "We're working to add this capability in the future."


Above: Heather Morris works on LOCAD technology
in her laboratory at the Marshall Space Flight Center.

In addition to detecting Gram-negative1 bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, the latest LOCAD cartridges just sent up to station aboard shuttle mission STS-123 can alert the crew to fungi. Since fungi actually decomposed some electronics on the Russian Space Station MIR, they have become unwelcome "house guests." LOCAD can detect low concentrations of a common fungal compound; this allows LOCAD to find fungi on surfaces before the fungi have a chance to multiply.

By the end of the year, yet another cartridge will be available for the space station. This one will detect the presence of Gram-positive bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus.

"Ultimately we want to provide cartridges for all kinds of micro-organisms and chemical compounds," says Morris. "We'd even like to be able to use our system to figure out what 'bug' an astronaut has if he or she becomes ill."

Lisa Monaco, LOCAD project scientist, adds her vision of the future: "What we are developing at MSFC has use not only on the ISS, but also on lunar missions, long duration stays on other planets, and most certainly here on Earth."

In the years ahead, as space voyages become longer and longer, it will be even more imperative to have ways of checking astronauts' health and monitoring electronics. For the record, no astronaut has ever become seriously ill on any space mission. However, the scientists point out that if an astronaut did ever get sick, it would take too much time to send a sample back to Earth, have it tested, and receive a long-distance answer. With next-generation LOCAD technologies, detection and diagnosis would be quick, easy, and on the spot.

Dr. McCoy, here we come.



Gram staining (or Gram's method) is an empirical method of differentiating bacterial species into two large groups (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) based on the chemical and physical properties of their cell walls.

The method is named after its inventor, the Danish scientist Hans Christian Gram (1853 – 1938), who developed the technique in 1884 to discriminate between pneumococci and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria.

¹Gram-negative bacteria are those bacteria that do not retain crystal violet dye in the Gram staining protocol Gram-positive bacteria will retain the crystal violet dye when washed in a decolorizing solution. In a Gram stain test, a counterstain (commonly safranin) is added after the crystal violet, coloring all Gram-negative bacteria a red or pink color. The test itself is useful in classifying two distinct types of bacteria based on structural differences in their cell walls.

Many species of Gram-negative bacteria are pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease in a host organism. This pathogenic capability is usually associated with certain components of Gram-negative cell walls, in particular the lipopolysaccharide (also known as LPS or endotoxin) layer. In humans, LPS triggers an innate immune response characterized by cytokine production and immune system activation. Inflammation is a common result of cytokine production, which can also produce host toxicity.

NASA's Future: US Space Exploration Policy

Source: Science@NASA

how many people are on the ISS now?

Three. Except during crew change over (when a second Soyuz or a shuttle is docked) this will remain the standard crew until after STS-128. This mission, due in 2009, will enable the ISS to be permanently manned by a crew of six.

May 12, 2008, Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

Soyuz launch vehicle was rolled out from the integration building to the launch pad. Soyuz-U launch vehicle with Progress M-64 transport vehicle is installed on the launch pad. L-2 days activities have been started.




post continued below...

...continued from above.



Source: S.P. Korolev RSC Energia

Station Crew Continues Preparations for Progress and Shuttle


Image above: Cosmonauts Sergei Volkov (center), Expedition 17 commander; Oleg Kononenko
(left) and NASA astronaut Garrett Reisman, both flight engineers, take a moment to pose for a
photo in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA

Systems aboard the International Space Station continued to perform well on Tuesday as the Expedition 17 crew continued preparations for the arrivals of the Progress 29 unpiloted cargo ship and space shuttle Discovery.

Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko brushed up on use of the TORO manual docking system in the Zvezda service module before conducting a full test of the system. This system can be used if the automatic Kurs system fails during docking of a Progress unpiloted cargo carrier.

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Progress 29 cargo ship was transported from its processing facility to the launch pad on Monday. Progress 29 is loaded with more than two tons of food, fuel and supplies for the space station. It is set to launch Wednesday at 4:22 p.m. EDT and is scheduled to dock with the station Friday.

Volkov and Kononenko also conducted a Russian health and fitness experiment designed to help measure and counteract the effects of long-term exposure to a zero gravity environment.

The station crew spent time in a conference with the STS-124 crew members to review joint docked operations and get ready for the arrival of space shuttle Discovery early next month.

The crew members took a break from their tasks to participate in in-flight interviews with the Parsippany, N.J., Daily Record and CNN Radio.

Source: NASA - Space Station

The press release is reproduced below:

Michael Curie
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-4715
michael.curie@nasa.gov

Kylie Clem
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
kylie.s.clem@nasa.gov v

RELEASE: 08-121

NASA Assigns Part of Crew for Expedition 20 Space Station Mission

WASHINGTON -- NASA and its international partners have assigned two crew members to the Expedition 20 International Space Station mission.

NASA astronaut Timothy J. Creamer, a colonel in the U.S. Army, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi will launch on a Soyuz spacecraft in November 2009. Creamer will be making his first trip to space.

Creamer and Noguchi will join the Expedition 20 mission in progress and remain aboard the space station for six months as flight engineers. Creamer also will serve as a NASA science officer. Other members of the Expedition 20 crew have yet to be named. Expedition 20 will continue assembly of the station as well as outfit the orbiting complex with spare parts and supplies.

Creamer was born in Fort Huachuca, Ariz., but considers Upper Marlboro, Md., to be his hometown. He has a bachelor's in chemistry from Loyola College and a master's in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998.

Noguchi was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, and considers Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, his hometown. He has a bachelor's and a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Tokyo. He flew as a mission specialist aboard space shuttle Discovery's return to flight mission in 2005 and performed three spacewalks. He was selected as an astronaut in 1996 by Japan's National Space Development Agency, which now is known as JAXA. He reported to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston in August 1996.

Crew members named as backups are NASA astronaut and Army Col. Douglas H. Wheelock, and JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa.

For complete astronaut biographical information, visit:


For information about the space station, visit:


Source: NASA Press Release 08-121

Progress Launches to Space Station


Image above: Russian Federal Space Agency cosmonauts Sergei Volkov (left), Expedition 17
commander, and Oleg Kononenko, flight engineer, take a moment for a photo in the Jules
Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) while it remains docked with the International
Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA

A new Progress cargo carrier launched to the International Space Station at 4:22 p.m. EDT Wednesday with more than 2.3 tons of fuel, air, water, propellant and other supplies and equipment aboard.

The station's 29th Progress unpiloted spacecraft brings to the orbiting laboratory more than 770 pounds of propellant, more than 100 pounds of oxygen and air, about 925 pounds of water and 2,850 pounds of dry cargo. Total cargo weight is 4,657 pounds.

P29 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It is scheduled to dock at the Earth-facing port of the station's Zarya module Friday at about 5:30 p.m. It replaces the trash-filled P28 which was undocked from the Pirs docking compartment on April 7 and destroyed on re-entry.

P29 will use the automated Kurs system to dock to the station. Expedition 17 Commander Sergei Volkov will be at the manual TORU docking system controls, should his intervention become necessary.

Once Expedition 17 crew members have unloaded the cargo, P29 will be filled with trash and station discards. It will be undocked from the station and like its predecessors deorbited to burn in the Earth's atmosphere.

The Progress is similar in appearance and some design elements to the Soyuz spacecraft, which brings crew members to the station, serves as a lifeboat while they are there and returns them to Earth. The aft module, the instrumentation and propulsion module, is nearly identical.

But the second of the three Progress sections is a refueling module, and the third, uppermost as the Progress sits on the launch pad, is a cargo module. On the Soyuz, the descent module, where the crew is seated on launch and which returns them to Earth, is the middle module and the third is called the orbital module.

Source: NASA - Space Station

May 15, 2008, Baikonur launch site, branch office of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia

According to the flight program and Russian Party commitments under the International Space Station Project (ISS), Progress M-64 transport cargo vehicle was launched from Baikonur launch site at 00:22:56 Moscow time.
The launch is aimed at delivering more than 2.3 tons of various cargo items to the ISS, which are required to continue station manned operation and support crew living and working conditions for the crew. Oxygen, water and food supplies, propellant, spacesuit Sokol KV-2, consumables, scientific hardware and equipment were flown from the earth to orbit.
The vehicle was injected into a reference near-earth orbit with the following parameters: inclination of 51.65°, minimum altitude of 193.9 km, maximum altitude of 245.9 km, revolution of 88.57 min.
The vehicle onboard systems operate as designed.
The vehicle processing and launch were conducted under direction of the State Commission (chaired by A.N. Perminov, Director of Roscosmos). The Commission made decisions on implementing the processing and launch stages based on conclusions of the Technical Management led by V.A. Lopota, President of S.P.Korolev RSC Energia, General Designer.
According to the telemetry information and reports of the ISS Increment 17 crew, the station onboard systems operate as designed. The station is ready for vehicle docking.
The vehicle docking is planned on May 17, 2008 at 01:37:30 Moscow time.

For reference:

1. The crew consisting of Sergey Volkov (test cosmonaut, Yu.A. Gagarin CTC RGNII, crew commander), Oleg Kononenko (test cosmonaut, S.P. Korolev RSC Energia, flight engineer 1) and Garrett Reisman (NASA astronaut, flight engineer 2) work onboard the ISS.
2. S.P. Korolev RSC Energia is a leading Russian rocket and space industrial enterprise in the area of manned space flight programs, responsible for development, integration and operation of the ISS Russian Segment, including development and operation of the main Russian modules (Zvezda, Pirs and others), manufacturing, launch and operation of Soyuz TMA, Progress M vehicles.
3. Progress M-64 is the 29th Russian cargo vehicle, which was launched to the ISS within this project.
4. Planned plant tests of Progress M-65 and the first modified Progress vehicle are currently conducted at S.P. Korolev RSC Energia. These vehicles are to be launched to the ISS this year

Source: S.P. Korolev RSC Energia

Station Crew Prepares For Arrival of Progress


Image above: Layers of Earth's atmosphere, brightly colored as the sun sets over South America,
are featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 17 crewmember on the International
Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA

After the successful launch of a new Progress cargo carrier, the Expedition 17 crew members aboard the International Space Station are making final preparations for its arrival.

P29 launched to the station at 4:22 p.m. EDT Wednesday with more than 2.3 tons of fuel, air, water, propellant and other supplies and equipment aboard.

P29 began its journey to the station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and is scheduled to dock at the Earth-facing port of the station's Zarya module Friday about 5:30 p.m. It replaces the trash-filled P28 which was undocked from the Pirs docking compartment on April 7 and destroyed on re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

To prepare for Friday’s new arrival, Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko participated in a conference with ground controllers to review Progress docking procedures.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman made updates to the station’s emergency procedures manual. These updates are sent to the station electronically. They also are printed out aboard. They are designed to help crew members deal with emergencies that may occur on the station.

In addition, the crew members completed various regular station maintenance duties and performed their daily physical exercise routines to counteract the effects of weightlessness in space. They also reviewed transfer procedures for next month’s expected arrival of space shuttle Discovery and the STS-124 crew.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Progress To Arrive at Station Today


Image above: Russian Federal Space Agency cosmonaut Sergei Volkov, Expedition 17
commander, smiles for a photo while floating in the Destiny laboratory of the International
Space Station.
Photo Credit: NASA

A new Progress cargo carrier is scheduled to dock to the Earth-facing port of the International Space Station's Zarya module about 5:40 p.m. EDT today with more than 2.3 tons of fuel, oxygen, air, water, propellant and other supplies and equipment aboard.

The station's 29th Progress unpiloted spacecraft brings to the orbiting laboratory more than 770 pounds of propellant, more than 100 pounds of oxygen and air, about 925 pounds of water and 2,850 pounds of dry cargo. Total cargo weight is 4,657 pounds.

Progress 29 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, May 14, at 4:22 p.m. It replaces the trash-filled Progress 28 which was undocked from Pirs on April 7 and destroyed on re-entry.

Progress 29 docking coverage will begin at 5 p.m. on NASA TV

Source: NASA - Space Station

Progress Docks to Space Station


Image above: A view of the Progress 29 cargo carrier as it approaches the International Space
Station for docking.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

A new Progress cargo carrier docked to the Earth-facing port of the International Space Station's Zarya module at 5:39 p.m. EDT Friday with more than 2.3 tons of fuel, oxygen, air, water, propellant and other supplies and equipment aboard.

The station's 29th Progress unpiloted spacecraft brings to the orbiting laboratory more than 770 pounds of propellant, more than 100 pounds of oxygen and air, about 925 pounds of water and 2,850 pounds of dry cargo. Total cargo weight is 4,657 pounds.

P29 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, May 14, at 4:22 p.m. It replaces the trash-filled P28 which was undocked from Pirs on April 7 and destroyed on re-entry.

P29 used the automated Kurs system to dock to the station. Expedition 17 Commander Sergi Volkov was at the manual TORU docking system controls, should his intervention have become necessary.

Once Expedition 17 crew members have unloaded the cargo, P29 will be filled with trash and station discards. It will be undocked from the station and like its predecessors deorbited to burn in the Earth's atmosphere.

The Progress is similar in appearance and some design elements to the Soyuz spacecraft, which brings crew members to the station, serves as a lifeboat while they are there and returns them to Earth. The aft module, the instrumentation and propulsion module, is nearly identical.

But the second of the three Progress sections is a refueling module, and the third, uppermost as the Progress sits on the launch pad, is a cargo module. On the Soyuz, the descent module, where the crew is seated on launch and which returns them to Earth, is the middle module and the third is called the orbital module.

Source: NASA - Space Station

The contract release is reproduced below:

Michael Curie
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-4715
michael.curie@nasa.gov

Nicole Cloutier-Lemasters
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
nicole.cloutier-1@nasa.gov

CONTRACT RELEASE: C08-027

NASA Extends Space Station Contract With ARES Corp.

HOUSTON -- NASA Wednesday awarded ARES Corp. in Houston a one-year contract extension valued at $25.7 million for services required to continue the development and operation of the International Space Station.

ARES Corp. has held the station's program integration and control contract since January 2004. The one-year extension brings the total value of the contract to $151.8 million. The extension, which begins Oct. 1, 2008, is the first of two such options provided for in the original contract.

ARES provides integrated vehicle performance and risk management, configuration and schedule management, information technology management, resource analysis, and cost estimating services.

Major subcontractors include Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Barrios Technology, in Houston. For more information about the space station, visit:


For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:


Source: NASA Contract Release C08-027

Crew Performs Leak Checks; Prepares for Discovery


Image above: Tropical Cyclone Nargis as seen from the International Space Station on April
29, 2008. This picture was taken several days prior to impact at Burma..
Photo Credit: NASA

The Expedition 17 crew members aboard the International Space Station began their work week with a light duty day on Monday.

Routine leak checks were conducted on the fuel and oxidizer lines on the newly arrived Progress 29 cargo craft. The P29 will be used later to transfer propellant to the Zvezda service module.

The crew also reviewed robotics procedures for the arrival of space shuttle Discovery during the upcoming STS-124 mission scheduled to launch May 31 at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module-Pressurized Module and a robotic arm system to the orbital outpost.

Over the weekend, the crew began unloading supplies from the P29 cargo ship. The new Progress cargo carrier docked to the Earth-facing port of the International Space Station's Zarya module at 5:39 p.m. Friday with more than 2.3 tons of fuel, oxygen, air, water, propellant and other supplies and equipment aboard.

P29 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, May 14, at 4:22 p.m. It replaces the trash-filled P28 which was undocked from Pirs on April 7 and destroyed on re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Crew Prepares for Discovery; Works with Spacesuits


Image above: Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman works with U.S. spacesuits inside the Quest airlock.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

The Expedition 17 crew members aboard the International Space Station continued preparations Wednesday for the arrival of space shuttle Discovery during the STS-124 mission.

Discovery is scheduled to launch May 31 at 5:02 p.m. EDT and will deliver the largest section of Kibo -- the Japanese Experiment Module -- and its robotic arm system to the orbiting complex.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman concluded his refresher training with the Canadarm2 robotic arm for its use during the upcoming mission.

Reisman also worked in the Quest airlock charging the batteries of the spacesuits that will be used to perform the three spacewalks planned for STS-124.

Leak checks were performed by Commander Sergei Volkov on the new Russian Sokol launch and entry spacesuit that was recently delivered to the station by the Progress 29 resupply ship. The suit replaces the one with a broken zipper he wore for the Soyuz TMA-12 launch and docking last month. The damaged suit will be returned to Earth on Discovery to be repaired in Russia for future use.

Additionally, the crew continued unloading the Progress cargo ship as water from the P29 tanks was transferred to the tanks in the Zvezda service module.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Science, Maintenance and STS-124 Preps Keep Station Crew Busy


Image above: The International Space Station is pictured in its configuration after space shuttle
Discovery ends its STS-124 mission in June.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

The Expedition 17 crew continues pressing ahead with science, station maintenance and preparations for the upcoming STS-124 mission.

Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman worked on a science experiment in the Columbus module using the Microgravity Science Glovebox. The experiment, Cell Wall/Resist Wall, studies the microscopic effects of plant growth in space. Plant samples were collected and stored in a freezer for return to Earth when space shuttle Discovery completes its STS-124 mission in mid-June.

Reisman also continued checking the U.S. spacesuits that will be used during the three spacewalks planned while Discovery is at the station. Shuttle astronauts Ron Garan and Mike Fossum will work on the station’s truss structure and outfit Japan’s Kibo laboratory.

Reisman along with fellow flight engineer Oleg Kononenko and Commander Sergei Volkov spent an hour Friday morning measuring their body mass. The measurements are recorded and downlinked to specialists on the ground for analysis.

The two cosmonauts also were in the Zvezda service module checking on a coolant leak in the dehumidifiers and working on the toilet. They succeeded in repairing the toilet by replacing a micro-processor valve.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Zvezda Bathroom Repairs and Shuttle Preps for Crew


Image above: The station crew reviews the STS-124 timeline during a conference with U.S.
planners. Inside the Destiny laboratory are (from left), Commander Sergei Volkov and flight
engineers Garrett Reisman and Oleg Kononenko.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

After repair attempts over the weekend, the Zvezda service module toilet experienced additional difficulties Tuesday morning. A toilet malfunction last week was initially repaired by replacing a micro-processor valve. The station crew members were directed to use Soyuz toilet facilities at first and are now using the main toilet again after rigging a urine bypass. Several other backup solutions are available. Ground specialists continue to troubleshoot the problem. Russian engineers are working with NASA to add spare toilet parts to space shuttle Discovery’s manifest before the May 31 launch.

Meanwhile, the station crew continues preparations for the upcoming STS-124 mission. Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman practiced photography techniques they will use when Discovery performs a Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver – a back-flip – before docking with the station on Monday, June 2. Photos of the shuttle’s thermal heat shield will be downlinked to specialists for detailed analysis. The crew also reviewed the mission timeline during a conference with U.S. planners on Tuesday morning.

Over the weekend, the crew members had an off-duty day on Sunday, performed their normal maintenance tasks and worked with ongoing science experiments.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Station Crew Gets Ready for New Japanese Lab


Image above: Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman (center) is at work in the Destiny laboratory
while Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko exercises on the station’s ergometer.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

As the launch countdown began for Saturday’s STS-124 launch, the station crew started preparing video cameras for installation on Kibo, the Japanese laboratory. The cameras will be installed during a spacewalk by shuttle astronauts Mike Fossum and Ron Garan. The U.S. spacesuits on the International Space Station are also being readied for the shuttle visitors to use during STS-124's three planned spacewalks.

The Japanese experiment module – the largest station laboratory – will be installed on the Harmony Node’s port side after STS-124’s first spacewalk ends. A Japanese logistics module that was installed on Harmony during STS-123 will be relocated on top of the new laboratory.

With the crew members experiencing difficulties with Zvezda’s toilet over the last several days, mission managers have decided to add spare parts for launch aboard space shuttle Discovery. Meanwhile, procedures have been uplinked to the station as the crew attempts to return the toilet to full functionality.

Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to begin its mission to the International Space Station at 5:02 p.m. EDT Saturday. Discovery is delivering the Japanese lab, a robotic arm and a new station crew member, Gregory Chamitoff. Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman will switch places with Chamitoff and return home with Discovery ending his stay as Expedition 17 flight engineer.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Toilet Work and STS-124 Mission Preps Continue


Image above: This is a view of the toilet inside the Zvezda service module in a photo taken
during Expedition 6.
Photo Credit: NASA TV

Spare parts from Russia for the Zvezda service module toilet have been installed aboard space shuttle Discovery. Parts include a gas/liquid separator, urine collector bags, filters and other hardware.

The onboard repairs to the toilet have had limited success, and the toilet can now be used for liquid waste although not in a fully normal mode. The crew and Russian ground controllers are continuing to troubleshoot the problem.

In preparation for Discovery’s visit to the station, the Expedition 17 crew members press ahead with routine maintenance and housekeeping. They are swapping out laptop computers and transferring condensate water into Europe’s Automated Transfer Vehicle.

Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman continue sharpening the photography skills they will use as the shuttle approaches the station on Monday, June 2. Reisman will also hold a planning conference with spacewalk specialists on the ground.

Discovery is scheduled to begin the STS-124 mission to the International Space Station at 5:02 p.m. EDT Saturday. The shuttle is delivering the Japanese lab, a robotic arm and a new station crew member, Gregory Chamitoff. Reisman will switch places with Chamitoff and return home with Discovery ending his stay as Expedition 17 flight engineer.

Source: NASA - Space Station

Toilet Work and STS-124 Mission Preps Continue


Image above: The Expedition 17 crew members. From left: Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko, Commander Sergei Volkov and Flight Engineer Garrett.
Photo Credit: NASA

Onboard the International Space Station the Expedition 17 crew is busy with maintenance and STS-124 preparations.

Expedition 17 Flight Engineer Garrett Reisman has been checking out television cameras that will be installed on the Japanese laboratory, Kibo, during the STS-124 mission. Kibo will be delivered aboard Discovery and attached to the Harmony Node’s port side.

A new station crew member, Greg Chamitoff, will arrive at the orbiting complex with the STS-124 crew. He will switch places with Reisman who is ending his stay as Expedition 17 flight engineer. Reisman will return home when STS-124 leaves the station and completes its mission.

On the station, the toilet in the Zvezda service module is working, though not at full functionality. The crew members are monitoring the toilet's condition and continuously make adjustments. Russian ground specialists along with the crew are troubleshooting the problem.

+ View hi-resolution image of the Zvezda service module toilet (934 Kb)

Spare parts from Russia for the toilet were installed in space shuttle Discovery’s middeck. Parts include a gas/liquid separator, urine collector bags, filters and other hardware. Discovery is scheduled to begin the STS-124 mission to the International Space Station at 5:02 p.m. EDT Saturday.

Source: NASA - Space Station

It's all in the details they say. I was wondering why Engineer Reisman has two Watches on? I'm sure he has a good reason, but thats what I noticed first.

ROG,
I'm thinking that what you're seeing on Garrett's wrist isn't another watch, per-se. It's hard to tell from the picture, but I think what it is-- is a wrist born device that may be associated with a particular function that he is participating in. Medical experimentation and data collection is prominent aboard ISS, and there's a device called the Actilight watch, which measures light intensity, and body movement...as well as helps evaluate sleep quality and circadian cycles in the rather unusual enviornment of the ISS.

However, it is certainly not unusual to actually see more than one watch (as in time piece) on an astronauts wrist. It d