International Space Station Mechanisms and Maintenance Flight Control Documentation and Training Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daugherty, Colin C.

2010-01-01

International Space Station (ISS) crew and flight controller training documentation is used to aid in training operations. The Generic Simulations References SharePoint (Gen Sim) site is a database used as an aid during flight simulations. The Gen Sim site is used to make individual mission segment timelines, data, and flight information easily accessible to instructors. The Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) training schematic includes simple and complex fluid schematics, as well as overall hardware locations. It is used as a teaching aid during WHC lessons for both ISS crew and flight controllers. ISS flight control documentation is used to support all aspects of ISS mission operations. The Quick Look Database and Consolidated Tool Page are imagery-based references used in real-time to help the Operations Support Officer (OSO) find data faster and improve discussions with the Flight Director and Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM). A Quick Look page was created for the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) by locating photos of the module interior, labeling specific hardware, and organizing them in schematic form to match the layout of the PMM interior. A Tool Page was created for the Maintenance Work Area (MWA) by gathering images, detailed drawings, safety information, procedures, certifications, demonstration videos, and general facts of each MWA component and displaying them in an easily accessible and consistent format. Participation in ISS mechanisms and maintenance lessons, mission simulation On-the-Job Training (OJT), and real-time flight OJT was used as an opportunity to train for day-to-day operations as an OSO, as well as learn how to effectively respond to failures and emergencies during mission simulations and real-time flight operations.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-02-01

The Payload Operations Center (POC) is the science command post for the International Space Station (ISS). Located at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, it is the focal point for American and international science activities aboard the ISS. The POC's unique capabilities allow science experts and researchers around the world to perform cutting-edge science in the unique microgravity environment of space. The POC is staffed around the clock by shifts of payload flight controllers. At any given time, 8 to 10 flight controllers are on consoles operating, plarning for, and controlling various systems and payloads. This photograph shows a Payload Rack Officer (PRO) at a work station. The PRO is linked by a computer to all payload racks aboard the ISS. The PRO monitors and configures the resources and environment for science experiments including EXPRESS Racks, multiple-payload racks designed for commercial payloads.

ISS emergency scenarios and a virtual training simulator for Flight Controllers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhlig, Thomas; Roshani, Frank-Cyrus; Amodio, Ciro; Rovera, Alessandro; Zekusic, Nikola; Helmholz, Hannes; Fairchild, Matthew

2016-11-01

The current emergency response concept for the International Space Station (ISS) includes the support of the Flight Control Team. Therefore, the team members need to be trained in emergencies and the corresponding crew procedures to ensure a smooth collaboration between crew and ground. In the case where the astronaut and ground personnel training is not collocated it is a challenging endeavor to ensure and maintain proper knowledge and skills for the Flight Control Team. Therefore, a virtual 3D simulator at the Columbus Control Center (Col-CC) is presented, which is used for ground personnel training in the on-board emergency response. The paper briefly introduces the main ISS emergency scenarios and the corresponding response strategy, details the resulting learning objectives for the Flight Controllers and elaborates on the new simulation method, which will be used in the future. The status of the 3D simulator, first experiences and further plans are discussed.

Assessment and Control of Spacecraft Charging Risks on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koontz, Steve; Edeen, Marybeth; Spetch, William; Dalton, Penni; Keening, Thomas

2003-01-01

Electrical interactions between the F2 region ionospheric plasma and the 160V photovoltaic (PV) electrical power system on the International Space Station (ISS) can produce floating potentials (FP) on the ISS conducting structure of greater magnitude than are usually observed on spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. Flight through the geomagnetic field also causes magnetic induction charging of ISS conducting structure. Charging processes resulting from interaction of ISS with auroral electrons may also contribute to charging albeit rarely. The magnitude and frequency of occurrence of possibly hazardous charging events depends on the ISS assembly stage (six more 160V PV arrays will be added to ISS), ISS flight configuration, ISS position (latitude and longitude), and the natural variability in the ionospheric flight environment. At present, ISS is equipped with two plasma contactors designed to control ISS FP to within 40 volts of the ambient F2 plasma. The negative-polarity grounding scheme utilized in the ISS 160V power system leads, naturally, to negative values of ISS FP. A negative ISS structural FP leads to application of electrostatic fields across the dielectrics that separate conducting structure from the ambient F2 plasma, thereby enabling dielectric breakdown and arcing. Degradation of some thermal control coatings and noise in electrical systems can result. Continued review and evaluation of the putative charging hazards, as required by the ISS Program Office, revealed that ISS charging could produce a risk of electric shock to the ISS crew during extra vehicular activity. ISS charging risks are being evaluated in ongoing ISS charging measurements and analysis campaigns. The results of ISS charging measurements are combined with a recently developed detailed model of the ISS charging process and an extensive analysis of historical ionospheric variability data, to assess ISS charging risks using Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) methods. The PRA analysis (estimated frequency of occurrence and severity of the charging hazards) are then used to select the hazard control strategy that provides the best overall safety and mission success environment for ISS and the ISS crew. This paper presents: 1) a summary of ISS spacecraft charging analysis, measurements, observations made to date, 2) plans for future ISS spacecraft charging measurement campaigns, and 3) a detailed discussion of the PRA strategy used to assess ISS spacecraft charging risks and select charging hazard control strategies

Assessment and Control of International Space Station Spacecraft Charging Risks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koontz, S.; Edeen, M.; Spetch, W.; Dalton, P.; Keeping, T.; Minow, J.

2003-12-01

Electrical interactions between the F2 region ionospheric plasma and the 160V photovoltaic (PV) electrical power system on the International Space Station (ISS) can produce floating potentials (FP) on ISS conducting structure of greater magnitude than are usually observed on spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. Flight through the geomagnetic field also causes magnetic induction charging of ISS conducting structure. Charging processes resulting from interaction of ISS with auroral electrons may also contribute to charging, albeit rarely. The magnitude and frequency of occurrence of possibly hazardous charging events depends on the ISS assembly stage (six more 160V PV arrays will be added to ISS), ISS flight configuration, ISS position (latitude and longitude), and the natural variability in the ionospheric flight environment. At present, ISS is equipped with two plasma contactors designed to control ISS FP to within 40 volts of the ambient F2 plasma. The negative-polarity grounding scheme utilized in the ISS 160V power system leads, naturally, to negative values of ISS FP. A negative ISS structural FP leads to application of electrostatic fields across the dielectrics that separate conducting structure from the ambient F2 plasma, thereby enabling dielectric breakdown and arcing. Degradation of some thermal control coatings and noise in electrical systems can result. Continued review and evaluation of the putative charging hazards, as required by the ISS Program Office, revealed that ISS charging could produce a risk of electric shock to the ISS crew during extra vehicular activity. ISS charging risks are being evaluated in ongoing ISS charging measurements and analysis campaigns. The results of ISS charging measurements are combined with a recently developed detailed model of the ISS charging process and an extensive analysis of historical ionospheric variability data, to assess ISS charging risks using Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) methods. The PRA analysis (estimated frequency of occurrence and severity of the charging hazards) are then used to select the hazard control strategy that provides the best overall safety and mission success environment for ISS and the ISS crew. This paper presents: 1) a summary of ISS spacecraft charging analysis, measurements, observations made to date, 2) plans for future ISS spacecraft charging measurement campaigns, and 3) a detailed discussion of the PRA strategy used to assess ISS spacecraft charging risks and select charging hazard control strategies.

Document handover of ISS Flight Control room to new Flight Control Room in old MCC

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-10-06

JSC2006-E-43863 (6 Oct. 2006)--- International Space Station flight controllers have this area as their new home with increased technical capabilities, more workspace and a long, distinguished history. The newly updated facility is just down the hall from its predecessor at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston. This view is toward the rear of the "new" room. Known as Flight Control Room 1, it was first used to control a space flight 38 years ago, the mission of Apollo 7 launched Oct. 11, 1968. It was one of two control rooms for NASA's manned missions. The room it replaces in its new ISS role, designated the Blue Flight Control Room, had been in operation since the first station component was launched in 1998.

Simpler ISS Flight Control Communications and Log Keeping via Social Tools and Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, David W.; Cowart, Hugh; Stevens, Dan

2012-01-01

The heart of flight operations control involves a) communicating effectively in real time with other controllers in the room and/or in remote locations and b) tracking significant events, decisions, and rationale to support the next set of decisions, provide a thorough shift handover, and troubleshoot/improve operations. International Space Station (ISS) flight controllers speak with each other via multiple voice circuits or loops, each with a particular purpose and constituency. Controllers monitor and/or respond to several loops concurrently. The primary tracking tools are console logs, typically kept by a single operator and not visible to others in real-time. Information from telemetry, commanding, and planning systems also plays into decision-making. Email is very secondary/tertiary due to timing and archival considerations. Voice communications and log entries supporting ISS operations have increased by orders of magnitude because the number of control centers, flight crew, and payload operations have grown. This paper explores three developmental ground system concepts under development at Johnson Space Center s (JSC) Mission Control Center Houston (MCC-H) and Marshall Space Flight Center s (MSFC) Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC). These concepts could reduce ISS control center voice traffic and console logging yet increase the efficiency and effectiveness of both. The goal of this paper is to kindle further discussion, exploration, and tool development.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-02-01

The Payload Operations Center (POC) is the science command post for the International Space Station (ISS). Located at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, it is the focal point for American and international science activities aboard the ISS. The POC's unique capabilities allow science experts and researchers around the world to perform cutting-edge science in the unique microgravity environment of space. The POC is staffed around the clock by shifts of payload flight controllers. At any given time, 8 to 10 flight controllers are on consoles operating, plarning for, and controlling various systems and payloads. This photograph shows the Operations Controllers (OC) at their work stations. The OC coordinates the configuration of resources to enable science operations, such as power, cooling, commanding, and the availability of items like tools and laboratory equipment.

History of POIC Capabilities and Limitations to Conduct International Space Station Payload Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grimaldi, Rebecca; Horvath, Tim; Morris, Denise; Willis, Emily; Stacy, Lamar; Shell, Mike; Faust, Mark; Norwood, Jason

2011-01-01

Payload science operations on the International Space Station (ISS) have been conducted continuously twenty-four hours per day, 365 days a year beginning February, 2001 and continuing through present day. The Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC), located at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, has been a leader in integrating and managing NASA distributed payload operations. The ability to conduct science operations is a delicate balance of crew time, onboard vehicle resources, hardware up-mass to the vehicle, and ground based flight control team manpower. Over the span of the last ten years, the POIC flight control team size, function, and structure has been modified several times commensurate with the capabilities and limitations of the ISS program. As the ISS vehicle has been expanded and its systems changed throughout the assembly process, the resources available to conduct science and research have also changed. Likewise, as ISS program financial resources have demanded more efficiency from organizations across the program, utilization organizations have also had to adjust their functionality and structure to adapt accordingly. The POIC has responded to these often difficult challenges by adapting our team concept to maximize science research return within the utilization allocations and vehicle limitations that existed at the time. In some cases, the ISS and systems limitations became the limiting factor in conducting science. In other cases, the POIC structure and flight control team size were the limiting factors, so other constraints had to be put into place to assure successful science operations within the capabilities of the POIC. This paper will present the POIC flight control team organizational changes responding to significant events of the ISS and Shuttle programs.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-03-30

Astronaut James S. Voss, Expedition Two flight engineer, performs an electronics task in the Russian Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Zvezda is linked to the Russian-built Functional Cargo Block (FGB), or Zarya, the first component of the ISS. Zarya was launched on a Russian Proton rocket prior to the launch of Unity, the first U.S.-built component to the ISS. Zvezda (Russian word for star), the third component of the ISS and the primary Russian contribution to the ISS, was launched by a three-stage Proton rocket on July 12, 2000. Zvezda serves as the cornerstone for early human habitation of the station, providing living quarters, a life support system, electrical power distribution, a data processing system, a flight control system, and a propulsion system. It also provides a communications system that includes remote command capabilities from ground flight controllers. The 42,000-pound module measures 43 feet in length and has a wing span of 98 feet. Similar in layout to the core module of Russia's Mir space station, it contains 3 pressurized compartments and 13 windows that allow ultimate viewing of Earth and space.

JSC2001E21574

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-07-01

JSC2001-E-21574 (16 July 2001) --- ISS Orbit 1 flight director Sally Davis and Derek Hassman monitor International Space Station (ISS) issues at their consoles in the blue flight control room (BFCR) in Houston's Mission Control Center (MCC). At the time this photo was taken, the STS-104 and Expedition Two crews had joined efforts to perform a number of station-related tasks.

International Space Station Sustaining Engineering: A Ground-Based Test Bed for Evaluating Integrated Environmental Control and Life Support System and Internal Thermal Control System Flight Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Charles D.; Perry, Jay L.; Callahan, David M.

2000-01-01

As the International Space Station's (ISS) various habitable modules are placed in service on orbit, the need to provide for sustaining engineering becomes increasingly important to ensure the proper function of critical onboard systems. Chief among these are the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) and the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS). Without either, life onboard the ISS would prove difficult or nearly impossible. For this reason, a ground-based ECLSS/ITCS hardware performance simulation capability has been developed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The ECLSS/ITCS Sustaining Engineering Test Bed will be used to assist the ISS Program in resolving hardware anomalies and performing periodic performance assessments. The ISS flight configuration being simulated by the test bed is described as well as ongoing activities related to its preparation for supporting ISS Mission 5A. Growth options for the test facility are presented whereby the current facility may be upgraded to enhance its capability for supporting future station operation well beyond Mission 5A. Test bed capabilities for demonstrating technology improvements of ECLSS hardware are also described.

Optimal Propellant Maneuver Flight Demonstrations on ISS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhatt, Sagar; Bedrossian, Nazareth; Longacre, Kenneth; Nguyen, Louis

2013-01-01

In this paper, first ever flight demonstrations of Optimal Propellant Maneuver (OPM), a method of propulsive rotational state transition for spacecraft controlled using thrusters, is presented for the International Space Station (ISS). On August 1, 2012, two ISS reorientations of about 180deg each were performed using OPMs. These maneuvers were in preparation for the same-day launch and rendezvous of a Progress vehicle, also a first for ISS visiting vehicles. The first maneuver used 9.7 kg of propellant, whereas the second used 10.2 kg. Identical maneuvers performed without using OPMs would have used approximately 151.1kg and 150.9kg respectively. The OPM method is to use a pre-planned attitude command trajectory to accomplish a rotational state transition. The trajectory is designed to take advantage of the complete nonlinear system dynamics. The trajectory choice directly influences the cost of the maneuver, in this case, propellant. For example, while an eigenaxis maneuver is kinematically the shortest path between two orientations, following that path requires overcoming the nonlinear system dynamics, thereby increasing the cost of the maneuver. The eigenaxis path is used for ISS maneuvers using thrusters. By considering a longer angular path, the path dependence of the system dynamics can be exploited to reduce the cost. The benefits of OPM for the ISS include not only reduced lifetime propellant use, but also reduced loads, erosion, and contamination from thrusters due to fewer firings. Another advantage of the OPM is that it does not require ISS flight software modifications since it is a set of commands tailored to the specific attitude control architecture. The OPM takes advantage of the existing ISS control system architecture for propulsive rotation called USTO control mode1. USTO was originally developed to provide ISS Orbiter stack attitude control capability for a contingency tile-repair scenario, where the Orbiter is maneuvered using its robotic manipulator relative to the ISS. Since 2005 USTO has been used for nominal ISS operations.

Leadership and Cultural Challenges in Operating the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clement, J. L.; Ritsher, J. B.; Saylor, S. A.; Kanas, N.

2006-01-01

Operating the International Space Station (ISS) involves an indefinite, continuous series of long-duration international missions, and this requires an unprecedented degree of cooperation across multiple sites, organizations, and nations. ISS flight controllers have had to find ways to maintain effective team performance in this challenging new context. The goal of this study was to systematically identify and evaluate the major leadership and cultural challenges faces by ISS flight controllers, and to highlight the approaches that they have found most effective to surmount these challenges. We conducted a qualitative survey using a semi-structured interview. Subjects included 14 senior NASA flight controllers who were chosen on the basis of having had substantial experience working with international partners. Data were content analyzed using an iterative process with multiple coders and consensus meetings to resolve discrepancies. To further explore the meaning of the interview findings, we also conducted some new analyses of data from a previous questionnaire study of Russian and American ISS mission control personnel. The interview data showed that respondents had substantial consensus on several leadership and cultural challenges and on key strategies for dealing with them, and they offered a wide range of specific tactics for implementing these strategies. Surprisingly few respondents offered strategies for addressing the challenge of working with team members whose native language is not American English. The questionnaire data showed that Americans think it is more important than Russians that mission control personnel speak the same dialect of one shared common language. Although specific to the ISS program, our results are consistent with recent management, cultural, and aerospace research. We aim to use our results to improve training for current and future ISS flight controllers.

STS-132/ULF4 Flight Controllers on Console

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-18

JSC2010-E-081946 (18 May 2010) --- ISS flight director Emily Nelson monitors data at her console in the space station flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center during STS-132/ULF-4 mission flight day five activities.

STS-132/ULF4 Flight Controllers on Console

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-18

JSC2010-E-081914 (18 May 2010) --- ISS flight director Holly Ridings reviews data at her console in the space station flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center during STS-132/ULF-4 mission flight day five activities.

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25131 (16 August 2001) --- ISS flight director Mark Ferring (seated), assembly checkout officer (ACO) Jim Ruhnke and astronaut Stephanie D. Wilson, ISS spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM), discuss the progress of the extravehicular activities at their consoles in the station flight control room (BFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). Operations support officer (OSO) Ted Kenny is in the background participating in the discussion over the voice loops. At the time this photo was taken, mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of two scheduled space walks during Discovery’s voyage to the International Space Station (ISS).

Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit making a valve adjustment to the FCPA

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-17

ISS006-E-39401 (17 March 2003) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six NASA ISS science officer, makes a valve adjustment to the Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA), which is a part of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit making a valve adjustment to the FCPA

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-17

ISS006-E-39400 (17 March 2003) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six NASA ISS science officer, makes a valve adjustment to the Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA), which is a part of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

STS-132/ULF4 Flight Controllers on Console - Bldg. 30 south

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-20

JSC2010-E-086341 (20 May 2010) --- ISS flight director Holly Ridings monitors data at her console in the space station flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center during STS-132/ULF-4 mission flight day seven activities.

STS-132/ULF4 Flight Controllers on Console

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-18

JSC2010-E-081916 (18 May 2010) --- ISS flight directors Holly Ridings (seated) and Emily Nelson monitor data at their console in the space station flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center during STS-132/ULF-4 mission flight day five activities.

STS-132/ULF-4 Flight Control Team in FCR-1

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-20

JSC2010-E-085365 (20 May 2010) --- The members of the STS-132/ULF-4 ISS Orbit 2 flight control team pose for a group portrait in the space station flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Flight director Emily Nelson holds the Expedition 23 mission logo.

STS-132/ULF-4 Flight Control Team in FCR-1

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-19

JSC2010-E-086277 (19 May 2010) --- The members of the STS-132/ULF-4 ISS Orbit 1 flight control team pose for a group portrait in the space station flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Flight director Holly Ridings holds the STS-132 mission logo.

STS-132/ULF-4 Flight Control Team in FCR-1

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-20

JSC2010-E-086504 (20 May 2010) --- The members of the STS-132/ULF-4 ISS Orbit 3 flight control team pose for a group portrait in the space station flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Flight director Scott Stover holds the Expedition 23 mission logo.

jsc2013e100869

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-24

DATE: 12-24-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 2nd Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2013e100852

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-24

DATE: 12-24-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 2nd Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2013e100718

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-21

Photo Date: 12/21/2013 Location: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231 Subject: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 1st Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. Photographer: Robert Markowitz

jsc2013e100844

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-24

DATE: 12-24-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 2nd Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2013e100870

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-24

DATE: 12-24-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 2nd Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2013e100843

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-24

DATE: 12-24-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 2nd Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2013e100695

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-21

Photo Date: 12/21/2013 Location: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231 Subject: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 1st Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. Photographer: Robert Markowitz

jsc2013e100867

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-24

DATE: 12-24-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 2nd Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2013e100827

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-24

DATE: 12-24-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 2nd Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2013e100873

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-24

DATE: 12-24-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 2nd Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2013e100855

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-24

DATE: 12-24-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 2nd Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2013e100685

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-21

Photo Date: 12/21/2013 Location: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231 Subject: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 1st Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. Photographer: Robert Markowitz

jsc2013e100831

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-24

DATE: 12-24-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during Expedition 38's 2nd Spacewalk to repair a faulty ISS Coolant pump with Astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins. Flight Director: Dina Contella, Capcom's Doug Wheelock, Aki Hoshide, and Lead U.S. Spacewalk Officer Allison Bolinger. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-12-12

Astronauts Frank L. Culbertson, Jr. (left), Expedition Three mission commander, and Daniel W. Bursch, Expedition Four flight engineer, work in the Russian Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Zvezda is linked to the Russian built Functional Cargo Block (FGB), or Zarya, the first component of the ISS. Zarya was launched on a Russian Proton rocket prior to the launch of Unity. The third component of the ISS, Zvezda (Russian word for star), the primary Russian contribution to the ISS, was launched by a three-stage Proton rocket on July 12, 2000. Zvezda serves as the cornerstone for early human habitation of the Station, providing living quarters, a life support system, electrical power distribution, a data processing system, a flight control system, and a propulsion system. It also provides a communications system that includes remote command capabilities from ground flight controllers. The 42,000 pound module measures 43 feet in length and has a wing span of 98 feet. Similar in layout to the core module of Russia's Mir space station, it contains 3 pressurized compartments and 13 windows that allow ultimate viewing of Earth and space.

Stability of Formulations Contained in the Pharmaceutical Payload Aboard Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Putcha, Lakshmi; Du, Brian; Daniels, Vernie; Boyd, Jason L.; Crady, Camille; Satterfield, Rick

2008-01-01

Efficacious pharmaceuticals with adequate shelf life are essential for successful space medical operations in support of space exploration missions. Physical and environmental factors unique to space missions such as vibration, G forces and ionizing radiation may adversely affect stability of pharmaceuticals intended for standard care of astronauts aboard space missions. Stable pharmaceuticals, therefore, are of paramount importance for assuring health and wellness of astronauts in space. Preliminary examination of stability of formulations from Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) medical kits revealed that some of these medications showed physical and chemical degradation after flight raising concern of reduced therapeutic effectiveness with these medications in space. A research payload experiment was conducted with a select set of formulations stowed aboard a shuttle flight and on ISS. The payload consisted of four identical pharmaceutical kits containing 31 medications in different dosage forms that were transported to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Space Shuttle, STS 121. One of the four kits was stored on the shuttle and the other three were stored on the ISS for return to Earth at six months intervals on a pre-designated Shuttle flight for each kit; the shuttle kit was returned to Earth on the same flight. Standard stability indicating physical and chemical parameters were measured for all pharmaceuticals returned from the shuttle and from the first ISS increment payload along with ground-based matching controls. Results were compared between shuttle, ISS and ground controls. Evaluation of data from the three paradigms indicates that some of the formulations exhibited significant degradation in space compared to respective ground controls; a few formulations were unstable both on the ground and in space. An increase in the number of pharmaceuticals from ISS failing USP standards was noticed compared to those from the shuttle flight. A comprehensive evaluation of results is in progress.

STS-131/19A Flight Control Team in FCR-1 - Orbit 1- Flight Director Ron Spencer

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-04-14

JSC2010-E-052008 (14 April 2010) --- The members of the STS-131/19A ISS Orbit 2 flight control team pose for a group portrait in the space station flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Flight director Ron Spencer (right) holds the STS-131 mission logo.

STS-131/19A Flight Control Team in FCR-1 - Orbit 1- Flight Director Courtney McMillan

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-04-14

JSC2010-E-052979 (14 April 2010) --- The members of the STS-131/19A ISS Orbit 1 flight control team pose for a group portrait in the space station flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Flight director Courtenay McMillan (center) stands on the front row.

STS-131/19A Flight Control Team in FCR-1 - Orbit 3- Flight Director Ed Van Cise

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-04-14

JSC2010-E-052556 (14 April 2010) --- The members of the STS-131/19A ISS Orbit 3 flight control team pose for a group portrait in the space station flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Flight director Ed Van Cise holds the STS-131 mission logo.

Contrasting Perspectives Of Junior versus Senior NASA ISS Flight Controllers On Leadership And Cultural Issues

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clement, James L.; Boyd, J. E.; Saylor, S.; Kanas, N.

2007-01-01

NASA flight controllers have always worked in a very demanding environment, but the International Space Station (ISS) poses even more challenges than prior missions. A recent NASA/Ames survey by Parke and Orasanu of NASA/Johnson flight controllers uncovered concerns about communications problems between American personnel and their international counterparts. To better understand these problems, we interviewed 14 senior and 12 junior ISS flight controllers at NASA/Johnson about leadership and cultural challenges they face and strategies for addressing these challenges. The qualitative interview data were coded and tabulated. Here we present quantitative analyses testing for differences between junior and senior controllers. Based on nonparametric statistical tests comparing responses across groups, the senior controllers were significantly more aware of the impact of working in dispersed teams, the context of constant change, and the upcoming multilateral challenges, while junior controllers were more aware of language and cultural issues. We consider our findings in light of other studies of controllers and other known differences between senior and junior controllers. For example, the fact that senior controllers had their formative early experience controlling pre-ISS short-duration Shuttle missions seems to have both positive and negative aspects, which are supported by our data. Our findings may also reflect gender differences, but we cannot unconfound this effect in our data because all the senior respondents were males. Many of the junior-senior differences are not only due to elapsed time on the job, but also due to a cohort effect. The findings of this study should be used for training curricula tailored differently for junior and senior controllers.

STS-114 Flight Day 12 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Flight Day 12 features a night undocking of Space Shuttle Discovery (Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Andrew Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, and Charles Camarda) from the International Space Station (ISS). The STS-114 crew and the Expedition 11 crew of the ISS (Commander Sergei Krikalev and NASA ISS Science Officer and Flight Engineer John Phillips) bid each other farewell. Prior to the undocking, Discovery and Mission Control are heard discussing troubleshooting of an oxygen flow sensor. Crew preparations for undocking are also heard. After the spacecraft are shown separating, Collins discusses with Mission Control possible debris seen on a monitor. The video includes several scenes of the ISS from the shuttle orbiter, one with Kazakhstan and another with the Himalayas in the background, and another shot with a hand-held camera by Noguchi. Other Earth views include the Sinai Peninsula and Nile Delta in Egypt, a storm at sea, and a black and white view of the Southern Lights over Australia.

Technical Aspects of Acoustical Engineering for the ISS [International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Christopher S.

2009-01-01

It is important to control acoustic levels on manned space flight vehicles and habitats to protect crew-hearing, allow for voice communications, and to ensure a healthy and habitable environment in which to work and live. For the International Space Station (ISS) this is critical because of the long duration crew-stays of approximately 6-months. NASA and the JSC Acoustics Office set acoustic requirements that must be met for hardware to be certified for flight. Modules must meet the NC-50 requirement and other component hardware are given smaller allocations to meet. In order to meet these requirements many aspects of noise generation and control must be considered. This presentation has been developed to give an insight into the various technical activities performed at JSC to ensure that a suitable acoustic environment is provided for the ISS crew. Examples discussed include fan noise, acoustic flight material development, on-orbit acoustic monitoring, and a specific hardware development and acoustical design case, the ISS Crew Quarters.

CIB: an improved communication architecture for real-time monitoring of aerospace materials, instruments, and sensors on the ISS.

PubMed

Krasowski, Michael J; Prokop, Norman F; Flatico, Joseph M; Greer, Lawrence C; Jenkins, Phillip P; Neudeck, Philip G; Chen, Liangyu; Spina, Danny C

2013-01-01

The Communications Interface Board (CIB) is an improved communications architecture that was demonstrated on the International Space Station (ISS). ISS communication interfaces allowing for real-time telemetry and health monitoring require a significant amount of development. The CIB simplifies the communications interface to the ISS for real-time health monitoring, telemetry, and control of resident sensors or experiments. With a simpler interface available to the telemetry bus, more sensors or experiments may be flown. The CIB accomplishes this by acting as a bridge between the ISS MIL-STD-1553 low-rate telemetry (LRT) bus and the sensors allowing for two-way command and telemetry data transfer. The CIB was designed to be highly reliable and radiation hard for an extended flight in low Earth orbit (LEO) and has been proven with over 40 months of flight operation on the outside of ISS supporting two sets of flight experiments. Since the CIB is currently operating in flight on the ISS, recent results of operations will be provided. Additionally, as a vehicle health monitoring enabling technology, an overview and results from two experiments enabled by the CIB will be provided. Future applications for vehicle health monitoring utilizing the CIB architecture will also be discussed.

CIB: An Improved Communication Architecture for Real-Time Monitoring of Aerospace Materials, Instruments, and Sensors on the ISS

PubMed Central

Krasowski, Michael J.; Prokop, Norman F.; Flatico, Joseph M.; Greer, Lawrence C.; Jenkins, Phillip P.; Neudeck, Philip G.; Chen, Liangyu; Spina, Danny C.

2013-01-01

The Communications Interface Board (CIB) is an improved communications architecture that was demonstrated on the International Space Station (ISS). ISS communication interfaces allowing for real-time telemetry and health monitoring require a significant amount of development. The CIB simplifies the communications interface to the ISS for real-time health monitoring, telemetry, and control of resident sensors or experiments. With a simpler interface available to the telemetry bus, more sensors or experiments may be flown. The CIB accomplishes this by acting as a bridge between the ISS MIL-STD-1553 low-rate telemetry (LRT) bus and the sensors allowing for two-way command and telemetry data transfer. The CIB was designed to be highly reliable and radiation hard for an extended flight in low Earth orbit (LEO) and has been proven with over 40 months of flight operation on the outside of ISS supporting two sets of flight experiments. Since the CIB is currently operating in flight on the ISS, recent results of operations will be provided. Additionally, as a vehicle health monitoring enabling technology, an overview and results from two experiments enabled by the CIB will be provided. Future applications for vehicle health monitoring utilizing the CIB architecture will also be discussed. PMID:23983621

Assessment and Control of Spacecraft Charging Risks on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koontz, Steve; Valentine, Mark; Keeping, Thomas; Edeen, Marybeth; Spetch, William; Dalton, Penni

2004-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) operates in the F2 region of Earth's ionosphere, orbiting at altitudes ranging from 350 to 450 km at an inclination of 51.6 degrees. The relatively dense, cool F2 ionospheric plasma suppresses surface charging processes much of the time, and the flux of relativistic electrons is low enough to preclude deep dielectric charging processes. The most important spacecraft charging processes in the ISS orbital environment are: 1) ISS electrical power system interactions with the F2 plasma, 2) magnetic induction processes resulting from flight through the geomagnetic field and, 3) charging processes that result from interaction with auroral electrons at high latitude. Recently, the continuing review and evaluation of putative ISS charging hazards required by the ISS Program Office revealed that ISS charging could produce an electrical shock hazard to the ISS crew during extravehicular activity (EVA). ISS charging risks are being evaluated in an ongoing measurement and analysis campaign. The results of ISS charging measurements are combined with a recently developed model of ISS charging (the Plasma Interaction Model) and an exhaustive analysis of historical ionospheric variability data (ISS Ionospheric Specification) to evaluate ISS charging risks using Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) methods. The PRA combines estimates of the frequency of occurrence and severity of the charging hazards with estimates of the reliability of various hazard controls systems, as required by NASA s safety and risk management programs, to enable design and selection of a hazard control approach that minimizes overall programmatic and personnel risk. The PRA provides a quantitative methodology for incorporating the results of the ISS charging measurement and analysis campaigns into the necessary hazard reports, EVA procedures, and ISS flight rules required for operating ISS in a safe and productive manner.

Veggie ISS Validation Test Results and Produce Consumption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massa, Gioia; Hummerick, Mary; Spencer, LaShelle; Smith, Trent

2015-01-01

The Veggie vegetable production system flew to the International Space Station (ISS) in the spring of 2014. The first set of plants, Outredgeous red romaine lettuce, was grown, harvested, frozen, and returned to Earth in October. Ground control and flight plant tissue was sub-sectioned for microbial analysis, anthocyanin antioxidant phenolic analysis, and elemental analysis. Microbial analysis was also performed on samples swabbed on orbit from plants, Veggie bellows, and plant pillow surfaces, on water samples, and on samples of roots, media, and wick material from two returned plant pillows. Microbial levels of plants were comparable to ground controls, with some differences in community composition. The range in aerobic bacterial plate counts between individual plants was much greater in the ground controls than in flight plants. No pathogens were found. Anthocyanin concentrations were the same between ground and flight plants, while antioxidant and phenolic levels were slightly higher in flight plants. Elements varied, but key target elements for astronaut nutrition were similar between ground and flight plants. Aerobic plate counts of the flight plant pillow components were significantly higher than ground controls. Surface swab samples showed low microbial counts, with most below detection limits. Flight plant microbial levels were less than bacterial guidelines set for non-thermostabalized food and near or below those for fungi. These guidelines are not for fresh produce but are the closest approximate standards. Forward work includes the development of standards for space-grown produce. A produce consumption strategy for Veggie on ISS includes pre-flight assessments of all crops to down select candidates, wiping flight-grown plants with sanitizing food wipes, and regular Veggie hardware cleaning and microbial monitoring. Produce then could be consumed by astronauts, however some plant material would be reserved and returned for analysis. Implementation of this plan is a step toward developing pick-and-eat food production to supplement the packaged diet on ISS and for future exploration missions where plants could make up a larger portion of the diet. Supported by NASA Space Biology Program.

Mentoring SFRM: A New Approach to International Space Station Flight Controller Training

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huning, Therese; Barshi, Immanuel; Schmidt, Lacey

2008-01-01

The Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) of the Johnson Space Center is responsible for providing continuous operations support for the International Space Station (ISS). Operations support requires flight controllers who are skilled in team performance as well as the technical operations of the ISS. Space Flight Resource Management (SFRM), a NASA adapted variant of Crew Resource Management (CRM), is the competency model used in the MOD. ISS flight controller certification has evolved to include a balanced focus on development of SFRM and technical expertise. The latest challenge the MOD faces is how to certify an ISS flight controller (operator) to a basic level of effectiveness in 1 year. SFRM training uses a two-pronged approach to expediting operator certification: 1) imbed SFRM skills training into all operator technical training and 2) use senior flight controllers as mentors. This paper focuses on how the MOD uses senior flight controllers as mentors to train SFRM skills. Methods: A mentor works with an operator throughout the training flow. Inserted into the training flow are guided-discussion sessions and on-the-job observation opportunities focusing on specific SFRM skills, including: situational leadership, conflict management, stress management, cross-cultural awareness, self care and team care while on-console, communication, workload management, and situation awareness. The mentor and operator discuss the science and art behind the skills, cultural effects on skills applications, recognition of good and bad skills applications, recognition of how skills application changes subtly in different situations, and individual goals and techniques for improving skills. Discussion: This mentoring program provides an additional means of transferring SFRM knowledge compared to traditional CRM training programs. Our future endeavors in training SFRM skills (as well as other organization s) may benefit from adding team performance skills mentoring. This paper explains our mentoring approach and discusses its effectiveness and future applicability in promoting SFRM/CRM skills.

International Space Station Medical Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Jeffrey A.

2008-01-01

NASA is currently the leader, in conjunction with our Russian counterpart co-leads, of the Multilateral Medical Policy Board (MMPB), the Multilateral Medical Operations Panel (MMOP), which coordinates medical system support for International Space Station (ISS) crews, and the Multilateral Space Medicine Board (MSMB), which medically certifies all crewmembers for space flight on-board the ISS. These three organizations have representatives from NASA, RSA-IMBP (Russian Space Agency- Institute for Biomedical Problems), GCTC (Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japanese Space Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency). The policy and strategic coordination of ISS medical operations occurs at this level, and includes interactions with MMOP working groups in Radiation Health, Countermeasures, Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA), Informatics, Environmental Health, Behavioral Health and Performance, Nutrition, Clinical Medicine, Standards, Post-flight Activities and Rehabilitation, and Training. Each ISS Expedition has a lead Crew Surgeon from NASA and a Russian Crew Surgeon from GCTC assigned to the mission. Day-to-day issues are worked real-time by the flight surgeons and biomedical engineers (also called the Integrated Medical Group) on consoles at the MCC (Mission Control Center) in Houston and the TsUP (Center for Flight Control) in Moscow/Korolev. In the future, this may also include mission control centers in Europe and Japan, when their modules are added onto the ISS. Private medical conferences (PMCs) are conducted regularly and upon crew request with the ISS crew via private audio and video communication links from the biomedical MPSR (multipurpose support room) at MCC Houston. When issues arise in the day-to-day medical support of ISS crews, they are discussed and resolved at the SMOT (space medical operations team) meetings, which occur weekly among the International Partners. Any medical or life science issue that is not resolved at the SMOT can be taken to the Mission Management Team meeting, which occurs biweekly from MCC-Houston. This meeting includes the other International Partners and all flight support and console position representatives via teleconference. ISS Crew Surgeons have handled many medical conditions on orbit; including skin rashes, dental abscesses, lacerations, and STT segment EKG changes. Fortunately to date, there have not been any forced medical evacuations from the ISS. This speaks well for the implementation of the primary, secondary and even tertiary prevention strategies invoked by the Integrated Medical Group, as there were several medical evacuations during the previous Russian space stations.

Space Flight Resource Management for ISS Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, Lacey L.; Slack, Kelley; Holland, Albert; Huning, Therese; O'Keefe, William; Sipes, Walter E.

2010-01-01

Although the astronaut training flow for the International Space Station (ISS) spans 2 years, each astronaut or cosmonaut often spends most of their training alone. Rarely is it operationally feasible for all six ISS crewmembers to train together, even more unlikely that crewmembers can practice living together before launch. Likewise, ISS Flight Controller training spans 18 months of learning to manage incredibly complex systems remotely in plug-and-play ground teams that have little to no exposure to crewmembers before a mission. How then do all of these people quickly become a team - a team that must respond flexibly yet decisively to a variety of situations? The answer implemented at NASA is Space Flight Resource Management (SFRM), the so-called "soft skills" or team performance skills. Based on Crew Resource Management, SFRM was developed first for shuttle astronauts and focused on managing human errors during time-critical events (Rogers, et al. 2002). Given the nature of life on ISS, the scope of SFRM for ISS broadened to include teamwork during prolonged and routine operations (O'Keefe, 2008). The ISS SFRM model resembles a star with one competency for each point: Communication, Cross-Culture, Teamwork, Decision Making, Team Care, Leadership/Followership, Conflict Management, and Situation Awareness. These eight competencies were developed with international participation by the Human Behavior and Performance Training Working Group. Over the last two years, these competencies have been used to build a multi-modal SFRM training flow for astronaut candidates and flight controllers that integrates team performance skills into the practice of technical skills. Preliminary results show trainee skill increases as the flow progresses; and participants find the training invaluable to performing well and staying healthy during ISS operations. Future development of SFRM training will aim to help support indirect handovers as ISS operations evolve further with the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program.

Commander Kenneth D. Bowersox and Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit are relaxing in the U.S. Lab

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-18

ISS006-E-39461 (18 March 2003) --- Astronauts Donald R. Pettit (left), Expedition 6 NASA ISS Science Officer, and Kenneth D. Bowersox, mission commander, are pictured in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS). The supply tank and Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA), which are a part of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS), are visible floating freeing above them.

STS-102 Crew Activity Report/Flight Day 12 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

On this 12th day of the STS-102 mission, the crews of STS-102 (Commander James Wetherbee, Pilot James Kelly, and Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas and Paul Richards), Expedition 1 (William Shepherd, Yuri Gidzenko, and Sergei Krikalev), and Expedition 2 (James Voss, Susan Helms, and Yuriy Usachev) are seen during the in-flight ceremony where Commander Shepherd transfers control of the International Space Station (ISS) to Commander Usachev. The hatch between the ISS and the Discovery Orbiter is closed, and Discovery is seen undocking from the ISS. External views of the ISS are shown against a backdrop of Earth. The Great Lakes area and Chicago are seen from space during night, when lights outline the city.

System Engineering Strategy for Distributed Multi-Purpose Simulation Architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhula, Dlilpkumar; Kurt, Cindy Marie; Luty, Roger

2007-01-01

This paper describes the system engineering approach used to develop distributed multi-purpose simulations. The multi-purpose simulation architecture focuses on user needs, operations, flexibility, cost and maintenance. This approach was used to develop an International Space Station (ISS) simulator, which is called the International Space Station Integrated Simulation (ISIS)1. The ISIS runs unmodified ISS flight software, system models, and the astronaut command and control interface in an open system design that allows for rapid integration of multiple ISS models. The initial intent of ISIS was to provide a distributed system that allows access to ISS flight software and models for the creation, test, and validation of crew and ground controller procedures. This capability reduces the cost and scheduling issues associated with utilizing standalone simulators in fixed locations, and facilitates discovering unknowns and errors earlier in the development lifecycle. Since its inception, the flexible architecture of the ISIS has allowed its purpose to evolve to include ground operator system and display training, flight software modification testing, and as a realistic test bed for Exploration automation technology research and development.

CHeCS (Crew Health Care Systems): International Space Station (ISS) Medical Hardware Catalog. Version 10.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2011-01-01

The purpose of this catalog is to provide a detailed description of each piece of hardware in the Crew Health Care System (CHeCS), including subpacks associated with the hardware, and to briefly describe the interfaces between the hardware and the ISS. The primary user of this document is the Space Medicine/Medical Operations ISS Biomedical Flight Controllers (ISS BMEs).

Simulation of Malfunctions for the ISS Double-Gimbal Control Moment Gyroscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Inampudi, Ravi; Gordeuk, John

2016-01-01

This paper presents a simplified approach to simulation of malfunctions of the Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) on board the International Space Station (ISS). These malfunctions will be used as part of flight training of CMG failure scenarios in the guidance navigation control (GNC) subsystem of the Training Systems for 21st Century (TS21) simulator. The CMG malfunctions are grouped under mechanical, thermal and electrical categories. A malfunction can be as simple as one which only affects the telemetry or a complex one that changes the state and behavior of the CMG model. In both cases, the ISS GNC flight software will read the telemetry and respond accordingly. The user executes these malfunctions by supplying conditional data which modify internal model states and then elicit a response as seen on the user displays. Ground operators and crew on board the ISS use CMG malfunction procedures to better understand and respond to anomalies observed within the CMG subsystem.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-02-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is responsible for designing and building the life support systems that will provide the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) a comfortable environment in which to live and work. Scientists and engineers at the MSFC are working together to provide the ISS with systems that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. These compact and powerful systems are collectively called the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, or simply, ECLSS. This photograph shows the development Water Processor located in two racks in the ECLSS test area at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Actual waste water, simulating Space Station waste, is generated and processed through the hardware to evaluate the performance of technologies in the flight Water Processor design.

[Bone metabolism in human space flight and bed rest study].

PubMed

Ohshima, Hiroshi; Mukai, Chiaki

2008-09-01

Japanese Experiment Module "KIBO" is Japan's first manned space facility and will be operated as part of the international space station (ISS) . KIBO operations will be monitored and controlled from Tsukuba Space Center. In Japan, after the KIBO element components are fully assembled and activated aboard the ISS, Japanese astronauts will stay on the ISS for three or more months, and full-scale experiment operations will begin. Bone loss and renal stone are significant medical concerns for long duration human space flight. This paper will summarize the results of bone loss, calcium balance obtained from the American and Russian space programs, and ground-base analog bedrest studies. Current in-flight training program, nutritional recommendations and future countermeasure plans for station astronauts are also described.

Predictive Techniques for Spacecraft Cabin Air Quality Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, J. L.; Cromes, Scott D. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

As assembly of the International Space Station (ISS) proceeds, predictive techniques are used to determine the best approach for handling a variety of cabin air quality challenges. These techniques use equipment offgassing data collected from each ISS module before flight to characterize the trace chemical contaminant load. Combined with crew metabolic loads, these data serve as input to a predictive model for assessing the capability of the onboard atmosphere revitalization systems to handle the overall trace contaminant load as station assembly progresses. The techniques for predicting in-flight air quality are summarized along with results from early ISS mission analyses. Results from groundbased analyses of in-flight air quality samples are compared to the predictions to demonstrate the technique's relative conservatism.

Use of Semi-Autonomous Tools for ISS Commanding and Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brzezinski, Amy S.

2014-01-01

As the International Space Station (ISS) has moved into a utilization phase, operations have shifted to become more ground-based with fewer mission control personnel monitoring and commanding multiple ISS systems. This shift to fewer people monitoring more systems has prompted use of semi-autonomous console tools in the ISS Mission Control Center (MCC) to help flight controllers command and monitor the ISS. These console tools perform routine operational procedures while keeping the human operator "in the loop" to monitor and intervene when off-nominal events arise. Two such tools, the Pre-positioned Load (PPL) Loader and Automatic Operators Recorder Manager (AutoORM), are used by the ISS Communications RF Onboard Networks Utilization Specialist (CRONUS) flight control position. CRONUS is responsible for simultaneously commanding and monitoring the ISS Command & Data Handling (C&DH) and Communications and Tracking (C&T) systems. PPL Loader is used to uplink small pieces of frequently changed software data tables, called PPLs, to ISS computers to support different ISS operations. In order to uplink a PPL, a data load command must be built that contains multiple user-input fields. Next, a multiple step commanding and verification procedure must be performed to enable an onboard computer for software uplink, uplink the PPL, verify the PPL has incorporated correctly, and disable the computer for software uplink. PPL Loader provides different levels of automation in both building and uplinking these commands. In its manual mode, PPL Loader automatically builds the PPL data load commands but allows the flight controller to verify and save the commands for future uplink. In its auto mode, PPL Loader automatically builds the PPL data load commands for flight controller verification, but automatically performs the PPL uplink procedure by sending commands and performing verification checks while notifying CRONUS of procedure step completion. If an off-nominal condition occurs during procedure execution, PPL Loader notifies CRONUS through popup messages, allowing CRONUS to examine the situation and choose an option of how PPL loader should proceed with the procedure. The use of PPL Loader to perform frequent, routine PPL uplinks offloads CRONUS to better monitor two ISS systems. It also reduces procedure performance time and decreases risk of command errors. AutoORM identifies ISS communication outage periods and builds commands to lock, playback, and unlock ISS Operations Recorder files. Operation Recorder files are circular buffer files of continually recorded ISS telemetry data. Sections of these files can be locked from further writing, be played back to capture telemetry data that occurred during an ISS loss of signal (LOS) period, and then be unlocked for future recording use. Downlinked Operation Recorder files are used by mission support teams for data analysis, especially if failures occur during LOS. The commands to lock, playback, and unlock Operations Recorder files are encompassed in three different operational procedures and contain multiple user-input fields. AutoORM provides different levels of automation for building and uplinking the commands to lock, playback, and unlock Operations Recorder files. In its automatic mode, AutoORM automatically detects ISS LOS periods, then generates and uplinks the commands to lock, playback, and unlock Operations Recorder files when MCC regains signal with ISS. AutoORM also features semi-autonomous and manual modes which integrate CRONUS more into the command verification and uplink process. AutoORMs ability to automatically detect ISS LOS periods and build the necessary commands to preserve, playback, and release recorded telemetry data greatly offloads CRONUS to perform more high-level cognitive tasks, such as mission planning and anomaly troubleshooting. Additionally, since Operations Recorder commands contain numerical time input fields which are tedious for a human to manually build, AutoORM's ability to automatically build commands reduces operational command errors. PPL Loader and AutoORM demonstrate principles of semi-autonomous operational tools that will benefit future space mission operations. Both tools employ different levels of automation to perform simple and routine procedures, thereby offloading human operators to perform higher-level cognitive tasks. Because both tools provide procedure execution status and highlight off-nominal indications, the flight controller is able to intervene during procedure execution if needed. Semi-autonomous tools and systems that can perform routine procedures, yet keep human operators informed of execution, will be essential in future long-duration missions where the onboard crew will be solely responsible for spacecraft monitoring and control.

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System Diagram

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

This diagram shows the flow of recyclable resources in the International Space Station (ISS). The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Group of the Flight Projects Directorate at the Marshall Space Flight Center is responsible for the regenerative ECLSS hardware, as well as providing technical support for the rest of the system. The regenerative ECLSS, whose main components are the Water Recovery System (WRS), and the Oxygen Generation System (OGS), reclaims and recycles water and oxygen. The ECLSS maintains a pressurized habitation environment, provides water recovery and storage, maintains and provides fire detection / suppression, and provides breathable air and a comfortable atmosphere in which to live and work within the ISS. The ECLSS hardware will be located in the Node 3 module of the ISS.

Computer Software Configuration Item-Specific Flight Software Image Transfer Script Generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bolen, Kenny; Greenlaw, Ronald

2010-01-01

A K-shell UNIX script enables the International Space Station (ISS) Flight Control Team (FCT) operators in NASA s Mission Control Center (MCC) in Houston to transfer an entire or partial computer software configuration item (CSCI) from a flight software compact disk (CD) to the onboard Portable Computer System (PCS). The tool is designed to read the content stored on a flight software CD and generate individual CSCI transfer scripts that are capable of transferring the flight software content in a given subdirectory on the CD to the scratch directory on the PCS. The flight control team can then transfer the flight software from the PCS scratch directory to the Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) of an ISS Multiplexer/ Demultiplexer (MDM) via the Indirect File Transfer capability. The individual CSCI scripts and the CSCI Specific Flight Software Image Transfer Script Generator (CFITSG), when executed a second time, will remove all components from their original execution. The tool will identify errors in the transfer process and create logs of the transferred software for the purposes of configuration management.

Expedition 24 Docks to ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-06-17

The Soyuz TMA-19 nears its docking with the International Space Station (ISS) as seen in the video monitor at Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Friday, June 18, 2010. The TMA-19 delivered the crew of Expedition 24 Soyuz Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin, and NASA Flight Engineers Doug Wheelock and Shannon Walker to the ISS. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Gene expression variations during Drosophila metamorphosis in space: The GENE experiment in the Spanish cervantes missions to the ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herranz, Raul; Benguria, Alberto; Medina, Javier; Gasset, Gilbert; van Loon, Jack J.; Zaballos, Angel; Marco, Roberto

2005-08-01

The ISS expedition 8, a Soyuz Mission, flew to the International Space Station (ISS) to replace the two- member ISS crew during October 2003. During this crew exchanging flight, the Spanish Cervantes Scientific Mission took place. In it some biological experiments were performed among them three proposed by our Team. The third member of the expedition, the Spanish born ESA astronaut Pedro Duque, returned within the Soyuz 7 capsule carrying the experiment containing transport box after almost 11 days in microgravity. In one of the three experiments, the GENE experiment, we intended to determine how microgravity affects the gene expression pattern of Drosophila with one of the current more powerful technologies , a complete Drosophila melanogaster genome microarray (AffymetrixTM, version 1.0). Due to the constrains in the current ISS experiments, we decided to limit our experiment to the organism rebuilding processes that occurs during Drosophila metamorphosis. In addition to the ISS samples, several control experiments have been performed including a 1g Ground control parallel to the ISS flight samples, a Random Position Machine microgravity simulated control and a parallel Hypergravity (10g) experiment. Extracted RNA from the samples was used to test the differences in gene expression during Drosophila development. A preliminary analysis of the results indicates that around five hundred genes change their expression profiles, many of them belonging to particular ontology classification groups.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-01-01

This diagram shows the flow of recyclable resources in the International Space Station (ISS). The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Group of the Flight Projects Directorate at the Marshall Space Flight Center is responsible for the regenerative ECLSS hardware, as well as providing technical support for the rest of the system. The regenerative ECLSS, whose main components are the Water Recovery System (WRS), and the Oxygen Generation System (OGS), reclaims and recycles water and oxygen. The ECLSS maintains a pressurized habitation environment, provides water recovery and storage, maintains and provides fire detection / suppression, and provides breathable air and a comfortable atmosphere in which to live and work within the ISS. The ECLSS hardware will be located in the Node 3 module of the ISS.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-01-01

This diagram shows the flow of water recovery and management in the International Space Station (ISS). The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Group of the Flight Projects Directorate at the Marshall Space Flight Center is responsible for the regenerative ECLSS hardware, as well as providing technical support for the rest of the system. The regenerative ECLSS, whose main components are the Water Recovery System (WRS), and the Oxygen Generation System (OGS), reclaims and recycles water oxygen. The ECLSS maintains a pressurized habitation environment, provides water recovery and storage, maintains and provides fire detection/ suppression, and provides breathable air and a comfortable atmosphere in which to live and work within the ISS. The ECLSS hardware will be located in the Node 3 module of the ISS.

Former President George H.W. Bush paid a visit to NASA's Johnson Space Center to speak with Expedition 46 Commander Scott Kelly and Flight Engineer Tim Kopra and take a tour of the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility. Kelly���s twin brother, Mark Kelly and his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords were also present. Photo Date: February 5, 2016. Location: Building 30 - ISS Flight Control Room. Photographer: Robert Markowitz

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-02-05

Former President George H.W. Bush paid a visit to NASA's Johnson Space Center to speak with Expedition 46 Commander Scott Kelly and Flight Engineer Tim Kopra and take a tour of the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility. Kelly’s twin brother, Mark Kelly and his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords were also present. Photo Date: February 5, 2016. Location: Building 30 - ISS Flight Control Room. Photographer: Robert Markowitz

STS-114 Flight Day 11 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Flight Day 11 begins with the STS-114 crew of Space Shuttle Discovery (Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Andrew Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, and Charles Camarda) awaking to "Anchors Away," to signify the undocking of the Raffaello Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) from the International Space Station (ISS). Canadarm 2, the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), retrieves the Raffaello Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) from the nadir port of the Unity node of the ISS and returns it to Discovery's payload bay. The Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS) hands the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) to its counterpart, the SSRMS, for rebearthing in the payload bay as well. The rebearthing of the OBSS is shown in detail, including centerline and split-screen views. Collins sends a message to her husband, and talks with Representative Tom DeLay (R-TX). Earth views include the Amalfi coast of Italy. The ISS control room bids farewell to the STS-114 crew and the Expedition 11 crew (Commander Sergei Krikalev and NASA ISS Science Officer and Flight Engineer John Phillips) of the ISS.

Fincke holds up a spare RPCM in the A/L during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-06-04

ISS009-E-10554 (4 June 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, holds the spare Remote Power Controller Module (RPCM) in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station (ISS). The spare is scheduled to replace the failed RPCM on the S0 (S-Zero) Truss.

CHeCS: International Space Station Medical Hardware Catalog

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

The purpose of this catalog is to provide a detailed description of each piece of hardware in the Crew Health Care System (CHeCS), including subpacks associated with the hardware, and to briefly describe the interfaces between the hardware and the ISS. The primary user of this document is the Space Medicine/Medical Operations ISS Biomedical Flight Controllers (ISS BMEs).

Expedition Six Flight Engineer Pettit uses a chemical/microbial analysis bag to collect water sample

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-12-18

ISS006-E-08628 (18 December 2002) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six NASA ISS science officer, is pictured in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) during the scheduled Week 3 potable water sampling and on-orbit chemical/microbial analysis of the SM environment control and life support system.

Expedition Six Flight Engineer Pettit uses a chemical/microbial analysis bag to collect water sample

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-12-18

ISS006-E-08616 (18 December 2002) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six NASA ISS science officer, is pictured in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) during the scheduled Week 3 potable water sampling and on-orbit chemical/microbial analysis of the SM environment control and life support system.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-03-25

Cosmonaut Yury I. Onufrienko, Expedition Four mission commander, uses a communication system in the Russian Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). The Zvezda is linked to the Russian-built Functional Cargo Block (FGB) or Zarya, the first component of the ISS. Zarya was launched on a Russian Proton rocket prior to the launch of Unity. The third component of the ISS, Zvezda (Russian word for star), the primary Russian contribution to the ISS, was launched by a three-stage Proton rocket on July 12, 2000. Zvezda serves as the cornerstone for early human habitation of the station, providing living quarters, a life support system, electrical power distribution, a data processing system, flight control system, and propulsion system. It also provides a communications system that includes remote command capabilities from ground flight controllers. The 42,000-pound module measures 43 feet in length and has a wing span of 98 feet. Similar in layout to the core module of Russia's Mir space station, it contains 3 pressurized compartments and 13 windows that allow ultimate viewing of Earth and space.

X-38 Experimental Controls Laws

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munday, Steve; Estes, Jay; Bordano, Aldo J.

2000-01-01

X-38 Experimental Control Laws X-38 is a NASA JSC/DFRC experimental flight test program developing a series of prototypes for an International Space Station (ISS) Crew Return Vehicle, often called an ISS "lifeboat." X- 38 Vehicle 132 Free Flight 3, currently scheduled for the end of this month, will be the first flight test of a modem FCS architecture called Multi-Application Control-Honeywell (MACH), originally developed by the Honeywell Technology Center. MACH wraps classical P&I outer attitude loops around a modem dynamic inversion attitude rate loop. The dynamic inversion process requires that the flight computer have an onboard aircraft model of expected vehicle dynamics based upon the aerodynamic database. Dynamic inversion is computationally intensive, so some timing modifications were made to implement MACH on the slower flight computers of the subsonic test vehicles. In addition to linear stability margin analyses and high fidelity 6-DOF simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing is used to verify the implementation of MACH and its robustness to aerodynamic and environmental uncertainties and disturbances.

Productivity of Mizuna Cultivated in the Space Greenhouse Onboard the Russian Module of the Iss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levinskikh, Margarita; Sychev, Vladimir; Podolsky, Igor; Bingham, Gail; Moukhamedieva, Lana

As stipulated by the science program of research into the processes of growth, development, metabolism and reproduction of higher plants in microgravity in view of their potential use in advanced life support systems, five experiments on Mizuna plants (Brassica rapa var. nipponisica) were performed using the Lada space greenhouse onboard the ISS Russian Module (RM) during Expeditions ISS-5, 17 and 20-22. One of the goals of the experiments was to evaluate the productivity of Mizuna plants grown at different levels of ISS RM air contamination. Mizuna plants were cultivated for 31 - 36 days when exposed to continuous illumination. The root growing medium was made of Turface enriched with a controlled release fertilizer Osmocote. In the course of the flight experiments major parameters of plant cultivation, total level of ISS RM air contamination and plant microbiological status were measured. The grown plants were returned to Earth as fresh or frozen samples. After the three last vegetation cycles the plants were harvested, packed and frozen at -80 0C in the MELFI freezer on the ISS U.S. Module and later returned to Earth onboard Space Shuttle. It was found that the productivity and morphometric (e.g., plant height and mass, number of leaves) parameters of the plants grown in space did not differ from those seen in ground controls. The T coefficient, which represents the total contamination level of ISS air), was 4 (ISS-5), 22 (ISS-17), 55 (ISS-20), 22 (ISS-21) and 28 (ISS-22) versus the norm of no more than 5. In summary, a significant increase in the total contamination level of the ISS RM air did not reduce the productivity of the leaf vegetable plant used in the flight experiments.

Using the ISS as a Testbed to Prepare for the Next Generation of Space-Based Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ess, Kim; Thronson, Harley; Boyles, Mark; Sparks, William; Postman, Marc; Carpenter, Kenneth

2012-01-01

The ISS provides a unique opportunity to develop the technologies and operational capabilities necessary to assemble future large space telescopes that may be used to investigate planetary systems around neighboring stars. Assembling telescopes in space is a paradigm-shifting approach to space astronomy. Using the ISS as a testbed will reduce the technical risks of implementing this major scientific facility, such as laser metrology and wavefront sensing and control (WFSC). The Optical Testbed and Integration on ISS eXperiment (OpTIIX) will demonstrate the robotic assembly of major components, including the primary and secondary mirrors, to mechanical tolerances using existing ISS infrastructure, and the alignment of the optical elements to a diffraction-limited optical system in space. Assembling the optical system and removing and replacing components via existing ISS capabilities, such as the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) or the ISS flight crew, allows for future experimentation and repair, if necessary. First flight on ISS for OpTIIX, a small 1.5 meter optical telescope, is planned for 2015. In addition to demonstration of key risk-retiring technologies, the OpTIIX program includes a public outreach program to show the broad value of ISS utilization.

Design And Testing of The Floating Potential Probe For ISS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hillard, G. Barry; Ferguson, Dale C.

2001-01-01

Flight 4A was an especially critical mission for the International Space Station (ISS). For the first time, the high voltage solar arrays generated significant amounts of power and long predicted environmental interactions (high negative floating potential and concomitant dielectric charging) became serious concerns. Furthermore, the same flight saw the Plasma Contacting Unit (PCU) deployed and put into operation to mitigate and control these effects. The ISS program office has recognized the critical need to verify, by direct measurement, that ISS does not charge to unacceptable levels. A Floating Potential Probe (FPP) was therefore deployed on ISS to measure ISS floating potential relative to the surrounding plasma and to measure relevant plasma parameters. The primary objective of FPP is to verify that ISS floating potential does not exceed the specified level of 40 volts with respect to the ambient. Since it is expected that in normal operations the PCU will maintain ISS within this specification, it is equivalent to say that the objective of FPP is to monitor the functionality of the PCU. In this paper, we report on the design and testing of the ISS FPP. In a separate paper, the operations and results obtained so far by the FPP will be presented.

STS-105 Flight Control Team Photo

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-08-16

JSC2001-02228 (16 August 2001) --- The members of the STS-105/ISS 7A.1 Planning team pose for a group portrait in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, Jr., spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM), stands behind the STS-105 mission logo. Flight director Bryan Austin is visible in the front row on the far right.

Life sciences flight hardware development for the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kern, V. D.; Bhattacharya, S.; Bowman, R. N.; Donovan, F. M.; Elland, C.; Fahlen, T. F.; Girten, B.; Kirven-Brooks, M.; Lagel, K.; Meeker, G. B.; Santos, O.

During the construction phase of the International Space Station (ISS), early flight opportunities have been identified (including designated Utilization Flights, UF) on which early science experiments may be performed. The focus of NASA's and other agencies' biological studies on the early flight opportunities is cell and molecular biology; with UF-1 scheduled to fly in fall 2001, followed by flights 8A and UF-3. Specific hardware is being developed to verify design concepts, e.g., the Avian Development Facility for incubation of small eggs and the Biomass Production System for plant cultivation. Other hardware concepts will utilize those early research opportunities onboard the ISS, e.g., an Incubator for sample cultivation, the European Modular Cultivation System for research with small plant systems, an Insect Habitat for support of insect species. Following the first Utilization Flights, additional equipment will be transported to the ISS to expand research opportunities and capabilities, e.g., a Cell Culture Unit, the Advanced Animal Habitat for rodents, an Aquatic Facility to support small fish and aquatic specimens, a Plant Research Unit for plant cultivation, and a specialized Egg Incubator for developmental biology studies. Host systems (Figure 1A, B), e.g., a 2.5 m Centrifuge Rotor (g-levels from 0.01-g to 2-g) for direct comparisons between μg and selectable g levels, the Life Sciences Glove☐ for contained manipulations, and Habitat Holding Racks (Figure 1B) will provide electrical power, communication links, and cooling to the habitats. Habitats will provide food, water, light, air and waste management as well as humidity and temperature control for a variety of research organisms. Operators on Earth and the crew on the ISS will be able to send commands to the laboratory equipment to monitor and control the environmental and experimental parameters inside specific habitats. Common laboratory equipment such as microscopes, cryo freezers, radiation dosimeters, and mass measurement devices are also currently in design stages by NASA and the ISS international partners.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-07-10

Expedition Five crewmember and flight engineer Peggy Whitson displays the progress of soybeans growing in the Advanced Astroculture (ADVASC) Experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The ADVASC experiment was one of the several new experiments and science facilities delivered to the ISS by Expedition Five aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavor STS-111 mission. An agricultural seed company will grow soybeans in the ADVASC hardware to determine whether soybean plants can produce seeds in a microgravity environment. Secondary objectives include determination of the chemical characteristics of the seed in space and any microgravity impact on the plant growth cycle. Station science will also be conducted by the ever-present ground crew, with a new cadre of controllers for Expedition Five in the ISS Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Controllers work in three shifts around the clock, 7 days a week, in the POCC, the world's primary science command post for the Space Station. The POCC links Earth-bound researchers around the world with their experiments and crew aboard the Space Station.

Environmental Control and Life Support Systems Test Facility at MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is responsible for designing and building the life support systems that will provide the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) a comfortable environment in which to live and work. Scientists and engineers at the MSFC are working together to provide the ISS with systems that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. These compact and powerful systems are collectively called the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, or simply, ECLSS. This photograph shows the development Water Processor located in two racks in the ECLSS test area at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Actual waste water, simulating Space Station waste, is generated and processed through the hardware to evaluate the performance of technologies in the flight Water Processor design.

Space Environment Factors Affecting the Performance of International Space Station Materials: The First Two Years of Flight Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koontz, Steven L.; Peldey, Michael; Mayeaux, Brian; Milkatarian, Ronald R.; Golden, John; Boeder, paul; Kern, John; Barsamian, Hagop; Alred, John; Soares, Carlos;

Advances in Rodent Research Missions on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, S. Y.; Ronca, A.; Leveson-Gower, D.; Gong, C.; Stube, K.; Pletcher, D.; Wigley, C.; Beegle, J.; Globus, R. K.

2016-01-01

A research platform for rodent experiment on the ISS is a valuable tool for advancing biomedical research in space. Capabilities offered by the Rodent Research project developed at NASA Ames Research Center can support experiments of much longer duration on the ISS than previous experiments performed on the Space Shuttle. NASAs Rodent Research (RR)-1 mission was completed successfully and achieved a number of objectives, including validation of flight hardware, on-orbit operations, and science capabilities as well as support of a CASIS-sponsored experiment (Novartis) on muscle atrophy. Twenty C57BL6J adult female mice were launched on the Space-X (SpX) 4 Dragon vehicle, and thrived for up to 37 days in microgravity. Daily health checks of the mice were performed during the mission via downlinked video; all flight animals were healthy and displayed normal behavior, and higher levels of physical activity compared to ground controls. Behavioral analysis demonstrated that Flight and Ground Control mice exhibited the same range of behaviors, including eating, drinking, exploratory behavior, self- and allo-grooming, and social interactions indicative of healthy animals. The animals were euthanized on-orbit and select tissues were collected from some of the mice on orbit to assess the long-term sample storage capabilities of the ISS. In general, the data obtained from the flight mice were comparable to those from the three groups of control mice (baseline, vivarium and ground controls, which were housed in flight hardware), showing that the ISS has adequate capability to support long-duration rodent experiments. The team recovered 35 tissues from 40 RR-1 frozen carcasses, yielding 3300 aliquots of tissues to distribute to the scientific community in the U.S., including NASAs GeneLab project and scientists via Space Biology's Biospecimen Sharing Program Ames Life Science Data Archive. Tissues also were distributed to Russian research colleagues at the Institute for Biomedical Problems. The expression levels of select genes including albumin, catalase, GAPDH, HMGCoA Reductase, and IGF1 were determined using RNA isolated from the livers by qPCR and no significant differences by one factor ANOVA were found between flight and ground control groups. In addition, some of the liver samples were analyzed for transcriptomic, epigenomic and proteomic profiles; some of the data sets are now available to the scientific community through GeneLabs open science data website. A second long duration mission, Rodent Research-2 (RR-2) was completed on the ISS in 2015; 20 female C57BL6J mice were successfully maintained on the ISS for various durations, with the last group of 5 animals living on-orbit for 54 days. Furthermore, we continue to expand the ISSs capabilities by introducing new on-orbit technologies including blood collection and separation, bone densitometry scanning, muscle grip strength and anesthesia with recovery. In addition, series of ground-based verification testing to fly male mice and increase the total number of mice on-orbit from 20 to 40. Subsequent missions will provide the capability to return live mice from the ISS animals to evaluate recovery on Earth, further expanding operational and science capabilities of the RR project on the ISS.

Russian system of countermeasures on board of the International Space Station (ISS): the first results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozlovskaya, Inessa B.; Grigoriev, Anatoly I.

2004-08-01

The system of countermeasures used by Russian cosmonauts in space flights on board of International Space Station (ISS) was based on the developed and tested in flights on board of Russian space stations. It included as primary components: physical methods aimed to maintain the distribution of fluids at levels close to those experienced on Earth; physical exercises and loading suits aimed to load the musculoskeletal and the cardiovascular systems; measures that prevent the loss of fluids, mainly, water-salt additives which aid to maintain orthostatic tolerance and endurance to gravitational overloads during the return to Earth; well-balanced diet and medications directed to correct possible negative reactions of the body to weightlessness. Fulfillment of countermeasure's protocols inflight was thoroughly controlled. Efficacy of countermeasures used were assessed both in-and postflight. The results of studies showed that degrees of alterations recorded in different physiological systems after ISS space flights in Russian cosmonauts were significantly higher than those recorded after flights on the Russian space stations. This phenomenon was caused by the failure of the ISS crews to execute fully the prescribed countermeasures' protocols which was as a rule excused by technical imperfectness of exercise facilities, treadmill TVIS particularly.

Space Environment Effects on Stability of Medications Flown on Space Shuttles and the International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniels, Vernie; Du, Jianping; Crady, Camille; Satterfield, Rick; Putcha, Lakshmi

2007-01-01

The purpose is to assess physical and chemical degradation of select pharmaceutical formulations from the Shuttle and ISS medical kits. Eleven pharmaceuticals dispensed as different dosage forms were selected based on their physical / chemical characteristics and susceptibility to environmental factors such as, temperature, humidity and light sensitivity. When available, ground-controls of the study medications with matching brand and lot numbers were used for comparison. Samples retrieved from flight were stored along with their matching controls in a temperature and humidity controlled environmental chamber. Temperature, humidity, and radiation data from the Shuttle and ISS were retrieved from onboard HOBO U12 Temp/RH Data Loggers, and from passive dosimeters. Physical and chemical analyses of the pharmaceuticals were conducted using validated United States Pharmacopeia (USP) methods. Results indicated degradation of 6 of the 11 formulations returned from space flights. Four formulations, Amoxicillin / Clavulanate, promethazine, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, and ciprofloxacin tablets depicted discoloration after flight. Chemical content analyses using High or Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC / UPLC) methods revealed that dosage forms of Amoxicillin / Clavulanate, promethazine, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, lidocaine, ciprofloxacin and mupirocin contained less than 95% of manufacturer s labeled claim of active drug compound. Shuttle and ISS environments affect stability and shelf life of certain mediations flown on these missions. Data analysis is in progress to examine the effect of specific space flight environmental factors on pharmaceutical stability. The degradation profiles generated from ground studies in analog environments will be useful in establishing predictive shelf-life profiles for medications intended for use during long-term space exploration missions.

MFCVs (Manual Flow Control Valves) in the Lab

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-07

ISS020-E-017705 (7 July 2009) --- NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works at a rotated rack in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station during in-flight maintenance (IFM) to adjust the periodic flow rate of manual flow control valves for coolant loops.

MFCVs (Manual Flow Control Valves) in the Lab

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-07

ISS020-E-017710 (7 July 2009) --- NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works at a rotated rack in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station during in-flight maintenance (IFM) to adjust the periodic flow rate of manual flow control valves for coolant loops.

STS-111 Mission Highlights Resource Tape. Part 1 of 4; Flight Days 1 - 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

This video, Part 1 of 4, shows the activities of the STS-111 crew (Kenneth Cockrell, Commander; Paul Lockhart, Pilot; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Phillipe Perrin, Mission Specialists) during flight days 1 through 4. Also shown are the incoming Expedition 5 (Valeri Korzun, Commander; Peggy Whitson, NASA ISS Science Officer; Sergei Treschev, Flight Engineer) and outgoing Expedition 4 (Yuri Onufriyenko, Commander; Carl Walz, Daniel Bursch, Flight Engineers) crews of the ISS (International Space Station). The activities from other flight days can be seen on 'STS-111 Mission Highlights Resource Tape' Part 2 of 4 (internal ID 2002139469), 'STS-111 Mission Highlights Resource Tape' Part 3 of 4 (internal ID 2002139468), and 'STS-111 Mission Highlights Resource Tape' Part 4 of 4 (internal ID 2002139474). The primary activity of flight day 1 is the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour. The crew is seen before the launch at a meal and suit-up, and some pre-flight procedures are shown. Perrin holds a sign with a personalized message. The astronauts communicate with Mission Control extensively after launch, and an inside view of the shuttle cabin is shown. The replays of the launch include close-ups of the nozzles at liftoff, and the fall of the solid rocket boosters and the external fuel tank. Flight day 2 shows footage of mainland Asia at night, and daytime views of the eastern United States and Lake Michigan. Flight day three shows the Endeavour orbiter approaching and docking with the ISS. After the night docking, the crews exchange greetings, and a view of the Nile river and Egypt at night is shown. On flight day 4, the MPLM (Multi-Purpose Logistics Module) Leonardo was temporarily transferred from Endeavour's payload bay to the ISS.

International Space Station External Contamination Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikatarian, Ron; Soares, Carlos

2000-01-01

PResentation slides examine external contamination requirements; International Space Station (ISS) external contamination sources; ISS external contamination sensitive surfaces; external contamination control; external contamination control for pre-launch verification; flight experiments and observations; the Space Shuttle Orbiter waste water dump, materials outgassing, active vacuum vents; example of molecular column density profile, modeling and analysis tools; sources of outgassing induced contamination analyzed to date, quiescent sources, observations on optical degradation due to induced external contamination in LEO; examples of typical contaminant and depth profiles; and status of the ISS system, material outgassing, thruster plumes, and optical degradation.

Development and Execution of Autonomous Procedures Onboard the International Space Station to Support the Next Phase of Human Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beisert, Susan; Rodriggs, Michael; Moreno, Francisco; Korth, David; Gibson, Stephen; Lee, Young H.; Eagles, Donald E.

2013-01-01

Now that major assembly of the International Space Station (ISS) is complete, NASA's focus has turned to using this high fidelity in-space research testbed to not only advance fundamental science research, but also demonstrate and mature technologies and develop operational concepts that will enable future human exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit. The ISS as a Testbed for Analog Research (ISTAR) project was established to reduce risks for manned missions to exploration destinations by utilizing ISS as a high fidelity micro-g laboratory to demonstrate technologies, operations concepts, and techniques associated with crew autonomous operations. One of these focus areas is the development and execution of ISS Testbed for Analog Research (ISTAR) autonomous flight crew procedures intended to increase crew autonomy that will be required for long duration human exploration missions. Due to increasing communications delays and reduced logistics resupply, autonomous procedures are expected to help reduce crew reliance on the ground flight control team, increase crew performance, and enable the crew to become more subject-matter experts on both the exploration space vehicle systems and the scientific investigation operations that will be conducted on a long duration human space exploration mission. These tests make use of previous or ongoing projects tested in ground analogs such as Research and Technology Studies (RATS) and NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO). Since the latter half of 2012, selected non-critical ISS systems crew procedures have been used to develop techniques for building ISTAR autonomous procedures, and ISS flight crews have successfully executed them without flight controller involvement. Although the main focus has been preparing for exploration, the ISS has been a beneficiary of this synergistic effort and is considering modifying additional standard ISS procedures that may increase crew efficiency, reduce operational costs, and raise the amount of crew time available for scientific research. The next phase of autonomous procedure development is expected to include payload science and human research investigations. Additionally, ISS International Partners have expressed interest in participating in this effort. The recently approved one-year crew expedition starting in 2015, consisting of one Russian and one U.S. Operating Segment (USOS) crewmember, will be used not only for long duration human research investigations but also for the testing of exploration operations concepts, including crew autonomy.

International Space Station ECLSS Technical Task Agreement Summary Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, C. D. (Compiler); Salyer, B. H. (Compiler)

1999-01-01

This Technical Memorandum provides a summary of current work accomplished under Technical Task Agreement (TTA) by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) regarding the International Space Station (ISS) Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). Current activities include ECLSS component design and development, computer model development, subsystem/integrated system testing, life testing, and general test support provided to the ISS program. Under ECLSS design, MSFC was responsible for the six major ECLSS functions, specifications and standard, component design and development, and was the architectural control agent for the ISS ECLSS. MSFC was responsible for ECLSS analytical model development. In-house subsystem and system level analysis and testing were conducted in support of the design process, including testing air revitalization, water reclamation and management hardware, and certain nonregenerative systems. The activities described herein were approved in task agreements between MSFC and NASA Headquarters Space Station Program Management Office and their prime contractor for the ISS, Boeing. These MSFC activities are in line to the designing, development, testing, and flight of ECLSS equipment planned by Boeing. MSFC's unique capabilities for performing integrated systems testing and analyses, and its ability to perform some tasks cheaper and faster to support ISS program needs, are the basis for the TTA activities.

Automated Transfer Vehicle Proximity Flight Safety Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornier, Dominique; Berthelier, David; Requiston, Helene; Zekri, Eric; Chase, Richard

2005-12-01

The European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is an unmanned transportation spacecraft designed to contribute to the logistic servicing of the ISS. The ATV will be launched by ARIANE 5 and, after phasing and rendezvous maneuvers, it autonomously docks to the International Space Station (ISS).The ATV control is nominally handled by the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) function using computers, software, sensors and actuators. During rendezvous operations, in order to cover the extreme situations where the GNC function fails to ensure a safe trajectory with respect to the ISS, a segregated Proximity Flight Safety (PFS) function is activated : this function will initiate a collision avoidance maneuver which will place the ATV on a trajectory ensuring safety with respect to the ISS. The PFS function relies on segregated computers, the Monitoring and Safing Units (MSUs) running specific software, on four dedicated thrusters, on dedicated batteries and on specific interfaces with ATV gyrometers.The PFS function being the ultimate protection to ensure ISS safety in case of ATV malfunction, specific rules have been applied to its implementation, in particular for the development of the MSU software, which is critical since any failure of this software may result in catastrophic consequences.This paper provides an overview of the ATV Proximity Flight Safety function. After a short description of the overall ATV avionics architecture and its rationale, the second part of the paper presents more details on the PFS function both in terms of hardware and software implementation. The third part of the paper is dedicated to the MSU software validation method that is specific considering its criticality. The last part of the paper provides information on the different operations related to the use of the PFS function during an ATV flight.

Re-Engineering the ISS Payload Operations Control Center During Increased Utilization and Critical Onboard Events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marsh, Angela L.; Dudley, Stephanie R. B.

2014-01-01

With an increase in the utilization and hours of payload operations being executed onboard the International Space Station (ISS), upgrading the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) ISS Payload Control Area (PCA) was essential to gaining efficiencies and assurance of current and future payload health and science return. PCA houses the Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) responsible for the execution of all NASA payloads onboard the ISS. POIC Flight Controllers are responsible for the operation of voice, stowage, command, telemetry, video, power, thermal, and environmental control in support of ISS science experiments. The methodologies and execution of the PCA refurbishment were planned and performed within a four month period in order to assure uninterrupted operation of ISS payloads and minimal impacts to payload operations teams. To vacate the PCA, three additional HOSC control rooms were reconfigured to handle ISS realtime operations, Backup Control Center (BCC) to Mission Control in Houston, simulations, and testing functions. This involved coordination and cooperation from teams of ISS operations controllers, multiple engineering and design disciplines, management, and construction companies performing an array of activities simultaneously and in sync delivering a final product with no issues that impacted the schedule. For each console operator discipline, studies of Information Technology (IT) tools and equipment layouts, ergonomics, and lines of sight were performed. Infusing some of the latest IT into the project was an essential goal in ensuring future growth and success of the ISS payload science returns. Engineering evaluations led to a state of the art media wall implementation and more efficient ethernet cabling distribution providing the latest products and the best solution for the POIC. These engineering innovations led to cost savings for the project. Constraints involved in the management of the project included executing over 450 crew-hours of ISS real-time payload operations including a major onboard communications upgrade, SpaceX un-berth, a Soyuz launch, roll-out of ISS live video and interviews from the POIC, annual BCC certification and hurricane season, and ISS simulations and testing. Continuous ISS payload operations were possible during the PCA facility modifications with the reconfiguration of four control rooms and standup of two temporary control areas. Another major restriction to the project was an ongoing facility upgrade that included a NASA Headquarters mandated replacement of all electrical and mechanical systems and replacement of an external generator. These upgrades required a facility power outage during the PCA upgrades. The project also encompassed console layout designs and ordering, amenities selections and ordering, excessing of old equipment, moves, disposal of old IT equipment, camera installations, facility tour re-schedules, and contract justifications. These were just some of the tasks needed for a successful project.

Expansion of Microbial Monitoring Capabilities on the International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khodadad, Christina L.; Oubre, Cherie; Castro, Victoria; Flint, Stephanie; Melendez, Orlando; Ott, C. Mark; Roman, Monsi

2017-01-01

Microbial monitoring is one of the tools that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uses on the International Space Station (ISS) to help maintain crew health and safety. In combination with regular housekeeping and disinfection when needed, microbial monitoring provides important information to the crew about the quality of the environment. Rotation of astronauts, equipment, and cargo on the ISS can affect the microbial load in the air, surfaces, and water. The current ISS microbial monitoring methods are focused on culture-based enumeration during flight and require a significant amount of crew time as well as long incubation periods of up to 5 days there by proliferating potential pathogens. In addition, the samples require return to Earth for complete identification of the microorganisms cultivated. Although the current approach assess the quality of the ISS environment, molecular technology offers faster turn-around of information particularly beneficial in an off-nominal situation. In 2011, subject matter experts from industry and academia recommended implementation of molecular-based technologies such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for evaluation to replace current, culture-based technologies. The RAZOR EX (BioFire Defense, Inc, Salt Lake City, UT) a ruggedized, compact, COTS (commercial off the shelf) qPCR instrument was tested, evaluated and selected in the 2 X 2015 JSC rapid flight hardware demonstration initiative as part of the Water Monitoring Suite. RAZOR EX was launched to ISS on SpaceX-9 in July 2016 to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the hardware by testing various concentrations of DNA in microgravity compared to ground controls. Flight testing was completed between September 2016 and March 2017. Data presented will detail the hardware performance of flight testing results compared to ground controls. Future goals include additional operational ground-based testing and assay development to determine if this technology can meet spaceflight microbial monitoring requirements.

Biomedical Results of ISS Expeditions 1-12

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fogarty, Jennifer; Sams, Clarence F.

2007-01-01

A viewgraph presentation on biomedical data from International Space Station (ISS) Expeditions 1-12 is shown. The topics include: 1) ISS Expeditions 1-12; 2) Biomedical Data; 3) Physiological Assessments; 4) Bone Mineral Density; 5) Bone Mineral Density Recovery; 6) Orthostatic Tolerance; 7) Postural Stability Set of Sensory Organ Test 6; 8) Performance Assessment; 9) Aerobic Capacity of the Astronaut Corps; 10) Pre-flight Aerobic Fitness of ISS Astronauts; 11) In-flight and Post-flight Aerobic Capacity of the Astronaut Corps; and 12) ISS Functional Fitness Expeditions 1-12.

jsc2014e031497

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

DATE: 3-27-14.LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231).SUBJECT: Expedition 39 flight controllers on console with Flight Director Ron Spencer watch the approach of the Soyuz 39 crew docking to the ISS from FCR-1..PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2014e031517

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

DATE: 3-27-14.LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231).SUBJECT: Expedition 39 flight controllers on console with Flight Director Ron Spencer watch the approach of the Soyuz 39 crew docking to the ISS from FCR-1..PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2014e031522

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

DATE: 3-27-14.LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231).SUBJECT: Expedition 39 flight controllers on console with Flight Director Ron Spencer watch the approach of the Soyuz 39 crew docking to the ISS from FCR-1..PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2014e031513

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

DATE: 3-27-14.LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231).SUBJECT: Expedition 39 flight controllers on console with Flight Director Ron Spencer watch the approach of the Soyuz 39 crew docking to the ISS from FCR-1..PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2014e031512

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

DATE: 3-27-14.LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231).SUBJECT: Expedition 39 flight controllers on console with Flight Director Ron Spencer watch the approach of the Soyuz 39 crew docking to the ISS from FCR-1..PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2014e031521

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

DATE: 3-27-14.LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231).SUBJECT: Expedition 39 flight controllers on console with Flight Director Ron Spencer watch the approach of the Soyuz 39 crew docking to the ISS from FCR-1..PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

Astrobee: Space Station Robotic Free Flyer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Provencher, Chris; Bualat, Maria G.; Barlow, Jonathan; Fong, Terrence W.; Smith, Marion F.; Smith, Ernest E.; Sanchez, Hugo S.

2016-01-01

Astrobee is a free flying robot that will fly inside the International Space Station and primarily serve as a research platform for robotics in zero gravity. Astrobee will also provide mobile camera views to ISS flight and payload controllers, and collect various sensor data within the ISS environment for the ISS Program. Astrobee consists of two free flying robots, a dock, and ground data system. This presentation provides an overview, high level design description, and project status.

Expedition 8 Crew Interview: Pedro Duque

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Pedro Duque is interviewed in preparation for his flight to and eight day stay on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Cervantes mission. Duque arrived on the ISS with the Expedition 8 crew onboard a Soyuz TMA-3, the seventh Soyuz flight to the station. He departed from the ISS on a Soyuz TMA-2 with the Expedition 7 crew of the ISS. In the video, Duque answers questions on: the goals of his flight; his life and career path; the Columbus Module, which ESA will contribute to the ISS, the ride onboard a Soyuz, and the importance of the ISS.

MSFC ISS Resource Reel 2016

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-04-01

International Space Station Resource Reel. This video describes shows the International Space Station components, such as the Destiny laboratory and the Quest Airlock, being manufactured at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. It provides manufacturing and ground testing video and in-flight video of key space station components: the Microgravity Science Glovebox, the Materials Science Research Facility, the Window Observational Research Facility, the Environmental Control Life Support System, and basic research racks. There is video of people working in Marshall's Payload Operations Integration Center where controllers operate experiments 24/7, 365 days a week. Various crews are shown conducting experiments on board the station. PAO Name:Jennifer Stanfield Phone Number:256-544-0034 Email Address: JENNIFER.STANFIELD@NASA.GOV Name/Title of Video: ISS Resource Reel Description: ISS Resource Reel Graphic Information: NASA PAO Name:Tracy McMahan Phone Number:256-544-1634 Email Address: tracy.mcmahan@nasa.gov

Space Flight Resource Management for ISS Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, Larry; Slack, Kelley; O'Keefe, William; Huning, Therese; Sipes, Walter; Holland, Albert

2011-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the International Space Station (ISS) Operations space flight resource management, which was adapted to the ISS from the shuttle processes. It covers crew training and behavior elements.

Helms with laptop in Destiny laboratory module

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-03-30

ISS002-E-5478 (30 March 2001) --- Astronaut Susan J. Helms, Expedition Two flight engineer, works at a laptop computer in the U.S. Laboratory / Destiny module of the International Space Station (ISS). The Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) control panel is visible to Helms' right. This image was recorded with a digital still camera.

MFCV

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-08

ISS020-E-020259 (8 July 2009) --- NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works at a rotated rack in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station during in-flight maintenance (IFM) to adjust the periodic flow rate of manual flow control valves for coolant loops.

MFCV

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-08

ISS020-E-020260 (8 July 2009) --- NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works at a rotated rack in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station during in-flight maintenance (IFM) to adjust the periodic flow rate of manual flow control valves for coolant loops.

Human-rated Safety Certification of a High Voltage Robonaut Lithium-ion Battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeevarajan, Judith; Yayathi, S.; Johnson, M.; Waligora, T.; Verdeyen, W.

2013-01-01

NASA's rigorous certification process is being followed for the R2 high voltage battery program for use of R2 on International Space Station (ISS). Rigorous development testing at appropriate levels to credible off-nominal conditions and review of test data led to design improvements for safety at the virtual cell, cartridge and battery levels. Tests were carried out at all levels to confirm that both hardware and software controls work. Stringent flight acceptance testing of the flight battery will be completed before launch for mission use on ISS.

Microbial Anomalies Encountered on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bruce, Rebekah J.; Wong, Wing; Pierson, Duane; Castro, Victoria

2010-01-01

Microorganisms in our living environments are unavoidable. A community of microbes arrived in space with the delivery of the first element of the International Space Station (ISS), attached to hardware and on the bodies of the humans tasked with the initial assembly missions. The risk that microorganisms could cause adverse effects in the health of both the human occupants of the ISS as well as the physical integrity of the station environment and life support systems has been both a driver and a function of engineering and operational controls. Scientists and engineers at NASA have gone to extensive measures to control microbial growth at levels safe for the crewmembers and the spacecraft environment. Many of these measures were initiated with the design of the spacecraft and its systems. Materials used in the ISS were tested for resistance to fungi, such as mold and a paint with a fungus-killing chemical was also used. Controlling the humidity of the air in the Station is also an effective way of discouraging microbe growth. The breathing air is reconditioned by the Environmental Control Life Support System (ECLSS) prior to distribution, utilizing High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration. Requirements restricting the accumulation of water condensate in the air handlers and habitable volume of the ISS were other safeguards added. Water for drinking and food rehydration is disinfected or filtered. A robust in-flight housekeeping regimen for the ISS significantly reduces inappropriate growth of microorganisms and includes a regular cleaning of accessible surfaces with disinfectant wipes. Most of these requirements were suggested by microbiologists to mitigate and possibly prevent many microbiological risks. In addition to these controls, before flight monitoring and analyses of the cabin air, exposed surfaces, water and food, consumables, and crew members are conducted to mitigate microbial risk to the crew and spacecraft. Many microbial risks are much easier to identify and resolve before launch than during space flight. Although the focus has been on prevention of microbiologically related, not all problems can be anticipated. A number of microbial anomalies have occurred on ISS. This paper will discuss the occurrences, root-cause investigations, and mitigation steps taken to remediate the contamination.

Former President George H. W. Bush and Mrs. Bush visit with Mission Control Center personnel.

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-02-03

JSC2003-E-05202 (3 February 2003) --- In the Station Flight Control Room of JSC's Mission Control Center, former President George H.W. Bush learns about current activity aboard the Earth-orbiting International Space Station (ISS) from Flight Director Sally Davis. The former Chief Executive and First Lady visited the Houston facility on Feb. 3, 2003.

Expedition 11 Science Officer and Flight Engineer John Phillips in Node 1/Unity

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-04-17

ISS011-E-05161 (17 April 2005) --- Astronaut John L. Phillips, Expedition 11 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, uses the ISS wet/dry vacuum cleaner assembly to catch floating debris from the top of a food can in the Unity node of the International Space Station (ISS).

Spherical Panorama 360 VR capture of bldg 30 FCR-1 during ISS operations

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-21

360 VR Panorama of the Building 30 Flight Control Room 1 in honor of the ISS 15th Anniversary. Created with jsc2013e095196 thru jsc2013e095201. VR DATE: 11-20-13 LOCATION: B 30 FCR - 1 SUBJECT: B30 FCR - 1 360 VR Panorama VR PHOTOGRAPHER: Bill Stafford

STS-105 Flight Day 5 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

On this fifth day of the STS-105 mission, the transfer of supplies from the Leonardo Multipurpose Logistics Module to the International Space Station (ISS) and the handover of control of the ISS from the Expedition 2 crew (Yuriy Usachev, Jim Voss, and Susan Helms) to the Expedition 3 crew (Frank Culbertson, Jr., Mikhail Turin, and Vladimir Dezhurov) continue. Commanders Usachev and Culbertson answer questions about the ISS in an on-orbit interview, and the Expedition 3 crewmembers give a video tour of their new sleeping quarters on the ISS. The north Pacific Ocean and the United States Pacific northwest are seen from space.

BFCR during Expedition 6 space walk on ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-01-15

JSC2003-E-02167 (15 January 2003) --- Astronaut Stanley G. Love, spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM), monitors data at his console in the station flight control room (BFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). At the time this photo was taken, astronauts Kenneth D. Bowersox and Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six mission commander and NASA ISS science officer, respectively, were participating in the mission’s only scheduled session of extravehicular activity (EVA).

Re-Engineering the ISS Payload Operations Control Center During Increased Utilization and Critical Onboard Events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dudley, Stephanie R. B.; Marsh, Angela L.

2014-01-01

With an increase in utilization and hours of payload operations being executed onboard the International Space Station (ISS), upgrading the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) ISS Payload Control Area (PCA) was essential to gaining efficiencies and assurance of current and future payload health and science return. PCA houses the Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) responsible for the execution of all NASA payloads onboard the ISS. POIC Flight Controllers are responsible for the operation of voice, stowage, command, telemetry, video, power, thermal, and environmental control in support of ISS science experiments. The methodologies and execution of the PCA refurbishment were planned and performed within a four-month period in order to assure uninterrupted operation of ISS payloads and minimal impacts to payload operations teams. To vacate the PCA, three additional HOSC control rooms were reconfigured to handle ISS real-time operations, Backup Control Center (BCC) to Mission Control in Houston, simulations, and testing functions. This involved coordination and cooperation from teams of ISS operations controllers, multiple engineering and design disciplines, management, and construction companies performing an array of activities simultaneously and in sync delivering a final product with no issues that impacted the schedule. For each console operator discipline, studies of Information Technology (IT) tools and equipment layouts, ergonomics, and lines of sight were performed. Infusing some of the latest IT into the project was an essential goal in ensuring future growth and success of the ISS payload science returns. Engineering evaluations led to a state of the art Video Wall implementation and more efficient ethernet cabling distribution providing the latest products and the best solution for the POIC. These engineering innovations led to cost savings for the project. Constraints involved in the management of the project included executing over 450 crew-hours of ISS real-time payload operations including a major onboard communications upgrade, SpaceX un-berth, a Soyuz launch, roll-out of ISS live video and interviews from the POIC, annual BCC certification and hurricane season, and ISS simulations and testing. Continuous ISS payload operations were possible during the PCA facility modifications with the reconfiguration of four control rooms and standup of two temporary control areas. Another major restriction to the project was an ongoing facility upgrade that included a NASA Headquarters mandated replacement of all electrical and mechanical systems and replacement of an external generator. These upgrades required a facility power outage during the PCA upgrades. The project also encompassed console layout designs and ordering, amenities selections and ordering, excessing of old equipment, moves, disposal of old IT equipment, camera installations, facility tour re-schedules, and contract justifications. These were just some of the tasks needed for a successful project. This paper describes the logistics and lessons learned in upgrading a control center capability in the middle of complex real-time operations. Combining the efficiencies of controller interaction and new technology infusion were prime drivers for this upgrade to handle the increased utilization of science research on ISS. The success of this project could not jeopardize the current operations while these facility upgrades occurred.

Fincke performs an ultrasound bone scan on Padalka using the ADUM in the U.S. Lab during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-08-10

ISS009-E-17439 (10 August 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke (foreground), Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, performs an ultrasound bone scan on cosmonaut Gennady I. Padalka, commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency. The two are using the Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Micro-G (ADUM) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS). The ADUM keyboard, flat screen display and front control panel are visible at right.

Fincke unstows a spare RPCM from the U.S. Lab during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-06-04

ISS009-E-10551 (4 June 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, moves the Zero-G Storage Rack (ZSR) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS) in order to retrieve the spare Remote Power Controller Module (RPCM), scheduled to replace the failed RPCM on the S0 (S-Zero) Truss. Fincke is positioned above the ZSR, which has been pulled from the Express Rack.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-02-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is responsible for designing and building the life support systems that will provide the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) a comfortable environment in which to live and work. Scientists and engineers at the MSFC are working together to provide the ISS with systems that are safe, efficient and cost-effective. These compact and powerful systems are collectively called the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, or simply, ECLSS. This is an exterior view of the U.S. Laboratory Module Simulator containing the ECLSS Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) testing facility at MSFC. At the bottom right is the data acquisition and control computers (in the blue equipment racks) that monitor the testing in the facility. The ITCS simulator facility duplicates the function, operation, and troubleshooting problems of the ITCS. The main function of the ITCS is to control the temperature of equipment and hardware installed in a typical ISS Payload Rack.

Diagram of the Water Recovery and Management for the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

This diagram shows the flow of water recovery and management in the International Space Station (ISS). The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Group of the Flight Projects Directorate at the Marshall Space Flight Center is responsible for the regenerative ECLSS hardware, as well as providing technical support for the rest of the system. The regenerative ECLSS, whose main components are the Water Recovery System (WRS), and the Oxygen Generation System (OGS), reclaims and recycles water oxygen. The ECLSS maintains a pressurized habitation environment, provides water recovery and storage, maintains and provides fire detection/ suppression, and provides breathable air and a comfortable atmosphere in which to live and work within the ISS. The ECLSS hardware will be located in the Node 3 module of the ISS.

Robotic assembly and maintenance of future space stations based on the ISS mission operations experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rembala, Richard; Ower, Cameron

2009-10-01

MDA has provided 25 years of real-time engineering support to Shuttle (Canadarm) and ISS (Canadarm2) robotic operations beginning with the second shuttle flight STS-2 in 1981. In this capacity, our engineering support teams have become familiar with the evolution of mission planning and flight support practices for robotic assembly and support operations at mission control. This paper presents observations on existing practices and ideas to achieve reduced operational overhead to present programs. It also identifies areas where robotic assembly and maintenance of future space stations and space-based facilities could be accomplished more effectively and efficiently. Specifically, our experience shows that past and current space Shuttle and ISS assembly and maintenance operations have used the approach of extensive preflight mission planning and training to prepare the flight crews for the entire mission. This has been driven by the overall communication latency between the earth and remote location of the space station/vehicle as well as the lack of consistent robotic and interface standards. While the early Shuttle and ISS architectures included robotics, their eventual benefits on the overall assembly and maintenance operations could have been greater through incorporating them as a major design driver from the beginning of the system design. Lessons learned from the ISS highlight the potential benefits of real-time health monitoring systems, consistent standards for robotic interfaces and procedures and automated script-driven ground control in future space station assembly and logistics architectures. In addition, advances in computer vision systems and remote operation, supervised autonomous command and control systems offer the potential to adjust the balance between assembly and maintenance tasks performed using extra vehicular activity (EVA), extra vehicular robotics (EVR) and EVR controlled from the ground, offloading the EVA astronaut and even the robotic operator on-orbit of some of the more routine tasks. Overall these proposed approaches when used effectively offer the potential to drive down operations overhead and allow more efficient and productive robotic operations.

STS-113 Mission Highlights Resource Tape Flight Days 7-11. Tape: 3 of 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

This video, part 3 of 4, shows the activities of the crew of Space Shuttle Envdeavour and the Expedition 5 and 6 crews of the International Space Station (ISS) during flight days 7 through 11 of STS-113. Endeavour's crew consists of Commander Jim Wetherbee, Pilot Paul Lockhart, and Mission Specialists Michael Lopez-Alegria and John Herrington. Footage of flight day 7 includes a change of command ceremony on board the ISS, and Endeavour dumping supply water through a nozzle. On flight day 8 the Space Station Mobile Transporter jams while traveling on the P1 truss of the ISS, and Herrington attempts to free it as part of a lengthy extravehicular activity (EVA) with Lopez-Alegria. Flight day 9 is the last full day the three crews spend together. Expedition 5 NASA ISS Science Officer Peggy Whitsun troubleshoots the Microgravity Glovebox on board the ISS with her successor Don Pettit. The undocking of Endeavour and the ISS is the main activity of flight day 10. Endeavour also deploys a pair of experimental tethered microsatellites for the Department of Defense. The footage from flight day 11 shows the Expedition 5 crew exercising, laying in recumbant seats to help them adjust to the gravity on Earth, and sleeping. The video includes numerous views of the earth, some with the ISS and Endeavour in the foreground. There are close-ups of Italy, Spain and Portugal, Tierra del Fuego, and Baja California, and a night view of Chicago and the Great Lakes.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Biological Specimen Repository

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McMonigal, Kathleen A.; Pietrzyk, Robert a.; Johnson, Mary Anne

2008-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Biological Specimen Repository (Repository) is a storage bank that is used to maintain biological specimens over extended periods of time and under well-controlled conditions. Samples from the International Space Station (ISS), including blood and urine, will be collected, processed and archived during the preflight, inflight and postflight phases of ISS missions. This investigation has been developed to archive biosamples for use as a resource for future space flight related research. The International Space Station (ISS) provides a platform to investigate the effects of microgravity on human physiology prior to lunar and exploration class missions. The storage of crewmember samples from many different ISS flights in a single repository will be a valuable resource with which researchers can study space flight related changes and investigate physiological markers. The development of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Biological Specimen Repository will allow for the collection, processing, storage, maintenance, and ethical distribution of biosamples to meet goals of scientific and programmatic relevance to the space program. Archiving of the biosamples will provide future research opportunities including investigating patterns of physiological changes, analysis of components unknown at this time or analyses performed by new methodologies.

Development of the Second Generation International Space Station (ISS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clements, Anna L.; Stinson, Richard G.; VanWie, Michael; Warren, Eric

2009-01-01

The second generation International Space Station (ISS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer s (TOCA) function is to monitor concentrations of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in ISS water samples. TOC is one measurement that provides a general indication of overall water quality by indicating the potential presence of hazardous chemicals. The data generated from the TOCA is used as a hazard control to assess the quality of the reclaimed and stored water supplies on-orbit and their suitability for crew consumption. This paper details the unique ISS Program requirements, the design of the ISS TOCA, and a brief description of the on-orbit concept-of-operations. The TOCA schematic will be discussed in detail along with specific information regarding key components. The ISS TOCA was designed as a non-toxic TOC analyzer that could be deployed in a flight ready package. This basic concept was developed through laboratory component level testing, two moderate fidelity integrated system breadboard prototypes, a flight-like full scale prototype, as well as lessons learned from the inadequacies of the first unit. The result: a new TOCA unit that is robust in design and includes special considerations to microgravity and the on-orbit ISS environment. TOCA meets the accuracy needs of the ISS Program with a 1,000 to 25,000 g/L range, accurate to within +/-25%.

Expedition 11 Science Officer and Flight Engineer John Phillips in Node 1/ Unity

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-04-17

ISS011-E-05163 (17 April 2005) --- Astronaut John L. Phillips, Expedition 11 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, poses for a photo with the ISS wet/dry vacuum cleaner assembly he used to catch floating debris from the top of a food can in the Unity node of the International Space Station (ISS).

jsc2013e090704

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-22

PHOTO DATE: 10-22-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: Expedition 37 flight controllers on console with Flight Director Courtenay McMillan during grapple and unberthing of the Orbital Sciences/Cygnus cargo ship from the nadir port of the Harmony module on ISS. PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

jsc2013e090631

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-22

PHOTO DATE: 10-22-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: Expedition 37 flight controllers on console with Flight Director Courtenay McMillan during grapple and unberthing of the Orbital Sciences/Cygnus cargo ship from the nadir port of the Harmony module on ISS. PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

jsc2013e090619

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-22

PHOTO DATE: 10-22-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: Expedition 37 flight controllers on console with Flight Director Courtenay McMillan during grapple and unberthing of the Orbital Sciences/Cygnus cargo ship from the nadir port of the Harmony module on ISS. PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

jsc2013e090709

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-22

PHOTO DATE: 10-22-13 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: Expedition 37 flight controllers on console with Flight Director Courtenay McMillan during grapple and unberthing of the Orbital Sciences/Cygnus cargo ship from the nadir port of the Harmony module on ISS. PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD

STS-114 Flight Day 3 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Video coverage of Day 3 includes highlights of STS-114 during the approach and docking of Discovery with the International Space Station (ISS). The Return to Flight continues with space shuttle crew members (Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Andrew Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, and Charles Camarda) seen in onboard activities on the fore and aft portions of the flight deck during the orbiter's approach. Camarda sends a greeting to his family, and Collins maneuvers Discovery as the ISS appears steadily closer in sequential still video from the centerline camera of the Orbiter Docking System. The approach includes video of Discovery from the ISS during the orbiter's Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver, giving the ISS a clear view of the thermal protection systems underneath the orbiter. Discovery docks with the Destiny Laboratory of the ISS, and the shuttle crew greets the Expedition 11 crew (Commander Sergei Krikalev and NASA ISS Science Officer and Flight Engineer John Phillips) of the ISS onboard the station. Finally, the Space Station Remote Manipulator System hands the Orbiter Boom Sensor System to its counterpart, the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-07-15

At the control of Expedition Two Flight Engineer Susan B. Helms, the newly-installed Canadian-built Canadarm2, Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) maneuvers the Quest Airlock into the proper position to be mated onto the starboard side of the Unity Node I during the first of three extravehicular activities (EVA) of the STS-104 mission. The Quest Airlock makes it easier to perform space walks, and allows both Russian and American spacesuits to be worn when the Shuttle is not docked with the International Space Station (ISS). American suits will not fit through Russion airlocks at the Station. The Boeing Company, the space station prime contractor, built the 6.5-ton (5.8 metric ton) airlock and several other key components at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), in the same building where the Saturn V rocket was built. Installation activities were supported by the development team from the Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) located at the MSFC and the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Flight Center in Houston, Texas.

STS-114 Crew Interview: Soichi Noguchi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Soichi Noguchi, Mission Specialist 1 (MS1) representing Japan's National Space Development Agency (NASDA) is seen during a prelaunch interview. He discusses the main goals of this flight which are to take expedition 7 to the International Space Station and bring back expedition 6 to the Earth. He is also responsible for all Extravehicular (EVA) work on this mission. Expedition seven includes: Mission Specialist and Commander Yuri Malenchenko; NASA ISS Science Officer Edward Lu; and Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri. Expedition Six includes: Commander Kenneth Bowersox; NASA ISS Science Officer Donald Petit; and Flight Engineer Nikolai Budarin. Noguchi explains the Utilization and Logistics Flight 1 (ULF1) Mission which entails the exchange of crewmembers, various supplies and experiments and the replacement of a control component on the International Space Station. This is also will be Soichi Noguchi's first spacewalk.

Lu and Kaleri in Node 1/Unity module

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-10-26

ISS007-E-18035 (26 October 2003) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri (left), Expedition 8 flight engineer, and astronaut Edward T. Lu, Expedition 7 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, hold tools in the Unity node on the International Space Station (ISS). Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

International Space Station medical standards and certification for space flight participants.

PubMed

Bogomolov, Valery V; Castrucci, Filippo; Comtois, Jean-Marc; Damann, Volker; Davis, Jeffrey R; Duncan, J Michael; Johnston, Smith L; Gray, Gary W; Grigoriev, Anatoly I; Koike, Yu; Kuklinski, Paul; Matveyev, Vladimir P; Morgun, Valery V; Pochuev, Vladimir I; Sargsyan, Ashot E; Shimada, Kazuhito; Straube, Ulrich; Tachibana, Shoichi; Voronkov, Yuri V; Williams, Richard S

2007-12-01

The medical community of the International Space Station (ISS) has developed joint medical standards and evaluation requirements for Space Flight Participants ("space tourists") which are used by the ISS medical certification board to determine medical eligibility of individuals other than professional astronauts (cosmonauts) for short-duration space flight to the ISS. These individuals are generally fare-paying passengers without operational responsibilities. By means of this publication, the medical standards and evaluation requirements for the ISS Space Flight Participants are offered to the aerospace medicine and commercial spaceflight communities for reference purposes. It is emphasized that the criteria applied to the ISS spaceflight participant candidates are substantially less stringent than those for professional astronauts and/or crewmembers of visiting and long-duration missions to the ISS. These medical standards are released by the government space agencies to facilitate the development of robust medical screening and medical risk assessment approaches in the context of the evolving commercial human spaceflight industry.

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25114 (16 August 2001) --- Flight director John Shannon monitors data at his console in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). At the time this photo was taken, STS-105 mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of two scheduled space walks to perform work on the International Space Station (ISS).

Progress in Spacecraft Environment Interactions: International Space Station (ISS) Development and Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koontz, Steve; Suggs, Robb; Schneider, Todd; Minow, Joe; Alred, John; Cooke, Bill; Mikatarian, Ron; Kramer, Leonard; Boeder, paul; Soares, Carlos

2007-01-01

The set of spacecraft interactions with the space flight environment that have produced the largest impacts on the design, verification, and operation of the International Space Station (ISS) Program during the May 2000 to May 2007 time frame are the focus of this paper. In-flight data, flight crew observations, and the results of ground-based test and analysis directly supporting programmatic and operational decision-making are reported as are the analysis and simulation efforts that have led to new knowledge and capabilities supporting current and future space explorations programs. The specific spacecraft-environment interactions that have had the greatest impact on ISS Program activities during the first several years of flight are: 1) spacecraft charging, 2) micrometeoroids and orbital debris effects, 3) ionizing radiation (both total dose to materials and single event effects [SEE] on avionics), 4) hypergolic rocket engine plume impingement effects, 5) venting/dumping of liquids, 6) spacecraft contamination effects, 7) neutral atmosphere and atomic oxygen effects, 8) satellite drag effects, and 9) solar ultraviolet effects. Orbital inclination (51.6deg) and altitude (nominally between 350 km and 460 km) determine the set of natural environment factors affecting the performance and reliability of materials and systems on ISS. ISS operates in the F2 region of Earth s ionosphere in well-defined fluxes of atomic oxygen, other ionospheric plasma species, solar UV, VUV, and x-ray radiation as well as galactic cosmic rays, trapped radiation, and solar cosmic rays. The micrometeoroid and orbital debris environment is an important determinant of spacecraft design and operations in any orbital inclination. The induced environment results from ISS interactions with the natural environment as well as environmental factors produced by ISS itself and visiting vehicles. Examples include ram-wake effects, hypergolic thruster plume impingement, materials out-gassing, venting and dumping of fluids, and specific photovoltaic (PV) power system interactions with the ionospheric plasma. Vehicle size (L) and velocity (v), combined with the magnitude and direction of the geomagnetic field (B) produce operationally significant magnetic induction voltages (VxB.L) in ISS conducting structure during high latitude flight (>+/- 45deg) during each orbit. In addition, ISS is a large vehicle and produces a deep wake structure from which both ionospheric plasma and neutrals species are largely excluded. ISS must fly in a very limited number of approved flight attitudes, so that exposure of a particular material or system to environmental factors depends upon: 1) location on ISS, 2) ISS flight configuration, 3) ISS flight attitude, and 4) variation of solar exposure (Beta angle), and hence thermal environment, with time. Finally, an induced ionizing radiation environment is produced by trapped radiation and solar/cosmic ray interactions with the relatively massive ISS structural shielding.

X-38 Vehicle 131R Free Flights 1 and 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munday, Steve

2000-01-01

The X-38 program is using a modern flight control system (FCS) architecture originally developed by Honeywell called MACH. During last year's SAE G&C subcommittee meeting, we outlined the design, implementation and testing of MACH in X-38 Vehicles 132, 131R & 201. During this year's SAE meeting, I'll focus upon the first two free flights of V131R, describing what caused the roll-over in FF1 and how we fixed it for FF2. I only have 30 minutes, so it will be a quick summary including VHS video. X-38 is a NASA JSC/DFRC experimental flight test program developing a series of prototypes for an International Space Station (ISS) Crew Return Vehicle (CRV), often described as an ISS "lifeboat." X-38 Vehicle 132 Free Flight 3 was the first flight test of a modern FCS architecture called Multi-Application ControlH (MACH), developed by the Honeywell Technology Center in Minneapolis and Honeywell's Houston Engineering Center. MACH wraps classical Proportional+integral (P+I) outer attitude loops around modern dynamic inversion attitude rate loops. The presentation at last year's SAE Aerospace Meeting No. 85 focused upon the design and testing of the FCS algorithm and Vehicle 132 Free Flight 3. This presentation will summarize flight control and aerodynamics lessons learned during Free Flights 1 and 2 of Vehicle 131R, a subsonic test vehicle laying the groundwork for the orbital/entry test of Vehicle 201 in 2003.

Simulation Training Versus Real Time Console Training for New Flight Controllers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heaton, Amanda

2010-01-01

For new flight controllers, the two main learning tools are simulations and real time console performance training. These benefit the new flight controllers in different ways and could possibly be improved. Simulations: a) Allow for mistakes without serious consequences. b) Lets new flight controllers learn the working style of other new flight controllers. c) Lets new flight controllers eventually begin to feel like they have mastered the sim world, so therefore they must be competent in the real time world too. Real time: a) Shows new flight controllers some of the unique problems that develop and have to be accounted for when dealing with certain payloads or systems. b) Lets new flight controllers experience handovers - gathering information from the previous shift on what the room needs to be aware of and what still needs to be done. c) Gives new flight controllers confidence that they can succeed in the position they are training for when they can solve real anomalies. How Sims could be improved and more like real-time ops for the ISS Operations Controller position: a) Operations Change Requests to review. b) Fewer anomalies (but still more than real time for practice). c) Payload Planning Manager Handover sheet for the E-1 and E-3 reviews. d) Flight note in system with at least one comment to verify for the E-1 and E-3 reviews How the real time console performance training could be improved for the ISS Operations Controller position: a) Schedule the new flight controller to be on console for four days but with a different certified person each day. This will force them to be the source of knowledge about every OCR in progress, everything that has happened in those few days, and every activity on the timeline. Constellation program flight controllers will have to learn entirely from simulations, thereby losing some of the elements that they will need to have experience with for real time ops. It may help them to practice real time console performance training in the International Space Station or Space Shuttle to gather some general anomaly resolution and day-to-day task management skills.

NASA Biological Specimen Repository

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pietrzyk, Robert; McMonigal, K. A.; Sams, C. F.; Johnson, M. A.

2009-01-01

The NASA Biological Specimen Repository (NBSR) has been established to collect, process, annotate, store, and distribute specimens under the authority of the NASA/JSC Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects. The International Space Station (ISS) provides a platform to investigate the effects of microgravity on human physiology prior to lunar and exploration class missions. The NBSR is a secure controlled storage facility that is used to maintain biological specimens over extended periods of time, under well-controlled conditions, for future use in approved human spaceflight-related research protocols. The repository supports the Human Research Program, which is charged with identifying and investigating physiological changes that occur during human spaceflight, and developing and implementing effective countermeasures when necessary. The storage of crewmember samples from many different ISS flights in a single repository will be a valuable resource with which researchers can validate clinical hypotheses, study space-flight related changes, and investigate physiological markers All samples collected require written informed consent from each long duration crewmember. The NBSR collects blood and urine samples from all participating long duration ISS crewmembers. These biological samples are collected pre-flight at approximately 45 days prior to launch, during flight on flight days 15, 30, 60 120 and within 2 weeks of landing. Postflight sessions are conducted 3 and 30 days following landing. The number of inflight sessions is dependent on the duration of the mission. Operations began in 2007 and as of October 2009, 23 USOS crewmembers have completed or agreed to participate in this project. As currently planned, these human biological samples will be collected from crewmembers covering multiple ISS missions until the end of U.S. presence on the ISS or 2017. The NBSR will establish guidelines for sample distribution that are consistent with ethical principles, protection of crewmember confidentiality, prevailing laws and regulations, intellectual property policies, and consent form language. A NBSR Advisory Board composed of representatives of all participating agencies will be established to evaluate each request by an investigator for use of the samples to ensure the request reflects the mission of the NBSR.

First Integrated Flight Simulation For STS 114

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-10-13

JSC2004-E-45138 (13 October 2004) --- Astronaut Stephen N. Frick monitors communications at the spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) console in the Shuttle Flight Control Room (WFCR) in Johnson Space Center’s (JSC) Mission Control Center (MCC) with the STS-114 crewmembers during a fully-integrated simulation on October 13. The seven member crew was in a JSC-based simulator during the sims. The dress rehearsal of Discovery's rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station (ISS) was the first flight-specific training for the Space Shuttle's return to flight.

Cargo Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Environmental Control and Life Support Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duchesne, Stephanie; Thacker, Karen; Williams, Dave

2012-01-01

The International Space Station s (ISS) largest crew and cargo resupply vehicle, the Space Shuttle, retired in 2011. To help augment ISS resupply and return capability, NASA announced a project to promote the development of Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) for the ISS in January of 2006. By December of 2008, NASA entered into space act agreements with SpaceX and Orbital Sciences Corporation for COTS development and ISS Commercial Resupply Services (CRS). The intent of CRS is to fly multiple resupply missions each year to ISS with SpaceX s Dragon vehicle providing resupply and return capabilities and Orbital Science Corporation s Cygnus vehicle providing resupply capability to ISS. The ISS program launched an integration effort to ensure that these new commercial vehicles met the requirements of the ISS vehicle and ISS program needs. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) requirements cover basic cargo vehicle needs including maintaining atmosphere, providing atmosphere circulation, and fire detection and suppression. The ISS-COTS integration effort brought unique challenges combining NASA s established processes and design knowledge with the commercial companies new initiatives and limited experience with human space flight. This paper will discuss the ISS ECLS COTS integration effort including challenges, successes, and lessons learned.

Commercial Orbital Transportation Cargo Services Environmental Control and Life Support Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duchesne, Stephanie; Williams, Dave; Orozco, Nicole; Philistine, Cynthia

2010-01-01

The International Space Station s (ISS) largest crew and cargo resupply vehicle, the Space Shuttle, will retire in 2011. To help augment ISS resupply and return capability, NASA announced a project to promote the development of Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) for the ISS in January of 2006. By December of 2008, NASA entered into space act agreements with SpaceX and Orbital Sciences Corporation for COTS development and ISS Commercial Resupply Services (CRS). The intent of CRS is to fly multiple resupply missions each year to ISS with SpaceX s Dragon vehicle providing resupply and return capabilities and Orbital Science Corporation s Cygnus vehicle providing resupply capability to ISS. The ISS program launched an integration effort to ensure that these new commercial vehicles met the requirements of the ISS vehicle and ISS program needs. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) requirements cover basic cargo vehicle needs including maintaining atmosphere, providing atmosphere circulation, and fire detection and suppression. The ISS-COTS integration effort brought unique challenges combining NASA s established processes and design knowledge with the commercial companies new initiatives and limited experience with human space flight. This paper will discuss the ISS ECLS COTS integration effort including challenges, successes, and lessons learned.

NASA's Rodent Research Project: Validation of Capabilities for Conducting Long Duration Experiments in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sungshin Y.; Cole, Nicolas; Reyes, America; Lai, San-Huei; Klotz, Rebecca; Beegle, Janet E.; Wigley, Cecilia L.; Pletcher, David; Globus, Ruth K.

2015-01-01

Research using rodents is an essential tool for advancing biomedical research on Earth and in space. Prior rodent experiments on the Shuttle were limited by the short flight duration. The International Space Station (ISS) provides a new platform for conducting rodent experiments under long duration conditions. Rodent Research (RR)-1 was conducted to validate flight hardware, operations, and science capabilities that were developed at the NASA Ames Research Center. Twenty C57BL6J adult female mice were launched on Sept 21, 2014 in a Dragon Capsule (SpaceX-4), then transferred to the ISS for a total time of 21-22 days (10 commercial mice) or 37 days (10 validation mice). Tissues collected on-orbit were either rapidly frozen or preserved in RNAlater at -80C (n2group) until their return to Earth. Remaining carcasses on-orbit were rapidly frozen for dissection post-flight. The three controls groups at Kennedy Space Center consisted of: Basal mice euthanized at the time of launch, Vivarium controls housed in standard cages, and Ground Controls (GC) housed in flight hardware within an environmental chamber. Upon return to Earth, there were no differences in body weights between Flight (FLT) and GC at the end of the 37 days in space. Liver enzyme activity levels of FLT mice and all control mice were similar in magnitude to those of the samples that were processed under optimal conditions in the laboratory. Liver samples dissected on-orbit yielded high quality RNA (RIN8.99+-0.59, n7). Liver samples dissected post-flight from the intact, frozen FLT carcasses yielded RIN of 7.27 +- 0.52 (n6). Additionally, wet weights of various tissues were measured. Adrenal glands and spleen showed no significant differences in FLT compared to GC although thymus and livers weights were significantly greater in FLT compared to GC. Over 3,000 tissue aliquots collected post-flight from the four groups of mice were deposited into the Ames Life Science Data Archives for future Biospecimen Sharing Program. Together, the RR validation flight successfully demonstrates the capability to support long-duration experimentation on the ISS to achieve both basic science and biomedical objectives.

Spare EXT MDM Preparation

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-18

ISS039-E-013244 (18 April 2014) --- NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio, Expeditionn 39 flight engineer, replaces the Enhanced Input/Output Control Unit Circuit Card of the spare External Multiplexer/Demultiplexer (MDM), in preparation for an upcoming spacewalk. He will be joined by fellow NASA astronaut and Flight Engineer Steve Swanson on the spacewalk.

International Space Station Acoustics - A Status Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Christopher S.; Denham, Samuel A.

2011-01-01

It is important to control acoustic noise aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to provide a satisfactory environment for voice communications, crew productivity, and restful sleep, and to minimize the risk for temporary and permanent hearing loss. Acoustic monitoring is an important part of the noise control process on ISS, providing critical data for trend analysis, noise exposure analysis, validation of acoustic analysis and predictions, and to provide strong evidence for ensuring crew health and safety, thus allowing Flight Certification. To this purpose, sound level meter (SLM) measurements and acoustic noise dosimetry are routinely performed. And since the primary noise sources on ISS include the environmental control and life support system (fans and airflow) and active thermal control system (pumps and water flow), acoustic monitoring will indicate changes in hardware noise emissions that may indicate system degradation or performance issues. This paper provides the current acoustic levels in the ISS modules and sleep stations, and is an update to the status presented in 20031. Many new modules, and sleep stations have been added to the ISS since that time. In addition, noise mitigation efforts have reduced noise levels in some areas. As a result, the acoustic levels on the ISS have improved.

Assessment of Air Quality in the Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) Based on Samples Returned by STS-104 at the Conclusion of 7A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

James, John T.

2001-01-01

The toxicological assessment of air samples returned at the end of the STS-l04 (7 A) flight to the ISS is reported. ISS air samples were taken in June and July 2001 from the Service Module, FGB, and U.S. Laboratory using grab sample canisters (GSCs) and/or formaldehyde badges. Preflight and end-of-mission samples were obtained from Atlantis using GSCs. Solid sorbent air sampler (SSAS) samples were obtained from the ISS in April, June, and July. Analytical methods have not changed from earlier reports, and all quality control measures were met.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-02-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is responsible for designing and building the life support systems that will provide the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) a comfortable environment in which to live and work. Scientists and engineers at the MSFC are working together to provide the ISS with systems that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. These compact and powerful systems are collectively called the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, or simply, ECLSS. This is a view of the ECLSS and the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Test Facility in building 4755, MSFC. In the foreground is the 3-module ECLSS simulator comprised of the U.S. Laboratory Module Simulator, Node 1 Simulator, and Node 3/Habitation Module Simulator. At center left is the ITCS Simulator. The main function of the ITCS is to control the temperature of equipment and hardware installed in a typical ISS Payload Rack.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-02-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is responsible for designing and building the life support systems that will provide the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) a comfortable environment in which to live and work. Scientists and engineers at the MSFC are working together to provide the ISS with systems that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. These compact and powerful systems are collectively called the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, or simply, ECLSS. This is a view of the ECLSS and the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Test Facility in building 4755, MSFC. In the foreground is the 3-module ECLSS simulator comprised of the U.S. Laboratory Module Simulator, Node 1 Simulator, and Node 3/Habitation Module Simulator. On the left is the ITCS Simulator. The main function of the ITCS is to control the temperature of equipment and hardware installed in a typical ISS Payload Rack.

Applying lessons learned to enhance human performance and reduce human error for ISS operations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nelson, W.R.

1999-01-01

A major component of reliability, safety, and mission success for space missions is ensuring that the humans involved (flight crew, ground crew, mission control, etc.) perform their tasks and functions as required. This includes compliance with training and procedures during normal conditions, and successful compensation when malfunctions or unexpected conditions occur. A very significant issue that affects human performance in space flight is human error. Human errors can invalidate carefully designed equipment and procedures. If certain errors combine with equipment failures or design flaws, mission failure or loss of life can occur. The control of human error during operation ofmore » the International Space Station (ISS) will be critical to the overall success of the program. As experience from Mir operations has shown, human performance plays a vital role in the success or failure of long duration space missions. The Department of Energy{close_quote}s Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) is developing a systematic approach to enhance human performance and reduce human errors for ISS operations. This approach is based on the systematic identification and evaluation of lessons learned from past space missions such as Mir to enhance the design and operation of ISS. This paper will describe previous INEEL research on human error sponsored by NASA and how it can be applied to enhance human reliability for ISS. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}« less

Applying lessons learned to enhance human performance and reduce human error for ISS operations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nelson, W.R.

1998-09-01

A major component of reliability, safety, and mission success for space missions is ensuring that the humans involved (flight crew, ground crew, mission control, etc.) perform their tasks and functions as required. This includes compliance with training and procedures during normal conditions, and successful compensation when malfunctions or unexpected conditions occur. A very significant issue that affects human performance in space flight is human error. Human errors can invalidate carefully designed equipment and procedures. If certain errors combine with equipment failures or design flaws, mission failure or loss of life can occur. The control of human error during operation ofmore » the International Space Station (ISS) will be critical to the overall success of the program. As experience from Mir operations has shown, human performance plays a vital role in the success or failure of long duration space missions. The Department of Energy`s Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) is developed a systematic approach to enhance human performance and reduce human errors for ISS operations. This approach is based on the systematic identification and evaluation of lessons learned from past space missions such as Mir to enhance the design and operation of ISS. This paper describes previous INEEL research on human error sponsored by NASA and how it can be applied to enhance human reliability for ISS.« less

The International Space Station Comparative Maintenance Analysis(CMAM)

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-09-01

External Component • Entire ORU Database 2. Database Connectivity The CMAM ORU database consists of three tables: an ORU master parts list , an ISS...Flight table, and an ISS Subsystem table. The ORU master parts list and the ISS Flight table can be updated or modified from the CMAM user interface

Usage of pre-flight data in short rendezvous mission of Soyuz-TMA spacecrafts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murtazin, Rafail; Petrov, Nikolay

2014-01-01

The paper describes the reduction of the vehicle autonomous flight duration before docking to the ISS. The Russian Soyuz-TMA spacecraft dock to the ISS two days after launch. Due to the limited volume inside Soyuz-TMA the reduction of time until docking to the ISS is very important, since the long stay of the cosmonauts in the limited volume adds to the strain of the space flight. In the previous papers of the authors it was shown that the existing capabilities of Soyuz-TMA, the ISS and the ground control loop make it possible to transfer to the five-orbit rendezvous profile. However, the analysis of the cosmonauts' schedule on the launch day shows that its duration is at the allowable limit and that is why it is necessary to find a way to further reduce the flight duration of Soyuz-TMA before docking to less than five orbits. In a traditional rendezvous profile, the calculation of rendezvous burns begins only after determination of the actual vehicle insertion orbit. The paper describes an approach in which the first two rendezvous burns are performed as soon as the spacecraft reaches the reference orbit and the values of the burns are calculated prior to the launch based on the pre-flight data for the nominal insertion. This approach decreases the duration of the rendezvous by one orbit. The demonstration flight of a Progress vehicle using the proposed profile was implemented on August 1, 2012 and completely confirmed the correctness of the imbedded principles. The paper considers the possible improvements of the proposed approach and recovery from the contingencies.

Expedition 31 Soyuz TMA-04M Docking to ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-05-17

Russian flight controllers at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia monitor the Soyuz TMA-04M as it docks to the International Space Station on Thursday, May 17, 2012. Onboard the soyuz spacecraft are Expedition 31 Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka, Flight Engineer Sergei Revin, and NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba. The crew of three launched at 9:01 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Tuesday, May 15 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sleep patterns among shift-working flight controllers of the International Space Station: an observational study on the JAXA Flight Control Team.

PubMed

Mizuno, Koh; Matsumoto, Akiko; Aiba, Tatsuya; Abe, Takashi; Ohshima, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Masaya; Inoue, Yuichi

2016-09-01

Flight controllers of the International Space Station (ISS) are engaged in shift work to provide 24-h coverage to support ISS systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) among Japanese ISS flight controllers. A questionnaire study was conducted using the Standard Shiftwork Index to evaluate sleep-related problems and possible associated variables. Among 52 respondents out of 73 flight controllers, 30 subjects were identified as night shift workers who worked 3 or more night shifts per month. Those night shift workers who answered "almost always" to questions about experiencing insomnia or excessive sleepiness in any case of work shifts and days off were classified as having SWSD. Additionally, 7 night shift workers participated in supplemental wrist actigraphy data collection for 7 to 8 days including 3 to 4 days of consecutive night shifts. Fourteen of 30 night shift workers were classified as having SWSD. Significant group differences were observed where the SWSD group felt that night shift work was harder and reported more frequent insomniac symptoms after a night shift. However, no other variables demonstrated remarkable differences between groups. Actigraphy results characterized 5 subjects reporting better perceived adaptation as having regular daytime sleep, for 6 to 9 h in total, between consecutive night shifts. On the other hand, 2 subjects reporting perceived maladaptation revealed different sleep patterns, with longer daytime sleep and large day-to-day variation in daytime sleep between consecutive night shifts, respectively. As the tasks for flight control require high levels of alertness and cognitive function, several characteristics, namely shift-working schedule (2 to 4 consecutive night shifts), very short break time (5 to 10 min/h) during work shifts, and cooperative work with onboard astronauts during the evening/night shift, accounted for increasing workloads especially in the case of night shifts, resulting in higher or equal prevalence of SWSD to that among other shift-working populations. Further studies are required to collect more actigraphy data and examine the possibility of interventions to improve SWSD.

STS-116/ISS 12A.1 flight controllers on console during EVA #4

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-12-18

JSC2006-E-54451 (17 Dec. 2006) --- Astronauts Stephen K. Robinson and Joseph R. Tanner, spacecraft communicators (CAPCOM), communicate with the STS-116 crew and its spacewalkers participating in an unprecedented fourth session of extravehicular activity on the same shuttle mission. The two spacewalk veterans are seated at the CAPCOM console in the space station flight control room (FCR-1) in the Johnson Space Center's Mission Control Center.

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25113 (16 August 2001) --- Flight director Kelly Beck monitors data at her console in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). At the time this photo was taken, STS-105 mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of the two scheduled space walks to perform work on the International Space Station (ISS).

Psychological Support Operations and the ISS One-Year Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beven, G.; Vander Ark, S. T.; Holland, A. W.

2016-01-01

Since NASA began human presence on the International Space Station (ISS) in November 1998, crews have spent two to seven months onboard. In March 2015 NASA and Russia embarked on a new era of ISS utilization, with two of their crewmembers conducting a one-year mission onboard ISS. The mission has been useful for both research and mission operations to better understand the human, technological, mission management and staffing challenges that may be faced on missions beyond Low Earth Orbit. The work completed during the first 42 ISS missions provided the basis for the pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight work completed by NASA's Space Medicine Operations Division, while our Russian colleagues provided valuable insights from their long-duration mission experiences with missions lasting 10-14 months, which predated the ISS era. Space Medicine's Behavioral Health and Performance Group (BHP) provided pre-flight training, evaluation, and preparation as well as in-flight psychological support for the NASA crewmember. While the BHP team collaboratively planned for this mission with the help of all ISS international partners within the Human Behavior and Performance Working Group to leverage their collective expertise, the US and Russian BHP personnel were responsible for their respective crewmembers. The presentation will summarize the lessons and experience gained within the areas identified by this Working Group as being of primary importance for a one-year mission.

The Challenges and Opportunities of a Commercial Astronaut Mission to the ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirra, C.; Carl, S.

2002-01-01

ISS flight opportunities for ESA astronauts are considered as a vital source to meet the objectives (utilisation, operation and political), which Europe has established in participating to the International Space Station programme. Recent internal ESA assessments have demonstrated that, in order to satisfy the objectives drawn in the ESA ISS Exploitation programme, a rate of three flights per year for European Astronauts should be maintained as minimum objective. Since the establishment of a single European Astronaut Corps and having regard of the ISS flight opportunities provided through national space agencies, the current European astronauts flight rate is rather lower than the above three flights per year. In order to improve this situation, in the context of the activation of the ESA ISS Commercialisation programme, the Agency contracted Intospace to develop the conditions for the establishment of ESA astronaut missions with the financial support of both ESA and the private sector or, in future, the latter only. The study led to the definition of a "commercial astronaut", as a member of the European Astronaut Corp that will be assigned the responsibility to perform research and commercial space projects in a given ISS mission scenario. This paper will present the recent outcomes of a detailed study phase, including highlights on possible implementation of a private sector-supported astronaut mission to the ISS.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-07-28

Launched on July 26 2005 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-114 was classified as Logistics Flight 1. Among the Station-related activities of the mission were the delivery of new supplies and the replacement of one of the orbital outpost's Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 also carried the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) and the External Stowage Platform-2. Back dropped by popcorn-like clouds, the MPLM can be seen in the cargo bay as Discovery undergoes rendezvous and docking operations. Cosmonaut Sergei K. Kriklev, Expedition 11 Commander, and John L. Phillips, NASA Space Station officer and flight engineer photographed the spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS).

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-07-28

Launched on July 26, 2005 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-114 was classified as Logistics Flight 1. Among the Station-related activities of the mission were the delivery of new supplies and the replacement of one of the orbital outpost's Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 also carried the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) and the External Stowage Platform-2. Back dropped by popcorn-like clouds, the MPLM can be seen in the cargo bay as Discovery undergoes rendezvous and docking operations. Cosmonaut Sergei K. Kriklev, Expedition 11 Commander, and John L. Phillips, NASA Space Station officer and flight engineer photographed the spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS).

Development and Certification of Ultrasonic Background Noise Test (UBNT) System for use on the International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prosser, William H.; Madaras, Eric I.

2011-01-01

As a next step in the development and implementation of an on-board leak detection and localization system on the International Space Station (ISS), there is a documented need to obtain measurements of the ultrasonic background noise levels that exist within the ISS. This need is documented in the ISS Integrated Risk Management System (IRMA), Watch Item #4669. To address this, scientists and engineers from the Langley Research Center (LaRC) and the Johnson Space Center (JSC), proposed to the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) and the ISS Vehicle Office a joint assessment to develop a flight package as a Station Development Test Objective (SDTO) that would perform ultrasonic background noise measurements within the United States (US) controlled ISS structure. This document contains the results of the assessment

Swingbed Amine Carbon Dioxide Removal Flight Experiment - Feasibility Study and Concept Development for Cost-Effective Exploration Technology Maturation on The International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodgson, Edward; Papale, William; Nalette, Timothy; Graf, John; Sweterlitsch, Jeffery; Hayley, Elizabeth; Williams, Antony; Button, Amy

2011-01-01

The completion of International Space Station Assembly and transition to a full six person crew has created the opportunity to create and implement flight experiments that will drive down the ultimate risks and cost for human space exploration by maturing exploration technologies in realistic space environments that are impossible or incredibly costly to duplicate in terrestrial laboratories. An early opportunity for such a technology maturation experiment was recognized in the amine swingbed technology baselined for carbon dioxide and humidity control on the Orion spacecraft and Constellation Spacesuit System. An experiment concept using an existing high fidelity laboratory swing bed prototype has been evaluated in a feasibility and concept definition study leading to the conclusion that the envisioned flight experiment can be both feasible and of significant value for NASA s space exploration technology development efforts. Based on the results of that study NASA has proceeded with detailed design and implementation for the flight experiment. The study effort included the evaluation of technology risks, the extent to which ISS provided unique opportunities to understand them, and the implications of the resulting targeted risks for the experiment design and operational parameters. Based on those objectives and characteristics, ISS safety and integration requirements were examined, experiment concepts developed to address them and their feasibility assessed. This paper will describe the analysis effort and conclusions and present the resulting flight experiment concept. The flight experiment, implemented by NASA and launched in two packages in January and August 2011, integrates the swing bed with supporting elements including electrical power and controls, sensors, cooling, heating, fans, air- and water-conserving functionality, and mechanical packaging structure. It is now on board the ISS awaiting installation and activation.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-03-01

In this Space Shuttle STS-102 mission image, the Payload Equipment Restraint System H-Strap is shown at the left side of the U.S. Laboratory hatch and behind Astronaut James D. Weatherbee, mission specialist. PERS is an integrated modular system of components designed to assist the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) in restraining and carrying necessary payload equipment and tools in a microgravity environment. The Operations Development Group, Flight Projects Directorate at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), while providing operation support to the ISS Materials Science Research Facility (MSRF), recognized the need for an on-orbit restraint system to facilitate control of lose objects, payloads, and tools. The PERS is the offspring of that need and it helps the ISS crew manage tools and rack components that would otherwise float away in the near-zero gravity environment aboard the Space Station. The system combines Kevlar straps, mesh pockets, Velcro and a variety of cornecting devices into a portable, adjustable system. The system includes the Single Strap, the H-Strap, the Belly Pack, the Laptop Restraint Belt, and the Tool Page Case. The Single Strap and the H-Strap were flown on this mission. The PERS concept was developed by industrial design students at Auburn University and the MSFC Flight Projects Directorate.

Phillips removes Failed RPCM (Remote Power Controller Module)

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-09-20

ISS011-E-13361 (20 September 2005) --- Astronaut John L. Phillips, Expedition 11 NASA science officer and flight engineer, performs a Remote Power Control Module (RPCM) remove and replacement in the Unity node of the international space station.

MCC Coverage during STS-105

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-02-28

JSC2001-E-25411 (17 August 2001) --- Astronaut Joan E. Higginbotham, ISS spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM), inputs data into her computer at her console in the station flight control room (BFCR) in Houston's Mission Control Center (MCC) during the STS-105 mission.

Columbus Thermal Control System (TCS) Degassing Operations

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-07-29

ISS036-E-026213 (29 July 2013) --- European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, Expedition 36 flight engineer, performs maintenance on the Water Pump Assembly 2 / Thermal Control System (WPA2/TCS) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

Expedition Six Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit is loading software on PC in U.S. Lab

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-12-06

ISS006-E-07133 (9 December 2002) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition 6 NASA ISS science officer, works to set up Pulmonary Function in Flight (PuFF) hardware in preparation for a Human Research Facility (HRF) experiment in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS). Expedition 6 is the fourth and final expedition crew to perform the HRF/PuFF Experiment on the ISS.

Expedition Six Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit is loading software on PC in U.S. Lab

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-12-06

ISS006-E-07134 (9 December 2002) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six NASA ISS science officer, works to set up Pulmonary Function in Flight (PuFF) hardware in preparation for a Human Research Facility (HRF) experiment in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS). Expedition Six is the fourth and final expedition crew to perform the HRF/PuFF Experiment on the ISS.

Overview of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Testing At MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Traweek, Mary S.; Tatara, James D.

1998-01-01

Previously, almost all water used by the crew during space flight has been transported from earth or generated in-flight as a by-product of fuel cells. Additionally, this water has been stored and used for relatively short periods. To achieve the United States' commitment to a permanent manned presence in space, more innovative techniques are demanded. Over 20,000 pounds of water and large quantities of air would have to be transported to the International Space Station (ISS) every 90 days with a corresponding amount of waste returned to earth, for an 8-person crew. This approach results in prohibitive logistics costs, and necessitates near complete recovery and recycling of water. The potential hazards associated with long-term reuse of reclaimed water and revitalized air resulted in the recognition that additional characterization of closed-loop systems and products is essential. Integrated physical/chemical systems have been designed, assembled, and operated to provide air and potable water meeting ISS quality specifications. The purpose of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) test program at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is to conduct research related to the performance of the ISS and its Environmental Control components. The ECLSS Test Program encompasses the Water Recovery Test (WRT), the Integrated Air Revitalization Test (IART), and Life Testing, which permits ECLSS design evaluation. These subsystems revitalize air and reclaim waste waters representative of those to be generated on-orbit. This paper provides an overview of MSFC's 1997 ECLSS testing. Specific tests include: the Stage 10 Water Recovery Test; the Contaminant Injection Test; the Performance Enhancement Test and Life Testing of the Four Bed Molecular Sieve; the Oxygen Generator Assembly Life Test; and the ISS Water Distribution Biofilm Life Test.

Hygienic support of the ISS air quality (main achievements and prospects)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moukhamedieva, Lana; Tsarkov, Dmitriy; Pakhomova, Anna

Hygienic preventive measures during pre-flight processing of manned spaceships, selection of polymeric materials, sanitary-hygienic evaluation of cargo and scientific hardware to be used on the ISS and life support systems allow to maintain air quality in limits of regulatory requirements. However, graduate increase of total air contamination by harmful chemicals is observed as service life of the ISS gets longer. It is caused by polymeric materials used on the station overall quantity rise, by additional contamination brought by cargo spacecrafts and modules docking to the ISS and by the cargo. At the same time the range of contaminants that are typical for off-gassing from polymeric materials where modern stabilizers, plasticizers, flame retarders and other additives are used gets wider. In resolving the matters of the ISS service life extension the main question of hygienic researches is to determine real safe operation life of the polymeric material used in structures and hardware of the station, including: begin{itemize} research of polymers degradation (ageing) and its effect on intensity of off gassing and its toxicity; begin{itemize} introduction of polymers with minimal volatile organic compounds off gassing under conditions of space flight and thermal-oxidative degradation. In order to ensure human safety during long-term flight it is important to develop: begin{itemize} real-time air quality monitoring systems, including on-line analysis of highly toxic contaminants evolving during thermo-oxidative degradation of polymer materials and during blowouts of toxic contaminants; begin{itemize} hygienic standards of contaminants level for extended duration of flight up to 3 years. It is essential to develop an automated control system for on-line monitoring of toxicological status and to develop hygienic and engineer measures of its management in order to ensure crew members safety during off-nominal situation.

International Space Station Internal Thermal Control System Cold Plate/Fluid-Stability Test: Two Year Update

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wieland, Paul; Holt, Mike; Roman, Monsi; Cole, Harold; Daugherty, Steve

2003-01-01

Operation of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Cold Plate/Fluid-Stability Test Facility commenced on September 5, 2000. The facility was intended to provide advance indication of potential problems on board the International Space Station (ISS) and was designed: 1) To be materially similar to the flight ITCS. 2) To allow for monitoring during operation. 3) To run continuously for three years. During the first two years of operation the conditions of the coolant and components were remarkably stable. During this same period of time, the conditions of the ISS ITCS significantly diverged from the desired state. Due to this divergence, the test facility has not been providing information useful for predicting the flight ITCS condition. Results of the first two years are compared with flight conditions over the same time period, showing the similarities and divergences. To address the divergences, the test facility was modified incrementally to more closely match the flight conditions, and to gain insight into the reasons for the divergence. Results of these incremental changes are discussed and provide insight into the development of the conditions on orbit.

Unexpected Control Structure Interaction on International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gomez, Susan F.; Platonov, Valery; Medina, Elizabeth A.; Borisenko, Alexander; Bogachev, Alexey

2017-01-01

On June 23, 2011, the International Space Station (ISS) was performing a routine 180 degree yaw maneuver in support of a Russian vehicle docking when the on board Russian Segment (RS) software unexpectedly declared two attitude thrusters failed and switched thruster configurations in response to unanticipated ISS dynamic motion. Flight data analysis after the maneuver indicated that higher than predicted structural loads had been induced at various locations on the United States (U.S.) segment of the ISS. Further analysis revealed that the attitude control system was firing thrusters in response to both structural flex and rigid body rates, which resonated the structure and caused high loads and fatigue cycles. It was later determined that the thruster themselves were healthy. The RS software logic, which was intended to react to thruster failures, had instead been heavily influenced by interaction between the control system and structural flex. This paper will discuss the technical aspects of the control structure interaction problem that led to the RS control system firing thrusters in response to structural flex, the factors that led to insufficient preflight analysis of the thruster firings, and the ramifications the event had on the ISS. An immediate consequence included limiting which thrusters could be used for attitude control. This complicated the planning of on-orbit thruster events and necessitated the use of suboptimal thruster configurations that increased propellant usage and caused thruster lifetime usage concerns. In addition to the technical aspects of the problem, the team dynamics and communication shortcomings that led to such an event happening in an environment where extensive analysis is performed in support of human space flight will also be examined. Finally, the technical solution will be presented, which required a multidisciplinary effort between the U.S. and Russian control system engineers and loads and dynamics structural engineers to develop and implement an extensive modification in the RS software logic for ISS attitude control thruster firings.

Preliminary Findings from the SHERE ISS Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Nancy R.; McKinley, Gareth H.; Erni, Philipp; Soulages, Johannes; Magee, Kevin S.

2009-01-01

The Shear History Extensional Rheology Experiment (SHERE) is an International Space Station (ISS) glovebox experiment designed to study the effect of preshear on the transient evolution of the microstructure and viscoelastic tensile stresses for monodisperse dilute polymer solutions. The SHERE experiment hardware was launched on Shuttle Mission STS-120 (ISS Flight 10A) on October 22, 2007, and 20 fluid samples were launched on Shuttle Mission STS-123 (ISS Flight 10/A) on March 11, 2008. Astronaut Gregory Chamitoff performed experiments during Increment 17 on the ISS between June and September 2008. A summary of the ten year history of the hardware development, the experiment's science objectives, and Increment 17's flight operations are discussed in the paper. A brief summary of the preliminary science results is also discussed.

An European pupil project linked to the scientific aims of the experiment AQUARIUS-XENOPUS on the taxi Soyuz flight Andromede to ISS.

PubMed

Dournon, Christian; Membre, Herve; Brohm, Pierre-Eric; Coince, Aurore; Cornu, Nathalie; Dreyer, Laura; Florentin, Jonathan; Jeanneau, Lydie; Henniquin, Camille; Houbre, Marie; Guerard, Marine; Lecomte, Nathalie; Maxant, Lorie; Schluraff, Marion; Venandet, Anne-Sophie; Jusyte, Aiste; Simmet, Dana; Bocking, Dominique; Flaig, Dorothee; Santak, Leo; Bolek, Steffen; Goppel, Verena; Rossignon, Jean-Paul; Trossat, Marie-Alice; Raux, Martine; Forster, Susanne; Staudenmaier, Gerd; Boser, Sybille; Horn, Eberhard

2002-07-01

The German-French biological experiment AQUARIUS-XENOPUS which flew on the Soyuz flight Andromede to the International Space Station ISS (launched October 21, 2001 in Baikonour/Kazakhstan) was extended by an outreach project. Pupils of class 10 to 12 from Ulm/D and Nancy-Tomblaine/F studied swimming behavior of Xenopus tadpoles on ground. They were instructed to perform all experimental steps following the protocol of similar video recordings on ISS. After the flight, they evaluated the kinetics of swimming of both ground controls and space animals. The pupil project included theoretical components to introduce them to the field of gravitational biology. One feature of the project was the exchange of ideas between pupils by meetings which took place in Ulm (June 2001), Nancy (February 2002) and Paris (May 2002). We consider our approach as a successful way to include young people in space experiments on a cheap cost level and to bring ideas of gravitational biology into the curricula of European schools.

Minimization of Roll Firings for Optimal Propellant Maneuvers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leach, Parker C.

Attitude control of the International Space Station (ISS) is critical for operations, impacting power, communications, and thermal systems. The station uses gyroscopes and thrusters for attitude control, and reorientations are normally assisted by thrusters on docked vehicles. When the docked vehicles are unavailable, the reduction in control authority in the roll axis results in frequent jet firings and massive fuel consumption. To improve this situation, new guidance and control schemes are desired that provide control with fewer roll firings. Optimal control software was utilized to solve for potential candidates that satisfied desired conditions with the goal of minimizing total propellant. An ISS simulation too was then used to test these solutions for feasibility. After several problem reformulations, multiple candidate solutions minimizing or completely eliminating roll firings were found. Flight implementation would not only save massive amounts of fuel and thus money, but also reduce ISS wear and tear, thereby extending its lifetime.

Cold Stowage: An ISS Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartley, Garen

2018-01-01

NASA's vision for humans pursuing deep space flight involves the collection of science in low earth orbit aboard the International Space Station (ISS). As a service to the science community, Johnson Space Center (JSC) has developed hardware and processes to preserve collected science on the ISS and transfer it safely back to the Principal Investigators. This hardware includes an array of freezers, refrigerators, and incubators. The Cold Stowage team is part of the International Space Station (ISS) program. JSC manages the operation, support and integration tasks provided by Jacobs Technology and the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB). Cold Stowage provides controlled environments to meet temperature requirements during ascent, on-orbit operations and return, in relation to International Space Station Payload Science.

Photos taken inside ISS during EVA day

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-07-09

Astronaut Karen Nyberg,Expedition 36 flight engineer,is photographed at the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) controls in the U.S. Laboratory during a session of extravehicular activity (EVA).

LAB RPCM R&R

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-06-05

ISS040-E-007691 (5 June 2014) --- NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, Expedition 40 flight engineer, removes and replaces the remote power switch controller module in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

The International Space Station Habitat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Patricia Mendoza; Engle, Mike

2003-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) is an engineering project unlike any other. The vehicle is inhabited and operational as construction goes on. The habitability resources available to the crew are the crew sleep quarters, the galley, the waste and hygiene compartment, and exercise equipment. These items are mainly in the Russian Service Module and their placement is awkward for the crew to deal with ISS assembly will continue with the truss build and the addition of International Partner Laboratories. Also, Node 2 and 3 will be added. The Node 2 module will provide additional stowage volume and room for more crew sleep quarters. The Node 3 module will provide additional Environmental Control and Life Support Capability. The purpose of the ISS is to perform research and a major area of emphasis is the effects of long duration space flight on humans, a result of this research they will determine what are the habitability requirements for long duration space flight.

Kaleri works with the Pilot experiment during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-10-31

ISS008-E-05179 (31 October 2003) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, works with the Russian biomedical “Pilot” experiment (MBI-15) in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment, which looks at psychological and physiological changes in crew performance during long-duration spaceflight, requires a worktable, ankle restraint system and two control handles for testing piloting skill. Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

Expedition 19 Docks to ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-27

Mike Hawes, NASA's Acting Associate Administrator, left, looks on as Kirk Shireman, NASA's deputy ISS program manager, answers reporters questions during a Soyuz post-docking press conference at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Saturday March 28, 2009. The Soyuz TMA-14 docked to the International Space Station carrying Expedition 19 Commander Gennady I. Padalka, Flight Engineer Michael R. Barratt and Spaceflight Participant Charles Simonyi. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Kaleri and Foale during telecon in the U.S. Lab during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-12-28

ISS008-E-10698 (28 December 2003) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri (foreground), Expedition 8 flight engineer, and astronaut C. Michael Foale, mission commander and NASA ISS science officer, conduct a teleconference with the Moscow Support Group for the Russian New Year celebration, via Ku- and S-band, with audio and video relayed to the Mission Control Center (MCC) at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

Kaleri and Foale during telecon in the U.S. Lab during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-12-28

ISS008-E-10737 (28 Dec. 2003) --- Astronaut C. Michael Foale (right), Expedition 8 mission commander and NASA ISS science officer, and cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, flight engineer, conduct a teleconference with the Moscow Support Group for the Russian New Year celebration, via Ku- and S-band, with audio and video relayed to the Mission Control Center (MCC) at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

Kaleri and Foale during telecon in the U.S. Lab during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-12-28

ISS008-E-10711 (28 December 2003) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri (foreground), Expedition 8 flight engineer, and astronaut C. Michael Foale, mission commander and NASA ISS science officer, conduct a teleconference with the Moscow Support Group for the Russian New Year celebration, via Ku- and S-band, with audio and video relayed to the Mission Control Center (MCC) at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

ELITE S2 - A Facility for Quantitative Human Movement Analysis on Board the ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neri, Gianluca; Mascetti, Gabriele; Zolesi, Valfredo

2014-11-01

This paper describes the activities for utilization and control of ELITE S2 on board the International Space Station (ISS). ELITE S2 is a payload of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) for quantitative human movement analysis in weightlessness. Within the frame of a bilateral agreement with NASA, ASI has funded a number of facilities, enabling different scientific experiments on board the ISS. ELITE S2 has been developed by the ASI contractor Kayser Italia, delivered to the Kennedy Space Center in 2006 for pre-flight processing, launched in 2007 by the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-118), integrated in the U.S. lab and used during the Increments 16/17 (2008) and 33/34 (2012/2013). The ELITE S2 flight segment comprises equipment mounted into an Express Rack and a number of stowed items to be deployed for experiment performance (video cameras and accessories). The ground segment consists in a User Support Operations Center (based at Kayser Italia) enabling real-time payload control and a number of User Home Bases (located at the ASI and PIs premises), for the scientific assessment of the experiment performance. Two scientific protocols on reaching and cognitive processing have been successfully performed in eight sessions involving three ISS crewmembers: IMAGINE 2 and MOVE.

ITCS FSS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-23

ISS020-E-013974 (23 June 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works with the Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA), which is a part of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station.

Web Design for Space Operations: An Overview of the Challenges and New Technologies Used in Developing and Operating Web-Based Applications in Real-Time Operational Support Onboard the International Space Station, in Astronaut Mission Planning and Mission Control Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, Ahmed

2010-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) Operations Planning Team, Mission Control Centre and Mission Automation Support Network (MAS) have all evolved over the years to use commercial web-based technologies to create a configurable electronic infrastructure to manage the complex network of real-time planning, crew scheduling, resource and activity management as well as onboard document and procedure management required to co-ordinate ISS assembly, daily operations and mission support. While these Web technologies are classified as non-critical in nature, their use is part of an essential backbone of daily operations on the ISS and allows the crew to operate the ISS as a functioning science laboratory. The rapid evolution of the internet from 1998 (when ISS assembly began) to today, along with the nature of continuous manned operations in space, have presented a unique challenge in terms of software engineering and system development. In addition, the use of a wide array of competing internet technologies (including commercial technologies such as .NET and JAVA ) and the special requirements of having to support this network, both nationally among various control centres for International Partners (IPs), as well as onboard the station itself, have created special challenges for the MCC Web Tools Development Team, software engineers and flight controllers, who implement and maintain this system. This paper presents an overview of some of these operational challenges, and the evolving nature of the solutions and the future use of COTS based rich internet technologies in manned space flight operations. In particular this paper will focus on the use of Microsoft.s .NET API to develop Web-Based Operational tools, the use of XML based service oriented architectures (SOA) that needed to be customized to support Mission operations, the maintenance of a Microsoft IIS web server onboard the ISS, The OpsLan, functional-oriented Web Design with AJAX

Spacecraft Materials in the Space Flight Environment: International Space Station - May 2002 to May 2007

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golden, John; Lorenz, Mary J.; Alred, John; Koontz, Steven L.; Pedley, Michael

2008-01-01

The performance of ISS spacecraft materials and systems on prolonged exposure to the low-Earth orbit (LEO) space flight is reported in this paper. In-flight data, flight crew observations, and the results of ground-based test and analysis directly supporting programmatic and operational decision-making are presented. The space flight environments definitions (both natural and induced) used for ISS design, material selection, and verification testing are shown, in most cases, to be more severe than the actual flight environment accounting for the outstanding performance of ISS as a long mission duration spacecraft. No significant ISS material or system failures have been attributed to spacecraft-environments interactions. Nonetheless, ISS materials and systems performance data is contributing to our understanding of spacecraft material interactions in the spaceflight environment so as to reduce cost and risk for future spaceflight projects and programs. Orbital inclination (51.6o) and altitude (nominally near 360 km) determine the set of natural environment factors affecting the functional life of materials and systems on ISS. ISS operates in an electrically conducting environment (the F2 region of Earth s ionosphere) with well-defined fluxes of atomic oxygen, other charged and neutral ionospheric plasma species, solar UV, VUV, and x-ray radiation as well as galactic cosmic rays, trapped radiation, and solar cosmic rays (1-4). The LEO micrometeoroid and orbital debris environment is an especially important determinant of spacecraft design and operations (5, 6). The magnitude of several environmental factors varies dramatically with latitude and longitude as ISS orbits the Earth (1-4). The high latitude orbital environment also exposes ISS to higher fluences of trapped energetic electrons, auroral electrons, solar cosmic rays, and galactic cosmic rays (1-4) than would be the case in lower inclination orbits, largely as a result of the overall shape and magnitude of the geomagnetic field (1-4). As a result, ISS exposure to many environmental factors can vary dramatically along a particular orbital ground track, and from one ground track to the next, during any 24-hour period.

Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) Critical Safety Software Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berthelier, D.

2002-01-01

The European Automated Transfer Vehicle is an unmanned transportation system designed to dock to International Space Station (ISS) and to contribute to the logistic servicing of the ISS. Concisely, ATV control is realized by a nominal flight control function (using computers, softwares, sensors, actuators). In order to cover the extreme situations where this nominal chain can not ensure safe trajectory with respect to ISS, a segregated proximity flight safety function is activated, where unsafe free drift trajectories can be encountered. This function relies notably on a segregated computer, the Monitoring and Safing Unit (MSU) ; in case of major ATV malfunction detection, ATV is then controlled by MSU software. Therefore, this software is critical because a MSU software failure could result in catastrophic consequences. This paper provides an overview both of this software functions and of the software development and validation method which is specific considering its criticality. First part of the paper describes briefly the proximity flight safety chain. Second part deals with the software functions. Indeed, MSU software is in charge of monitoring nominal computers and ATV corridors, using its own navigation algorithms, and, if an abnormal situation is detected, it is in charge of the ATV control during the Collision Avoidance Manoeuvre (CAM) consisting in an attitude controlled braking boost, followed by a Post-CAM manoeuvre : a Sun-pointed ATV attitude control during up to 24 hours on a safe trajectory. Monitoring, navigation and control algorithms principles are presented. Third part of this paper describes the development and validation process : algorithms functional studies , ADA coding and unit validations ; algorithms ADA code integration and validation on a specific non real-time MATLAB/SIMULINK simulator ; global software functional engineering phase, architectural design, unit testing, integration and validation on target computer.

Chiao performs in-flight maintenance on the TVIS in the SM during Expedition 10

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-02-15

ISS010-E-17815 (15 February 2005) --- Cosmonaut Salizhan S. Sharipov, Expedition 10 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, performs in-flight maintenance on the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS).

The Deployment of a Commercial RGA to the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kowitt, Matt; Hawk, Doug; Rossetti, Dino; Woronowicz, Michael

2015-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) uses ammonia as a medium for heat transport in its Active Thermal Control System. Over time, there have been intermittent component failures and leaks in the ammonia cooling loop. One specific challenge in dealing with an ammonia leak on the exterior of the ISS is determining the exact location from which ammonia is escaping before addressing the problem. Together, researchers and engineers from Stanford Research Systems (SRS) and NASA's Johnson Space Center and Goddard Space Flight Center have adapted a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) residual gas analyzer (RGA) for repackaging and operation outside the ISS as a core component in the ISS Robotic External Leak Locator, a technology demonstration payload currently scheduled for launch during 2015. The packaging and adaptation of the COTS RGA to the Leak Locator will be discussed. The collaborative process of adapting a commercial instrument for spaceflight will also be reviewed, including the build-­-up of the flight units. Measurements from a full-­-scale thermal vacuum test will also be presented demonstrating the absolute and directional sensitivity of the RGA.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-07-28

Launched on July 26, 2005 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-114 was classified as Logistics Flight 1. Among the Station-related activities of the mission were the delivery of new supplies and the replacement of one of the orbital outpost's Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 also carried the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. A major focus of the mission was the testing and evaluation of new Space Shuttle flight safety, which included new inspection and repair techniques. Upon its approach to the International Space Station (ISS), the Space Shuttle Discovery underwent a photography session in order to assess any damages that may have occurred during its launch and/or journey through Space. Discovery was over Switzerland, about 600 feet from the ISS, when Cosmonaut Sergei K. Kriklev, Expedition 11 Commander, and John L. Phillips, NASA Space Station officer and flight engineer photographed the spacecraft as it performed a back flip to allow photography of its heat shield. Astronaut Eileen M. Collins, STS-114 Commander, guided the shuttle through the flip. The photographs were analyzed by engineers on the ground to evaluate the condition of Discovery’s heat shield. The crew safely returned to Earth on August 9, 2005. The mission historically marked the Return to Flight after nearly a two and one half year delay in flight after the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy in February 2003.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-07-28

Launched on July 26, 2005, from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-114 was classified as Logistics Flight 1. Among the Station-related activities of the mission were the delivery of new supplies and the replacement of one of the orbital outpost's Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 also carried the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. A major focus of the mission was the testing and evaluation of new Space Shuttle flight safety, which included new inspection and repair techniques. Upon its approach to the International Space Station (ISS), the Space Shuttle Discovery underwent a photography session in order to assess any damages that may have occurred during its launch and/or journey through Space. Discovery was over Switzerland, about 600 feet from the ISS, when Cosmonaut Sergei K. Kriklev, Expedition 11 Commander, and John L. Phillips, NASA Space Station officer and flight engineer photographed the under side of the spacecraft as it performed a back flip to allow photography of its heat shield. Astronaut Eileen M. Collins, STS-114 Commander, guided the shuttle through the flip. The photographs were analyzed by engineers on the ground to evaluate the condition of Discovery’s heat shield. The crew safely returned to Earth on August 9, 2005. The mission historically marked the Return to Flight after nearly a two and one half year delay in flight after the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy in February 2003.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-07-28

Launched on July 26, 2005 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-114 was classified as Logistics Flight 1. Among the Station-related activities of the mission were the delivery of new supplies and the replacement of one of the orbital outpost's Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 also carried the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. A major focus of the mission was the testing and evaluation of new Space Shuttle flight safety, which included new inspection and repair techniques. Upon its approach to the International Space Station (ISS), the Space Shuttle Discovery underwent a photography session in order to assess any damages that may have occurred during its launch and/or journey through Space. Discovery was over Switzerland, about 600 feet from the ISS, when Cosmonaut Sergei K. Kriklev, Expedition 11 Commander, and John L. Phillips, NASA Space Station officer and flight engineer photographed the under side of the spacecraft as it performed a back flip to allow photography of its heat shield. Astronaut Eileen M. Collins, STS-114 Commander, guided the shuttle through the flip. The photographs were analyzed by engineers on the ground to evaluate the condition of Discovery’s heat shield. The crew safely returned to Earth on August 9, 2005. The mission historically marked the Return to Flight after nearly a two and one half year delay in flight after the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy in February 2003.

iss028e034978

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

ISS028-E-034978 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

iss028e034993

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

ISS028-E-034993 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

iss028e034980

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

ISS028-E-034980 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

iss028e035002

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

ISS028-E-035002 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

iss028e034984

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

ISS028-E-034984 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

iss028e034992

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

ISS028-E-034992 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

Trace Contaminant Control During the International Space Station's On-Orbit Assembly and Outfitting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, J. L.

2017-01-01

Achieving acceptable cabin air quality must balance competing elements during spacecraft design, assembly, ground processing, and flight operations. Among the elements that contribute to the trace chemical contaminant load and, therefore, the cabin air quality aboard crewed spacecraft are the vehicle configuration, crew size and activities, mission duration and objectives, materials selection, and vehicle manufacturing and preflight ground processing methods. Trace chemical contaminants produced from pervasive sources such as equipment offgassing, human metabolism, and cleaning fluids during preflight ground processing present challenges to maintaining acceptable cabin air quality. To address these challenges, both passive and active contamination control techniques are used during a spacecraft's design, manufacturing, preflight preparation, and operational phases. Passive contamination control methods seek to minimize the equipment offgassing load by selecting materials, manufacturing processes, preflight preparation processes, and in-flight operations that have low chemical offgassing characteristics. Passive methods can be employed across the spacecraft's entire life cycle from conceptual design through flight operations. However, because the passive contamination control techniques cannot fully eliminate the contaminant load, active contamination control equipment must be deployed aboard the spacecraft to purify and revitalize the cabin atmosphere during in-flight operations. Verifying that the passive contamination control techniques have successfully maintained the total trace contaminant load within the active contamination control equipment's capabilities occurs late in the preflight preparation stages. This verification consists of subjecting the spacecraft to an offgassing test to determine the trace contaminant load. This load is then assessed versus the active contamination control equipment's capabilities via trace contaminant control (TCC) engineering analysis. During the International Space Station's (ISS's) on-orbit assembly and outfitting, a series of engineering analyses were conducted to evaluate how effective the passive TCC methods were relative to providing adequate operational margin for the active TCC equipment's capabilities aboard the ISS. These analyses were based on habitable module and cargo vehicle offgassing test results. The offgassing test for a fully assembled module or cargo vehicle is an important preflight spacecraft evaluation method that has been used successfully during all crewed spacecraft programs to provide insight into how effectively the passive contamination control methods limit the equipment offgassing component of the overall trace contaminant generation load. The progression of TCC assessments beginning in 1998 with the ISS's first habitable element launch and continuing through the final pressurized element's arrival in 2010 are presented. Early cargo vehicle flight assessments between 2008 and 2011 are also presented as well as a discussion on predictive methods for assessing cargo via a purely analytical technique. The technical approach for TCC employed during this 13-year period successfully maintained the cabin atmospheric quality within specified parameters during the technically challenging ISS assembly and outfitting stages. The following narrative provides details on the important role of spacecraft offgassing testing, trace contaminant performance requirements, and flight rules for achieving the ultimate result-a cabin environment that enables people to live and work safely in space.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-28

A Canadian "handshake" in space occurred on April 28, 2001, as the Canadian-built space station robotic arm (Canadarm2) transferred its launch cradle over to Endeavour's robotic arm. Pictured is astronaut James S. Voss, Expedition Two flight engineer, working the controls of the new robotic arm. Marning the controls from the shuttle's aft flight deck, Canadian Mission Specialist Chris A. Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) was instrumental in the activity. The Space lab pallet that carried the Canadarm2 robotic arm to the station was developed at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama.

Bisphosphonate as a Countermeasure to Space Flight-Induced Bone Loss

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spector, Elisabeth; LeBlanc, A.; Sibonga, J.; Matsumoto, T.; Jones, J.; Smith, S. M.; Shackelford, L.; Shapiro, J.; Lang, T.; Evans, H.;

Emergency Simulation Drill

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-04

ISS038-E-011708 (4 Dec. 2013) --- In the International Space Station?s Zvezda Service Module, Russian cosmonaut Sergey Ryazanskiy, Expedition 38 flight engineer, reads a procedures checklist during an emergency simulation drill with participation from flight controllers on the ground. During the exercise, the crew practiced emergency communication and procedures in response to a predetermined scenario such as pressure leak.

Expedition 25 Docking

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-10-09

The Soyuz TMA-01M nears its docking with the International Space Station as seen in the video monitor at Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010. The TMA-01M delivered the crew of Expedition 25 Soyuz Commander Alexander Kaleri, Flight Engineer Scott Kelly and Flight Engineer Oleg Skripochka to the ISS. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-08-12

In this photograph, Astronaut Susan Helms, Expedition Two flight engineer, is positioned near a large amount of water temporarily stored in the Unity Node aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Astronaut Helms accompanied the STS-105 crew back to Earth after having spent five months with two crewmates aboard the ISS. The 11th ISS assembly flight, the Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery STS-105 mission was launched on August 10, 2001, and landed on August 22, 2001 at the Kennedy Space Center after the completion of the successful 12-day mission.

Status: Crewmember Noise Exposures on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Limardo-Rodriguez, Jose G.; Allen, Christopher S.; Danielson, Richard W.

2015-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) provides a unique environment where crewmembers from the US and our international partners work and live for as long as 6 to 12 consecutive months. During these long-durations ISS missions, noise exposures from onboard equipment are posing concerns for human factors and crewmember health risks, such as possible reductions in hearing sensitivity, disruptions of crew sleep, interference with speech intelligibility and voice communications, interference with crew task performance, and reduced alarm audibility. It is crucial to control acoustical noise aboard ISS to acceptable noise exposure levels during the work-time period, and to also provide a restful sleep environment during the sleep-time period. Acoustic dosimeter measurements, obtained when the crewmember wears the dosimeter for 24-hour periods, are conducted onboard ISS every 60 days and compared to ISS flight rules. NASA personnel then assess the acoustic environment to which the crewmembers are exposed, and provide recommendations for hearing protection device usage. The purpose of this paper is to provide an update on the status of ISS noise exposure monitoring and hearing conservation strategies, as well as to summarize assessments of acoustic dosimeter data collected since the Increment 36 mission (April 2013). A description of the updated noise level constraints flight rule, as well as the Noise Exposure Estimation Tool and the Noise Hazard Inventory implementation for predicting crew noise exposures and recommending to ISS crewmembers when hearing protection devices are required, will be described.

Kaleri works with the TORU teleoperated control system in the SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-01-30

ISS008-E-14073 (30 January 2004) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, practices docking procedures with the manual TORU rendezvous system in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) in preparation for the docking of the Progress 13 on January 31. With the manual TORU mode, Kaleri can perform necessary guidance functions from Zvezda via two hand controllers in the event of a failure of the “Kurs” automated rendezvous and docking (AR&D) of the Progress. Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

Kaleri works with the TORU teleoperated control system in the SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-01-30

ISS008-E-14076 (30 January 2004) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, practices docking procedures with the manual TORU rendezvous system in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) in preparation for the docking of the Progress 13 on January 31. With the manual TORU mode, Kaleri can perform necessary guidance functions from Zvezda via two hand controllers in the event of a failure of the “Kurs” automated rendezvous and docking (AR&D) of the Progress. Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

Kaleri works with the TORU teleoperated control system in the SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-01-30

ISS008-E-14067 (30 January 2004) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, practices docking procedures with the manual TORU rendezvous system in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS) in preparation for the docking of the Progress 13 on January 31. With the manual TORU mode, Kaleri can perform necessary guidance functions from Zvezda via two hand controllers in the event of a failure of the “Kurs” automated rendezvous and docking (AR&D) of the Progress. Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

ITCS coolant refill

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-23

ISS020-E-013930 (23 June 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works with the Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA), which is a part of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station.

ITCS coolant refill

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-23

ISS020-E-013937 (23 June 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works with the Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA), which is a part of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station.

Russian Countermeasure Systems for Adverse Effects of Microgravity on Long-Duration ISS Flights.

PubMed

Kozlovskaya, Inessa B; Yarmanova, E N; Yegorov, A D; Stepantsov, V I; Fomina, E V; Tomilovaskaya, E S

2015-12-01

The system of countermeasures for the adverse effects of microgravity developed in the USSR supported the successful implementation of long-duration spaceflight (LDS) programs on the Salyut and Mir orbital stations and was subsequently adapted for flights on the International Space Station (ISS). From 2000 through 2010, crews completed 26 ISS flight increments ranging in duration from 140 to 216 d, with the participation of 27 Russian cosmonauts. These flights have made it possible to more precisely determine a crew-member's level of conditioning, better assess the advantages and disadvantages of training processes, and determine prospects for future developments.

Whitson cuts Treschev's hair in the SM during Expedition Five on the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-07-20

ISS005-E-08151 (July 2002) --- Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson, Expedition Five flight engineer, cuts cosmonaut Sergei Y. Treschev’s hair in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Treschev, flight engineer representing Rosaviakosmos, holds a vacuum device the crew has fashioned to garner freshly cut hair, which is floating freely.

International Space Station (ISS) Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) System Overview of Events: 2010-2014

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gentry, Gregory J.; Cover, John

2015-01-01

Nov 2, 2014 marked the completion of the 14th year of continuous human presence in space on board the International Space Station (ISS). After 42 expedition crews, over 115 assembly & utilization flights, over 180 combined Shuttle/Station, US & Russian Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), the post-Assembly-Complete ISS continues to fly and the engineering teams continue to learn from operating its systems, particularly the life support equipment. Problems with initial launch, assembly and activation of ISS elements have given way to more long term system operating trends. New issues have emerged, some with gestation periods measured in years. Major events and challenges for each U.S. Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) subsystem occurring during calendar years 2010 through 2014 are summarily discussed in this paper, along with look-aheads for what might be coming in the future for each U.S. ECLS subsystem.

International Space Station ECLSS Technical Task Agreement Summary Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minton-Summers, S.; Ray, C. D.

1996-01-01

A summary of work accomplished under Technical Task Agreement by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) documents activities regarding the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) of the International Space Station (ISS) program. These MSFC activities were in-line to the designing, the development, the testing, and the flight of ECLSS equipment. MSFC's unique capabilities for performing integrated system testing and analyses, and its ability to perform some tasks cheaper and faster to support ISS program needs are the basis for the Technical Task Agreement activities. Tasks were completed in the Water Recovery Systems, Air Revitalization Systems, and microbiology areas. The results of each task is described in this summary report.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-07-10

This is a photo of soybeans growing in the Advanced Astroculture (ADVASC) Experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The ADVASC experiment was one of the several new experiments and science facilities delivered to the ISS by Expedition Five aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavor STS-111 mission. An agricultural seed company will grow soybeans in the ADVASC hardware to determine whether soybean plants can produce seeds in a microgravity environment. Secondary objectives include determination of the chemical characteristics of the seed in space and any microgravity impact on the plant growth cycle. Station science will also be conducted by the ever-present ground crew, with a new cadre of controllers for Expedition Five in the ISS Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Controllers work in three shifts around the clock, 7 days a week, in the POCC, the world's primary science command post for the Space Station. The POCC links Earth-bound researchers around the world with their experiments and crew aboard the Space Station.

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25111 (16 August 2001) --- Flight directors John Shannon (left foreground), Kelly Beck, and Steve Stich monitor the data displayed at their consoles in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC). At the time this photo was taken, STS-105 mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of the two scheduled space walks to perform work on the International Space Station (ISS).

Voss in PMA2

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-27

ISS002-E-6140 (27 April 2001) --- James S. Voss, Expedition Two flight engineer, discusses procedures with Mission Control while working in Pressurized Mating Adapter 2 (PMA2). The image was taken with a digital still camera.

Formaldehyde Concentration Dynamics of the International Space Station Cabin Atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, J. L.

2005-01-01

Formaldehyde presents a significant challenge to maintaining cabin air quality on board crewed spacecraft. Generation sources include offgassing from a variety of non-metallic materials as well as human metabolism. Because generation sources are pervasive and human health can be affected by continual exposure to low concentrations, toxicology and air quality control engineering experts jointly identified formaldehyde as a key compound to be monitored as part the International Space Station's (ISS) environmental health monitoring and maintenance program. Data acquired from in-flight air quality monitoring methods are the basis for assessing the cabin environment's suitability for long-term habitation and monitoring the performance of passive and active controls that are in place to minimize crew exposure. Formaldehyde concentration trends and dynamics served in the ISS cabin atmosphere are reviewed implications to present and future flight operations discussed.

Expedition 8 Crew Interviews: Alexander Y. Kaleri - FE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Russian cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Flight Engineer on Expedition 8 to the International Space Station (ISS), answers interview questions on this video, either himself or with the help of an interpreter. The questions cover: 1) The goal of the expedition; 2) The place in history of Mir; 3) The reaction to the loss of Columbia in Houston; 4) Why the rewards of spaceflight are worth the risks; 5) Why he decided to become a cosmonaut; 6) His memory of Yuri Gagarin's first flight; 7) What happens on a Soyuz capsule during launch and flight; 8) Are Soyuz maneuvers automatic or manual; 8) How the ISS science mission will be advanced during his stay; 9) The responsibilities of a Flight Engineer onboard the ISS; 10) Extravehicular activity (EVA) plans at that time; 11) The Shuttle Return to Flight and his preference for a Shuttle or Soyuz landing; 12) Why the last Soyuz landing was too rough; 13) The most valueable contribution of the ISS program.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew during undocking from the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7129 (31 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft departs from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew during undocking from the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7130 (31 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft departs from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew during undocking from the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7127 (31 October 2001) --- Backdropped by the blackness of space, a Soyuz spacecraft departs from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

Shuttle and ISS Food Systems Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kloeris, Vickie

2000-01-01

Russia and the U.S. provide the current International Space Station (ISS) food system. Each country contributes half of the food supply in their respective flight food packaging. All of the packaged flight food is stowed in Russian provided containers, which interface with the Service Module galley. Each country accepts the other's flight worthiness inspections and qualifications. Some of the food for the first ISS crew was launched to ISS inside the Service Module in July of 2000, and STS-106 in September 2000 delivered more food to the ISS. All subsequent food deliveries will be made by Progress, the Russian re-supply vehicle. The U.S. will ship their portion of food to Moscow for loading onto the Progress. Delivery schedules vary, but the goal is to maintain at least a 45-day supply onboard ISS at all times. The shelf life for ISS food must be at least one year, in order to accommodate the long delivery cycle and onboard storage. Preservation techniques utilized in the US food system include dehydration, thermo stabilization, intermediate moisture, and irradiation. Additional fresh fruits and vegetables will be sent with each Progress and Shuttle flights as permitted by volume allotments. There is limited refrigeration available on the Service Module to store fresh fruits and vegetables. Astronauts and cosmonauts eat half U.S. and half Russian food. Menu planning begins 1 year before a planned launch. The flight crews taste food in the U.S. and in Russia and rate the acceptability. A preliminary menu is planned, based on these ratings and the nutritional requirements. The preliminary menu is then evaluated by the crews while training in Russia. Inputs from this evaluation are used to finalize the menu and flight packaging is initiated. Flight food is delivered 6 weeks before launch. The current challenge for the food system is meeting the nutritional requirements, especially no more than 10 mg iron, and 3500 mg sodium. Experience from Shuttle[Mir also indicated insufficient caloric intake for many crewmembers. Additional thermostabilized and irradiated foods have been developed for ISS to improve the ease of preparation and overall acceptability. Dehydrated foods offer limited advantage, since water must be delivered to ISS. An effort is underway to introduce other International Partner's food into the ISS food system. At first this will be one or two selected foods with the potential for more as the program matures. An increase in the variety of available foods would improve the overall acceptability. Additional galley capability will be required when the crew size increases on ISS. Anticipated improvements include freezers, refrigerators and microwave ovens. All of the ISS food development efforts are devoted to improving the food acceptability and subsequent consumption and mission success

Docking Offset Between the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station and Resulting Impacts to the Transfer of Attitude Reference and Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helms, W. Jason; Pohlkamp, Kara M.

2011-01-01

The Space Shuttle does not dock at an exact 90 degrees to the International Space Station (ISS) x-body axis. This offset from 90 degrees, along with error sources within their respective attitude knowledge, causes the two vehicles to never completely agree on their attitude, even though they operate as a single, mated stack while docked. The docking offset can be measured in flight when both vehicles have good attitude reference and is a critical component in calculations to transfer attitude reference from one vehicle to another. This paper will describe how the docking offset and attitude reference errors between both vehicles are measured and how this information would be used to recover Shuttle attitude reference from ISS in the event of multiple failures. During STS-117, ISS on-board Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) computers began having problems and after several continuous restarts, the systems failed. The failure took the ability for ISS to maintain attitude knowledge. This paper will also demonstrate how with knowledge of the docking offset, the contingency procedure to recover Shuttle attitude reference from ISS was reversed in order to provide ISS an attitude reference from Shuttle. Finally, this paper will show how knowledge of the docking offset can be used to speed up attitude control handovers from Shuttle to ISS momentum management. By taking into account the docking offset, Shuttle can be commanded to hold a more precise attitude which better agrees with the ISS commanded attitude such that start up transients with the ISS momentum management controllers are reduced. By reducing start-up transients, attitude control can be transferred from Shuttle to ISS without the use of ISS thrusters saving precious on-board propellant, crew time and minimizing loads placed upon the mated stack.

Lessons Learned from the Node 1 Atmosphere Control and Storage and Water Recovery and Management Subsystem Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, David E.

2010-01-01

Node 1 flew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Flight 2A during December 1998. To date the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has learned a lot of lessons from this module based on its history of approximately two years of acceptance testing on the ground and currently its twelve years on-orbit. This paper will provide an overview of the ISS Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) design of the Node 1 Atmosphere Control and Storage (ACS) and Water Recovery and Management (WRM) subsystems and it will document some of the lessons that have been learned to date for these subsystems based on problems prelaunch, problems encountered on-orbit, and operational problems/concerns. It is hoped that documenting these lessons learned from ISS will help in preventing them in future Programs.

Lessons Learned from the Node 1 Atmosphere Control and Storage and Water Recovery and Management Subsystem Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, David E.

2011-01-01

Node 1 flew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Flight 2A during December 1998. To date the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has learned a lot of lessons from this module based on its history of approximately two years of acceptance testing on the ground and currently its twelve years on-orbit. This paper will provide an overview of the ISS Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) design of the Node 1 Atmosphere Control and Storage (ACS) and Water Recovery and Management (WRM) subsystems and it will document some of the lessons that have been learned to date for these subsystems based on problems prelaunch, problems encountered on-orbit, and operational problems/concerns. It is hoped that documenting these lessons learned from ISS will help in preventing them in future Programs.

Urine Pretreatment Configuration and Test Results for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Stanley G.; Hutchens, Cindy F.; Rethke, Donald W.; Swartley, Vernon L.; Marsh, Robert W.

1998-01-01

Pretreatment of urine using Oxone and sulfuric acid is baselined in the International Space Station (ISS) waste water reclamation system to control odors, fix urea and control microbial growth. In addition, pretreatment is recommended for long term flight use of urine collection and two phase separation to reduce or eliminate fouling of the associated hardware and plumbing with urine precipitates. This is important for ISS application because the amount of maintenance time for cleaning and repairing hardware must be minimized. This paper describes the development of a chemical pretreatment system based on solid tablet shapes which are positioned in the urine collection hose and are dissolved by the intrained urine at the proper ratio of pretreatment to urine. Building upon the prior success of the developed and tested solid Oxone tablet a trade study was completed to confirm if a similar approach, or alternative, would be appropriate for the sulfuric acid injection method. In addition, a recommended handling and packaging approach of the solid tablets for long term, safe and convenient use on ISS was addressed. Consequently, the solid tablet concept with suitable packaging was identified as the Urine Pretreat / Prefilter Assembly (UPPA). Testing of the UPPA configuration confirmed the disolution rates and ratios required by ISS were achieved. This testing included laboratory controlled methods as well as a 'real world' test evaluation that occurred during the 150 day Stage 10 Water Recovery Test (WRT) conducted at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Medical Scenarios Relevant to Spaceflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bacal, Kira; Hurs, Victor; Doerr, Harold

2004-01-01

The Medical Operational Support Team (MOST) was tasked by the JSC Space Medicine and Life Sciences Directorate (SLSD) to incorporate medical simulation into 1) medical training for astronaut-crew medical officers (CMO) and medical flight control teams and 2) evaluations of procedures and resources required for medical care aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Development of evidence-based medical scenarios that mimic the physiology observed during spaceflight will be needed for the MOST to complete these two tasks. The MOST used a human patient simulator, the ISS-like resources in the Medical Simulation Laboratory (MSL), and evidence from space operations, military operations and medical literature to develop space relevant medical scenarios. These scenarios include conditions concerning airway management, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and mitigating anaphylactic symptoms. The MOST has used these space relevant medical scenarios to develop a preliminary space medical training regimen for NASA flight surgeons, Biomedical Flight Controllers (Biomedical Engineers; BME) and CMO-analogs. This regimen is conducted by the MOST in the MSL. The MOST has the capability to develop evidence-based space-relevant medical scenarios that can help SLSD I) demonstrate the proficiency of medical flight control teams to mitigate space-relevant medical events and 2) validate nextgeneration medical equipment and procedures for space medicine applications.

STS-111 Flight Day 09 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

The STS-111 flight crew consists of Kenneth D. Cockrell, Commander, Paul S. Lockhart, Pilot, Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Mission Specialist, Philippe Perrin, (CNES), Mission Specialist, Valery G. Korzun, (RSA), ISS Up, Peggy A. Whitson, ISS Up , Sergei Y. Treschev (RSC), ISS Up, Yuri I. Onufriyenko (RSA), ISS Down, Carl E. Walz, and Daniel W. Bursch (ISS) Down. The main goal on this ninth day of flight STS-111, is to replace the wrist roll joint of the Robotic Arm on the International Space Station. Live footage of the wrist roll joint replacement is presented. Paul Lockhart is the spacewalk coordinator for this mission. Franklin Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin, are responsible for replacing the wrist roll joint and performing maintenance activities. The spacewalk to repair this joint occurs outside the Space Station's Quest Airlock. The wrist roll joint was replaced successfully. The spacewalk took approximately 7 hours and 17 minutes to complete.

RPCM R&R

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-17

ISS029-E-029712 (17 Oct. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 29 commander, performs in-flight maintenance (IFM) of removing and replacing the failed Remote Power Controller Module (RPCM) equipment in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

Voss in Destiny with laptop

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-05-16

ISS002-E-7599 (16 May 2001) --- James S. Voss, Expedition Two flight engineer, communicates with Mission Control as he works on a laptop computer in Unity Node 1. The image was taken with a digital still camera.

JPM ITCS fill,TCA L gas trap

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-07

ISS020-E-017812 (7 July 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works with the Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA) in the Kibo laboratory on the International Space Station.

Borisenko works with BTKh-40/BIF (Bifidobacterius) Experiment

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-04-30

ISS027-E-018248 (29 April 2011) --- Russian cosmonaut Andrey Borisenko, Expedition 27 flight engineer, is pictured near the TBU-V thermostat-controlled incubator located in the Russian segment of the International Space Station.

Install of Cygnus controller cable

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-07-15

ISS040-E-063760 (15 July 2014) --- European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst, Expedition 40 flight engineer, works with power and data cables in the vestibule between the Destiny laboratory and Unity node of the International Space Station.

Tyurin in the Zvezda Module

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-11-03

ISS014-E-07138 (3 Nov. 2006) --- Cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin, Expedition 14 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, installs and connects onboard equipment control system cables in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

jsc2014e077199

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-08-12

DATE: 8-12-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during docking of the "Georges Lemaitre" Automated Transfer Vehicle-5 to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

jsc2014e077215

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-08-12

DATE: 8-12-14 LOCATION: Bldg. 30 - FCR-1 (30M/231) SUBJECT: ISS Flight Controllers during docking of the "Georges Lemaitre" Automated Transfer Vehicle-5 to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module. PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Harnett

CDRA Valve RR

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-28

ISS037-E-021962 (28 Oct. 2013) --- NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins, Expedition 37 flight engineer, performs routine in-flight maintenance within the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly in the International Space Station?s Tranquility node. This device removes carbon dioxide from the station?s atmosphere and is part of the station?s Environmental Control and Life Support System that provides clean water and air to the crew.

Expedition 23 Docking

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-04-03

Kirk Shireman, NASA's deputy ISS program manager, answers reporter’s questions during a Soyuz post-docking press conference at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Sunday, April 4, 2010. The Soyuz TMA-18 docked to the International Space Station carrying Expedition 23 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov, Flight Engineer Mikhail Kornienko and NASA Flight Engineer Tracy Caldwell Dyson. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Expedition 23 Docking

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-04-03

Kirk Shireman, right, NASA's deputy ISS program manager, answers reporter’s questions during a Soyuz post-docking press conference at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Sunday, April 4, 2010. The Soyuz TMA-18 docked to the International Space Station carrying Expedition 23 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov, Flight Engineer Mikhail Kornienko and NASA Flight Engineer Tracy Caldwell Dyson. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Emergency Simulation Drill

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-04

ISS038-E-011710 (4 Dec. 2013) --- In the International Space Station’s Destiny laboratory, NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins (foreground) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, both Expedition 38 flight engineers, participate in an emergency simulation drill with participation from flight controllers on the ground. During the exercise, the crew practiced emergency communication and procedures in response to a predetermined scenario such as pressure leak.

Expedition 19 Docks to ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-27

Vladimir Solovyov, Chief Flight Director, MCC-M, answers reporters questions during a Soyuz post-docking press conference at the Russian mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Saturday March 28, 2009. The Soyuz TMA-14 docked to the International Space Station carrying Expedition 19 Commander Gennady I. Padalka, Flight Engineer Michael R. Barratt and Spaceflight Participant Charles Simonyi. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Parmitano with Robonaut 2

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-27

ISS036-E-012573 (27 June 2013) --- European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, Expedition 36 flight engineer, works with Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot in space, during a round of ground-commanded tests in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. R2 was assembled earlier this week for several days of data takes by the payload controllers at the Marshall Space Flight Center.

Parmitano with Robonaut 2

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-27

ISS036-E-012571 (27 June 2013) --- European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, Expedition 36 flight engineer, works with Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot in space, during a round of ground-commanded tests in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. R2 was assembled earlier this week for several days of data takes by the payload controllers at the Marshall Space Flight Center.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

Carrying out a flight program for the French Space Agency (CNES) under a commerial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, a Russian Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station (ISS) delivering a crew of three for an eight-day stay. Aboard the craft are Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev, both representing Rosaviakosmos, and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

Carrying out a flight program for the French Space Agency (CNES) under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, a Russian Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station (ISS), delivering a crew of three for an eight-day stay. Aboard the craft are Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev, both representing Rosaviakosmos, and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere.

Astronaut Susan Helms in the ISS Unity Node

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

In this photograph, Astronaut Susan Helms, Expedition Two flight engineer, is positioned near a large amount of water temporarily stored in the Unity Node aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Astronaut Helms accompanied the STS-105 crew back to Earth after having spent five months with two crewmates aboard the ISS. The 11th ISS assembly flight, the Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery STS-105 mission was launched on August 10, 2001, and landed on August 22, 2001 at the Kennedy Space Center after the completion of the successful 12-day mission.

Medical Operations Console Procedure Evaluation: BME Response to Crew Call Down for an Emergency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson-Troop; Pettys, Marianne; Hurst, Victor, IV; Smaka, Todd; Paul, Bonnie; Rosenquist, Kevin; Gast, Karin; Gillis, David; McCulley, Phyllis

2006-01-01

International Space Station (ISS) Mission Operations are managed by multiple flight control disciplines located at the lead Mission Control Center (MCC) at NASA-Johnson Space Center (JSC). ISS Medical Operations are supported by the complementary roles of Flight Surgeons (Surgeon) and Biomedical Engineer (BME) flight controllers. The Surgeon, a board certified physician, oversees all medical concerns of the crew and the BME provides operational and engineering support for Medical Operations Crew Health Care System. ISS Medical Operations is currently addressing the coordinated response to a crew call down for an emergent medical event, in particular when the BME is the only Medical Operations representative in MCC. In this case, the console procedure BME Response to Crew Call Down for an Emergency will be used. The procedure instructs the BME to contact a Surgeon as soon as possible, coordinate with other flight disciplines to establish a Private Medical Conference (PMC) for the crew and Surgeon, gather information from the crew if time permits, and provide Surgeon with pertinent console resources. It is paramount that this procedure is clearly written and easily navigated to assist the BME to respond consistently and efficiently. A total of five BME flight controllers participated in the study. Each BME participant sat in a simulated MCC environment at a console configured with resources specific to the BME MCC console and was presented with two scripted emergency call downs from an ISS crew member. Each participant used the procedure while interacting with analog MCC disciplines to respond to the crew call down. Audio and video recordings of the simulations were analyzed and each BME participant's actions were compared to the procedure. Structured debriefs were conducted at the conclusion of both simulations. The procedure was evaluated for its ability to elicit consistent responses from each BME participant. Trials were examined for deviations in procedure task completion and/or navigation, in particular the execution of the Surgeon call sequence. Debrief comments were used to analyze unclear procedural steps and to discern any discrepancies between the procedure and generally accepted BME actions. The sequence followed by BME participants differed considerably from the sequence intended by the procedure. Common deviations included the call sequence used to contact Surgeon, the content of BME and crew interaction and the gathering of pertinent console resources. Differing perceptions of task priority and imprecise language seem to have caused multiple deviations from the procedure s intended sequence. The study generated 40 recommendations for the procedure, of which 34 are being implemented. These recommendations address improving the clarity of the instructions, identifying training considerations, expediting Surgeon contact, improving cues for anticipated flight control team communication and identifying missing console tools.

Environmental Effects on ISS Materials Aging (1998 to 2008)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alred, John; Dasgupta, Rajib; Koontz, Steve; Soares, Carlos; Golden, John

2009-01-01

The performance of ISS spacecraft materials and systems on prolonged exposure to the low- Earth orbit (LEO) space flight are reported in this paper. In-flight data, flight crew observations, and the results of ground-based test and analysis directly supporting programmatic and operational decision-making are described. The space flight environments definitions (both natural and induced) used for ISS design, material selection, and verification testing are shown, in most cases, to be more severe than the actual flight environment accounting, in part, for the outstanding performance of ISS as a long mission duration spacecraft. No significant ISS material or system failures have been attributed to spacecraft-environments interactions. Nonetheless, ISS materials and systems performance data is contributing to our understanding of spacecraft material interactions with the spaceflight environment so as to reduce cost and risk for future spaceflight projects and programs. Orbital inclination (51.6 deg) and altitude (nominally near 360 km) determine the set of natural environment factors affecting the functional life of materials and systems on ISS. ISS operates in an electrically conducting environment (the F2 region of Earth s ionosphere) with well-defined fluxes of atomic oxygen, other charged and neutral ionospheric plasma species, solar UV, VUV, and x-ray radiation as well as galactic cosmic rays, trapped radiation, and solar cosmic rays. The LEO micrometeoroid and orbital debris environment is an especially important determinant of spacecraft design and operations. The magnitude of several environmental factors varies dramatically with latitude and longitude as ISS orbits the Earth. The high latitude orbital environment also exposes ISS to higher fluences of trapped energetic electrons, auroral electrons, solar cosmic rays, and galactic cosmic rays than would be the case in lower inclination orbits, largely as a result of the overall shape and magnitude of the geomagnetic field. As a result, ISS exposure to many environmental factors can vary dramatically along a particular orbital ground track, and from one ground track to the next, during any 24-hour period. The induced environment results from ISS interactions with the natural environment as well as environmental factors produced by ISS itself and visiting vehicles fleet. Examples include ram-wake effects, hypergolic thruster plume impingement, materials out-gassing, venting and dumping of fluids, and specific photovoltaic (PV) power system interactions with the ionospheric plasma (7-11). Vehicle size (L) and velocity (V), combined with the magnitude and direction of the geomagnetic field (B) produce operationally significant magnetic induction voltages (VxB.L) in ISS conducting structure during flight through high latitudes (> +45deg) during each orbit. Finally, an induced ionizing radiation environment is produced by cosmic ray interaction with the relatively thick ISS structure and shielding materials. The intent of this review article is, therefore, to provide a summary of selected aspects and elements of the ISS vehicle with regard to LEO space environment effects, associated with the much larger and more complicated vehicle that ISS has become since 1998, but also with an eye towards performance life extension to the year 2016 and beyond.

Design and Analysis of the Aperture Shield Assembly for a Space Solar Receiver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strumpf, Hal J.; Trinh, Tuan; Westelaken, William; Krystkowiak, Christopher; Avanessian, Vahe; Kerslake, Thomas W.

1997-01-01

A joint U.S./Russia program has been conducted to design, develop, fabricate, launch, and operate the world's first space solar dynamic power system on the Russian Space Station Mir. The goal of the program was to demonstrate and confirm that solar dynamic power systems are viable for future space applications such as the International Space Station (ISS). The major components of the system include a solar receiver, a closed Brayton cycle power conversion unit, a power conditioning and control unit, a solar concentrator, a radiator, a thermal control system, and a Space Shuttle carrier. Unfortunately, the mission was demanifested from the ISS Phase 1 Space Shuttle Program in 1996. However, NASA Lewis is proposing to use the fabricated flight hardware as part of an all-American flight demonstration on the ISS in 2002. The present paper concerns the design and analysis of the solar receiver aperture shield assembly. The aperture shield assembly comprises the front face of the cylindrical receiver and is located at the focal plane of the solar concentrator. The aperture shield assembly is a critical component that protects the solar receiver structure from highly concentrated solar fluxes during concentrator off-pointing events. A full-size aperture shield assembly was fabricated. This unit was essentially identical to the flight configuration, with the exception of materials substitution. In addition, a thermal shock test aperture shield assembly was fabricated. This test article utilized the flight materials and was used for high-flux testing in the solar simulator test rig at NASA Lewis. This testing is described in a companion paper.

MS Mastracchio operates the RMS on the flight deck of Atlantis during STS-106

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-11

STS106-E-5099 (11 September 2000) --- Astronaut Richard A. Mastracchio, mission specialist, stands near viewing windows, video monitors and the controls for the remote manipulator system (RMS) arm (out of frame at left) on the flight deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis during Flight Day 3 activity. Atlantis was docked with the International Space Station (ISS) when this photo was recorded with an electronic still camera (ESC).

ITCS coolant refill

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-23

ISS020-E-013939 (23 June 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 20 flight engineer, uses a computer while working with the Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA), which is a part of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station.

Voss and Helms at SSRMS controls in Destiny laboratory module

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-22

ISS002-E-7043 (22 April 2001) --- Expedition Two flight engineers James S. Voss and Susan J. Helms work at the Canadarm2 / Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) control station in the Destiny Laboratory. The image was recorded with a digital still camera.

X-38 Application of Dynamic Inversion Flight Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wacker, Roger; Munday, Steve; Merkle, Scott

2001-01-01

This paper summarizes the application of a nonlinear dynamic inversion (DI) flight control system (FCS) to an autonomous flight test vehicle in NASA's X-38 Project, a predecessor to the International Space Station (ISS) Crew Return Vehicle (CRV). Honeywell's Multi-Application Control-H (MACH) is a parameterized FCS design architecture including both model-based DI rate-compensation and classical P+I command-tracking. MACH was adopted by X-38 in order to shorten the design cycle time for different vehicle shapes and flight envelopes and evolving aerodynamic databases. Specific design issues and analysis results are presented for the application of MACH to the 3rd free flight (FF3) of X-38 Vehicle 132 (V132). This B-52 drop test, occurring on March 30, 2000, represents the first flight test of MACH and one of the first few known applications of DI in the primary FCS of an autonomous flight test vehicle.

iss053e156180

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-09

iss053e156180 (Nov. 9, 2017) --- Expedition 53 Commander Randy Bresnik (foreground) and Flight Engineer Paolo Nespoli are at the controls of the robotics workstation in the Destiny laboratory module training for the approach, rendezvous and grapple of the Orbital ATK Cygnus resupply ship. Both astronauts were in the cupola operating the Canadarm2 robotic arm to grapple Cygnus when it arrived Nov. 14, 2017, delivering nearly 7,400 pounds of crew supplies, science experiments, computer gear, vehicle equipment and spacewalk hardware.

iss053e156160

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-09

iss053e156160 (Nov. 9, 2017) --- Expedition 53 Commander Randy Bresnik is at the controls of the robotics workstation in the Destiny laboratory module training for the approach, rendezvous and grapple of the Orbital ATK Cygnus resupply ship. He and Flight Engineer Paolo Nespoli were in the cupola operating the Canadarm2 robotic arm to grapple Cygnus when it arrived Nov. 14, 2017, delivering nearly 7,400 pounds of crew supplies, science experiments, computer gear, vehicle equipment and spacewalk hardware.

Progress 37P on approach to the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-01

ISS023-E-030552 (1 May 2010) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station, bringing 2.6 tons of food, fuel, oxygen, propellant and supplies for the Expedition 23 crew members aboard the station. Progress 37 docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 1, 2010, after a three-day flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The docking was conducted by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, commander, in manual control through the TORU (telerobotically operated) rendezvous system due to a jet failure on the Progress that forced a shutdown of the Kurs automated rendezvous system.

Progress 37P on approach to the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-01

ISS023-E-030578 (1 May 2010) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station, bringing 2.6 tons of food, fuel, oxygen, propellant and supplies for the Expedition 23 crew members aboard the station. Progress 37 docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 1, 2010, after a three-day flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The docking was conducted by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, commander, in manual control through the TORU (telerobotically operated) rendezvous system due to a jet failure on the Progress that forced a shutdown of the Kurs automated rendezvous system.

Progress 37P on approach to the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-01

ISS023-E-030563 (1 May 2010) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station, bringing 2.6 tons of food, fuel, oxygen, propellant and supplies for the Expedition 23 crew members aboard the station. Progress 37 docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 1, 2010, after a three-day flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The docking was conducted by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, commander, in manual control through the TORU (telerobotically operated) rendezvous system due to a jet failure on the Progress that forced a shutdown of the Kurs automated rendezvous system.

Progress 37P on approach to the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-01

ISS023-E-030460 (1 May 2010) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station, bringing 2.6 tons of food, fuel, oxygen, propellant and supplies for the Expedition 23 crew members aboard the station. Progress 37 docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 1, 2010, after a three-day flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The docking was conducted by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, commander, in manual control through the TORU (telerobotically operated) rendezvous system due to a jet failure on the Progress that forced a shutdown of the Kurs automated rendezvous system.

Progress 37P on approach to the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-01

ISS023-E-030445 (1 May 2010) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station, bringing 2.6 tons of food, fuel, oxygen, propellant and supplies for the Expedition 23 crew members aboard the station. Progress 37 docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 1, 2010, after a three-day flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The docking was conducted by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, commander, in manual control through the TORU (telerobotically operated) rendezvous system due to a jet failure on the Progress that forced a shutdown of the Kurs automated rendezvous system.

Progress 37P on approach to the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-01

ISS023-E-030584 (1 May 2010) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station, bringing 2.6 tons of food, fuel, oxygen, propellant and supplies for the Expedition 23 crew members aboard the station. Progress 37 docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 1, 2010, after a three-day flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The docking was conducted by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, commander, in manual control through the TORU (telerobotically operated) rendezvous system due to a jet failure on the Progress that forced a shutdown of the Kurs automated rendezvous system.

Progress 37P on approach to the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-01

ISS023-E-030444 (1 May 2010) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station, bringing 2.6 tons of food, fuel, oxygen, propellant and supplies for the Expedition 23 crew members aboard the station. Progress 37 docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 1, 2010, after a three-day flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The docking was conducted by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, commander, in manual control through the TORU (telerobotically operated) rendezvous system due to a jet failure on the Progress that forced a shutdown of the Kurs automated rendezvous system.

Progress 37P on approach to the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-05-01

ISS023-E-030528 (1 May 2010) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station, bringing 2.6 tons of food, fuel, oxygen, propellant and supplies for the Expedition 23 crew members aboard the station. Progress 37 docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 1, 2010, after a three-day flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The docking was conducted by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, commander, in manual control through the TORU (telerobotically operated) rendezvous system due to a jet failure on the Progress that forced a shutdown of the Kurs automated rendezvous system.

Overview of Pre-Flight Physical Training, In-Flight Exercise Countermeasures and the Post-Flight Reconditioning Program for International Space Station Astronauts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerstman, Eric

2011-01-01

International Space Station (ISS) astronauts receive supervised physical training pre-flight, utilize exercise countermeasures in-flight, and participate in a structured reconditioning program post-flight. Despite recent advances in exercise hardware and prescribed exercise countermeasures, ISS crewmembers are still found to have variable levels of deconditioning post-flight. This presentation provides an overview of the astronaut medical certification requirements, pre-flight physical training, in-flight exercise countermeasures, and the post-flight reconditioning program. Astronauts must meet medical certification requirements on selection, annually, and prior to ISS missions. In addition, extensive physical fitness testing and standardized medical assessments are performed on long duration crewmembers pre-flight. Limited physical fitness assessments and medical examinations are performed in-flight to develop exercise countermeasure prescriptions, ensure that the crewmembers are physically capable of performing mission tasks, and monitor astronaut health. Upon mission completion, long duration astronauts must re-adapt to the 1 G environment, and be certified as fit to return to space flight training and active duty. A structured, supervised postflight reconditioning program has been developed to prevent injuries, facilitate re-adaptation to the 1 G environment, and subsequently return astronauts to training and space flight. The NASA reconditioning program is implemented by the Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) team and supervised by NASA flight surgeons. This program has evolved over the past 10 years of the International Space Station (ISS) program and has been successful in ensuring that long duration astronauts safely re-adapt to the 1 g environment and return to active duty. Lessons learned from this approach to managing deconditioning can be applied to terrestrial medicine and future exploration space flight missions.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew during undocking from the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7121 (31 October 2001) --- Backdropped by Earth’s horizon and the blackness of space, a Soyuz spacecraft undocks from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

The Soyuz Taxi crew pose with the ISS ship log in Node 1 during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-7084 (23-31 October 2001) --- The Soyuz Taxi crewmembers, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev (left), Commander Victor Afanasyev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere add their names to the list of the International Space Station (ISS) visitors in the ship’s log in the Unity node. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

ISS Operations Cost Reductions Through Automation of Real-Time Planning Tasks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Timothy A.; Clancey, William J.; McDonald, Aaron; Toschlog, Jason; Tucker, Tyson; Khan, Ahmed; Madrid, Steven (Eric)

2011-01-01

In 2007 the Johnson Space Center s Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) management team challenged their organizations to find ways to reduce the cost of operations for supporting the International Space Station (ISS) in the Mission Control Center (MCC). Each MOD organization was asked to define and execute projects that would help them attain cost reductions by 2012. The MOD Operations Division Flight Planning Branch responded to this challenge by launching several software automation projects that would allow them to greatly improve console operations and reduce ISS console staffing and intern reduce operating costs. These tasks ranged from improving the management and integration mission plan changes, to automating the uploading and downloading of information to and from the ISS and the associated ground complex tasks that required multiple decision points. The software solutions leveraged several different technologies including customized web applications and implementation of industry standard web services architecture; as well as engaging a previously TRL 4-5 technology developed by Ames Research Center (ARC) that utilized an intelligent agent-based system to manage and automate file traffic flow, archive data, and generate console logs. These projects to date have allowed the MOD Operations organization to remove one full time (7 x 24 x 365) ISS console position in 2010; with the goal of eliminating a second full time ISS console support position by 2012. The team will also reduce one long range planning console position by 2014. When complete, these Flight Planning Branch projects will account for the elimination of 3 console positions and a reduction in staffing of 11 engineering personnel (EP) for ISS.

Parmitano in U.S. Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-07-30

ISS036-E-027387 (29 July 2013) --- European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, Expedition 36 flight engineer, performs maintenance on the Water Pump Assembly 2 / Thermal Control System (WPA2/TCS) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

Parmitano in U.S. Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-07-30

ISS036-E-027389 (29 July 2013) --- European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, Expedition 36 flight engineer, performs maintenance on the Water Pump Assembly 2 / Thermal Control System (WPA2/TCS) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

Kuipers configures the GCP in the ATV-3

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-06

ISS030-E-210829 (6 April 2012) --- European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers, Expedition 30 flight engineer, configures the Gas Control Panel (GCP) in the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-3) currently docked with the International Space Station.

Kuipers configures the GCP in the ATV-3

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-06

ISS030-E-210810 (6 April 2012) --- European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers, Expedition 30 flight engineer, configures the Gas Control Panel (GCP) in the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-3) currently docked with the International Space Station.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

A Russian Soyuz spacecraft undocks from the International Space Station (ISS) with its crew of three ending an eight-day stay. Aboard the craft are Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev, both representing Rosaviakosmos, and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere. Their mission was to carry out a flight program for the French Space Agency (CNES) under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

A Russian Soyuz spacecraft departs from the International Space Station (ISS) with its crew of three ending an eight-day stay. Aboard the craft are Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev, both representing Rosaviakosmos, and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere. Their mission was to carry out a flight program for the French Space Agency (CNES) under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency.

Enhanced International Space Station Ku-Band Telemetry Service

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cecil, Andrew J.; Pitts, R. Lee; Welch, Steven J.; Bryan, Jason D.

2014-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) is in an operational configuration. To fully utilize the ISS and take advantage of the modern protocols and updated Ku-band access, the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) has designed an approach to extend the Kuband forward link access for payload investigators to their on-orbit payloads. This dramatically increases the ground to ISS communications for those users. This access also enables the ISS flight controllers operating in the Payload Operations and Integration Center to have more direct control over the systems they are responsible for managing and operating. To extend the Ku-band forward link to the payload user community the development of a new command server is necessary. The HOSC subsystems were updated to process the Internet Protocol Encapsulated packets, enable users to use the service based on their approved services, and perform network address translation to insure that the packets are forwarded from the user to the correct payload repeating that process in reverse from ISS to the payload user. This paper presents the architecture, implementation, and lessons learned. This will include the integration of COTS hardware and software as well as how the device is incorporated into the operational mission of the ISS. Thus, this paper also discusses how this technology can be applicable to payload users of the ISS.

Development and Capabilities of ISS Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nahra, Henry; Hasan, Mohammad; Balasubramaniam, R.; Patania, Michelle; Hall, Nancy; Wagner, James; Mackey, Jeffrey; Frankenfield, Bruce; Hauser, Daniel; Harpster, George;

KSC-98pc152

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-14

The Photovoltaic Module 1 Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) is moved past Node 1, seen at left, of the International Space Station (ISS) in Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). The IEA will be processed at the SSPF for flight on STS-97, scheduled for launch in April 1999. The IEA is one of four integral units designed to generate, distribute, and store power for the ISS. It will carry solar arrays, power storage batteries, power control units, and a thermal control system. The 16-foot-long, 16,850-pound unit is now undergoing preflight preparations in the SSPF

International Space Station (ISS) Low Pressure Intramodule Quick Disconnect Failures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, John F.; Harris, Danny; Link, Dwight; Morrison, Russel

2004-01-01

A failure of an ISS intermodule Quick Disconnect (QD) during protoflight vibration testing of ISS regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) hardware led to the discovery of QD design, manufacturing, and test flaws which can yield the male QD susceptible to failure of the secondary housing seal and inadequate housing assembly locking mechanisms. Discovery of this failure had large implications when considering that currently there are 399 similar units on orbit and approximately 1100 units on the ground integrated into flight hardware. Discovery of the nature of the failure required testing and analysis and implementation of a recovery plan requiring part screening and review of element level and project hazard analysis to determine if secondary seals are required. Implementation also involves coordination with the Nodes and MPLM project offices, Regenerative ECLS Project, ISS Payloads, JAXA, ESA, and ISS Logistics and Maintenance.

Conceptual Inquiry of the Space Shuttle and International Space Station GNC Flight Controllers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kranzusch, Kara

2007-01-01

The concept of Mission Control was envisioned by Christopher Columbus Kraft in the 1960's. Instructed to figure out how to operate human space flight safely, Kraft envisioned a room of sub-system experts troubleshooting problems and supporting nominal flight activities under the guidance of one Flight Director who is responsible for the success of the mission. To facilitate clear communication, MCC communicates with the crew through a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) who is an astronaut themselves. Gemini 4 was the first mission to be supported by such a MCC and successfully completed the first American EVA. The MCC seen on television is called the Flight Control Room (FCR, pronounced ficker) or otherwise known as the front room. While this room is the most visible aspect, it is a very small component of the entire control center. The Shuttle FCR is known as the White FCR (WFCR) and Station's as FCR-1. (FCR-1 was actually the first FCR built at JSC which was used through the Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle programs until the WFCR was completed in 1992. Afterwards FCR-1 was refurbished first for the Life Sciences Center and then for the ISS in 2006.) Along with supporting the Flight Director, each FCR operator is also the supervisor for usually two or three support personnel in a back room called the Multi-Purpose Support Room (MPSR, pronounced mipser). MPSR operators are more deeply focused on their specific subsystems and have the responsible to analyze patterns, and diagnose and assess consequences of faults. The White MPSR (WMPSR) operators are always present for Shuttle operations; however, ISS FCR controllers only have support from their Blue MPSR (BMPSR) while the Shuttle is docked and during critical operations. Since ISS operates 24-7, the FCR team reduces to a much smaller Gemini team of 4-5 operators for night and weekend shifts when the crew is off-duty. The FCR is also supported by the Mission Evaluation Room (MER) which is a collection of contractor engineers who provide analysis and long-term troubleshooting support. Each MER operator is an expert in a very small portion of a sub-system and each FCR console usually interfaces with several MER positions.

Bisphosphonates as a Countermeasure to Space Flight Induced Bone Loss

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LeBlanc, Adrian; Matsumoto, Toshio; Jones, Jeffrey A.; Shapiro, Jay; Lang, Thomas F.; Smith, Scott M.; Shackelford, Linda C.; Sibonga, Jean; Evans, Harlan; Spector, Elisabeth;

Lessons Learned from the Node 1 Temperature and Humidity Control Subsystem Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, David E.

2010-01-01

Node 1 flew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Flight 2A during December 1998. To date the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has learned a lot of lessons from this module based on its history of approximately two years of acceptance testing on the ground and currently its twelve years on-orbit. This paper will provide an overview of the ISS Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) design of the Node 1 Temperature and Humidity Control (THC) subsystem and it will document some of the lessons that have been learned to date for this subsystem and it will document some of the lessons that have been learned to date for these subsystems based on problems prelaunch, problems encountered on-orbit, and operational problems/concerns. It is hoped that documenting these lessons learned from ISS will help in preventing them in future Programs. 1

Cognitive Assessment During Long-Duration Space Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seaton, Kimberly; Kane, R. L.; Sipes, Walter

2010-01-01

The Space Flight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows (WinSCAT) is a computer-based, self-administered battery of five cognitive assessment tests developed for medical operations at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. WinSCAT is a medical requirement for U.S. long-duration astronauts and has been implemented with U.S. astronauts from one NASA/Mir mission (NASA-7 mission) and all expeditions to date on the International Space Station (ISS). Its purpose is to provide ISS crew surgeons with an objective clinical tool after an unexpected traumatic event, a medical condition, or the cumulative effects of space flight that could negatively affect an astronaut's cognitive status and threaten mission success. WinSCAT was recently updated to add network capability to support a 6-person crew on the station support computers. Additionally, WinSCAT Version 2.0.28 has increased difficulty of items in Mathematics, increased number of items in Match-to-Sample, incorporates a moving rather than a fixed baseline, and implements stricter interpretation rules. ISS performance data were assessed to compare initial to modified interpretation rules for detecting potential changes in cognitive functioning during space flight. WinSCAT tests are routinely taken monthly during an ISS mission. Performance data from these ISS missions do not indicate significant cognitive decrements due to microgravity/space flight alone but have shown decrements. Applying the newly derived rules to ISS data results in a number of off-nominal performances at various times during and after flight.. Correlation to actual events is needed, but possible explanations for off-nominal performances could include actual physical factors such as toxic exposure, medication effects, or fatigue; emotional factors including stress from the mission or life events; or failure to exert adequate effort on the tests.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-06-09

The STS-121 patch depicts the Space Shuttle docked with the International Space Station (ISS) in the foreground, overlaying the astronaut symbol with three gold columns and a gold star. The ISS is shown in the configuration that it was during the STS-121 mission. The background shows the nighttime Earth with a dawn breaking over the horizon. STS-121, ISS mission ULF1.1, was the final Shuttle Return to Flight test mission. This utilization and logistics flight delivered a multipurpose logistics module (MPLM) to the ISS with several thousand pounds of new supplies and experiments. In addition, some new orbital replacement units (ORUs) were delivered and stowed externally on the ISS on a special pallet. These ORUs are spares for critical machinery located on the outside of the ISS. During this mission the crew also carried out testing of Shuttle inspection and repair hardware, as well as evaluated operational techniques and concepts for conducting on-orbit inspection and repair.

ISS Material Science Research Rack HWIL Interface Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Philip J.; Ballard, Gary H.; Crumbley, Robert T. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

In this paper, the first Material Science Research Rack (MSRR-1) hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) interface simulation is described. Dynamic Concepts developed this HWIL simulation system with funding and management provided by the Flight Software group (ED14) of NASA-MSFC's Avionics Department. The HWIL system has been used both as a flight software development environment and as a software qualification tool. To fulfill these roles, the HWIL simulator accurately models the system dynamics of many MSRR-1 subsystems and emulates most of the internal interface signals. The modeled subsystems include the Experiment Modules, the Thermal Environment Control System, the Vacuum Access System, the Solid State Power Controller Module, and the Active Rack Isolation Systems. The emulated signals reside on three separate MIL-STD-1553B digital communication buses, the ISS Medium Rate Data Link, and several analog controller and sensor signals. To enhance the range of testing, it was necessary to simulate several off-nominal conditions that may occur in the interfacing subsystems.

Operating and Managing a Backup Control Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marsh, Angela L.; Pirani, Joseph L.; Bornas, Nicholas

2010-01-01

Due to the criticality of continuous mission operations, some control centers must plan for alternate locations in the event an emergency shuts down the primary control center. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas is the Mission Control Center (MCC) for the International Space Station (ISS). Due to Houston s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, JSC is prone to threats from hurricanes which could cause flooding, wind damage, and electrical outages to the buildings supporting the MCC. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has the capability to be the Backup Control Center for the ISS if the situation is needed. While the MSFC Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) does house the BCC, the prime customer and operator of the ISS is still the JSC flight operations team. To satisfy the customer and maintain continuous mission operations, the BCC has critical infrastructure that hosts ISS ground systems and flight operations equipment that mirrors the prime mission control facility. However, a complete duplicate of Mission Control Center in another remote location is very expensive to recreate. The HOSC has infrastructure and services that MCC utilized for its backup control center to reduce the costs of a somewhat redundant service. While labor talents are equivalent, experiences are not. Certain operations are maintained in a redundant mode, while others are simply maintained as single string with adequate sparing levels of equipment. Personnel at the BCC facility must be trained and certified to an adequate level on primary MCC systems. Negotiations with the customer were done to match requirements with existing capabilities, and to prioritize resources for appropriate level of service. Because some of these systems are shared, an activation of the backup control center will cause a suspension of scheduled HOSC activities that may share resources needed by the BCC. For example, the MCC is monitoring a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. As the threat to MCC increases, HOSC must begin a phased activation of the BCC, while working resource conflicts with normal HOSC activities. In a long duration outage to the MCC, this could cause serious impacts to the BCC host facility s primary mission support activities. This management of a BCC is worked based on customer expectations and negotiations done before emergencies occur. I.

FOOT experiment (Foot/Ground Reaction Forces during Space Flight)

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-06-29

ISS011-E-09831 (29 June 2005) --- Astronaut John L. Phillips, Expedition 11 NASA Space Station science officer and flight engineer, works at the Canadarm2 controls while participating in the Foot/Ground Reaction Forces During Spaceflight (FOOT) experiment in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. Phillips wore the specially instrumented Lower Extremity Monitoring Suit (LEMS), cycling tights outfitted with sensors, during the experiment.

NASA flight controllers - Meeting cultural and leadership challenges on the critical path to mission success

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clement, James L., Jr.; Ritsher, Jennifer Boyd

2006-01-01

As part of its preparation for missions to the Moon and Mars, NASA has identified high priority critical path roadmap (CPR) questions, two of which focus on the performance of mission control personnel. NASA flight controllers have always worked in an incredibly demanding setting, but the International Space Station poses even more challenges than prior missions. We surveyed 14 senior ISS flight controllers and a contrasting sample of 12 more junior controllers about the management and cultural challenges they face and the most effective strategies for addressing them. There was substantial consensus among participants on some issues, such as the importance of building a personal relationship with Russian colleagues. Responses from junior and senior controllers differed in some areas, such as training. We frame the results in terms of two CPR questions. We aim to use our results to improve flight controller training.

Challenges in Evaluating Relationships Between Quantitative Data (Carbon Dioxide) and Qualitative Data (Self-Reported Visual Changes)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mendez, C. M.; Foy, M.; Mason, S.; Wear, M. L.; Meyers, V.; Law, J.; Alexander, D.; Van Baalen, M.

2014-01-01

Understanding the nuances in clinical data is critical in developing a successful data analysis plan. Carbon dioxide (CO2) data are collected on board the International Space Station (ISS) in a continuous stream. Clinical data on ISS are primarily collected via conversations between individual crewmembers and NASA Flight Surgeons during weekly Private Medical Conferences (PMC). Law, et.al, 20141 demonstrated a statistically significant association between weekly average CO2 levels on ISS and self-reported headaches over the reporting period from March 14, 2001 to May 31, 2012. The purpose of this analysis is to describe the evaluation of a possible association between visual changes and CO2 levels on ISS and to discuss challenges in developing an appropriate analysis plan. METHODS & PRELIMINARY RESULTS: A first analysis was conducted following the same study design as the published work on CO2 and self-reported headaches1; substituting self-reported changes in visual acuity in place of self-reported headaches. The analysis demonstrated no statistically significant association between visual impairment characterized by vision symptoms self-reported during PMCs and ISS average CO2 levels over ISS missions. Closer review of the PMC records showed that vision outcomes are not well-documented in terms of clinical severity, timing of onset, or timing of resolution, perhaps due to the incipient nature of vision changes. Vision has been monitored in ISS crewmembers, pre- and post-flight, using standard optometry evaluations. In-flight visual assessments were limited early in the ISS program, primarily consisting of self-perceived changes reported by crewmembers. Recently, on-orbit capabilities have greatly improved. Vision data ranges from self-reported post-flight changes in visual acuity, pre- to postflight changes identified during fundoscopic examination, and in-flight progression measured by advanced on-orbit clinical imaging capabilities at predetermined testing intervals. In contrast, CO2 data are recorded in a continuous stream over time; however, for the initial analysis this data was categorized into weekly averages.

BIOPACK: the ground controlled late access biological research facility.

PubMed

van Loon, Jack J W A

2004-03-01

Future Space Shuttle flights shall be characterized by activities necessary to further build the International Space Station, ISS. During these missions limited resources are available to conduct biological experiments in space. The Shuttles' Middeck is a very suitable place to conduct science during the ISS assembly missions or dedicated science missions. The BIOPACK, which flew its first mission during the STS-107, provides a versatile Middeck Locker based research tool for gravitational biology studies. The core facility occupies the space of only two Middeck Lockers. Experiment temperatures are controlled for bacteria, plant, invertebrate and mammalian cultures. Gravity levels and profiles can be set ranging from 0 to 2.0 x g on three independent centrifuges. This provides the experimenter with a 1.0 x g on-board reference and intermediate hypogravity and hypergravity data points to investigate e.g. threshold levels in biological responses. Temperature sensitive items can be stored in the facilities' -10 degrees C and +4 degrees C stowage areas. During STS-107 the facility also included a small glovebox (GBX) and passive temperature controlled units (PTCU). The GBX provides the experimenter with two extra levels of containment for safe sample handling. This biological research facility is a late access (L-10 hrs) laboratory, which, when reaching orbit, could automatically be starting up reducing important experiment lag-time and valuable crew time. The system is completely telecommanded when needed. During flight system parameters like temperatures, centrifuge speeds, experiment commanding or sensor readouts can be monitored and changed when needed. Although ISS provides a wide range of research facilities there is still need for an STS-based late access facility such as the BIOPACK providing experimenters with a very versatile research cabinet for biological experiments under microgravity and in-flight control conditions.

iss054e027048

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-02

iss054e027048 (Feb. 2, 2018) --- A Russian spacewalker is seen in an Orlan spacesuit with blue stripes (center image) working outside the Zvezda service module during the longest spacewalk in Russian space program history on Feb. 2, 2018. Cosmonauts Alexander Misurkin and Anton Shkaplerov wrapped up the eight hour and 13 minute spacewalk after installing a new electronics and telemetry box for the high gain antenna on Zvezda. The new gear will enhance communications between Russian flight controllers and the Russian modules.

Kurs antenna on the Progress

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-11-23

ISS014-E-07953 (22 Nov. 2006) ---This photo shows the position of the KURS antennae on 23 Progress as seen by spacewalkers Michael Lopez-Alegria and Mikhail Tyurin during Russian EVA 17 on Nov. 22. During docking of the Progress to the International Space Station on Oct. 26, 2006, flight controllers were unable to confirm if the antenna had retracted as commanded. On the right-hand side of the photo, there is a visible clearance between the antennae's satellite dish and handrail 2745 on the ISS Service Module.

The Unity connecting module moves into payload bay of Endeavour

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

The Unity connecting module is moved toward the payload bay of the orbiter Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch Dec. 3, 1998, on Mission STS-88 . The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach it to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

KSC-98pc1411

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the Unity connecting module to the payload canister for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

Flight Engineer Budarin uses a laptop computer in the SM during Expedition Six

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-21

ISS006-E-45279 (21 March 2003) --- Cosmonaut Nikolai M. Budarin, Expedition Six flight engineer, uses a computer as he talks on a communication system in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Budarin represents Rosaviakosmos.

Flight Engineer Budarin is changing a part in the water recycling system in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-21

ISS006-E-45275 (21 March 2003) --- Cosmonaut Nikolai M. Budarin, Expedition Six flight engineer, holds a piece of hardware near a worktable in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Budarin represents Rosaviakosmos.

Hopkins using FSS to refill ITCS

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-31

ISS038-E-040111 (31 Jan. 2014) --- NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins, Expedition 38 flight engineer, uses the Fluid Servicing System (FSS) to refill Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) loops with fresh coolant in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

Hopkins during ITCS PWR Retrieval

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-31

ISS038-E-040140 (31 Jan. 2014) --- NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins, Expedition 38 flight engineer, uses the Fluid Servicing System (FSS) to refill Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) loops with fresh coolant in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

Hopkins during ITCS PWR Retrieval

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-31

ISS038-E-040139 (31 Jan. 2014) --- NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins, Expedition 38 flight engineer, uses the Fluid Servicing System (FSS) to refill Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) loops with fresh coolant in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

The ISS flight of Richard Garriott: a template for medicine and science investigation on future spaceflight participant missions.

PubMed

Jennings, Richard T; Garriott, Owen K; Bogomolov, Valery V; Pochuev, Vladimir I; Morgun, Valery V; Garriott, Richard A

2010-02-01

A total of eight commercial spaceflight participants have launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on Soyuz vehicles. Based on an older mean age compared to career astronauts and an increased prevalence of medical conditions, spaceflight participants have provided the opportunity to learn about the effect of space travel on crewmembers with medical problems. The 12-d Soyuz TMA-13/12 ISS flight of spaceflight participant Richard Garriott included medical factors that required preflight intervention, risk mitigation strategies, and provided the opportunity for medical study on-orbit. Equally important, Mr. Garriott conducted extensive medical, scientific, and educational payload operations during the flight. These included 7 medical experiments and a total of 15 scientific projects such as protein crystal growth, Earth observations/photography, educational projects with schools, and amateur radio. The medical studies included the effect of microgravity on immune function, sleep, bone loss, corneal refractive surgery, low back pain, motion perception, and intraocular pressure. The overall mission success resulted from non-bureaucratic agility in mission planning, cooperation with investigators from NASA, ISS, International Partners, and the Korean Aerospace Research Institute, in-flight support and leadership from a team with spaceflight and Capcom experience, and overall mission support from the ISS program. This article focuses on science opportunities that suborbital and orbital spaceflight participant flights offer and suggests that the science program on Richard Garriott's flight be considered a model for future orbital and suborbital missions. The medical challenges are presented in a companion article.

Zero-Propellant Maneuver[TM] Flight Results for 180 deg ISS Rotation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bedrossian, Nazareth; Bhatt, Sagar; Lammers, Mike; Nguyen, Louis

2007-01-01

This paper presents results for the Zero Propellant Maneuver (ZPM) TradeMark attitude control concept flight demonstration. On March 3, 2007, a ZPM was used to reorient the International Space Station 180 degrees without using any propellant. The identical reorientation performed with thrusters would have burned 110lbs of propellant. The ZPM was a pre-planned trajectory used to command the CMG attitude hold controller to perform the maneuver between specified initial and final states while maintaining the CMGs within their operational limits. The trajectory was obtained from a PseudoSpectral solution to a new optimal attitude control problem. The flight test established the breakthrough capability to simultaneously perform a large angle attitude maneuver and momentum desaturation without the need to use thrusters. The flight implementation did not require any modifications to flight software. This approach is applicable to any spacecraft that are controlled by momentum storage devices.

The Evolution of On-Board Emergency Training for the International Space Station Crew

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaBuff, Skyler

2015-01-01

The crew of the International Space Station (ISS) receives extensive ground-training in order to safely and effectively respond to any potential emergency event while on-orbit, but few people realize that their training is not concluded when they launch into space. The evolution of the emergency On- Board Training events (OBTs) has recently moved from paper "scripts" to an intranet-based software simulation that allows for the crew, as well as the flight control teams in Mission Control Centers across the world, to share in an improved and more realistic training event. This emergency OBT simulator ensures that the participants experience the training event as it unfolds, completely unaware of the type, location, or severity of the simulated emergency until the scenario begins. The crew interfaces with the simulation software via iPads that they keep with them as they translate through the ISS modules, receiving prompts and information as they proceed through the response. Personnel in the control centers bring up the simulation via an intranet browser at their console workstations, and can view additional telemetry signatures in simulated ground displays in order to assist the crew and communicate vital information to them as applicable. The Chief Training Officers and emergency instructors set the simulation in motion, choosing the type of emergency (rapid depressurization, fire, or toxic atmosphere) and specific initial conditions to emphasize the desired training objectives. Project development, testing, and implementation was a collaborative effort between ISS emergency instructors, Chief Training Officers, Flight Directors, and the Crew Office using commercial off the shelf (COTS) hardware along with simulation software created in-house. Due to the success of the Emergency OBT simulator, the already-developed software has been leveraged and repurposed to develop a new emulator used during fire response ground-training to deliver data that the crew receives from the handheld Compound Specific Analyzer for Combustion Products (CSA-CP). This CSA-CP emulator makes use of a portion of codebase from the Emergency OBT simulator dealing with atmospheric contamination during fire scenarios, and feeds various data signatures to crew via an iPod Touch with a flight-like CSA-CP display. These innovative simulations, which make use of COTS hardware with custom in-house software, have yielded drastic improvements to emergency training effectiveness and risk reduction for ISS crew and flight control teams during on-orbit and ground training events.

STS-114 Flight Day 6 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Day 6 is a relatively quiet day for the STS-114 crew. The main responsibility for crew members of Space Shuttle Discovery (Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Andrew Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, and Charles Camarda) and the Expedition 11 crew of the International Space Station (ISS) (Commander Sergei Krikalev and NASA ISS Science Officer and Flight Engineer John Phillips) is to unload supplies from the shuttle payload bay and from the Raffaello Multipurpose Logistics Module onto the ISS. Several of the astronauts answer interview questions from the news media, with an emphasis on the significance of their mission for the Return to Flight, shuttle damage and repair, and the future of the shuttle program. Thomas announces the winners of an essay contest for Australian students about the importance of science and mathematics education. The video includes the installation of a stowage rack for the Human Research Facility onboard the ISS, a brief description of the ISS modules, and an inverted view of the Nile Delta.

ISS General Resource Reel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

This video is a collection of computer animations and live footage showing the construction and assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). Computer animations show the following: (1) ISS fly around; (2) ISS over a sunrise seen from space; (3) the launch of the Zarya Control Module; (4) a Proton rocket launch; (5) the Space Shuttle docking with Zarya and attaching Zarya to the Unity Node; (6) the docking of the Service Module, Zarya, and Unity to Soyuz; (7) the Space Shuttle docking to ISS and installing the Z1 Truss segment and the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA); (8) Soyuz docking to the ISS; (9) the Transhab components; and (10) a complete ISS assembly. Live footage shows the construction of Zarya, the Proton rocket, Unity Node, PMA, Service Module, US Laboratory, Italian Multipurpose Logistics Module, US Airlock, and the US Habitation Module. STS-88 Mission Specialists Jerry Ross and James Newman are seen training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). The Expedition 1 crewmembers, William Shepherd, Yuri Gidzenko, and Sergei Krikalev, are shown training in the Black Sea and at Johnson Space Flight Center for water survival.

Distant view of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew after undocking from the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7131 (31 October 2001) --- Backdropped by Earth’s horizon and the blackness of space, this distant view shows a Soyuz spacecraft after undocking from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

The Soyuz Taxi crew wave through a Soyuz hatch during their visit to the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-7251 (23-31 October 2001) --- The Soyuz Taxi crewmembers wave from a Soyuz spacecraft docked to the International Space Station (ISS). Clockwise from the top are Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera by one of the Expedition Three crew from the nadir docking port on the station.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew during undocking from the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7118 (31 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft, backdropped by Earth’s horizon and the blackness of space, is photographed prior to departure from the International Space Station (ISS), carrying the Soyuz taxi crew back to Earth, ending their eight-day stay on the station. The crewmembers are Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

International Space Station Program Phase 3 Integrated Atmosphere Revitalization Subsystem Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, J. L.; Franks, G. D.; Knox, J. C.

1997-01-01

Testing of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. Segment baseline configuration of the Atmosphere Revitalization Subsystem (ARS) by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was conducted as part of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) design and development program. This testing was designed to answer specific questions regarding the control and performance of the baseline ARS subassemblies in the ISS U.S. Segment configuration. These questions resulted from the continued maturation of the ISS ECLSS configuration and design requirement changes since 1992. The test used pressurized oxygen injection, a mass spectrometric major constituent analyzer, a Four-Bed Molecular Sieve Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly, and a Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly to maintain the atmospheric composition in a sealed chamber at ISS specifications for 30 days. Human metabolic processes for a crew of four were simulated according to projected ISS mission time lines. The performance of a static feed water electrolysis Oxygen Generator Assembly was investigated during the test preparation phases; however, technical difficulties prevented its use during the integrated test. The Integrated ARS Test (IART) program built upon previous closed-door and open-door integrated testing conducted at MSFC between 1987 and 1992. It is the most advanced test of an integrated ARS conducted by NASA to demonstrate its end-to-end control and overall performance. IART test objectives, facility design, pretest analyses, test and control requirements, and test results are presented.

STS-97 Crew Activity Report/Flight Day 10 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

On this tenth day of the STS-97 mission, Commander Brent W. Jett, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Joseph R. Tanner, Carlos I. Noriega, and Marc Garneau are seen saying good-bye to the International Space Station's (ISS's) resident crew (Commander Bill Shepherd, Pilot Yuri Gidzenko and Flight Engineer Sergei Krikalev) and sealing the hatches between the Endeavour Orbiter and the ISS. Footage shows the ISS against a rotating Earth as it passes over China.

STS-112 Flight Day 10 Highlights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2002-10-01

On Flight Day 10 of the STS-112 mission, its crew (Jeffrey Ashby, Commander; Pamela Melroy, Pilot; David Wolf, Mission Specialist; Piers Sellers, Mission Specialist; Sandra Magnus, Mission Specialist; Fyodor Yurchikhin, Mission Specialist) on the Atlantis and the Expedition 5 crew on the International Space Station (ISS) (Valery Korzun, Commander; Peggy Whitson, Flight Engineer; Sergei Treschev, Flight Engineer) are shown exchanging farewells in the ISS's Destiny Laboratory Module following the completion of a week-long period of docked operations. The Expedition 5 crew is nearing the end of five and a half continuous months aboard the space station. Following the closing of the hatches, the Atlantis Orbiter undocks from the station, and Melroy pilots the shuttle slowly away from the ISS, and engages in a radial fly-around of the station. During the fly-around cameras aboard Atlantis shows ISS from a number of angles. ISS cameras also show Atlantis. There are several shots of each craft with a variety of background settings including the Earth, its limb, and open space. The video concludes with a live interview of Ashby, Melroy and Yurchikhin, still aboard Atlantis, conducted by a reporter on the ground. Questions range from feelings on the conclusion of the mission to the experience of being in space. The primary goal of the mission was the installation of the Integrated Truss Structure S1 on the ISS.

STS-112 Flight Day 10 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

On Flight Day 10 of the STS-112 mission, its crew (Jeffrey Ashby, Commander; Pamela Melroy, Pilot; David Wolf, Mission Specialist; Piers Sellers, Mission Specialist; Sandra Magnus, Mission Specialist; Fyodor Yurchikhin, Mission Specialist) on the Atlantis and the Expedition 5 crew on the International Space Station (ISS) (Valery Korzun, Commander; Peggy Whitson, Flight Engineer; Sergei Treschev, Flight Engineer) are shown exchanging farewells in the ISS's Destiny Laboratory Module following the completion of a week-long period of docked operations. The Expedition 5 crew is nearing the end of five and a half continuous months aboard the space station. Following the closing of the hatches, the Atlantis Orbiter undocks from the station, and Melroy pilots the shuttle slowly away from the ISS, and engages in a radial fly-around of the station. During the fly-around cameras aboard Atlantis shows ISS from a number of angles. ISS cameras also show Atlantis. There are several shots of each craft with a variety of background settings including the Earth, its limb, and open space. The video concludes with a live interview of Ashby, Melroy and Yurchikhin, still aboard Atlantis, conducted by a reporter on the ground. Questions range from feelings on the conclusion of the mission to the experience of being in space. The primary goal of the mission was the installation of the Integrated Truss Structure S1 on the ISS.

Expedition Seven Science Officer Lu with laptop

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-07-16

ISS007-E-10478 (16 July 2003) --- Astronaut Edward T. Lu, Expedition 7 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, uses a computer in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

iss038e054117

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-02-22

ISS038-E-054117 (22 Feb. 2014) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 38 flight engineer, trims the hair of NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio, flight engineer, in the Unity node of the International Space Station. Wakata used hair clippers fashioned with a vacuum device to garner freshly cut hair.

iss038e054116

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-02-22

ISS038-E-054116 (22 Feb. 2014) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 38 flight engineer, trims the hair of NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio, flight engineer, in the Unity node of the International Space Station. Wakata used hair clippers fashioned with a vacuum device to garner freshly cut hair.

RPCM R&R

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-17

ISS029-E-029720 (17 Oct. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 29 commander, uses a communication system while performing in-flight maintenance (IFM) of removing and replacing the failed Remote Power Controller Module (RPCM) equipment in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

Kaleri prepares for a data collection / exercise session on the TVIS in the SM during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-11-23

ISS008-E-05964 (23 November 2003) --- Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Expedition 8 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance (IFM) on the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Kaleri represents Rosaviakosmos.

CDRA Valve RR

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-28

ISS037-E-021985 (28 Oct. 2013) --- In the International Space Station?s Tranquility node, NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins (right) and European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, both Expedition 37 flight engineers, perform routine in-flight maintenance within the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly. This device removes carbon dioxide from the station?s atmosphere and is part of the station?s Environmental Control and Life Support System that provides clean water and air to the crew.

Emergency Simulation Drill

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-04

ISS038-E-011718 (4 Dec. 2013) --- The Expedition 38 crew members participate in an emergency simulation drill with participation from flight controllers on the ground. During the exercise, the crew practiced emergency communication and procedures in response to a predetermined scenario such as pressure leak. Pictured in the International Space Station?s Destiny laboratory are Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov (center), commander; NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins (left), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, flight engineers.

Expedition 32 Docking with ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-07-17

Dina Pandya, Expedition 32 Flight Engineer Sunita Williams’ sister, says hello after her arrival to the International Space Station on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia. The Soyuz docked to the International Space Station with Williams and fellow crew members Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and JAXA Flight Engineer Akihiko Hoshide two days after they launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Expedition 21 Docking

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-10-01

The entire crew onboard the International Space Station (ISS) can be seen on the center screen of the Mission Control Center Moscow in Korolev, Russia shortly after the successful docking of the Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft with the International Space Station marking the start of Expedition 21 with Flight Engineer Jeffrey N. Williams, Expedition 21 Flight Engineer Maxim Suraev, and Spaceflight Participant Guy Laliberté, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 21 Docking

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-10-01

The entire crew onboard the International Space Station (ISS) can be seen on a screen of the Mission Control Center Moscow in Korolev, Russia shortly after the successful docking of the Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft with the International Space Station marking the start of Expedition 21 with Flight Engineer Jeffrey N. Williams, Expedition 21 Flight Engineer Maxim Suraev, and Spaceflight Participant Guy Laliberté, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Radiation Hardening by Software Techniques on FPGAs: Flight Experiment Evaluation and Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, Andrew G.; Flatley, Thomas

2017-01-01

We present our work on implementing Radiation Hardening by Software (RHBSW) techniques on the Xilinx Virtex5 FPGAs PowerPC 440 processors on the SpaceCube 2.0 platform. The techniques have been matured and tested through simulation modeling, fault emulation, laser fault injection and now in a flight experiment, as part of the Space Test Program- Houston 4-ISS SpaceCube Experiment 2.0 (STP-H4-ISE 2.0). This work leverages concepts such as heartbeat monitoring, control flow assertions, and checkpointing, commonly used in the High Performance Computing industry, and adapts them for use in remote sensing embedded systems. These techniques are extremely low overhead (typically <1.3%), enabling a 3.3x gain in processing performance as compared to the equivalent traditionally radiation hardened processor. The recently concluded STP-H4 flight experiment was an opportunity to upgrade the RHBSW techniques for the Virtex5 FPGA and demonstrate them on-board the ISS to achieve TRL 7. This work details the implementation of the RHBSW techniques, that were previously developed for the Virtex4-based SpaceCube 1.0 platform, on the Virtex5-based SpaceCube 2.0 flight platform. The evaluation spans the development and integration with flight software, remotely uploading the new experiment to the ISS SpaceCube 2.0 platform, and conducting the experiment continuously for 16 days before the platform was decommissioned. The experiment was conducted on two PowerPCs embedded within the Virtex5 FPGA devices and the experiment collected 19,400 checkpoints, processed 253,482 status messages, and incurred 0 faults. These results are highly encouraging and future work is looking into longer duration testing as part of the STP-H5 flight experiment.

STS-114 Flight Day 8 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

The major activities of Day 8 for the STS-114 crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery (Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Andrew Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, and Charles Camarda) and the Expedition 11 crew of the International Space Station (ISS) (Commander Sergei Krikalev and NASA ISS Science Officer and Flight Engineer John Phillips) are a press conference and a conversation with President Bush. The two crews are interviewed by American, Japanese, and Russian media. Discovery crew members on the shuttle's mid-deck review paperwork regarding the impending extravehicular activity (EVA) to remove gap fillers from underneath the orbiter, and the Space Station Remote Manipulator System grapples the External Stowage Platform-2 in the Shuttle's payload bay. Finally, Mission control grants the shuttle crew some time off.

How Do Lessons Learned on the International Space Station (ISS) Help Plan Life Support for Mars?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Harry W.; Hodgson, Edward W.; Gentry, Gregory J.; Kliss, Mark H.

2016-01-01

How can our experience in developing and operating the International Space Station (ISS) guide the design, development, and operation of life support for the journey to Mars? The Mars deep space Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) must incorporate the knowledge and experience gained in developing ECLSS for low Earth orbit, but it must also meet the challenging new requirements of operation in deep space where there is no possibility of emergency resupply or quick crew return. The understanding gained by developing ISS flight hardware and successfully supporting a crew in orbit for many years is uniquely instructive. Different requirements for Mars life support suggest that different decisions may be made in design, testing, and operations planning, but the lessons learned developing the ECLSS for ISS provide valuable guidance.

Dryden Flight Research Center Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Robert R., Jr.

2007-01-01

This viewgraph document presents a overview of the Dryden Flight Research Center's facilities. Dryden's mission is to advancing technology and science through flight. The mission elements are: perform flight research and technology integration to revolutionize aviation and pioneer aerospace technology, validate space exploration concepts, conduct airborne remote sensing and science observations, and support operations of the Space Shuttle and the ISS for NASA and the Nation. It reviews some of the recent research projects that Dryden has been involved in, such as autonomous aerial refueling, the"Quiet Spike" demonstration on supersonic F-15, intelligent flight controls, high angle of attack research on blended wing body configuration, and Orion launch abort tests.

NASA Advanced Explorations Systems: 2017 Advancements in Life Support Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Walter F.; Shull, Sarah A.

2017-01-01

The NASA Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Life Support Systems (LSS) project strives to develop reliable, energy-efficient, and low-mass spacecraft systems to provide environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) critical to enabling long duration human missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Highly reliable, closed-loop life support systems are among the capabilities required for the longer duration human space exploration missions planned in the mid-2020s and beyond. The LSS Project is focused on four are-as-architecture and systems engineering for life support systems, environmental monitoring, air revitalization, and wastewater processing and water management. Starting with the International Space Station (ISS) LSS systems as a point of departure where applicable, the three-fold mission of the LSS Project is to address discrete LSS technology gaps, to improve the reliability of LSS systems, and to advance LSS systems toward integrated testing aboard the ISS. This paper is a follow on to the AES LSS development status reported in 2016 and provides additional details on the progress made since that paper was published with specific attention to the status of the Aerosol Sampler ISS Flight Experiment, the Spacecraft Atmosphere Monitor (SAM) Flight Experiment, the Brine Processor Assembly (BPA) Flight Experiment, the CO2 removal technology development tasks, and the work investigating the impacts of dormancy on LSS systems.

Prescribed Travel Schedules for Fatigue Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitmire, Alexandra; Johnston, Smith; Lockley, Steven

2011-01-01

The NASA Fatigue Management Team is developing recommendations for managing fatigue during travel and for shift work operations, as Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Circadian Desynchrony in ISS Operations. The Guidelines provide the International Space Station (ISS ) flight surgeons and other operational clinicians with evidence-based recommendations for mitigating fatigue and other factors related to sleep loss and circadian desynchronization. As much international travel is involved both before and after flight, the guidelines provide recommendations for: pre-flight training, in-flight operations, and post-flight rehabilitation. The objective of is to standardize the process by which care is provided to crewmembers, ground controllers, and other support personnel such as trainers, when overseas travel or schedule shifting is required. Proper scheduling of countermeasures - light, darkness, melatonin, diet, exercise, and medications - is the cornerstone for facilitating circadian adaptation, improving sleep, enhancing alertness, and optimizing performance. The Guidelines provide, among other things, prescribed travel schedules that outline the specific implementation of these mitigation strategies. Each travel schedule offers evidence based protocols for properly using the NASA identified countermeasures for fatigue. This presentation will describe the travel implementation schedules and how these can be used to alleviate the effects of jet lag and/or schedule shifts.

Maximum Oxygen Uptake During and After Long-Duration Space Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Alan D., Jr.; Evetts, Simon N.; Feiveson, Alan H.; Lee, Stuart M. C.; McCleary. Frank A.; Platts, Steven H.

2010-01-01

Decreased maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) during and after space flight may impair a crewmember s ability to perform mission-critical work that is high intensity and/or long duration in nature (Human Research Program Integrated Research Plan Risk 2.1.2: Risk of Reduced Physical Performance Capabilities Due to Reduced Aerobic Capacity). When VO2max was measured in Space Shuttle experiments, investigators reported that it did not change during short-duration space flight but decreased immediately after flight. Similar conclusions, based on the heart rate (HR) response of Skylab crewmembers, were made previously concerning long-duration space flight. Specifically, no change in the in-flight exercise HR response in 8 of 9 Skylab crewmembers indicated that VO2max was maintained during flight, but the elevated exercise HR after flight indicated that VO2max was decreased after landing. More recently, a different pattern of in-flight exercise HR response, and assumed changes in VO2max, emerged from routine testing of International Space Station (ISS) crewmembers. Most ISS crewmembers experience an elevated in-flight exercise HR response early in their mission, with a gradual return toward preflight levels as the mission progresses. Similar to previous reports, exercise HR is elevated after ISS missions and returns to preflight levels by 30 days after landing. VO2max has not been measured either during or after long-duration space flight. The purposes of the ISS VO2max experiment are (1) to measure VO2max during and after long-duration spaceflight, and (2) to determine if submaximal exercise test results can be used to accurately estimate VO 2max.

Cold Stowage Flight Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campana, Sharon

2010-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) provides a test bed for researchers to perform science experiments in a variety of fields, including human research, life sciences, and space medicine. Many of the experiments being conducted today require science samples to be stored and transported in a temperature controlled environment. NASA provides several systems which aide researchers in preserving their science. On orbit systems provided by NASA include the Minus Eighty Laboratory freezer for ISS (MELFI), Microgravity Experiment Research Locker Incubator (MERLIN), and Glacier. These freezers use different technologies to provide rapid cooling and cold stowage at different temperature levels on board ISS. Systems available to researchers during transportation to and from ISS are MERLIN, Glacier, and Coldbag. Coldbag is a passive cold stowage system that uses phase change materials. Details of these current technologies will be provided along with operational experience gained to date. With shuttle retirement looming, NASA has protected the capability to provide a temperature controlled environment during transportation to and from the ISS with the use of Glacier and Coldbags, which are compatible with future commercial vehicles including SpaceX's Dragon Capsule, and Orbital s Cygnus vehicle. This paper will discuss the capability of the current cold stowage hardware and how it may continue to support NASA s mission on ISS and in future exploration missions.

Lu plays with a droplet of liquid

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-10-25

ISS007-E-17985 (2003) --- Astronaut Edward T. Lu, Expedition 7 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, watches a water bubble float between him and the camera, showing his image refracted, on the International Space Station (ISS).

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-06-01

This Boeing photograph shows the Node 1, Unity module, Flight Article (at right) and the U.S. Laboratory module, Destiny, Flight Article for the International Space Station (ISS) being manufactured in the High Bay Clean Room of the Space Station Manufacturing Facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The Node 1, or Unity, serves as a cornecting passageway to Space Station modules. The U.S. built Unity module was launched aboard the orbiter Endeavour (STS-88 mission) on December 4, 1998 and connected to the Zarya, the Russian-built Functional Energy Block (FGB). The U.S. Laboratory (Destiny) module is the centerpiece of the ISS, where science experiments will be performed in the near-zero gravity of space. The U.S. Laboratory/Destiny was launched aboard the orbiter Atlantis (STS-98 mission) on February 7, 2001. The ISS is a multidisciplinary laboratory, technology test bed, and observatory that will provide unprecedented undertakings in scientific, technological, and international experimentation.

M.S. Wakata and the STS-92 crew return to O&C after launch scrub

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan exits the Astrovan on its return to the Operations and Checkout Building. Behind him is Mission Specialist Leroy Chiao. The scheduled launch to the International Space Station (ISS) was scrubbed about 90 minutes before liftoff. The mission will be the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The launch has been rescheduled for liftoff Oct. 11 at 7:17 p.m.

Pilot Melory and the STS-92 crew return to O&C after launch scrub

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy exits the Astrovan on its return to the Operations and Checkout Building. Behind her is Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan. The scheduled launch to the International Space Station (ISS) was scrubbed about 90 minutes before liftoff. The mission will be the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The launch has been rescheduled for liftoff Oct. 11 at 7:17 p.m.

Commander Duffy and the STS-92 crew return to O&C after launch scrub

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy pauses in the door of the Astrovan before exiting at the Operations and Checkout Building. The vehicle is returning the crew after the scheduled launch to the International Space Station (ISS) was scrubbed about 90 minutes before liftoff. The mission will be the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The launch has been rescheduled for liftoff Oct. 11 at 7:17 p.m.

Orion flight test previewed on This Week @NASA - November 7, 2014

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-11-07

A NASA media briefing on Nov. 6 at Kennedy Space Center highlighted the fully assembled Orion spacecraft and details of its first test flight, scheduled for Dec. 4. The 4 and-a-half hour flight, called Exploration Flight Test-1, will send Orion 3,600 miles from Earth on a two-orbit flight to confirm its critical systems are ready for the challenges of eventually sending astronauts on deep space missions to an asteroid and Mars. Also, Delta IV Heavy wet dress test, Next ISS crew trains, Space agency leaders support ISS, Curiosity confirms orbital data and more!

Expedition 6 Crew Interviews: Don Pettit, Flight Engineer 2/ International Space Station (ISS) Science Officer (SO)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

Expedition 6 member Don Pettit (Flight Engineer 2/ International Space Station (ISS) Science Officer (SO)) is seen during a prelaunch interview. He answers questions about his inspiration to become an astronaut and his career path. Pettit, who had been training as a backup crewmember, discusses the importance of training backups for ISS missions. He gives details on the goals and significance of the ISS, regarding experiments in various scientific disciplines such as the life sciences and physical sciences. Pettit also comments on the value of conducting experiments under microgravity. He also gives an overview of the ISS program to date, including the ongoing construction, international aspects, and the routines of ISS crewmembers who inhabit the station for four months at a time. He gives a cursory description of crew transfer procedures that will take place when STS-113 docks with ISS to drop off Pettit and the rest of Expedition 6, and retrieve the Expedition 5 crew.

Garan performs TCS Water Loop Degassing in Columbus

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-04-08

ISS027-E-011325 (8 April 2011) --- NASA astronaut Ron Garan, Expedition 27 flight engineer, works on degassing the water loop of the running Water Pump Assembly 2 / Thermal Control System (WPA2/TCS) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

Garan performs TCS Water Loop Degassing in Columbus

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-04-08

ISS027-E-011324 (8 April 2011) --- NASA astronaut Ron Garan, Expedition 27 flight engineer, works on degassing the water loop of the running Water Pump Assembly 2 / Thermal Control System (WPA2/TCS) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

Fluid Servicing System (FSS) in the US Lab

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-05

ISS021-E-021416 (5 Nov. 2009) --- Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk, Expedition 21 flight engineer, uses the Fluid Servicing System (FSS) to refill Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) loops with fresh coolant in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

International Space Station Acoustics - A Status Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Christopher S.

2015-01-01

It is important to control acoustic noise aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to provide a satisfactory environment for voice communications, crew productivity, alarm audibility, and restful sleep, and to minimize the risk for temporary and permanent hearing loss. Acoustic monitoring is an important part of the noise control process on ISS, providing critical data for trend analysis, noise exposure analysis, validation of acoustic analyses and predictions, and to provide strong evidence for ensuring crew health and safety, thus allowing Flight Certification. To this purpose, sound level meter (SLM) measurements and acoustic noise dosimetry are routinely performed. And since the primary noise sources on ISS include the environmental control and life support system (fans and airflow) and active thermal control system (pumps and water flow), acoustic monitoring will reveal changes in hardware noise emissions that may indicate system degradation or performance issues. This paper provides the current acoustic levels in the ISS modules and sleep stations and is an update to the status presented in 2011. Since this last status report, many payloads (science experiment hardware) have been added and a significant number of quiet ventilation fans have replaced noisier fans in the Russian Segment. Also, noise mitigation efforts are planned to reduce the noise levels of the T2 treadmill and levels in Node 3, in general. As a result, the acoustic levels on the ISS continue to improve.

View of the approach of the new Soyuz Spacecraft taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-324-034 (23 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz Taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere for an eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Rosaviakosmos.

STS-105 coverage of Mission Control Center employees in the WFCR & BFCR

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-25

JSC2001-E-25125 (16 August 2001) --- Flight directors John Shannon (left foreground) and Kelly Beck watch the large screens from their consoles in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC) along with astronauts Joseph R. Tanner (left background) and Steve MacLean, STS-105 spacecraft communicators (CAPCOM). At the time this photo was taken, mission specialists Daniel T. Barry and Patrick G. Forrester were performing the first of two scheduled space walks during Discovery’s visit to the International Space Station (ISS). MacLean represents the Canadian Space Agency.

Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Potable Water for ISS Expeditions 12 and 13

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straub, John E. II; Plumlee, Deborah K.; Schultz, John R.

2007-01-01

The crews of Expeditions 12 and 13 aboard the International Space Station (ISS) continued to rely on potable water from two different sources, regenerated humidity condensate and Russian ground-supplied water. The Space Shuttle launched twice during the 12- months spanning both expeditions and docked with the ISS for delivery of hardware and supplies. However, no Shuttle potable water was transferred to the station during either of these missions. The chemical quality of the ISS onboard potable water supplies was verified by performing ground analyses of archival water samples at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Water and Food Analytical Laboratory (WAFAL). Since no Shuttle flights launched during Expedition 12 and there was restricted return volume on the Russian Soyuz vehicle, only one chemical archive potable water sample was collected with U.S. hardware and returned during Expedition 12. This sample was collected in March 2006 and returned on Soyuz 11. The number and sensitivity of the chemical analyses performed on this sample were limited due to low sample volume. Shuttle flights STS-121 (ULF1.1) and STS-115 (12A) docked with the ISS in July and September of 2006, respectively. These flights returned to Earth with eight chemical archive potable water samples that were collected with U.S. hardware during Expedition 13. The average collected volume increased for these samples, allowing full chemical characterization to be performed. This paper presents a discussion of the results from chemical analyses performed on Expeditions 12 and 13 archive potable water samples. In addition to the results from the U.S. samples analyzed, results from pre-flight samples of Russian potable water delivered to the ISS on Progress vehicles and in-flight samples collected with Russian hardware during Expeditions 12 and 13 and analyzed at JSC are also discussed.

Testing of the Engineering Model Electrical Power Control Unit for the Fluids and Combustion Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kimnach, Greg L.; Lebron, Ramon C.; Fox, David A.

1999-01-01

The John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field (GRC) in Cleveland, OH and the Sundstrand Corporation in Rockford, IL have designed and developed an Engineering Model (EM) Electrical Power Control Unit (EPCU) for the Fluids Combustion Facility, (FCF) experiments to be flown on the International Space Station (ISS). The EPCU will be used as the power interface to the ISS power distribution system for the FCF's space experiments'test and telemetry hardware. Furthermore. it is proposed to be the common power interface for all experiments. The EPCU is a three kilowatt 12OVdc-to-28Vdc converter utilizing three independent Power Converter Units (PCUs), each rated at 1kWe (36Adc @ 28Vdc) which are paralleled and synchronized. Each converter may be fed from one of two ISS power channels. The 28Vdc loads are connected to the EPCU output via 48 solid-state and current-limiting switches, rated at 4Adc each. These switches may be paralleled to supply any given load up to the 108Adc normal operational limit of the paralleled converters. The EPCU was designed in this manner to maximize allocated-power utilization. to shed loads autonomously, to provide fault tolerance. and to provide a flexible power converter and control module to meet various ISS load demands. Tests of the EPCU in the Power Systems Facility testbed at GRC reveal that the overall converted-power efficiency, is approximately 89% with a nominal-input voltage of 12OVdc and a total load in the range of 4O% to 110% rated 28Vdc load. (The PCUs alone have an efficiency of approximately 94.5%). Furthermore, the EM unit passed all flight-qualification level (and beyond) vibration tests, passed ISS EMI (conducted, radiated. and susceptibility) requirements. successfully operated for extended periods in a thermal/vacuum chamber, was integrated with a proto-flight experiment and passed all stability and functional requirements.

Second Generation Multi-Gas Monitor for ISS and Orion: The Anomaly Gas Analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mudgett, Paul D.; Coan, Mary R.; Limero, Thomas; Pilgrim, Jeffrey S.

2017-01-01

First flight of AGA on Orion First flight of AGA on ISS Because of high reliability and long calibration interval, we recommend TDLS based monitors be considered for submarines Sea trials of AGA would be a logical follow-on to the MGM sea trial that is currently underway.

Tyurin and Voss perform maintenance on the TVIS treadmill in the Service Module

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-08-19

ISS003-E-5200 (19 August 2001) --- Cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin (left), Expedition Three flight engineer representing Rosaviakosmos, and astronaut James S. Voss, Expedition Two flight engineer, perform maintenance in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). This image was taken with a digital still camera.

Voss with soldering tool in Service Module

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-03-28

ISS002-E-5068 (28 March 2001) --- Astronaut James S. Voss, Expedition Two flight engineer, prepares to use a soldering tool for a maintenance task in the Zvezda Service Module onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Astronaut Susan J. Helms, flight engineer, is in the background. The image was recorded with a digital still camera.

Flight model performances of HISUI hyperspectral sensor onboard ISS (International Space Station)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanii, Jun; Kashimura, Osamu; Ito, Yoshiyuki; Iwasaki, Akira

2016-10-01

Hyperspectral Imager Suite (HISUI) is a next-generation Japanese sensor that will be mounted on Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) of ISS (International Space Station) in 2019 as timeframe. HISUI hyperspectral sensor obtains spectral images of 185 bands with the ground sampling distance of 20x31 meter from the visible to shortwave-infrared region. The sensor system is the follow-on mission of the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) in the visible to shortwave infrared region. The critical design review of the instrument was accomplished in 2014. Integration and tests of an flight model of HISUI hyperspectral sensor is being carried out. Simultaneously, the development of JEM-External Facility (EF) Payload system for the instrument started. The system includes the structure, the thermal control system, the electrical system and the pointing mechanism. The development status and the performances including some of the tests results of Instrument flight model, such as optical performance, optical distortion and radiometric performance are reported.

Flight model of HISUI hyperspectral sensor onboard ISS (International Space Station)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanii, Jun; Kashimura, Osamu; Ito, Yoshiyuki; Iwasaki, Akira

2017-09-01

Hyperspectral Imager Suite (HISUI) is a next-generation Japanese sensor that will be mounted on Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) of ISS (International Space Station) in 2019 as timeframe. HISUI hyperspectral sensor obtains spectral images of 185 bands with the ground sampling distance of 20x31 meter from the visible to shortwave-infrared wavelength region. The sensor is the follow-on mission of the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) in the visible to shortwave infrared region. The critical design review of the instrument was accomplished in 2014. Integration and tests of a Flight Model (FM) of HISUI hyperspectral sensor have been completed in the beginning of 2017. Simultaneously, the development of JEMExternal Facility (EF) Payload system for the instrument is being carried out. The system includes the structure, the thermal control sub-system and the electrical sub-system. The tests results of flight model, such as optical performance, optical distortion and radiometric performance are reported.

Rodent Habitat on ISS: Advances in Capability for Determining Spaceflight Effects on Mammalian Physiology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Globus, R. K.; Choi, S.; Gong, C.; Leveson-Gower, D.; Ronca, A.; Taylor, E.; Beegle, J.

2016-01-01

Rodent research is a valuable essential tool for advancing biomedical discoveries in life sciences on Earth and in space. The National Research Counsel's Decadal survey (1) emphasized the importance of expanding NASAs life sciences research to perform long duration, rodent experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). To accomplish this objective, new flight hardware, operations, and science capabilities were developed at NASA ARC to support commercial and government-sponsored research. The flight phases of two separate spaceflight missions (Rodent Research-1 and Rodent Research-2) have been completed and new capabilities are in development. The first flight experiments carrying 20 mice were launched on Sept 21, 2014 in an unmanned Dragon Capsule, SpaceX4; Rodent Research-1 was dedicated to achieving both NASA validation and CASIS science objectives, while Rodent Reesearch-2 extended the period on orbit to 60 days. Groundbased control groups (housed in flight hardware or standard cages) were maintained in environmental chambers at Kennedy Space Center. Crewmembers previously trained in animal handling transferred mice from the Transporter into Habitats under simultaneous veterinary supervision by video streaming and were deemed healthy. Health and behavior of all mice on the ISS was monitored by video feed on a daily basis, and post-flight quantitative analyses of behavior were performed. The 10 mice from RR-1 Validation (16wk old, female C57Bl6/J) ambulated freely and actively throughout the Habitat, relying heavily on their forelimbs for locomotion. The first on-orbit dissections of mice were performed successfully, and high quality RNA (RIN values>9) and liver enzyme activities were obtained, validating the quality of sample recovery. Post-flight sample analysis revealed that body weights of FLT animals did not differ from ground controls (GC) housed in the same hardware, or vivarium controls (VIV) housed in standard cages. Organ weights analyzed post-flight showed that there were no differences between FLT and GC groups in adrenal gland and spleen weights, whereas FLT thymus and liver weights exceeded those of GC. Minimal differences between the control groups (GC and VIV) were observed. In addition, Over 3,000 aliquots collected post-flight from the four groups of mice were deposited into the Ames Life Science Data Archives for the Biospecimen Sharing Program and Genelab project. New capabilities recently developed include DEXA scanning, grip strength tests and male mice. In conclusion, new capability for long duration rodent habitation of group-housed rodents was developed and includes in-flight sample collection, thus avoiding the complication of reentry. Results obtained to date reveal the possibility of striking differences between the effects of short duration vs. long duration spaceflight. This Rodent Research system enables achievement of both basic science and translational research objectives to advance human exploration of space.

The Functional Task Test (FTT): An Interdisciplinary Testing Protocol to Investigate the Factors Underlying Changes in Astronaut Functional Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bloomberg, J. J.; Lawrence, E. L.; Arzeno, N. M.; Buxton, R. E.; Feiveson, A. H.; Kofman, I. S.; Lee, S. M. C.; Mulavara, A. P.; Peters, B. T.; Platts. S. H.;

ISS and Shuttle Payload Research Development and Processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calhoun, Kyle A.

2010-01-01

NASA's ISS and Spacecraft Processing Directorate (UB) is charged with the performance of payload development for research originating through NASA, ISS international partners, and the National Laboratory. The Payload Development sector of the Directorate takes biological research approved for on orbit experimentation from its infancy stage and finds a way to integrate and implement that research into a payload on either a Shuttle sortie or Space Station increment. From solicitation and selection, to definition, to verification, to integration and finally to operations and analysis, Payload Development is there every step of the way. My specific work as an intern this summer has consisted of investigating data received by separate flight and ground control Advanced Biological Research Systems (ABRS) units for Advanced Plant Experiments (APEX) and Cambium research. By correlation and analysis of this data and specific logbook information I have been working to explain changes in environmental conditions on both the flight and ground control unit. I have then, compiled all of that information into a form that can be presentable to the Principal Investigator (PI). This compilation allows that PI scientist to support their findings and add merit to their research. It also allows us, as the Payload Developers, to further inspect the ABRS unit and its performance

Cold Stowage Flight Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campana, Sharon E.; Melendez, David T.

2011-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) provides a test bed for researchers to perform science experiments in a variety of fields, including human research, life sciences, and space medicine. Many of the experiments being conducted today require science samples to be stored and transported in a temperature controlled environment. NASA provides several systems which aid researchers in preserving their science. On orbit systems provided by NASA include the Minus Eighty Laboratory freezer for ISS (MELFI), Microgravity Experiment Research Locker Incubator (MERLIN), and Glacier. These freezers use different technologies to provide rapid cooling and cold stowage at different temperature levels on board ISS. Systems available to researchers during transportation to and from ISS are MERLIN, Glacier, and Coldbag. Coldbag is a passive cold stowage system that uses phase change materials to maintain temperature. Details of these current technologies are provided along with operational experience gained to date. This paper discusses the capability of the current cold stowage hardware and how it may continue to support NASA s mission on ISS and in future exploration missions.

ISS Charging Hazards and Low Earth Orbit Space Weather Effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minow, Joseph; Parker, L.; Coffey, V.; Wright K.; Koontz, S.; Edwards, D.

2008-01-01

Current collection by high voltage solar arrays on the International Space Station (ISS) drives the vehicle to negative floating potentials in the low Earth orbit daytime plasma environment. Pre-flight predictions of ISS floating potentials Phi greater than |-100 V| suggested a risk for degradation of dielectric thermal control coatings on surfaces in the U.S. sector due to arcing and an electrical shock hazard to astronauts during extravehicular activity (EVA). However, hazard studies conducted by the ISS program have demonstrated that the thermal control material degradation risk is effectively mitigated during the lifetime of the ISS vehicle by a sufficiently large ion collection area present on the vehicle to balance current collection by the solar arrays. To date, crew risk during EVA has been mitigated by operating one of two plasma contactors during EVA to control the vehicle potential within Phi less than or equal to |-40 V| with a backup process requiring reorientation of the solar arrays into a configuration which places the current collection surfaces into wake. This operation minimizes current collection by the solar arrays should the plasma contactors fail. This paper presents an analysis of F-region electron density and temperature variations at low and midlatitudes generated by space weather events to determine what range of conditions represent charging threats to ISS. We first use historical ionospheric plasma measurements from spacecraft operating at altitudes relevant to the 51.6 degree inclination ISS orbit to provide an extensive database of F-region plasma conditions over a variety of solar cycle conditions. Then, the statistical results from the historical data are compared to more recent in-situ measurements from the Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU) operating on ISS in a campaign mode since its installation in August, 2006.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-11-28

The 16th American assembly flight and 112th overall American flight to the International Space Station (ISS), launched on November 23, 2002 from Kennedy's launch pad 39A aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavor STS-113. Mission objectives included the delivery of the Expedition Six Crew to the ISS, the return of Expedition Five crew back to Earth, and the installation and activation of the Port 1 Integrated Truss Assembly (P1). The first major component installed on the left side of the Station, the P1 truss provides an additional three External Thermal Control System radiators. Weighing in at 27,506 pounds, the P1 truss is 45 feet (13.7 meters) long, 15 feet (4.6 meters) wide, and 13 feet (4 meters) high. Three space walks, aided by the use of the Robotic Manipulator Systems of both the Shuttle and the Station, were performed in the installation of P1. In this photograph, astronaut and mission specialist Michael E. Lopez-Alegria works on the newly installed P1 truss during the mission's second scheduled session of extravehicular activity.

Phase Change Material Heat Sink for an ISS Flight Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quinn, Gregory; Stieber, Jesse; Sheth, Rubik; Ahlstrom, Thomas

2015-01-01

A flight experiment is being constructed to utilize the persistent microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS) to prove out operation of a microgravity compatible phase change material (PCM) heat sink. A PCM heat sink can help to reduce the overall mass and volume of future exploration spacecraft thermal control systems (TCS). The program is characterizing a new PCM heat sink that incorporates a novel phase management approach to prevent high pressures and structural deformation that often occur with PCM heat sinks undergoing cyclic operation in microgravity. The PCM unit was made using brazed aluminum construction with paraffin wax as the fusible material. It is designed to be installed into a propylene glycol and water cooling loop, with scaling consistent with the conceptual designs for the Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle. This paper reports on the construction of the PCM heat sink and on initial ground test results conducted at UTC Aerospace Systems prior to delivery to NASA. The prototype will be tested later on the ground and in orbit via a self-contained experiment package developed by NASA Johnson Space Center to operate in an ISS EXPRESS rack.

Flight Hardware Fabricated for Combustion Science in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

OMalley, Terence F.; Weiland, Karen J.

2005-01-01

NASA Glenn Research Center s Telescience Support Center (TSC) allows researchers on Earth to operate experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the space shuttles. NASA s continuing investment in the required software, systems, and networks provides distributed ISS ground operations that enable payload developers and scientists to monitor and control their experiments from the Glenn TSC. The quality of scientific and engineering data is enhanced while the long-term operational costs of experiments are reduced because principal investigators and engineering teams can operate their payloads from their home institutions.

View of the docking approach of Endeavour taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-12-07

ISS003-E-8326 (7 Dec 2001) --- The Space Shuttle Endeavour, controlled by the flight crew of STS-108, is backdropped over a large area of cloud cover on Earth as it nears its rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS). The Raffaello logistics module that is being brought up to the orbiting outpost is clearly visible in Endeavour's cargo bay. Among other activities the Endeavour's mission will include the change out of the station crews. The image was recorded with a digital still camera.

View of the docking approach of Endeavour taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-12-07

ISS003-E-8328 (7 December 2001) --- The Space Shuttle Endeavour, controlled by the flight crew of STS-108, is backdropped over a large area of cloud cover on Earth as it nears its rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS). The Raffaello logistics module that is being brought up to the orbiting outpost is clearly visible in Endeavour's cargo bay. Among other activities the Endeavour's mission will include the change out of the station crews. The image was recorded with a digital still camera.

Sharipov holds an Electronic Box Assembly from the TVIS in the SM during Expedition 10

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-02-17

ISS010-E-18167 (17 February 2005) --- Cosmonaut Salizhan S. Sharipov, Expedition 10 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, holds an Electronic Box Assembly, and Violation Isolation and Stabilization (VIS) Controller Assembly, which is part of the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS). Also in view is a VIS/TM data cable and VIS/TM power cable. This box receives power and distributes it between the treadmill and the VIS subassemblies.

The Unity connecting module moves into payload bay of Endeavour

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Looking like a painting, this wide-angle view shows the Unity connecting module being moved toward the payload bay of the orbiter Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch Dec. 3, 1998, on Mission STS-88. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach it to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

The Unity connecting module is moved to payload canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the Unity connecting module to the payload canister for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

The Unity connecting module moves into payload bay of Endeavour

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Viewed from below, the Unity connecting module is moved into the payload bay of the orbiter Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch Dec. 3, 1998, on Mission STS-88. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach it to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

KSC-98pc1410

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers attach the overhead crane that will lift the Unity connecting module from its workstand to move the module to the payload canister. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

KSC-98pc1412

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, a closeup view shows the overhead crane holding the Unity connecting module as it moves it to the payload canister for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

KSC-98pc1413

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers at the side and on the floor of the payload canister guide the Unity connecting module into position for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

Expedition 31 Soyuz TMA-04M Docking to ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-05-17

The family of Expedition 31 Flight Engineer Joe Acaba sings happy birthday to him from the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia, Thursday, May 17, 2012. Acaba, Expedition 31 Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka, and Flight Engineer Sergei Revin, docked their Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft to the space station at 8:36 a.m. Moscow time, two days after they launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 14 crew in the Zvezda Service module

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-12-25

ISS014-E-10242 (25 Dec. 2006) --- Cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin (left), Expedition 14 flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency; astronaut Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, commander and NASA space station science officer; and astronaut Sunita L. Williams, flight engineer, conduct a teleconference with the Moscow Support Group for the Russian New Year celebration, via Ku- and S-band, with audio and video relayed to the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center.

Caldwell in the aft FD of STS-118 Space Shuttle Endeavor

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-08-12

ISS015-E-22145 (12 Aug. 2007) --- Astronaut Tracy Caldwell, STS-118 mission specialist, looks over her shoulder for a photo while working the controls on the aft flight deck of Space Shuttle Endeavour while docked with the International Space Station.

Tyurin works on a CPA in the hatch between the MPLM and Node 1

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-08-01

ISS003-E-5136 (August 2001) --- Mikhail Tyurin of Rosaviakosmos, Expedition Three flight engineer, secures a connection on a Controller Power Assembly (CPA) in a hatchway on Unity Node 1. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

A Novel Repair Technique for the Internal Thermal Control System Dual-Membrane Gas Trap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leimkuehler, Thomas O.; Patel, Vipul; Reeves, Daniel R.; Holt, James M.

2005-01-01

A dual-membrane gas trap is currently used to remove gas bubbles from the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) coolant on board the International Space Station (ISS). The gas trap consists of concentric tube membrane pairs, comprised of outer hydrophilic tubes and inner hydrophobic fibers. Liquid coolant passes through the outer hydrophilic membrane, which traps the gas bubbles. The inner hydrophobic fiber allows the trapped gas bubbles to pass through and vent to the ambient atmosphere in the cabin. The gas trap was designed to last for the entire lifetime of the ISS, and therefore was not designed to be repaired. However, repair of these gas traps is now a necessity due to contamination from the on-orbit ITCS fluid and other sources on the ground as well as a limited supply of flight gas traps. This paper describes a novel repair technique that has been developed that will allow the refurbishment of contaminated gas traps and their return to flight use.

Expedition Two Voss at SSRMS controls with Hadfield and Helms in Destiny module

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-22

ISS002-303-036 (28 April 2001) --- Some of the principal participants of an historical event are pictured in the Destiny laboratory aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In the foreground is astronaut James S. Voss, with astronaut Chris A. Hadfield, STS-100 mission specialist, at center, and astronaut Susan J. Helms in the background. Voss and Helms are Expedition Two flight engineers. A Canadian "handshake in space" occurred at 4:02 p.m (CDT), April 28, 2001, as the Canadian-built space station robotic arm -- operated by Helms -- transferred its launch cradle over to Endeavour's robotic arm, with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Hadfield at the controls. In this scene, Hadfield had temporarily vacated his post on Endeavour's aft flight deck and was having a brief strategy meeting with the Expedition Two crew on the docked station. The exchange of the pallet from station arm to shuttle arm marked the first ever robotic-to-robotic transfer in space.

Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit is troubleshooting the MSG in the U.S. Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-02-27

ISS006-E-34567 (27 February 2003) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six NASA ISS science officer, works on the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

Whitson working on the MSG in the U.S. Laboratory during Expedition Five on the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-09-11

ISS005-E-13706 (11 September 2002) --- Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson, Expedition Five flight engineer, works with the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

Whitson working on the MSG in the U.S. Laboratory during Expedition Five on the ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-09-11

ISS005-E-13704 (11 September 2002) --- Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson, Expedition Five flight engineer, works with the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

Lu plays music with a keyboard in the Destiny module

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-10-26

ISS007-E-18033 (26 October 2003) --- Astronaut Edward T. Lu, Expedition 7 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, plays a musical keyboard during off-shift time in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

ISS Operations Cost Reductions Through Automation of Real-Time Planning Tasks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Timothy A.

2011-01-01

In 2008 the Johnson Space Center s Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) management team challenged their organization to find ways to reduce the costs of International Space station (ISS) console operations in the Mission Control Center (MCC). Each MOD organization was asked to identify projects that would help them attain a goal of a 30% reduction in operating costs by 2012. The MOD Operations and Planning organization responded to this challenge by launching several software automation projects that would allow them to greatly improve ISS console operations and reduce staffing and operating costs. These projects to date have allowed the MOD Operations organization to remove one full time (7 x 24 x 365) ISS console position in 2010; with the plan of eliminating two full time ISS console support positions by 2012. This will account for an overall 10 EP reduction in staffing for the Operations and Planning organization. These automation projects focused on utilizing software to automate many administrative and often repetitive tasks involved with processing ISS planning and daily operations information. This information was exchanged between the ground flight control teams in Houston and around the globe, as well as with the ISS astronaut crew. These tasks ranged from managing mission plan changes from around the globe, to uploading and downloading information to and from the ISS crew, to even more complex tasks that required multiple decision points to process the data, track approvals and deliver it to the correct recipient across network and security boundaries. The software solutions leveraged several different technologies including customized web applications and implementation of industry standard web services architecture between several planning tools; as well as a engaging a previously research level technology (TRL 2-3) developed by Ames Research Center (ARC) that utilized an intelligent agent based system to manage and automate file traffic flow, archiving f data, and generating console logs. This technology called OCAMS (OCA (Orbital Communication System) Management System), is now considered TRL level 9 and is in daily use in the Mission Control Center in support of ISS operations. These solutions have not only allowed for improved efficiency on console; but since many of the previously manual data transfers are now automated, many of the human error prone steps have been removed, and the quality of the planning products has improved tremendously. This has also allowed our Planning Flight Controllers more time to focus on the abstract areas of the job, (like the complexities of planning a mission for 6 international crew members with a global planning team), instead of being burdened with the administrative tasks that took significant time each console shift to process. The resulting automation solutions have allowed the Operations and Planning organization to realize significant cost savings for the ISS program through 2020 and many of these solutions could be a viable

A low temperature furnace for solution crystal growth on the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baç, Nurcan; Harpster, Joseph; Maston, Robert A.; Sacco, Albert

2000-01-01

The Zeolite Crystal Growth Furnace Unit (ZCG-FU) is the first module in an integrated payload designed for low temperature crystal growth in solutions on the International Space Station (ISS). This payload is scheduled to fly on the ISS flight 7A.1 in an EXPRESS rack. Its name originated from early shuttle flight experiments limited to the growth of zeolite crystals but has since grown to include other materials of significant commercial interest using the solution method of crystal growth. Zeolites, ferroelectrics, piezeoelectrics and silver halides are some of the materials considered. The ZCG-FU experiment consists of a furnace unit and its electronic control system, and mechanically complex, crystal growth autoclaves suitable for use with a particular furnace and solution. The ZCG facility is being designed to grow into four independent furnaces controlled by IZECS (Improved Zeolite Electronic Control System). IZECS provides monitoring of critical parameters, data logging, safety monitoring, air-to-ground control and operator interfacing. It is suitable for controlling the four furnaces either individually or all at one time. It also contains the power management solid-state drivers and switches for the ZCG-FU furnace. The furnace contains 19 tubes operating at three different temperature zones. .

Minimum Equipment Lists, Flight Rules and ... Past, Present and Future of Safety Pre-Determined Decisions for Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herd, A.; Wolff, M.

2012-01-01

Extended mission operations, such as human spaceflight to Mars provide an opportunity for take current human exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit, such as the operations undertaken on the International Space Station (ISS). This opportunity also presents a challenge in terms of extending what we currently understand as "remote operations" performed on ISS, offering learning beyond that gained from the successful moon- lander expeditions. As such there is a need to assess how the existing operations concept of ground support teams directing (and supporting) on-orbit ISS operations can be applied in the extended mission concept. The current mission support concept involves three interacting operations products - a short term plan, crew procedures and flight rules. Flight rules (for ISS operations) currently provide overall planning, engineering and operations constraints (including those derived from a safety perspective) in the form of a rule book. This paper will focus specifically on flight rules, and describe the current use of them, and assess the future role of flight rules to support exploration, including the deployment of decision support tools (DSTs) to ensure flight rule compliancy for missions with minimal ground support. Taking consideration of the historical development of pre-planned decisions, and their manifestation within the operations environment, combined with the extended remoteness of human exploration missions, we will propose a future development of this product and a platform on which it could be presented.

Using the ISS as a testbed to prepare for the next generation of space-based telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Postman, Marc; Sparks, William B.; Liu, Fengchuan; Ess, Kim; Green, Joseph; Carpenter, Kenneth G.; Thronson, Harley; Goullioud, Renaud

2012-09-01

The infrastructure available on the ISS provides a unique opportunity to develop the technologies necessary to assemble large space telescopes. Assembling telescopes in space is a game-changing approach to space astronomy. Using the ISS as a testbed enables a concentration of resources on reducing the technical risks associated with integrating the technologies, such as laser metrology and wavefront sensing and control (WFS&C), with the robotic assembly of major components including very light-weight primary and secondary mirrors and the alignment of the optical elements to a diffraction-limited optical system in space. The capability to assemble the optical system and remove and replace components via the existing ISS robotic systems such as the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), or by the ISS Flight Crew, allows for future experimentation as well as repair if necessary. In 2015, first light will be obtained by the Optical Testbed and Integration on ISS eXperiment (OpTIIX), a small 1.5-meter optical telescope assembled on the ISS. The primary objectives of OpTIIX include demonstrating telescope assembly technologies and end-to-end optical system technologies that will advance future large optical telescopes.

International Space Station USOS Crew Quarters On-orbit vs Design Performance Comparison

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broyan, James Lee, Jr.; Borrego, Melissa Ann; Bahr, Juergen F.

2008-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) United States Operational Segment (USOS) received the first two permanent ISS Crew Quarters (CQ) on Utility Logistics Flight Two (ULF2) in November 2008. Up to four CQs can be installed into the Node 2 element to increase the ISS crewmember size to six. The CQs provide private crewmember space with enhanced acoustic noise mitigation, integrated radiation reduction material, communication equipment, redundant electrical systems, and redundant caution and warning systems. The racksized CQ is a system with multiple crewmember restraints, adjustable lighting, controllable ventilation, and interfaces that allow each crewmember to personalize their CQ workspace. The deployment and initial operational checkout during integration of the ISS CQ to the Node is described. Additionally, the comparison of on-orbit to original design performance is outlined for the following key operational parameters: interior acoustic performance, air flow rate, temperature rise, and crewmember feedback on provisioning and restraint layout.

iss009e23888

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-09-20

ISS009-E-23888 (20 September 2004) --- Downtown Pittsburgh, with its swollen, muddy rivers, is featured in this image photographed from the International Space Station (ISS). Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, who is a native of Emsworth, captured this image with a digital camera at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 20, 2004.

The First 10 Years of Aerobic Exercise Responses to Long-Duration ISS Flights.

PubMed

Moore, Alan D; Lynn, Peggy A; Feiveson, Alan H

2015-12-01

Aerobic deconditioning may occur during International Space Station (ISS) flights. This paper documents findings from exercise testing conducted before, during, and after ISS expeditions. There were 30 male and 7 female astronauts on ISS missions (48 to 219 d, mean 163 d) who performed cycle exercise protocols consisting of 5-min stages eliciting 25%, 50%, and 75% peak oxygen uptake (Vo(2peak)). Tests were conducted 30 to 90 d before missions, on flight day 15 and every 30 flight days thereafter, and on recovery (R) days +5 and +30. During pre- and postflight tests, heart rate (HR) and metabolic gas exchange were measured. During flight, extrapolation of the HR and Vo2 relationship to preflight-measured peak HR provided an estimate of Vo(2peak), referred to as the aerobic capacity index (ACI). HR during each exercise stage was elevated (P < 0.05) and oxygen pulse was reduced (P < 0.05) on R+5 compared to preflight; however, no other metabolic gas analysis values significantly changed. Compared to preflight, the ACI declined (P < 0.001) on R+5, but recovered to levels greater than preflight by R+30 (P = 0.008). During flight, ACI decreased below preflight values, but increased with mission duration (P < 0.001). Aerobic deconditioning likely occurs initially during flight, but ACI recovers toward preflight levels as flight duration increases, presumably due to performance of exercise countermeasures. Elevated HR and lowered oxygen pulse on R+5 likely results from some combination of relative hypovolemia, lowered cardiac stroke volume, reduced cardiac distensibility, and anemia, but recovery occurs by R+30.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-07-04

Space Shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew launched at 2:38 p.m. (EDT) to begin the two-day journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on the historic Return to Flight STS-121 mission. The shuttle made history as it was the first human-occupying spacecraft to launch on Independence Day. During its 12-day mission, this utilization and logistics flight delivered a multipurpose logistics module (MPLM) to the ISS with several thousand pounds of new supplies and experiments. In addition, some new orbital replacement units (ORUs) were delivered and stowed externally on the ISS on a special pallet. These ORUs are spares for critical machinery located on the outside of the ISS. During this mission the crew also carried out testing of Shuttle inspection and repair hardware, as well as evaluated operational techniques and concepts for conducting on-orbit inspection and repair.

International Space Station Bacteria Filter Element Post-Flight Testing and Service Life Prediction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, J. L.; von Jouanne, R. G.; Turner, E. H.

2003-01-01

The International Space Station uses high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to remove particulate matter from the cabin atmosphere. Known as Bacteria Filter Elements (BFEs), there are 13 elements deployed on board the ISS's U.S. Segment. The pre-flight service life prediction of 1 year for the BFEs is based upon performance engineering analysis of data collected during developmental testing that used a synthetic dust challenge. While this challenge is considered reasonable and conservative from a design perspective, an understanding of the actual filter loading is required to best manage the critical ISS Program resources. Thus testing was conducted on BFEs returned from the ISS to refine the service life prediction. Results from this testing and implications to ISS resource management are discussed. Recommendations for realizing significant savings to the ISS Program are presented.

The Mice Drawer System (MDS) experiment and the space endurance record-breaking mice.

PubMed

Cancedda, Ranieri; Liu, Yi; Ruggiu, Alessandra; Tavella, Sara; Biticchi, Roberta; Santucci, Daniela; Schwartz, Silvia; Ciparelli, Paolo; Falcetti, Giancarlo; Tenconi, Chiara; Cotronei, Vittorio; Pignataro, Salvatore

2012-01-01

The Italian Space Agency, in line with its scientific strategies and the National Utilization Plan for the International Space Station (ISS), contracted Thales Alenia Space Italia to design and build a spaceflight payload for rodent research on ISS: the Mice Drawer System (MDS). The payload, to be integrated inside the Space Shuttle middeck during transportation and inside the Express Rack in the ISS during experiment execution, was designed to function autonomously for more than 3 months and to involve crew only for maintenance activities. In its first mission, three wild type (Wt) and three transgenic male mice over-expressing pleiotrophin under the control of a bone-specific promoter (PTN-Tg) were housed in the MDS. At the time of launch, animals were 2-months old. MDS reached the ISS on board of Shuttle Discovery Flight 17A/STS-128 on August 28(th), 2009. MDS returned to Earth on November 27(th), 2009 with Shuttle Atlantis Flight ULF3/STS-129 after 91 days, performing the longest permanence of mice in space. Unfortunately, during the MDS mission, one PTN-Tg and two Wt mice died due to health status or payload-related reasons. The remaining mice showed a normal behavior throughout the experiment and appeared in excellent health conditions at landing. During the experiment, the mice health conditions and their water and food consumption were daily checked. Upon landing mice were sacrificed, blood parameters measured and tissues dissected for subsequent analysis. To obtain as much information as possible on microgravity-induced tissue modifications, we organized a Tissue Sharing Program: 20 research groups from 6 countries participated. In order to distinguish between possible effects of the MDS housing conditions and effects due to the near-zero gravity environment, a ground replica of the flight experiment was performed at the University of Genova. Control tissues were collected also from mice maintained on Earth in standard vivarium cages.

The Mice Drawer System (MDS) Experiment and the Space Endurance Record-Breaking Mice

PubMed Central

Cancedda, Ranieri; Liu, Yi; Ruggiu, Alessandra; Tavella, Sara; Biticchi, Roberta; Santucci, Daniela; Schwartz, Silvia; Ciparelli, Paolo; Falcetti, Giancarlo; Tenconi, Chiara; Cotronei, Vittorio; Pignataro, Salvatore

2012-01-01

The Italian Space Agency, in line with its scientific strategies and the National Utilization Plan for the International Space Station (ISS), contracted Thales Alenia Space Italia to design and build a spaceflight payload for rodent research on ISS: the Mice Drawer System (MDS). The payload, to be integrated inside the Space Shuttle middeck during transportation and inside the Express Rack in the ISS during experiment execution, was designed to function autonomously for more than 3 months and to involve crew only for maintenance activities. In its first mission, three wild type (Wt) and three transgenic male mice over-expressing pleiotrophin under the control of a bone-specific promoter (PTN-Tg) were housed in the MDS. At the time of launch, animals were 2-months old. MDS reached the ISS on board of Shuttle Discovery Flight 17A/STS-128 on August 28th, 2009. MDS returned to Earth on November 27th, 2009 with Shuttle Atlantis Flight ULF3/STS-129 after 91 days, performing the longest permanence of mice in space. Unfortunately, during the MDS mission, one PTN-Tg and two Wt mice died due to health status or payload-related reasons. The remaining mice showed a normal behavior throughout the experiment and appeared in excellent health conditions at landing. During the experiment, the mice health conditions and their water and food consumption were daily checked. Upon landing mice were sacrificed, blood parameters measured and tissues dissected for subsequent analysis. To obtain as much information as possible on microgravity-induced tissue modifications, we organized a Tissue Sharing Program: 20 research groups from 6 countries participated. In order to distinguish between possible effects of the MDS housing conditions and effects due to the near-zero gravity environment, a ground replica of the flight experiment was performed at the University of Genova. Control tissues were collected also from mice maintained on Earth in standard vivarium cages. PMID:22666312

STS-92 Mission Specialist Chiao suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-92 Mission Specialist Leroy Chiao signals thumbs up for launch, scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EDT. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. This launch is the third for Chiao. Landing is expected Oct. 21 at 3:55 p.m. EDT.

Status of the Correlation Process of the V-HAB Simulation with Ground Tests and ISS Telemetry Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ploetner, P.; Roth, C.; Zhukov, A.; Czupalla, M.; Anderson, M.; Ewert, M.

2013-01-01

The Virtual Habitat (V-HAB) is a dynamic Life Support System (LSS) simulation, created for investigation of future human spaceflight missions. It provides the capability to optimize LSS during early design phases. The focal point of the paper is the correlation and validation of V-HAB against ground test and flight data. In order to utilize V-HAB to design an Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) it is important to know the accuracy of simulations, strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, simulations of real systems are essential. The modeling of the International Space Station (ISS) ECLSS in terms of single technologies as well as an integrated system and correlation against ground and flight test data is described. The results of the simulations make it possible to prove the approach taken by V-HAB.

Characterization of the Protein Crystal Growth Apparatus for Microgravity Aboard the Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kundrot, Craig E.; Roeber, D.; Achari, A.; Stinson, Thomas N. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We have conducted experiments to determine the equilibration rates of some major precipitants used in protein crystallography aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The solutions were placed in the Protein Crystallization Apparatus for Microgravity (PCAM) which mimic Cryschem sitting drop trays. The trays were placed in cylinders. These cylinders were placed inside a Single locker Thermal Enclosure System (STES), and were activated for different durations during the flight. Bumpers pressed against elastomers seal drops in a deactivated state during pre-flight and prior to transfer to the ISS. Activation occurs while in flight on the ISS by releasing the bumpers allowing the drops to be exposed to the reservoir. PCAM was flown to the ISS on STS 100, Flight 6A, on April 19, 2001. Six series of equilibration experiments were tested for each precipitant with a small amount of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). Cylinder 10 was never activated, 7 was activated for 40 days, 8 was activated for 20 days, 9 was activated for 10 days, 11 was activated for 4 days and 12 was activated for 2 days. Upon the return to Earth by STS 104 on July 24,2001 the samples were transferred to Marshall Space Flight Center. The samples were then brought to the lab and the volumes of each sample were measured.

Fincke holds an ammonia test strip while working in the U.S. Laboratory during EXP 9 / EXP 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-27

ISS008-E-22350 (27 April 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, works in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS).

Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit exercises on the TVIS in the SM during Expedition Six

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-20

ISS006-E-45265 (20 March 2003) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition 6 NASA ISS science officer, exercises on the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS).

iss003e8406

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-12-12

ISS003-E-8406 (12 December 2001) --- Astronauts Frank L. Culbertson, Jr. (left), Expedition Three mission commander, and Daniel W. Bursch, Expedition Four flight engineer, work in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). The image was taken with a digital still camera.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-02-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is responsible for designing and building the life support systems that will provide the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) a comfortable environment in which to live and work. Scientists and engineers at the MSFC are working together to provide the ISS with systems that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. These compact and powerful systems are collectively called the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, or simply, ECLSS. In this photograph, the life test area on the left of the MSFC ECLSS test facility is where various subsystems and components are tested to determine how long they can operate without failing and to identify components needing improvement. Equipment tested here includes the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA), the Urine Processing Assembly (UPA), the mass spectrometer filament assemblies and sample pumps for the Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA). The Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) simulator facility (in the module in the right) duplicates the function and operation of the ITCS in the ISS U.S. Laboratory Module, Destiny. This facility provides support for Destiny, including troubleshooting problems related to the ITCS.

ISS Double-Gimbaled CMG Subsystem Simulation Using the Agile Development Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Inampudi, Ravi

2016-01-01

This paper presents an evolutionary approach in simulating a cluster of 4 Control Moment Gyros (CMG) on the International Space Station (ISS) using a common sense approach (the agile development method) for concurrent mathematical modeling and simulation of the CMG subsystem. This simulation is part of Training systems for the 21st Century simulator which will provide training for crew members, instructors, and flight controllers. The basic idea of how the CMGs on the space station are used for its non-propulsive attitude control is briefly explained to set up the context for simulating a CMG subsystem. Next different reference frames and the detailed equations of motion (EOM) for multiple double-gimbal variable-speed control moment gyroscopes (DGVs) are presented. Fixing some of the terms in the EOM becomes the special case EOM for ISS's double-gimbaled fixed speed CMGs. CMG simulation development using the agile development method is presented in which customer's requirements and solutions evolve through iterative analysis, design, coding, unit testing and acceptance testing. At the end of the iteration a set of features implemented in that iteration are demonstrated to the flight controllers thus creating a short feedback loop and helping in creating adaptive development cycles. The unified modeling language (UML) tool is used in illustrating the user stories, class designs and sequence diagrams. This incremental development approach of mathematical modeling and simulating the CMG subsystem involved the development team and the customer early on, thus improving the quality of the working CMG system in each iteration and helping the team to accurately predict the cost, schedule and delivery of the software.

Update of Bisphosphonate Flight Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LeBlanc, A.; Matsumoto, T.; Jones, J.; Shapiro, J.; Lang, T.; Shackelford, L.; Smith, S. M.; Evans, H.; Spector, E.; Snyder, R. P.;

SpaceOps 2012 Plus 2: Social Tools to Simplify ISS Flight Control Communications and Log Keeping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cowart, Hugh S.; Scott, David W.

2014-01-01

A paper written for the SpaceOps 2012 Conference (Simplify ISS Flight Control Communications and Log Keeping via Social Tools and Techniques) identified three innovative concepts for real time flight control communications tools based on social mechanisms: a) Console Log Tool (CoLT) - A log keeping application at Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) that provides "anywhere" access, comment and notifications features similar to those found in Social Networking Systems (SNS), b) Cross-Log Communication via Social Techniques - A concept from Johnsson Space Center's (JSC) Mission Control Center Houston (MCC-H) that would use microblogging's @tag and #tag protocols to make information/requests visible and/or discoverable in logs owned by @Destination addressees, and c) Communications Dashboard (CommDash) - A MSFC concept for a Facebook-like interface to visually integrate and manage basic console log content, text chat streams analogous to voice loops, text chat streams dedicated to particular conversations, generic and position-specific status displays/streams, and a graphically based hailing display. CoLT was deployed operationally at nearly the same time as SpaceOps 2012, the Cross- Log Communications idea is currently waiting for a champion to carry it forward, and CommDash was approved as a NASA Iinformation Technoloby (IT) Labs project. This paper discusses lessons learned from two years of actual CoLT operations, updates CommDash prototype development status, and discusses potential for using Cross-Log Communications in both MCC-H and/or POIC environments, and considers other ways for synergizing console applcations.

FSS (Fluid Servicer System) from the Kibo module to the ESA COL

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-08

ISS020-E-017933 (8 July 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works with the Fluid Servicing System (FSS) and the Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

Tyurin and Reiter in the Zvezda Module

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-11-03

ISS014-E-07142 (3 Nov. 2006) --- Cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin (foreground) representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter, both Expedition 14 flight engineers, install and connect onboard equipment control system cables in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station.

SpaceX Dragon Air Circulation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hernandez, Brenda; Piatrovich, Siarhei; Prina, Mauro

2011-01-01

The Dragon capsule is a reusable vehicle being developed by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) that will provide commercial cargo transportation to the International Space Station (ISS). Dragon is designed to be a habitable module while it is berthed to ISS. As such, the Dragon Environmental Control System (ECS) consists of pressure control and pressure equalization, air sampling, fire detection, illumination, and an air circulation system. The air circulation system prevents pockets of stagnant air in Dragon that can be hazardous to the ISS crew. In addition, through the inter-module duct, the air circulation system provides fresh air from ISS into Dragon. To utilize the maximum volume of Dragon for cargo packaging, the Dragon ECS air circulation system is designed around cargo rack optimization. At the same time, the air circulation system is designed to meet the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) inter-module and intra-module ventilation requirements and acoustic requirements. A flight like configuration of the Dragon capsule including the air circulation system was recently assembled for testing to assess the design for inter-module and intra-module ventilation and acoustics. The testing included the Dragon capsule, and flight configuration in the pressure section with cargo racks, lockers, all of the air circulation components, and acoustic treatment. The air circulation test was also used to verify the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of the Dragon capsule. The CFD model included the same Dragon internal geometry that was assembled for the test. This paper will describe the Dragon air circulation system design which has been verified by testing the system and with CFD analysis.

Programmable Thermostats for MPLM Shell Heater Control ULF1. 1; Thermal Performances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glasgow, Shaun; Clark, Dallas; Trichilo, Michele; Trichilo, Michele

2007-01-01

The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) is the primary carrier for "pressurized" logistics to and from the International Space Station (ISS). The MPLM is transported in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle and is docked to the ISS for unloading, and reloading, of contents within the ISS shirt sleeve environment. Foil heaters, controlled originally with bi-metallic thermostats, are distributed across the outside of the MPLM structure and are utilized to provide energy to the structure to avoid exposure to cold temperatures and prevent condensation. The existing bi-metallic, fixed temperature set point thermostats have been replaced with Programmable Thermostats Modules (PTMs) in the Passive Thermal Control Subsystem (PTCS) 28Vdc shell heater circuits. The goal of using the PTM thermostat is to improve operational efficiency of the MPLM on-orbit shell heaters by providing better shell temperature control via feedback control capability. Each heater circuit contains a programmable thermostat connected to an external temperature sensor, a Resistive Temperature Device (RTD), which is used to provide continuous temperature monitoring capability. Each thermostat has programmable temperature set points and control spans. The data acquisition system uses a standard RS-485 serial interface communications cable to provide digital control capability. The PTM system was designed by MSFC, relying upon ALTEC support for their integration within the MPLM system design, while KSC performed the installation and ground checkout testing of the thermostat and RS-485 communication cable on the MPLM FM1 flight module. The PTMs were used for the first time during the STS-121/ULF1.1 mission. This paper will describe the design, development and verification of the PTM system, as well as the PTM flight performance and comparisons with SINDA thermal model predictions.

Fincke smiles at the camera as he holds a partially eaten apple during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-10-14

ISS009-E-28931 (16 October 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, enjoys eating a fresh apple in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS).

Fincke watches apples and a tennis ball float in the Service Module during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-08-15

ISS009-E-18563 (15 August 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, is pictured near fresh fruit floating freely in the Unity node of the International Space Station (ISS).

Foale performs IFM at the science window in the U.S. Lab during Expedition 8

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-23

ISS008-E-22271 (23 April 2004) --- Astronaut C. Michael Foale, Expedition 8 commander and NASA ISS science officer, performs in-flight maintenance (IFM) on the nadir window in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS).

Expedition Seven Science Officer Lu works with IRED hardware in Node 1/Unity

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-06-23

ISS007-E-08023 (23 June 2003) --- Astronaut Edward T. Lu, Expedition 7 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, performs maintenance on the Interim Resistive Exercise Device (IRED) Assembly in the Unity node on the International Space Station (ISS).

Expedition 31 Soyuz TMA-04M Docking to ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-05-17

The family of Expedition 31 Flight Engineer Joe Acaba applauds as they watch the docking of the Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft on the TV screen at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia, Thursday, May 17, 2012. The Soyuz docked to the International Space Station with Acaba and fellow crew members, Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka, and Flight Engineer Sergei Revin two days after they launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 32 Docking with ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-07-17

Expedition 32 Flight Engineer Sunita Williams’ sister and friend brought a photo of William’s dog “Gorby” in support of her arrival to the International Space Station on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia. The Soyuz docked to the International Space Station with Williams and fellow crew members Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and JAXA Flight Engineer Akihiko Hoshide two days after they launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Emergency Simulation Drill

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-04

ISS038-E-011716 (4 Dec. 2013) --- The Expedition 38 crew members participate in an emergency simulation drill with participation from flight controllers on the ground. During the exercise, the crew practiced emergency communication and procedures in response to a predetermined scenario such as pressure leak. Pictured in the International Space Station?s Destiny laboratory are Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov (left), commander; NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins (bottom), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata (center) and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Ryazanskiy, all flight engineers.

Expedition 21 Docking

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-10-01

Spaceflight Participant Guy Laliberté is in the foreground as the entire crew onboard the International Space Station (ISS) is seen on a screen in the Mission Control Center Moscow in Korolev, Russia shortly after the successful docking of the Soyuz TMA-16 spacecraft with the International Space Station marking the start of Expedition 21 with Flight Engineer Jeffrey N. Williams, Expedition 21 Flight Engineer Maxim Suraev, and Spaceflight Participant Guy Laliberté, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Currie on the aft flight deck

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-19

STS088-335-031 (4-15 Dec. 1998) --- Astronaut Nancy J. Currie, mission specialist, makes a notation in a log book on Endeavour's flight deck as astronaut Jerry L. Ross, mission specialist, eyes a control display near the commander's station. The two were joined by a Russian cosmonaut and three NASA astronauts for eleven days in Earth orbit, spending the majority of their time and efforts in support of important initial links to the International Space Station (ISS).

Tyurin packs the docking probe in Node 1 during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-09-17

ISS003-E-5632 (17 September 2001) --- Cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin, Expedition Three flight engineer, packs the docking probe in a stowage bag in Unity. Cosmonaut Vladimir Dezhurov, flight engineer, videotapes the event. The docking probe successfully guided the arrival of the Russian-built Pirs docking compartment to the International Space Station (ISS). Tyurin and Dezhurov represent Rosaviakosmos.

Dezhurov removes the docking probe in Zvezda during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-09-17

ISS003-E-5621 (17 September 2001) --- Cosmonaut Vladimir Dezhurov, Expedition Three flight engineer, prepares to remove the docking probe in the Zvezda Service Module's pressurized adapter. The docking probe successfully guided the arrival of the Russian-built Pirs docking compartment to the International Space Station (ISS). Mikhail Tyurin, flight engineer, is visible in the background. Tyurin and Dezhurov represent Rosaviakosmos.

Medical and Urologic Issues in Space Flight and Lunar/Mars Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Jeffrey A.

2004-01-01

Dr. Jeffrey Jones will be talking about medical issues in space flight secondary to microgravity: fluid shifts, orthostatic changes, muscle and endurance losses, bone mineral losses, radiation exposure, etc. He will discuss the International Space Station (ISS) benefits to medicine. He will show the ISS crew video and share the President's new vision as per the speaker's bureau direction.

Haignere works in the Service Module during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-6855 (23-31 October 2001) --- French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, works in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

One-Year Mission on ISS Is a Step Towards Interplanetary Missions.

PubMed

Fomina, Elena V; Lysova, Nataliya Yu; Kukoba, Tatyana B; Grishin, Alexey P; Kornienko, Mikhail B

2017-12-01

in the 1990s Russian cosmonauts performed six long-duration missions on Mir that went from 312 to 438 d. In 2015 a mission on the International Space Station that continued for 340 d, 8 h, and 47 min was successfully accomplished. It was a joint U.S./Russian mission completed by Scott Kelly and Mikhail Kornienko (KM). The intensity of in-flight physical exercises and postflight motor changes were measured in KM and in the six cosmonauts who made shorter flights (173.3 ± 13.8 d) on ISS while using similar countermeasures against the adverse effects of microgravity. It was found that both parameters varied similarly in spite of the difference in the duration of ISS missions. KM maintained adequate physical performance throughout the entire flight; moreover, the level of postflight changes he displayed was comparable to that recorded in the group of cosmonauts who completed 6-mo missions on ISS. In summary, the 1-yr mission has clearly demonstrated the high efficacy of the countermeasures used by KM.Fomina EV, Lysova NYu, Kukoba TB, Grishin AP, Kornienko MB. One-year mission on ISS is a step towards interplanetary missions. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(12):1094-1099.

SEXTANT X-Ray Pulsar Navigation Demonstration: Flight System and Test Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winternitz, Luke; Mitchell, Jason W.; Hassouneh, Munther A.; Valdez, Jennifer E.; Price, Samuel R.; Semper, Sean R.; Yu, Wayne H.; Ray, Paul S.; Wood, Kent S.; Arzoumanian, Zaven;

SEXTANT X-Ray Pulsar Navigation Demonstration: Flight System and Test Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winternitz, Luke M. B.; Mitchell, Jason W.; Hassouneh, Munther A.; Valdez, Jennifer E.; Price, Samuel R.; Semper, Sean R.; Yu, Wayne H.; Ray, Paul S.; Wood, Kent S.; Arzoumanian, Zaven;

Fincke holds the active docking assembly inside the SM during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-08-14

ISS009-E-18539 (14 August 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, holds the Progress 15 supply vehicle probe-and-cone docking mechanism in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS).

International Space Station Water Balance Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tobias, Barry; Garr, John D., II; Erne, Meghan

2011-01-01

In November 2008, the Water Regenerative System racks were launched aboard Space Shuttle flight, STS-126 (ULF2) and installed and activated on the International Space Station (ISS). These racks, consisting of the Water Processor Assembly (WPA) and Urine Processor Assembly (UPA), completed the installation of the Regenerative (Regen) Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), which includes the Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) that was launched 2 years prior. With the onset of active water management on the US segment of the ISS, a new operational concept was required, that of water balance . In November of 2010, the Sabatier system, which converts H2 and CO2 into water and methane, was brought on line. The Regen ECLSS systems accept condensation from the atmosphere, urine from crew, and processes that fluid via various means into potable water, which is used for crew drinking, building up skip-cycle water inventory, and water for electrolysis to produce oxygen. Specification (spec) rates of crew urine output, condensate output, O2 requirements, toilet flush water, and drinking needs are well documented and used as the best guess planning rates when Regen ECLSS came online. Spec rates are useful in long term planning, however, daily or weekly rates are dependent upon a number of variables. The constantly changing rates created a new challenge for the ECLSS flight controllers, who are responsible for operating the ECLSS systems onboard ISS from Mission Control in Houston. This paper reviews the various inputs to water planning, rate changes, and dynamic events, including but not limited to: crew personnel makeup, Regen ECLSS system operability, vehicle traffic, water storage availability, and Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA), Sabatier, and OGA capability. Along with the inputs that change the various rates, the paper will review the different systems, their constraints, and finally the operational challenges and means by which flight controllers manage this new concept of "water balance."

Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) Tour of MSFC Facilities

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-22

Senator Doug Jones (D-AL.) and wife, Louise, tour Marshall Space Flight facilities. Steve Doering, manager, Stages Element, Space Launch System (SLS) program at MSFC, also tour the Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) where Marshall controllers oversee stowage requirements aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as well as scientific experiments.

Voss with Bonner Ball Neutron Detector Control Unit in Destiny laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-03-23

ISS002-E-5714 (23 March 2001) --- Astronaut James S. Voss, Expedition Two flight engineer, sets up the Bonner Ball Neutron Detector (BBND) in the Destiny laboratory. The BBND is connected to the Human Research Facility (HRF). This image was recorded with a digital still camera.

Reiter during maintenance tasks in the FGB

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-08-10

ISS013-E-65721 (10 Aug. 2006) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter, Expedition 13 flight engineer, replaces the number two replaceable pump panel (SPN) in the number one loop (VGK1) of the International Space Station's Zarya functional cargo block (FGB) thermal control system with a new spare from stowage.

STS-92 Commander Duffy suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy has his launch and entry suit checked before launch, scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EDT. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. This launch is the fourth for Duffy. Landing is expected Oct. 21 at 3:55 p.m. EDT.

STS-92 Mission Specialist Wisoff suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-92 Mission Specialist Peter J.K. '''Jeff''' Wisoff looks relaxed as he signals a thumbs up for launch, scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EDT. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. This launch is the fourth for Wisoff. Landing is expected Oct. 21 at 3:55 p.m. EDT.

STS-92 Mission Specialist McArthur suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. signals thumbs up for launch, scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EDT. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. This launch is the third for McArthur. Landing is expected Oct. 21 at 3:55 p.m. EDT.

STS-92 Pilot Melroy suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy has her helmet checked during suitup for launch, scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EDT. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. This launch is the first for Melroy. Landing is expected Oct. 21 at 3:55 p.m. EDT.

Bowersox and Budarin wearing Russian Sokol suit in Soyuz Spacecraft during Expedition Six

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-04-14

ISS006-E-45796 (14 April 2003) --- Attired in their Russian Sokol suits, astronaut Kenneth D. Bowersox (left), Expedition 6 mission commander; cosmonaut Nikolai M. Budarin, flight engineer; along with astronaut Donald R. Pettit (out of frame), NASA ISS science officer, practice for their return flight home scheduled for May 3, 2003. The two astronauts and cosmonaut will leave the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft at 5:40 p.m. (CDT) Saturday. They are schedule to land in Kazakhstan at 9:03 p.m. (CDT) Saturday. Budarin represents Rosaviakosmos.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-12-01

This is the official STS-110 crew portrait. In front, from the left, are astronauts Stephen N. Frick, pilot; Ellen Ochoa, flight engineer; and Michael J. Bloomfield, mission commander; In the back, from left, are astronauts Steven L. Smith, Rex J. Walheim, Jerry L. Ross and Lee M.E. Morin, all mission specialists. Launched aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Atlantis on April 8, 2002, the STS-110 mission crew prepared the International Space Station (ISS) for future space walks by installing and outfitting a 43-foot-long Starboard side S0 truss and preparing the Mobile Transporter. The mission served as the 8th ISS assembly flight.

STS-111 insignia

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-01-01

STS111-S-001 (January 2002) --- The STS-111 patch symbolizes the hardware, people, and partner nations that contribute to the flight. The space shuttle rises on the plume of the Astronaut Office symbol, carrying the Canadian Mobile Base System (MBS) for installation while docked to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission is named UF-2 for ISS Utilization Flight number two. The ISS orbit completes the Astronaut Office symbol and is colored red, white, and blue to represent the flags of the United States, Russia, France, and Costa Rica. The Earth background shows Italy, which contributes the Multi Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) used on this flight to re-supply ISS. The ten stars in the sky represent the ten astronauts and cosmonauts on orbit during the flight, and the star at the top of the patch represents the Johnson Space Center, in the state of Texas, from which the flight is managed. The names of the STS-111 crew border the upper part of the patch, and the Expedition Five (going up) and Expedition Four (coming down) crews? names form the bottom of the patch. The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

Incidence of clinical symptoms during long-duration orbital spaceflight.

PubMed

Crucian, Brian; Babiak-Vazquez, Adriana; Johnston, Smith; Pierson, Duane L; Ott, C Mark; Sams, Clarence

2016-01-01

The environment of spaceflight may elevate an astronaut's clinical risk for specific diseases. The purpose of this study was to derive, as accurately as currently possible, an assessment of in-flight clinical "incidence" data, based on observed clinical symptoms in astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS). Electronic medical records were examined from 46 long-duration ISS crew members, each serving approximately a 6-month mission on board the ISS, constituting 20.57 total flight years. Incidence for immunological-related adverse health events or relevant clinical symptoms was tabulated in a non-identifiable fashion. Event categories included infectious diseases, allergies, and rashes/hypersensitivities. A subsequent re-evaluation of more notable events, either of prolonged duration or unresponsive to treatment, was performed. For the disease/symptom categories used in this evaluation, the ISS incidence rate was 3.40 events per flight year. Skin rashes were the most reported event (1.12/flight year) followed by upper respiratory symptoms (0.97/flight year) and various other (non-respiratory) infectious processes. During flight, 46% of crew members reported an event deemed "notable". Among the notable events, 40% were classified as rashes/hypersensitivities. Characterization of on-orbit rashes manifested as redness with irritation, and could present on a variety of body locations. Based on reported symptoms, astronauts experience adverse medical events of varying severity during long-duration spaceflights. The data suggests caution, from both a vehicle design and biomedical countermeasures perspective, as space agencies plan for prolonged deep space exploration missions.

Immune Dysregulation Following Short versus Long Duration Space Flight. Version 03

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crucian, Brian E.; Stowe, Raymond P.; Pierson, Duane L.; Sams, Clarence F.

2007-01-01

Immune system dysregulation has been demonstrated to occur during spaceflight and has the potential to cause serious health risks to crewmembers participating in exploration-class missions. A comprehensive immune assessment was recently performed on 13 short duration Space Shuttle crewmembers and 8 long duration International Space Station (ISS) crewmembers. Statistically significant post-flight phenotype alterations (as compared to pre-flight baseline) for the Shuttle crewmembers included: granulocytosis, increased percentage of B cells, reduced percentage of NK cells, elevated CD4/CD8 ratio, elevated levels of memory CD4+ T cells, and a CD8+ T cell shift to a less differentiated state. For the Shuttle crewmembers, T cell function was surprisingly elevated post-flight, among both the CD4+ and CD8+ subsets. This is likely an acute stress response in less-deconditioned crewmembers. The percentage of CD4+/IL-2+, CD4+/IFNg+ and CD8+/IFNg+ T cells were all decreased at landing. Culture secreted IFNg production was significantly decreased at landing, whereas production of Th2 cytokines was largely unchanged. It was found that the IFNg:IL-10 ratio was obviously declined in the Shuttle crewmembers immediately post-flight. A similar pattern of alterations were observed for the long duration ISS crewmembers. In contrast to Shuttle crewmembers, the ISS crewmembers demonstrated a dramatic reduction in T cell function immediately post-flight. This may be related to the effect of acute landing stress in conjunction with prolonged deconditioning associated with extended flight. The reduction in IFNg:IL-10 ratio (Th2 shift) was also observed post-flight in the ISS crewmembers to a much higher degree. These data indicate consistent peripheral phenotype changes and altered cytokine production profiles occur following space travel of both short and long duration.

Expedition 19 crew tests water from Recycling system

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-20

ISS019-E-018483 (20 May 2009) --- After NASA's Mission Control gave the Expedition 19 astronaut crew aboard the International Space Station a "go" to drink water that the station's new recycling system has purified, the three celebrated with a ?toast? that also involved Mission Control, Houston, and the Payload Operations Center at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., which led development of the Water Recovery System. Pictured are Expedition 19 Commander Gennady Padalka (center) and Flight Engineers Mike Barratt (right) and Koichi Wakata, holding drink bags with special commemorative labels in the Destiny laboratory.

Expedition 19 crew tests water from Recycling system

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-20

ISS019-E-018486 (20 May 2009) --- After NASA's Mission Control gave the Expedition 19 astronaut crew aboard the International Space Station a "go" to drink water that the station's new recycling system has purified, the three celebrated with a ?toast? that also involved Mission Control, Houston, and the Payload Operations Center at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., which led development of the Water Recovery System. Pictured are Expedition 19 Commander Gennady Padalka (center) and Flight Engineers Mike Barratt (right) and Koichi Wakata, holding drink bags with special commemorative labels in the Destiny laboratory.

iss028e036707

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-02

ISS028-E-036707 (2 Sept. 2011) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, Expedition 28 flight engineer, uses a computer in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

Study of capability of microorganisms to develop on construction materials used in space objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakova, N.; Svistunova, Y.; Novikova, N.

One of the most topical issues nowadays in the whole set of space research is the study of microbiological risks (medical, technical, technological). Experiments held onboard MIR station and International Space Station (ISS) clearly demonstrated capacity of microorganisms to contaminate the environment, equipment and belonging of habitual compartments of space objects. In this connection microorganisms-biodestructors play an important role. In their vital functioning they are capable of causing biological damage of different polymers, biocorrosion of metals which can lead to serious difficulties in performing long-term flights, namely the planned mission to Mars. Our purpose was to study capability of growth and reproduction of microorganisms on construction materials of various chemical composition as the first stage of biodestruction process. In our research we used "flight" strains of bacteria (Bacillus subtilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Pseudomonas pumilus etc.) recovered from the ISS environment in several missions. For control we used "earth" bacteria species with typical properties. To model the environment of the ISS we took construction materials which are widely used in the interior and equipment of the ISS. The results we've obtained show that some microorganisms are capable of living and reproducing themselves on construction materials and their capability is more pronounced than that of the "earth" species. The best capability for growth and reproduction was characteristic of Bacillus subtilus.

Performance Assessment in the PILOT Experiment On Board Space Stations Mir and ISS.

PubMed

Johannes, Bernd; Salnitski, Vyacheslav; Dudukin, Alexander; Shevchenko, Lev; Bronnikov, Sergey

2016-06-01

The aim of this investigation into the performance and reliability of Russian cosmonauts in hand-controlled docking of a spacecraft on a space station (experiment PILOT) was to enhance overall mission safety and crew training efficiency. The preliminary findings on the Mir space station suggested that a break in docking training of about 90 d significantly degraded performance. Intensified experiment schedules on the International Space Station (ISS) have allowed for a monthly experiment using an on-board simulator. Therefore, instead of just three training tasks as on Mir, five training flights per session have been implemented on the ISS. This experiment was run in parallel but independently of the operational docking training the cosmonauts receive. First, performance was compared between the experiments on the two space stations by nonparametric testing. Performance differed significantly between space stations preflight, in flight, and postflight. Second, performance was analyzed by modeling the linear mixed effects of all variances (LME). The fixed factors space station, mission phases, training task numbers, and their interaction were analyzed. Cosmonauts were designated as a random factor. All fixed factors were found to be significant and the interaction between stations and mission phase was also significant. In summary, performance on the ISS was shown to be significantly improved, thus enhancing mission safety. Additional approaches to docking performance assessment and prognosis are presented and discussed.

Extreme Tele-Echocardiography: Methodology for Remote Guidance of In-Flight Echocardiography Aboard the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, David S.; Borowski, Allan; Bungo, Michael W.; Gladding, Patrick; Greenberg, Neil; Hamilton, Doug; Levine, Benjamin D.; Lee, Stuart M.; Norwood, Kelly; Platts, Steven H.;

iss050e059608

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-24

iss050e059608 (03/24/2017) --- NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson controls the robotic arm aboard the International Space Station during a spacewalk. Expedition 50 Commander Shane Kimbrough of NASA and Flight Engineer Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency) conducted a six hour and 34 minute spacewalk on March 24, 2017. The two astronauts successfully disconnected cables and electrical connections on the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 to prepare for its robotic move, lubricated the latching end effector on the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator “extension” for the Canadarm2 robotic arm, inspected a radiator valve and replaced cameras on the Japanese segment of the outpost.

Unity nameplate is attached to module for ISS and Mission STS-88

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

- In the Space Station Processing Facility, a worker checks placement of the nameplate to be attached to the Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station. Unity was expected to be transported to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 26 for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

Unity nameplate added to module for ISS and Mission STS-88

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers look over the Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station, after attaching the nameplate. Unity was expected to be transported to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 26 for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

The Unity connecting module is moved to payload canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers at the side and on the floor of the payload canister guide the Unity connecting module into position for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

Unity nameplate examined after being attached to module for ISS and Mission STS-88

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, a worker checks placement of the nameplate for the Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station. Unity was expected to be transported to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 26 for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

Unity nameplate is attached to module for ISS and Mission STS-88

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

- In the Space Station Processing Facility, a worker places the nameplate on the side of the Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station. Unity was expected to be transported to Launch Pad 39A on Oct. 26 for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

The Unity connecting module is moved to payload canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers attach the overhead crane that will lift the Unity connecting module from its workstand to move the module to the payload canister. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

The Unity connecting module is moved to payload canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, a closeup view shows the overhead crane holding the Unity connecting module as it moves it to the payload canister for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-11-03

Astronaut Doug Wheelock, STS-120 mission specialist, participated in the mission's fourth session of extravehicular activity (EVA) while Space Shuttle Discovery was docked with the International Space Station (ISS). During the 7-hour and 19-minute space walk, astronaut Scott Parazynski (out of frame), mission specialist, cut a snagged wire and installed homemade stabilizers designed to strengthen the structure and stability of the damaged P6 4B solar array wing. Wheelock assisted from the truss by keeping an eye on the distance between Parazynski and the array. Once the repair was complete, flight controllers on the ground successfully completed the deployment of the array.

ISS Observations of the Trapped Proton Anisotropic Effect: A Comparison with Model Calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dachev, T.; Atwell, W.; Semones, E.; Tomov, B.; Reddell, B.

Space radiation measurements were made on the International Space Station (ISS) with the Bulgarian Liulin-E094 instrument, which contains 4 Mobile Dosimetry Unit (MDU), and the NASA Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (TEPC) during 2001. Four MDUs were placed at fixed locations: one unit (MDU #1) in the ISS "Unity" Node-1 and three (MDU #2-#4) units were located in the US Laboratory module. The MDU #2 and the TEPC were located in the US Laboratory module Human Research Facility (rack #1, port side). Space radiation flight measurements were obtained during the time period May 11 - July 26, 2001. In this paper we discuss the flight observed asymmetries in different detectors on the ascending and descending parts of the ISS orbits. The differences are described by the development of a shielding model using combinatorial geometry and 3-D visualization and the orientation and placement of the five detectors at the locations within the ISS. Shielding distributions were generated for the combined ISS and detector shielding models. The AP8MAX and AE8MAX trapped radiation models were used to compute the daily absorbed dose for the five detectors and are compared with the flight measurements. In addition, the trapped proton anisotropy (East-West effect) was computed for the individual passes through the South Atlantic Anomaly based on the Badhwar-Konradi anisotropy model.

STS-121 Mission Patch

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-06-01

STS121-S-001 (June 2005) --- The STS-121 patch depicts the space shuttle docked with the International Space Station (ISS) in the foreground, overlaying the astronaut symbol with three gold columns and a gold star. The ISS is shown in the configuration that it will be in during the STS-121 mission. The background shows the nighttime Earth with a dawn breaking over the horizon. STS-121, ISS mission ULF1.1, is the final Shuttle Return to Flight test mission. This utilization and logistics flight will bring a multipurpose logistics module (MPLM) to the ISS with several thousand pounds of new supplies and experiments. In addition, some new orbital replacement units (ORUs) will be delivered and stowed externally on ISS on a special pallet. These ORUs are spares for critical machinery located on the outside of the ISS. During this mission the crew will also carry out testing of shuttle inspection and repair hardware, as well as evaluate operational techniques and concepts for conducting on-orbit inspection and repair. The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-03-01

One of the astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery took this photograph, from the aft flight deck of the Discovery, of the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit. The photo was taken after separation of the orbiter Discovery from the ISS after several days of joint activities and an important crew exchange.

Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit looks closely at Sodium Chloride within a 50-millimeter metal loop

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-12

ISS006-E-39142 (12 March 2003) --- Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, Expedition Six NASA ISS science officer, looks closely at a water bubble within a 50-millimeter metal loop. The experiment took place in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

Fincke conducts ISSI tests inside the MWA containment system onboard the U.S. Lab during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-07-10

ISS009-E-14473 (10 July 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, works on the In-Space Soldering Investigation (ISSI) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS).

Fincke conducts ISSI tests inside the MWA containment system onboard the U.S. Lab during Expedition 9

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-07-10

ISS009-E-14472 (10 July 2004) --- Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, works on the In-Space Soldering Investigation (ISSI) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS).

Report by the International Space Station (ISS) Management and Cost Evaluation (IMCE) Task Force

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, A. Thomas; Kellogg, Yvonne (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) Management and Cost Evaluation Task Force (IMCE) was chartered to conduct an independent external review and assessment of the ISS cost, budget, and management. In addition, the Task Force was asked to provide recommendations that could provide maximum benefit to the U.S. taxpayers and the International Partners within the President's budget request. The Task Force has made the following principal findings: (1) The ISS Program's technical achievements to date, as represented by on-orbit capability, are extraordinary; (2) The Existing ISS Program Plan for executing the FY 02-06 budget is not credible; (3) The existing deficiencies in management structure, institutional culture, cost estimating, and program control must be acknowledged and corrected for the Program to move forward in a credible fashion; (4) Additional budget flexibility, from within the Office of Space Flight (OSF) must be provided for a credible core complete program; (5) The research support program is proceeding assuming the budget that was in place before the FY02 budget runout reduction of $1B; (6) There are opportunities to maximize research on the core station program with modest cost impact; (7) The U.S. Core Complete configuration (three person crew) as an end-state will not achieve the unique research potential of the ISS; (8) The cost estimates for the U.S.-funded enhancement options (e.g., permanent seven person crew) are not sufficiently developed to assess credibility. After these findings, the Task Force has formulated several primary recommendations which are published here and include: (1) Major changes must be made in how the ISS program is managed; (2) Additional cost reductions are required within the baseline program; (3) Additional funds must be identified and applied from the Human Space Flight budget; (4) A clearly defined program with a credible end-state, agreed to by all stakeholders, must be developed and implemented.

NASA's Commercial Crew Program, The Next Step in U.S. Space Transportation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mango, Edward J.; Thomas, Rayelle E.

2013-01-01

The Commercial Crew Program (CCP) is leading NASA's efforts to develop the next U.S. capability for crew transportation and rescue services to and from the International Space Station (ISS) by the mid-decade timeframe. The outcome of this capability is expected to stimulate and expand the U.S. space transportation industry. NASA is relying on its decades of human space flight experience to certify U.S. crewed vehicles to the ISS and is doing so in a two phase certification approach. NASA Certification will cover all aspects of a crew transportation system, including development, test, evaluation, and verification; program management and control; flight readiness certification; launch, landing, recovery, and mission operations; sustaining engineering and maintenance/upgrades. To ensure NASA crew safety, NASA Certification will validate technical and performance requirements, verify compliance with NASA requirements, validate the crew transportation system operates in appropriate environments, and quantify residual risks.

Performance Testing of a Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly for the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, J. L.; Curtis, R. E.; Alexandre, K. L.; Ruggiero, L. L.; Shtessel, N.

1998-01-01

As part of the International Space Station (ISS) Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly (TCCS) development, a performance test has been conducted to provide reference data for flight verification analyses. This test, which used the U.S. Habitation Module (U.S. Hab) TCCS as the test article, was designed to add to the existing database on TCCS performance. Included in this database are results obtained during ISS development testing; testing of functionally similar TCCS prototype units; and bench scale testing of activated charcoal, oxidation catalyst, and granular lithium hydroxide (LiOH). The present database has served as the basis for the development and validation of a computerized TCCS process simulation model. This model serves as the primary means for verifying the ISS TCCS performance. In order to mitigate risk associated with this verification approach, the U.S. Hab TCCS performance test provides an additional set of data which serve to anchor both the process model and previously-obtained development test data to flight hardware performance. The following discussion provides relevant background followed by a summary of the test hardware, objectives, requirements, and facilities. Facility and test article performance during the test is summarized, test results are presented, and the TCCS's performance relative to past test experience is discussed. Performance predictions made with the TCCS process model are compared with the U.S. Hab TCCS test results to demonstrate its validation.

Expedition 31 Soyuz TMA-04M Docking to ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-05-17

View from the balcony of the Russian Mission Control Center shows the Expedition 31 crew portrait along with a timeline of Soyuz TMA-04M docking events on Thursday, May 17, 2012, in Korolev, Russia. The Soyuz docked to the International Space Station at 8:36 a.m. Moscow time with Expedition 31 Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka, Flight Engineer Sergei Revin, and NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba two days after they launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 31 Soyuz TMA-04M Docking to ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-05-17

A television screen as seen from the balcony of the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia shows the Soyuz TMA-04M as it docks to the International Space Station on Thursday, May 17, 2012. Onboard the soyuz spacecraft are Expedition 31 Soyuz Commander Gennady Padalka, Flight Engineer Sergei Revin, and NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba. The crew of three launched at 9:01 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Tuesday, May 15 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 13 Crew during a teleconference in the U.S. Laboratory during Expedition 13

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-08-31

ISS013-E-75727 (31 Aug. 2006) --- Astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams (foreground), Expedition 13 NASA space station science officer and flight engineer; cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov (center), commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency; and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter, flight engineer, conduct a teleconference in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station, via Ku- and S-band, with audio and video relayed to the Mission Control Center (MCC) at Johnson Space Center.

Expedition 32 Docking with ISS

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-07-17

A television screen as seen from the balcony of the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia shows the Soyuz TMA-05M as it docks to the International Space Station on Tuesday, July 17, 2012. Onboard the soyuz spacecraft are Expedition 32 Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko, NASA Flight Engineer Sunita Williams, and JAXA Flight Engineer Akihiko Hoshide. The crew of three launched at 8:40 a.m. Kazakhstan time on Tuesday, July 15 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Expedition 39 Docking

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-28

A view of the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia on Friday, March 28, 2014 prior to the docking of Soyuz TMA-12M. The Soyuz TMA-12M spacecraft docked to the International Space Station at 7:53 p.m. EDT bringing Expedition 39 Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Flight Engineer Steve Swanson of NASA and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos to the ISS for their six month stay aboard the orbiting labratory. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Cathodes Delivered for Space Station Plasma Contactor System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, Michael J.

1999-01-01

The International Space Station's (ISS) power system is designed with high-voltage solar arrays that typically operate at output voltages of 140 to 160 volts (V). The ISS grounding scheme electrically ties the habitat modules, structure, and radiators to the negative tap of the solar arrays. Without some active charge control method, this electrical configuration and the plasma current balance would cause the habitat modules, structure, and radiators to float to voltages as large as -120 V with respect to the ambient space plasma. With such large negative floating potentials, the ISS could have deleterious interactions with the space plasma. These interactions could include arcing through insulating surfaces and sputtering of conductive surfaces as ions are accelerated by the spacecraft plasma sheath. A plasma contactor system was baselined on the ISS to prevent arcing and sputtering. The sole requirement for the system is contained within a single directive (SSP 30000, paragraph 3.1.3.2.1.8): "The Space Station structure floating potential at all points on the Space Station shall be controlled to within 40 V of the ionospheric plasma potential using a plasma contactor." NASA is developing this plasma contactor as part of the ISS electrical power system. For ISS, efficient and rapid emission of high electron currents is required from the plasma contactor system under conditions of variable and uncertain current demand. A hollow cathode plasma source is well suited for this application and was, therefore, selected as the design approach for the station plasma contactor system. In addition to the plasma source, which is referred to as a hollow cathode assembly, or HCA, the plasma contactor system includes two other subsystems. These are the power electronics unit and the xenon gas feed system. The Rocketdyne Division of Boeing North American is responsible for the design, fabrication, assembly, test, and integration of the plasma contactor system. Because of technical and schedule considerations, the NASA Lewis Research Center was asked to manufacture and deliver the engineering model, the qualification model, and the flight HCA units for the plasma contactor system as government furnished equipment. To date, multiple units have been built. One cathode has demonstrated approximately 28 000-hr lifetime, two development HCA units have demonstrated over 15 000-hr lifetime, and one HCA unit has demonstrated more than 38 000 ignitions. All eight flight HCA's have been manufactured, acceptance tested, and are ready for delivery to the flight contractor.

iss028e036705

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-02

ISS028-E-036705 (2 Sept. 2011) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, Expedition 28 flight engineer, is pictured near a computer in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

The Soyuz Taxi crew pose for a group photo in Zvezda during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-7033 (23-31 October 2001) --- The Soyuz Taxi crewmembers assemble for a group photo in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). From the left are Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev, Commander Victor Afanasyev, and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-01-30

Tim Broach (seen through window) of NASA/Marshall Spce Flight Center (MSFC), demonstrates the working volume inside the Microgravity Sciences Glovebox being developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) for use aboard the U.S. Destiny laboratory module on the International Space Station (ISS). This mockup is the same size as the flight hardware. Observing are Tommy Holloway and Brewster Shaw of The Boeing Co. (center) and John-David Bartoe, ISS research manager at NASA/John Space Center and a payload specialist on Spacelab-2 mission (1985). Photo crdit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Physics of Colloids in Space--Plus (PCS+) Experiment Completed Flight Acceptance Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doherty, Michael P.

2004-01-01

The Physics of Colloids in Space--Plus (PCS+) experiment successfully completed system-level flight acceptance testing in the fall of 2003. This testing included electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing, vibration testing, and thermal testing. PCS+, an Expedite the Process of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack payload will deploy a second set of colloid samples within the PCS flight hardware system that flew on the International Space Station (ISS) from April 2001 to June 2002. PCS+ is slated to return to the ISS in late 2004 or early 2005.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew after undocking taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7096 (31 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft departs from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the approach of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-6840 (23 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere for an eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the approach of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-6849 (23 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere for an eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the approach of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-6851 (23 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere for an eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew after undocking taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7101 (31 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft departs from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the approach of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-6841 (23 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere for an eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew after undocking taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7094 (31 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft departs from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the approach of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-6847 (23 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere for an eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the approach of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-6844 (23 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere for an eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew after undocking taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7100 (31 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft departs from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew after undocking taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7097 (31 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft departs from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew after undocking taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-31

ISS003-E-7107 (31 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft departs from the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere, ending their eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.

View of the approach of the Soyuz carrying the Taxi crew taken during Expedition Three

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-10-23

ISS003-E-6845 (23 October 2001) --- A Soyuz spacecraft approaches the International Space Station (ISS) carrying the Soyuz taxi crew, Commander Victor Afanasyev, Flight Engineer Konstantin Kozeev and French Flight Engineer Claudie Haignere for an eight-day stay on the station. Afanasyev and Kozeev represent Rosaviakosmos, and Haignere represents ESA, carrying out a flight program for CNES, the French Space Agency, under a commercial contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. This image was taken with a digital still camera.