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ISS Status Breifing 5/12/98

Filed 5/21/98

 

FGB (Control Module) Launch & STS-88

The STS-88 crew will include a Russian with FGB system expertise, and the crew will inspect the FGB about 6 weeks prior to its launch (2A.1 will also include a cosmonaut and there will be ability to launch late manifested repair components if needed to repair the FGB and/or service module). After the FGB launch it will raise its orbit to about 370 km. It then enters a spin about its long axis in gravity gradient orientation. It then can remain for a long period with little tending. Before the shuttle approaches with Node-1 (Unity) the FGB will reorient itself for grapple by the shuttle RMS.

The first 6 hour EVA connects about 40 power and data unbilicials between the FGB and Node connecting the computers and heaters to FGB power, and conenct PMA-2 power, command and data umbilicals. Also, PMA-1 has connections to be completed to Node-1 and a EVA slide wire will be installed, and remove thermal covers on equipment which isn't required after having heaters powered up.. There is the opportunity to reboost the station at this point. The PMA-1 is launched in a vacuum and is pressurized remotely from the FGB.

The second 6 hour EVA connects more cables and installs communications antennas to the Node's port and starboard hatch windows along with 6 EVA hand rails and other equipment, and removes restraints from the Common Berthing Mechanism used during launch in preperations for berthing components to teh Node on futuer assembly flights.

The crew has to wait to enter until this point to allow the Node to warm from its newly powered heaters from its expected below freezing temperature after sitting unpowered in the shuttle cargo bay for 4 days prior to docking. The atmosphere will be filtered also by that time by the trace contaminant air fliters. The crew will enter the Node and install additional communications equipment and inspect the FGB, transfer spare equipment to the Node including a SAFER unit for use on future EVA's. They will remove launch restraints from equipment and install rack hardware and communications equipment for use on later flights.

In the FGB, the crew will checkout the video teleconferencing system, photo survey the interior, and replace air filters. Total time in the FGB will be about 4.5 hours.

The third 5.5 hour EVA is optional to allow transfer of tools, photo documentation and disconnecting PMA-2 cables in preperations for the next assembly flight. This allows for reducing the number of parts carried up on later flights. A stowage bag will be left in the Node and PMA-1's APAS docking system will be disconnected at PMA-2. EVA tools will be left ready for use on the next assembly flight. After undocking the shuttle will fly around the complex.

 

 

 

 

(Images: FGB at Baykonur)

Below: the yellow compartment is a clean room

 

 

 

 

The interior of the FGB looking aft

Service Module

The Service Module will launch in late March 1999 weighing 22,178 kg. The more enviromental system equipment has been installed compared to the Mir base blick, and a MIL-1553 data bus was installed to communicate to the FGB and US segment. It also has 2 main engines and a third crew compartment as compared to Mir, and only has 4 docking ports verses Mir's 6. The majority of assembly will be complete by July 1, 1998. The telemetry system is critical path and comprises the majority of components yet to be installed. A third of electrical and software tests have been completed on the Electrical Analog and the remainder are to be completed by August. The side docking port has been modified for Progress refueling. It is to be shipped to Energia on May 25 for flight article electrical tests lasting until October. It will arrive at Baykounr in November and prepare for launch. The next critical design review for the Service Module will by in July.

 

The Service Module at Khunichev

 

A refuelling system now has been installed on the nadir port

 

Service Module's ODU showing 2 main engines

 

The Service Modules air regeneration system

Soyuz & Progress M1

Modified Soyuz is a NASA funded enhancement to the Soyuz TM to provide greater ability to accomodate a variety of body sizes, and provides a softer landing. First flight is expected in middle to late 1999. The first 3 Soyuz are on schedule for ISS missions. The control panel had to be reshaped to allow for larger crew members and now includes two computer displays.

 

 

Upper left: the first Soyuz TM decent module for the ISS

Upper right: the second decent module for ISS

 

Left: an orbital module

Progress M1 is a Russian funded enahncement to the Progress M which carries a maximum of 1950 kg. propellant. The launch mass however is not increased and remains 7150 kg. A maximum of 1800 kg. of non-propellant cargo can be carried but the total of cargo and propellant can't exceed 2230 kg. The first 3 Progress are on schedule for ISS missions.

 

 

 

 

 

Progress M1 under construction

 

 

 

 

New Progress M1 propellant cargo section

NASA fears that for both Soyuz and Progress, there will be delays in production of spacecraft after the initial vehicles. 7-8000 kg. of propellant will be needed each year for station reboost and attitude control requiring 4-5 Progress M1 at a minimum, and peaks at 9 a year. This is comparable to a typical flight rate of Progress to Mir.

Both the ESA ATV and Japanese HTV resupply vehicles will be used.

 

ISS Assembly Statistics

Total through end of assembly (Phase 3):

 

EVA

1700 hours of EVA hours are planned during 161 spacewalks (for one or more crew at a time) or that 929 US assembly EVA EVA hours, 432 Russian assembly EVA hours, 1361 total hours 200 US maintanence EVA hours144 Russian maintanence EVA hours.

A Russian SAFER unit is in development. A pair of NASA EMU's will be provided for EVA training in Russia, and a pair of Orlan's will be available for training in Houston.

 

Flight Control

Russian flight control (TsUP) will initially be provided by Khrunichev speciallists. Their shifts are 24 hours (10 hours of which typicially are active as the FGB will be within communications range). They then get 72 hours off duty. After the Service module is launched Energia speciallists will take the lead flight control position. They are expected to follow a similar shift schedule with emphasis on crew waking hours, although the Service Module does allow for periodic use of Altair satellite relays. NASA JSC mission control will support TsUP during critical operations like shuttle assembly flights. After flight 4A, JSC assums 24 hour a day flight control.

 

The proposed Transhab

 

Transhab has 3 levels: exercise/hygiene/medical, crew quarters, ward room/galley

To see the full ISS assembly sequence and other details see: Bill Harwoods Space Space

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