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 umbilicials 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.
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.
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.
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.
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):
12 Russian assembly flights
11 Soyuz spacecraft
33 Progess spacecraft
3 Proton launches
53 Soyuz/Rus launches
33 STS launches
7 Shuttle utilization flights will outfit the ISS for
science research.
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.