ISS Daily Summary Report – 11/30/2018

Cemsica sample exchange: Today the crew removed the processed first Cemsica science cartridge from the SUBSA facility and inserted the second science cartridge.  Cemsica tests a novel approach of using particles of calcium-silicate (C-S) to synthesize nanoporous membranes (those with pores 100 nanometers or smaller) that can separate carbon dioxide molecules from air or other gases. Synthesizing the materials in microgravity may resolve existing challenges in membrane manufacturing and lead to development of lower-cost membranes with improved flux and high-temperature stability. SUBSA offers a gradient freeze furnace for materials science investigations that can reach 850°C.

Crystallization of LRRK2 Under Microgravity Conditions-2 (CASIS PCG-16) microscope observations: The crew performed microscope observation on the PCG-16 Card that was loaded earlier this week.  CASIS PCG-16 evaluates growth of Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) protein crystals in microgravity. LRRK2 is implicated in Parkinson’s disease, but crystals of the protein grown on Earth are too small and compact to study. Detailed analysis of larger, space-grown crystals can define the protein’s exact shape and morphology and help scientists better understand the disease’s pathology. 

Microgravity Investigation of Cement Solidification (MICS) – Multi-use Variable-g Processing Facility (MVP Cell-05) insert 2: The crew removed the sample modules from MVP and stowed them for return. This completed run 2 of 3 total for the investigation.  MVP Cell-05 investigates the complex process of cement solidification at gravity levels of interest (lunar, Mars and 0.7-g).  The MVP facility is used to conduct research in space with a wide variety of sample types, such as fruit flies, flatworms, plants, fish, cells, protein crystals and many others.  It includes internal carousels that simultaneously can produce up to 2 g of artificial gravity. 

NanoRacks External Platform Inserts (NREP) transfer to Exposed Facility Unit (EFU) 4: The NREP, loaded with the newly-installed sortie #4 science, was passed through the JEM airlock with the intent to be transferred to its external Exposed Facility Unit (EFU) 4 location.  However, during the extension of the slide table, an object was seen floating away.  The object is currently believed to be a missing tool that was used during the NREP operations inside the ISS pressurized volume.  The slide table with NREP was subsequently retracted back into the JEM airlock and transfer of the NREP to EFU 4 is on hold while the teams discuss a forward plan.  NREP sortie #4 consists of the Hyperspectral Earth Imaging System Trial (HEIST) investigation.  HEIST a compact hyperspectral sensor system for commercial Earth observation.  The NREP represents the first external commercial research capability for testing in support of scientific investigations, sensors, and electronic components in space.

SpaceX-16 Dragon On-Board Training: The crew utilized the Robotic Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) to practice procedures that will be used to capture the SpX-16 Dragon next week.  The crew ran a couple of simulations, including 30-meter approach, Capture Point (CP)-hold and 2-meters, during this training session.

COTS UHF Communications Unit (CUCU) and the Crew Command Panel (CCP) Checkout:  Earlier today, ground teams successfully checked out the CUCU and CCP. The checkouts were nominal and the CUCU and CCP are ready to support the upcoming SpX-16 mission

Completed Task List Activities:
Exercise Equipment Gather

Ground Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

  • CUCU Checkout
  • SPDM Direct Drive Test
  • S-Band String 1 Activation
  • 57S VHF Checkout

Three-Day Look Ahead:

Saturday, 12/01:
Payloads:

  • JAXA/Probiotics

Systems:

  • 71P Hatch close and leak check

Sunday, 12/02:
Payloads

  • JAXA/Probiotics

Systems:

  • 70P Hatch Close and Leak Check 

Monday, 12/03:
Payloads

  • Actiwatch don
  • Cemsica sample exchange
  • DOSIS 3D sensor ops
  • JAXA/Probiotics

Systems:

  • 57S Launch/Dock
  • ISS Safety Briefing
  • Cygnus Cargo Transfer
  • 55S Prepack
  • SAFER Checkout

Today’s Planned Activities:
All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

  • PHOTOBIOREACTOR. Visual monitoring and photography
  • ISS crew and ГОГУ (RSA Flight Control Management Team) weekly conference
  • Voice check in S/G1 from Baikonur.
  • Activate Orlan-MKS suits No.4 and No.5.
  • Treadmill 2 (T2) Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) Cable Reroute
  • Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill
  • Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Cable Arm Rope Tension Check
  • Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) Battery Changeout
  • Russian Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tool Gather
  • Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis
  • Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Cylinder Flywheel Evacuation
  • DC1 Spacesuit Interface Unit (БСС) Checkout.
  • LAB1O2 Hardware Relocate
  • ПхО БСС checkout
  • Cleaning Fluid System by using Degassing Pump Unit (БОС) in ПхО.
  • CEMSICA Sample Exchange
  • Russian Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tool Gather
  • Orlan and БСС cooling loop separation in DC1.
  • Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Fill
  • On-board Training (OBT) Dragon Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) Session 1
  • Installation of Progress 440 (Instrument Compartment) docking mechanism
  • Microscope Reposition Preparation
  • Space Automated Bioproduct Lab 3, Power On
  • PCG-16 PCG Card Microscope Photo Operations
  • Assemble charger ЗУ-С equipment to charge battery pack 825МЗ
  • Setup battery pack 825МЗ unit 1 for charging and start charging
  • СОЖ Maintenance
  • Microscope Reposition Post Ops
  • VEG-03G Hardware Deactivation
  • Photo/TV CUCU SD Video Setup
  • COTS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU) Activation
  • Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Full Fill
  • Multi-use Variable-g Platform Module Removal
  • Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record
  • Robotic Workstation (RWS) Setup
  • COTS UHF Communication Unit (CUCU) Crew Command Panel (CCP) Checkout
  • Photo/TV CUCU SD Video Deactivation
  • Inventory Management System (IMS) Conference
  • Monitoring power supply unit 825МЗ