ISS Daily Summary Report – 3/21/2022

Payloads:

Acoustic Diagnostics: The crew participated in an Acoustic Diagnostics session.  This activity captures both sound level data every second as well as an audio recording for the duration of the measurement.  The crew then completed a questionnaire.  The Acoustic Upgraded Diagnostics In-Orbit (AUDIO) (Acoustic Diagnostics) investigation tests the hearing of ISS crew members before, during, and after flight. This study assesses the possible adverse effects of noise and the microgravity environment aboard the ISS on human hearing.  The investigation compares the relationship between the detection of otoacoustic emissions, sounds naturally generated from within the inner ear, and hearing loss levels when exposed to noisy environments.

EXPRESS Rack (EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments for Space Station Racks) 11B: The crew disconnected USB Serial Port Adapter and RS232 cable connections between ER11B and the EXPRESS-6 laptop.  ER11B Health & Status (H&S) was lost on GMT 070 and these cable connections were made as a temporary fix. Further troubleshooting successfully restored H&S, and the cables are no longer needed. The EXPRESS Racks support science experiments in any discipline by providing structural interfaces, power, data, cooling, water, and other items needed to operate science experiments in space.

Hicari-2: The Hicari-2 sample cartridges were loaded into the Gradient Heating Furnace (GHF) sample holder.   The materials science investigation, Growth of Homogeneous SiGe Crystals in Microgravity by the Travelling Liquidous Zone (TLZ) Method (Hicari), aims to verify the crystal-growth by the TLZ method and to produce high-quality crystals of Silicon-Germanium (SiGe) semiconductor using the JEM-GHF.  Once this method is established, it is expected to be applied for developing more efficient solar cells and semiconductor-based electronics.

ISS HAM: The crew participated in an ISS Ham pass with Students from Toyonaka High School, Toyonaka, Japan. The school is designated as one of the Global Leader’s High Schools (GLHS) and is also one of the Super Science High Schools. ISS HAM Radio provides opportunities to engage and educate students, teachers, parents and other members of the community in science, technology, engineering and math by providing a means to communicate between astronauts and the ground HAM radio units.

Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER): The crew connected cables to ExPRESS Laptop Computer 5 (ELC5) in support of future Orbiting High-energy Monitor Alert Network (OHMAN) payload operations and then photographed the installed cables. OHMAN uses an application loaded on ELC5 to communicate live x-ray pointing data from JAXA’s Monitor of All sky X-ray Image (MAXI) payload to NASA’s NICER payload. Operations are planned to begin no earlier than next week. The NICER payload studies the extraordinary physics of stars, providing new insights into their nature and behavior.

Space Biofilms: The last of the three fixation activities for the Space Biofilms-2 experiment was performed by the crew. Fixation refers to a group of techniques which are used to preserve various aspects of the samples for later analysis. The Characterization of Biofilm Formation, Growth, and Gene Expression on Different Materials and Environmental Conditions in Microgravity (Space Biofilms) investigation characterizes the mass, thickness, structure, and associated gene expression of biofilms (molds) that form in space by analyzing a fungal species grown on different materials. Biofilm formation can cause equipment malfunction and human illnesses and could be a serious problem on future long-term human space missions.

Sampling Quadrangle Assemblages Research Experiment (SQuARE): The crew photographed each of the six photo locations in the COL, JEM, NODE1, NODE2, NODE3, and LAB. ISS Archaeological Project – SQuARE focuses on different kinds of material culture – objects and built spaces together with their symbolic and social meanings. Results could help define the significance of material culture in a space habitat and ultimately help space agencies understand how different objects and spaces are used over time.

Standard Measures: The crew collected body and fecal samples and set up for tomorrow’s saliva collections. The aim of the investigation is to ensure consistent capture of an optimized, minimal set of measures from crewmembers until the end of the ISS Program in order to characterize the adaptive responses to and risks of living in space. Among other things, the ground teams perform analyses for metabolic and chemistry panels, immune function, microbiome, etc. These measures populate a data repository to enable high-level monitoring of countermeasure effectiveness and meaningful interpretation of health and performance outcomes and support future research on planetary missions.

Space Tango – Cubelab Satellite Demo:  The TangoLab CubeLab Satellite Activation and Checkout was performed by removing one CubeLab Satellite from TangoLab, thereby activating it. The crew then reattached the CubeLab Satellite to its card and placed it back into the TangoLab for charging. Space Tango – Cubelab Satellite Demonstrator tests a new attitude-control technology for small satellites, which is an integral part of future space missions as conventional attitude control systems for large satellites are not suited for small satellites. The new technology is energy efficient, lightweight, and not subject to friction wear and could enhance the attitude maneuvering capabilities of small satellites.

Touching Surfaces: The crew performed the weekly surface touching event. Previous space research conducted during short-term flight experiments and long-term environmental monitoring on board orbiting space stations (such as MIR or the ISS) suggests that the relationship between humans and microbes is altered in the crewed habitat in space. This interdisciplinary project Touching Surfaces aims to investigate novel, laser-structured antimicrobial surfaces onboard the ISS.  The realistic testing of the tailor-made nanostructured antimicrobial surface in space allows for the determination of the most suitable design for antimicrobial surfaces for terrestrial applications such as public transportation and clinical settings, as well as future human space mission and habitation design.

Systems:

Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Filter Remove & Replace (R&R): The crew replaced the PWD’s Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) water filter and cleaned the exhaust fan outlets on the rear of the PWD. Both the fan cleaning and filter R&R are regularly scheduled preventive maintenance required to keep the PWD functioning nominally.

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain/Fill: Today, the crew set up the recycle tank to drain via the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) Fill Drain Valve into the Brine Processor using the Urine Transfer System (UTS). Following the setup, the ground performed the tank drain using the UTS. Once the ground specialists completed the transfer, the crew verified the recycle tank was empty, terminated the drain, and repositioned the fill/drain valve to force fill the recycle tank using UTS. The crew also swapped the ЕДВ in the offload ЕДВ spot of the UTS.

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparation Activities: Activities continued in preparation for Wednesday’s Radiator Beam Valve Module (RBVM) Jumper Install EVA. The crew set up the D5 EVA Camera configuration and completed the EVA NASA Zero-Gravity Lever (NZGL) Familiarization Review. The crew also printed the EVA Cuff Checklist and configured EVA Tools. The Cuff Checklist is a small book with an elastic band to allow EV crew to wear it on their wrist. The book always contains a set of pages for EVA Mobility Unit (EMU) contingency responses and pages for task-specific information to be printed and taped.

Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis & Data Record: The crew performed an analysis of the WRS using the TOCA. The TOCA unit oxidizes organic carbon species present in the water to carbon dioxide gas and measures the concentration using nondispersive infrared spectroscopy. Analysis of the potable water using the TOCA occurs on a weekly basis. The crew also replaced the TOCA Waste Water Bag (WWB) to preclude any overfill prior to the next run.

In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Brine Processor (BPA) Filter R&R: As part of regularly scheduled preventive maintenance, the crew replaced the BPA Exhaust Filter prior to the next process cycle. The filter scrubs the odor from the air leaving the Brine Processor.

Completed Task List Activities:

  • Crew-3 Dragon Undock Review
  • Treadmill 2 Isolator Taping

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

  • STP-H8 Payload Developer Commanding
  • JEM GHF File Uplink/Downlink
  • JEM Airlock and ACDU-RC Activation
  • JEM Airlock VB-RC Activation
  • JEM Airlock Depressurization and vent

Look Ahead Plan

Tuesday, March 22 (GMT 81)
Payloads:

  • Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) Plant Experiment Unit Micro-G Installation
  • ISS HAM Kenwood Radio Power Down in Columbus & Service Module
  • HRF Generic Saliva Collection 10 Minutes & HRF Generic MELFI Sample Insertion Operations
  • HRF Rack 1 PC 1 USB Software Load Installation Preparation/Conclude
  • Intelligent Glass Optics Sample Exchange
  • Rodent Research Inventory Audit Part1
  • SQuARES Photo Location Removal

Systems:

  • PGT Battery Install
  • E-LK Prep
  • EVA Tool Config/Audit
  • EVA Procedure Review/Conference
  • POC DOUG Setup

Wednesday, March 23 (GMT 82)
Payloads:

  • Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) Plant Experiment Unit 1G Installation
  • Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) Plant Experiment Unit Micro-G Removal
  • Food Acceptability Survey
  • HRF Generic Saliva Collection 10 Minutes & HRF Generic MELFI Sample Retrieval and Insertion Operations
  • NanoRacks Mainframe Alpha Module Removal, Polar Insertion, Photography
  • Rodent Research Inventory Audit Part 2

Systems:

  • RBVM Jumper Install EVA
  • IFM WHC UR and IF R&R
  • WRS Waste Tank/Condensate Sample
  • Crew Departure Prep

Thursday, March 24 (GMT 83)
Payloads:

  • COLUMBUS Bay 1, 2, 3 clean-up
  • ISS HAM Kenwood Radio Power Up
  • Experiment Laptop Terminal 2 Close Out
  • EML High Speed Camera Lens Switch
  • EML Reprogramming Cable installation/removal
  • Food Physiology Crew Diet Briefing
  • HRF Generic MELFI Sample Insertion Operations
  • HRF Generic MELFI Sample Retrieval and Insertion Operations
  • HRF Generic Saliva Collection 10 Minutes
  • Confocal Space Microscopy (Microscope) and Payload Laptop Terminal 5 (PLT5) Setup
  • JEMRMS Small Satellite Deployment Observation
  • Light Ions Detector Move 2
  • Polar Desiccant Swap
  • Saibo Rack CO2 QD Removal
  • Standard Measures Body Sampling Collection, Fecal Collection, Stow, & Survey

Systems:

  • EVA Debrief
  • RWS Teardown
  • EMU Water Recharge
  • PAM Familiarization BPW Review
  • EVA GoPro Downlink and Stow
  • COL Bay Cleanup
  • Crew Departure Prep
  • PAM Familiarization Conference
  • HECA Terminate

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

  • Standard Measures Body Sampling Survey
  • Standard Measures Body Sampling Collection
  • Standard Measures Body Sampling Stow
  • Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Filter Remove and Replace (R&R)
  • Acoustic Monitor Setup for Crew Worn Measurements
  • ISS HAM Columbus Pass Kenwood
  • Standard Measures Fecal Collection
  • ISS HAM Kenwood Radio Power Down in Columbus
  • Acoustic Diagnostics Operations – Calibration and Measurement
  • HRF Generic MELFI Sample Insertion Operations
  • ISS HAM Kenwood Radio Power Up
  • Acoustic Diagnostics Data Copy
  • Acoustic Diagnostics Instrument Deinstallation and Stowage
  • Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain
  • Acoustic Monitor Data Transfer and Stow
  • LSG Work Volume Deploy/Stow
  • Acoustic Diagnostics EveryWear Questionnaire
  • Photo TV Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) Camera Turnaround
  • COL Payload Laptop ZBooks Replug
  • SOKOL leak check prior redocking
  • Touching Event for the Touching Surfaces experiment
  • Wireless Compose SD Card Data Transfer
  • Cold Atom Lab MTL Jumper Leak Check
  • EXPRESS-11 Cable Remove
  • Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis
  • Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer OHMAN Setup
  • Extravehicular Activity (EVA) NASA Zero-Gravity Lever (NZGL) Familiarization
  • Gradient Heating Furnace (GHF) HICARI2 Cartridge Ops
  • Emergency Roles and Responsibilities Review
  • LSG Primary Crew Restraint Unfold/Fold
  • Robotic Workstation (RWS) Setup
  • TangoLab CubeLab Satellite Activation and Checkout
  • Space Biofilms Fixation 3 Ops
  • Dragon Pre-Departure Conference
  • EVA Cuff Checklist Print
  • Urine Transfer System Offload EDV Swap
  • In Flight Maintenance (IFM) SM Transfer Tunnel (ПрК) Strain Gauge Protective Layer Install
  • Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record
  • [deferred] Photo TV GoPro Setup
  • Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in Columbus
  • In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Brine Processor (BPA) Filter Remove and Replace (R&R)
  • ISS Crew Orientation
  • Countermeasures System (CMS) T2 Inspection
  • Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tool Configuring
  • ISS Crew departure preparation
  • Space Biofilms MELFI Sample Insertion Operations Session 3
  • Space Biofilms Iceberg Sample Removal/Insert
  • Increment 66 Safety Video Follow-Up
  • SQuARES Flexible Daily Imagery
  • HRF Generic Saliva Collection