Foreword.qxp 07-06-2002 11:49 Page 1

number 9, june 2002 on station The Newsletter of the Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity http://www.esa.int/spaceflight

in this issue Firstirst EEuropean Facility Aboard ISS

foreword Jörg Feustel-Büechl Foreword 1 ESA Director of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity

cupola ISS assembly is proceeding well. In April, we saw the 27th Cupola: A Module with a View 4 launch, involving our third European astronaut, Roberto Daniele Laurini Vittori. It is very satisfying how flawless all these launches have been and we really congratulate the worldwide teams health on their performance! Now we have had the latest launch Expedition Doctors 6 (Shuttle STS-111), carrying the first European-built facility – Filippo Castrucci the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG).This is a very important milestone for us. Although MSG is a barter element edr that is being handed over to NASA, it will be also used by European Drawer Rack 8 Frank De Winne during his experiments aboard the ISS in Peter Behrmann October. Unfortunately, not everything is so positive.The US elips budgetary situation remains critical and we still have no final ELIPS 10 solution for the final configuration of the ISS.We have, of Marc Heppener course, every sympathy and understanding for NASA’s need to bring its house into financial order. Nevertheless, as an education International Partner, we insist that the integrity of the Classroom in Space 12 originally planned Station be adhered to as foreseen, agreed Graham T. Biddis upon and endorsed as per the Inter-Governmental Agreement of 28 January 1998.We have made this known to our US exobiology Partner via the Chairman of the ESA Council, the Director Life in Space 14 General and my own level, as well as our IGA Representatives. Paul Clancy In the meantime, our constructive dialogue includes Partner Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) to discuss atv scenarios that we hope will lead to a Station configuration The ATV Test Platforms 16 acceptable from the budgetary and utilisation viewpoints. José María Gallego Sanz These TIMs are looking at three groups of options.The first is a & Wim van Leeuwen ‘delayed Crew Return Vehicle (CRV)’ mode, with two Soyuz descent craft docked to the Station until the US budget allows research the CRV or comparable rescue vehicle project to proceed.This Research in Destiny 19 could mean a crew of six from 2006 and then, at a later stage, Graham T. Biddis a crew of seven when the CRV comes into service.The second option is to use only the two Soyuz, but a crew of only six recent & relevant would degrade utilisation by some 10-15%.This would have a News 22 considerable impact on crew-intensive research such as human physiology.This is clearly regrettable but I feel that the Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity Direction des Vols Habité et la Microgravité Foreword.qxp 07-06-2002 11:49 Page 2

foreword

Frank De Winne practising Partners may find it acceptable depending with the Microgravity Science upon the outcome of further detailed Glovebox at ESTEC.Frank will assessments.The third option is to incorporate fly to the ISS in October and a ‘safe haven’,using one docked Soyuz and a use the MSG,delivered recently to the Destiny part of the Station that would be outfitted to module by the Shuttle. provide a refuge for the non-Soyuz crew.These (T.Pirard/Space Information options are the basic groupings that we are Center) thinking of for the TIMs to investigate, assess and discuss.We hope that, by this autumn, the US financial situation and the favoured end- state option will both be clarified.This will enable us to return to our Council and ask for Far right: Roberto Vittori funding to be unblocked to allow both aboard the ISS.(NASA) European industry and research communities to continue with their work as originally planned.This is the first real test of the Station Partnership and I sincerely hope we come through it successfully. MSG is the first of ESA’s ‘early deliveries’, being followed by the Minus Eighty degree Laboratory Freezer for the ISS (MELFI). MELFI development is complete and it is now being enable us to have a totally integrated checked-out and integrated into a Multi- Columbus ready for launch in October 2004. Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) at the Indeed we plan to be ready well before then! Kennedy Space Center for launch next January. Columbus is a real masterpiece of European MELFI is a very complicated facility using engineering and the fact that the work has highly sophisticated technology.The third item been accomplished by a huge consortium of for delivery, the Hexapod pointing system, will some 40 European companies is a really be completed in the near future.These barter positive sign of European cooperation.We elements should increase the number of congratulate them on their excellent work. utilisation opportunities for European The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) core researchers and European industry. element continues to show satisfying progress. ESA’s Columbus core element is now The Structural Test Model is currently at ESTEC undergoing final system integration at Astrium and many of the subsystem tests have been in Bremen (D) and should be finished early performed.The subsystem Critical Design next year.The integration of the European Reviews (CDRs) have started and we are research facilities is still to come: development looking forward to the overall system CDR of the Microgravity Facilities for Columbus is early next year, with a view launching the first well underway and they should be integrated ATV – now named Jules Verne – in September into the module late next year.This should 2004. I am confident that European industry can support us in maintaining the very ambitious ATV schedule. The third core element, Utilisation, is a set of individual items.We are satisfied with the preparation so far and both industry and the research communities are waiting for the first experiments to be performed. Around 250 scientific and preparatory experiments have already been selected for opportunities inside or outside of the Columbus laboratory.The development of these experiments has already

on Station started. European user communities are really eager to use Columbus and we are trying to do everything possible to satisfy their needs. Unveiling the name chosen It is with this Agency core element that we for the first ATV. want to revisit our original astronaut 2

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Foreword.qxp 07-06-2002 11:49 Page 3

ISS launches planned for the next 12 months.

Flight # Launch Element/Task Vehicle/Mission

28: UF-2 05 Jun 02 Expedition-5 Crew/MPLM Shuttle STS-111 29: 8P 26 Jun 02 Logistics (Progress-M) Soyuz 30: 9A 22 Aug 02 S1 Truss Shuttle STS-112 31: 9P 10 Sep 02 Logistics (Progress-M1) Soyuz 32: 11A 06 Oct 02 Expedition-6 Crew/P1 Truss Shuttle STS-113 33: 5S 22 Oct 02 Taxi Flight (Frank De Winne) Soyuz-TMA 1 34: ULF-1 16 Jan 03 Expedition-7 Crew/MPLM Shuttle STS-114 35: 10P 30 Jan 03 Logistics (Progress-M) Soyuz 36: 11P 28 Mar 03 Logistics (Progress-M1) Soyuz 37: 12A 10 Apr 03 P3/P4 Truss Shuttle STS-115 38: 6S 28 Apr 02 Taxi Flight Soyuz-TMA 2 39: 12A.1 05 Jun 03 Expedition-8 Crew/P5 Truss/ Shuttle STS-116 (Christer Fuglesang; 3 EVAs) 40: 12P 05 Jul 03 Logistics (Progress-M) Soyuz

requirements, as we believe there is a clear relationship between the number of onboard ESA-related flights for the next 12 months. astronauts and the level of utilisation.The Jun: Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), delivered to ISS by Shuttle STS-111/UF-2, European share in the Station is not big for installation in Destiny; MPLM Leonardo enough to match the size of our large research July: STS-107 with ESA payloads APCF, ARMS, Biobox, Biopack, ERISTO, FAST, community.We should therefore do everything Com2Plex we can to maintain our level of utilisation and July: 5th Student Parabolic Flight Campaign not let it dwindle into a marginal capability September: 33rd Parabolic Flight Campaign that would reflect poorly on the investments October: Foton-M1 with ESA payloads FluidPac, Stone, Biopan, SCCO, Photo II, Aquacells, Biofilter, TeleSupport, 3 student/outreach experiments, material science made by European tax-payers so far. experiments in the Russian Polizon (2x) and German Agat (2x) furnaces, biological ESA’s commercialisation plans have made a experiments (2x) in the French IBIS facility very positive step in the form of a recent October/November: Soyuz taxi flight with ESA Astronaut Frank De Winne agreement with 11 major European companies January 2003: MELFI; Pulmonary Function System, part of HRF-2 for Destiny, on to put a considerable amount of money into Shuttle STS-114/ULF-1; MPLM Raffaello supporting commercial experimentation (see February 2003: Node-2 delivery to Kennedy Space Center ‘Recent & Relevant’,p.23). During April’s ILA March 2003: Maxus-5 sounding rocket Berlin airshow, we had our first ‘constitutional’ March-April 2003: 34th Parabolic Flight Campaign meeting and the first share of funding of May 2003: Shuttle STS-116/12A.1 with ESA Astronaut Christer Fuglesang €10 million (divided equally between industry and ESA) was agreed, and we will now go ahead with selecting the first commercial projects. A noteworthy selection criterion is more flights under ESA responsibility.The first that such experiments will need to prove their is with Frank De Winne as Flight Engineer commercial viability, with a view to generating aboard the next Soyuz taxi flight in late a financial return on the investments at a later October.The mission entails a very intensive stage. programme of experiments.The Belgian The definition process of the revised Government is sponsoring the flight and ESA is Astronaut policy is underway and should soon preparing, with Belgian industry, the enter the approval process.This policy will experiments. reflect the current and projected environments The second opportunity will see Christer of our European Station elements and the Fugelsang flying on Shuttle STS-116 in May European Astronaut Centre, with the aim of our 2003. He will also take part in three spacewalks. Astronaut Corps adapting to the needs of the Of course, this is the first flight into space of a future.We are extremely pleased that, after Scandinavian. Other flight opportunities for Umberto Guidoni, Claudie Haigneré and European astronauts before the arrival of Roberto Vittori, a fourth European, Philippe Columbus are being pursued and could be Perrin, has recently flown in space, implemented in cooperation with NASA or accompanying MSG on STS-111. His flight, Rosaviakosmos.They will provide interim flight directly under the auspices of CNES/NASA, took opportunities for our astronauts to develop another European to the Station – and that is and apply their skills for ESA and Europe at on Station good! We are now looking forward to two large! ■ 3

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Laurini.qxp 07-06-2002 13:20 Page 2

cupola CCupupolaola AModule with a View

Daniele Laurini Head,Nodes/Cupola Project Office,Manned Spaceflight Programme Department, D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected]

Introduction What is the Cupola? ESA’s Cupola observation module will be The Cupola is 2.23 m in diameter, 1.54 m in permanently attached to the ISS from around height and has a mass of 1805 kg.The circular 2005. Six trapezoidal and one circular window window is 80 cm in diameter, making it the will offer the crew largest window ever flown in space. Cupola will provide the Space excellent visual coverage A crewmember can – with the simple turn of Station with a window on the of the Station’s exterior a wrist – open one of the large external Universe ... during complex assembly shutters protecting the windows.Through the and maintenance Robotics Work Station, he can then control the operations, which often require a mix of large ISS robotic arm, very much like the robotics and EVAs. In addition, directly operator of a building crane perched in his observing the Earth and other celestial scenes control cabin. At any time, he can communicate will give crews a substantial psychological by radio with the rest of the crew, either in boost during their long sojourns in space. another Station module or outside. At the end Initially, Cupola will be berthed and of the task, the window shutters are closed to commissioned at Node-1’s portside location. It protect the glass from micrometeoroids and will then be relocated to Node-3’s forward port orbital debris, to prevent the solar radiation Cupola’s Structural Test – its normal position and the best site for from heating up the Cupola or to avoid loosing Article. robotics and external viewing. heat to cold space. Each window has three main subassemblies: –a scratch pane on the pressurised side of the window to protect the pressure panes from accidental contact by the crew and any object floating in the Cupola cabin; –a pressure subassembly of two 25 mm-thick panes: the inner (primary) carries the cabin pressure load, while the outer (redundant) is exposed to vacuum on both sides via features built into the supporting frame.The outer pane takes the load if the inner one is damaged; –a debris pane on the outside to protect the pressure panes from micrometeoroids and debris when the Cupola shutters are open.

on Station The entire window or the individual scratch and debris subassemblies can be replaced in space.To replace an entire window, an EVA astronaut first fits an external pressure cover over the window. 4

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Laurini.qxp 07-06-2002 13:20 Page 3

The Development Programme The Cupola is part of a Barter arrangement between ESA and NASA, under which ESA is developing the Cupola in exchange for NASA launching and returning five ESA external Station payloads. Alenia Spazio,Torino (I) has been leading a consortium of six European companies since 1999 to develop the system. TheCritical Design Review in October 2001 allowed the manufacture of the Flight Unit to begin after completion of most of the The Structural Test Article qualification activities at the system and undergoing the modal survey. equipment levels. Most of the Cupola design, integration and Tests performed are: test challenges centre on the glass panes, –pressure tests identified pane stresses and which have an on-orbit life requirement of ensured that there is no glass-to-metal 15 years.The life of a glass pane is driven contact with both pressure panes intact or mainly by the stresses and the sizes of the either failed.These tests were completed initial flaws. Despite all efforts, it has proved successfully; impossible to manufacture defect-free glass of –a modal survey ensured that the dynamics the size used on Cupola.The achieved of the structural model used to derive the maximum flaw size is of the order 0.06 mm, but Cupola stresses were correct; that will grow with time and will eventually –vibro-acoustic test ensured that the Cupola cause the pane to fail if the stresses are too can survive the launch environment.This high. It is therefore necessary to: test has still to be performed. –minimise the stresses by mounting the glass in a stiff structure. Around the windows, Special attention has been paid to Cupola’s aluminium primary structure is human factor aspects to make sure about 50 mm thick – very high for a space that the crew can safely operate the structure; Cupola and maintain it.Two different –understand the stresses to a very high mock-ups have been developed: degree of confidence using mathematical –a mock-up of the Cupola interior to structural models correlated with test evaluate the human factors for results. habitability, connection of utilities during The single forging of the Cupola activation, relocation and Flight Unit before machining maintenance of equipment.The capability of begins. the internal crew restraint to support these operations was also checked; –a mock-up of the exterior for testing in the large Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory pool at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where EVA conditions can be simulated underwater for extended periods. Besides providing specific training for the future Cupola users, all external Cupola operations were checked to ensure that crew access and restraint are Preparing for tests in the pool adequate. at NASA Johnson.

The Structural Test Article was built with the Milestones express purpose of identifying the stresses and At the moment, the Cupola Flight Unit is under deflections in critical Cupola areas, including construction in Torino, with the integration and the glass.These test results are being used to final testing activities planned for the second fine tune the mathematical models and then half of 2002. Delivery to NASA Johnson is calculate stresses all over the Cupola and planned for March 2003.The launch date of validate the life requirements of the glass about 2005 remains uncertain because of on Station panes with their existing flaws. NASA’s budget problems. ■ 5

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Damann.qxp 07-06-2002 11:22 Page 2

health EExpxpeditionedition DDooccttorsors The Flight Surgeon Role for ISS

Filippo Castrucci, MD Flight Surgeon,Crew Medical Support Office,European Astronaut Centre,Cologne,Germany Email: [email protected]

Introduction Evidence of this resolve is the first A remarkable feature of the International Space assignment of a non-American/Russian as an Station (ISS) is the diversity of its ISS Expedition Deputy Flight Surgeon: an ESA crewmembers. Healthcare aboard the Station doctor is now serving the Expedition-5 crew, addresses that diversity scheduled to be aboard the Station from June. The unsung ISS flight surgeons through a pool of This is several years before the launch of ESA’s look after the medical interests of International Flight Columbus module, when the Agency might the crews aboard the Space Surgeons drawn from all have expected to be first called upon. Station. ESA’s Filippo Castrucci is the International Partners the first doctor outside of the US (IPs), trained, certified and The Medical Team and Russia to take that role... capable of treating the A typical ISS Expedition medical team consists medical conditions of a of a Crew Surgeon, a Deputy Crew Surgeon, IP multi-national crew, regardless of national Surgeons and Biomedical Engineers located at origins. the NASA Johnson Space Center (MCC-H) in With different cultures coming together in Houston, and at the Russian Control Centre in an ISS crew, the Flight Surgeon, as the crew Moscow (MCC-M).This team is supported by family doctor and advocate, should be discipline experts covering all medical and prepared to address the diverse individual behavioural aspects, such as acoustics, exercise, expectations. As this requirement was readily toxicology, microbiology and psychology.The apparent long ago, the ISS medical community team reports to the IP Medical Management early on committed itself to common training Team. on the cultural, methodological and medical The Crew Surgeon and Deputy Crew Expedition 5 Crew Surgeons: differences to make any pool Flight Surgeon Surgeon are chosen from the International Jeffrey A.Jones, NASA (left), eligible for the roles of ISS Expedition Crew Flight Surgeon pool.The IP Surgeons, and Filippo Castrucci, ESA. Surgeon and Deputy Crew Surgeon. representing the IPs’ crewmembers aboard, are full members of the medical team, providing further assistance on cultural and language issues with their national crewmembers. The Biomedical Engineers, coordinated by a Mission Manager, address issues that, although a medical responsibility, go beyond the physician’s role.These include interfacing and commanding medical and environmental hardware, through different types of communication links; scheduling and

on Station protecting medical and countermeasure activities; and interfacing with all control room disciplines on technical and hardware issues. After a crew is assigned to an Expedition, a medical team is assigned to it. Flight 6

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Damann.qxp 07-06-2002 11:23 Page 3

The ISS over Florida.

preparation takes place mainly at the Johnson Space Center and at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre near Moscow. While the Mission Manager, under Crew Surgeon supervision, coordinates a wide range of medically-related activities and logistics, the crew surgeons, supported by the biomedical engineers, train the crew on the ISS integrated medical systems. Extensive training on emergency and life-support procedures is given to the crewmembers designated as Crew Medical Officers (on Expedition-5, they are Peggy Whitson and Valeri Korzun ).The Crew Surgeons also monitor and support the crew Psychologist following biweekly Private The Expedition-5 crew during hazardous training, and perform pre- Psychological Conferences. training at the Johnson Space and post-flight medical and fitness evaluations Finally, discipline experts monitor ISS Center in their Shuttle Launch and Entry Suits.From left: of the crew, and oversee their rehabilitation environmental conditions and report to the Valeri Korzun, Peggy Whitson activities after the flight. surgeons the results of qualitative and and Sergei Treschev. As the Expedition crew arrives quantitative examinations of air, water aboard the ISS, the Crew Surgeon and and surfaces for chemical and Deputy Crew Surgeon, with the microbial contaminants, and the support of the IP Flight Surgeons and dosimetry on acoustics and radiation. the Biomedical Engineers, attend all At least once a week, the Expedition flight control activities in MCC-H for all medical team reports on crew status medical issues. Additional medical and Station environment to the IP support for the Station’s Russian Expedition-5 Medical Management Team.This Team segment is provided from MCC-M. mission patch. uses the information to brief the ISS Mission Management Team and the ISS Onboard Activities Program, as required. Inflight medical responsibility covers crew ISS Expeditions to date confirm that long- health, countermeasures, the quality of the term missions require ‘pacing’ operations both Station environment, and medical hardware onboard and on the ground. Healthy and software. interpersonal relationships in space The crew’s health status is monitored and in the control room are key to through periodic physical examinations – mission success. Periodic Health Status and Periodic Fitness As support personnel rotates with Evaluations, each performed every 30 days, each Expedition, a hardcore repository staggered by 2 weeks.The Crew Medical for accumulated knowledge must be Officers perform the Periodic Health Status. permanently kept in place with all the They examine each crewmember under flight International Partners, so preserving surgeon supervision, enter the obtained data in the experience, independent of the onboard Medical Equipment Computer, or individuals phasing-out or moving to call it down during a communication pass for other assignments. surgeon evaluation.The Periodic Fitness Evaluation, also performed with Crew Medical Conclusion Officers support, provides the Surgeon, the On a personal note, as the first ESA Exercise Physiologist, and Trainers (Astronaut Flight Surgeon to support an Strength Conditioning and Rehabilitation) with Expedition, I take this opportunity to feedback and an opportunity to update and acknowledge the steps being taken refine countermeasure prescriptions. by the ISS medical community Weekly (or more, if necessary) Private towards shared medical responsibility Medical Conferences on a 2-way voice and among the International Partners. video link allow the crew to discuss medical As you read this, Expedition-5 should already The Expedition-5 crew in the matters with the Crew Surgeon, who also be aboard the Station, and I will be working in Zarya mockup at the Gagarin receives valuable insight into the crew’s morale MCC-H. I hope to report back on my experience Cosmonaut Training Centre. (All photos NASA) on Station and psychological status from the Expedition at the conclusion of this exciting mission. ■ 7

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Koenig.qxp 07-06-2002 13:18 Page 2

edr EEururopopeanean DDrraawwerer RRackack ESA’s ISS Accommodation for Small Payloads

Peter Behrmann EDR Project Manager,Space Station Utilisation Division,Dept.of Microgravity and Space Station Utilisation, D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected]

Introduction The EDR Design Concept There is a growing need The EDR is housed in a Japanese ISPR and in the scientific receives standard utilities from Columbus. community to develop Asecondary structure has been added to allow small, dedicated the insertion of seven experiment The European Drawer payload elements equipment Rack (EDR) is an ideal solution for (ECMs: for space accommodating small payloads in Experiment research. the Columbus module ... Container Costs must Modules). Four are ISS be reduced and lockers (payload volume 57 litres, payload mass development times 28 kg), mechanically compatible with the shortened. In the past, a mid-deck locker standard for delivery by the large number of small Shuttle.The others are drawers (payload microgravity volume 72 litres, payload mass 39.5 kg) experiments were following the International Subrack Interface accommodated in the Standard (ISIS). Shuttle’s mid-deck, and In addition to distributing Columbus in GetAway Special resources to the ECMs, the EDR provides canisters in the cargo services such as cooling air and conversion of bay. For the the 120 V Columbus power standard to 28 V. International The EDR central computer (PCCU: Process Space Station Control and Command Unit) communicates (ISS), however, with Columbus via a 1553 bus and Ethernet experiment link, and with the payloads via an Ethernet hardware generally has to be network. Alternatively, payloads may use RS422 EDR,shown with the PCDF housed in the large International Standard serial interfaces. For ISIS drawers, the and FAST payloads Payload Racks (ISPRs), which are too communication interface is provide by self- integrated.(ESA/D. Ducros) cumbersome for small payloads. ESA’s solution mating connectors at the back of each drawer. is the European Drawer Rack, which provides For ISS lockers, the data connection is on the an infrastructure that allows the direct Utility Distribution Panel (UDP) and has to be integration of small payloads, and optimises accessed by jumper cables. In addition, the the distribution of utilities and resources to PCCU can acquire a limited number of direct them. sensor signals from payloads. EDR will be launched with the Columbus The EDR Power Distribution Unit (PDU)

on Station module, currently baselined for October 2004. delivers both 120 V and 28 V to ISIS drawers. In The allocated launch mass is 500 kg, so only a addition, there are five 28 V power outlets on few experiment facilities will be integrated the UDP for use by the ISS lockers and the EDR initially. Aboard the Station, the whole unit can laptop computer. total about 650 kg. Video images and high data rate streams 8

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payloads and initiate corrective action (e.g. EDR principal elements. power-off).The PCCU does not provide Acronyms are explained in the resource management and control within text, except for RPDA (Remote Power Distribution Assembly). payloads, which must be performed by the AAA and RPDA were payload’s own processors. developed as part of ESA’s The EDR data management system supports Standard Payload Outfitting all modes of payload operation, ranging from Equipment (SPOE) and are fully automatic to step-by-step control by an already flying on the Space astronaut. However, in view of the limited crew Station in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (see time and data uplinking, users are advised to On Station 8,March 2002, operate their payloads in autonomous mode as pp.12-14). much as possible.The EDR supports telescience operations by channelling command packages generated on the ground (e.g. by the User Home Base) to the individual payloads.This is a pure data-transfer service and does not include any command validation or limit check on EDR resources – the user is responsible for generated by EDR payloads are handled by the validating the commands. EDR Video Management Unit (VMU). In addition to channelling such data to the Integration Planning for EDR Payloads Columbus High Rate Data Link, the VMU can At present, the EDR project team at ESTEC is also compress video data and temporarily store the point of contact for any technical up to 72 Gbytes. information on EDR, payload interfaces and Air cooling to each ECM is provided by the resource availability. An EDR Payload Avionics Air Assembly (AAA). Users will have to Accommodation Handbook and calibrate the air throughput for their ECMs Interface Requirements according to their individual needs. In addition, Document will be available in there are two sets of water-cooling interfaces the near future, providing a on the UDP for payloads with large or very host of detailed technical stringent cooling requirements to access the information. Columbus water cooling loop. Similarly, the A contractor will be selected EDR provides payload access to the Columbus this summer for integrating EDR vacuum, venting and nitrogen gas resources and its initial payloads into the launch The EDR drawer. via UDP quick disconnects. configuration.The first payload is already being developed: the Protein Crystallisation Payload Operations in EDR Diagnostics Facility (PCDF).The Facility for The EDR operating concept assumes that Adsorption and Surface Tension research payloads are intelligent and largely (FAST) is a candidate for the EDR launch. Other autonomous.The PCCU payloads can still distributes ISS data (e.g. be considered, loss-of-signal, GPS, ISS provided that the time) to payloads and flight equipment routes payload data to can be made ground and the EDR available by mid- laptop. For each 2003 for payload, a set of integration into essential health and the EDR. status data has to be For more agreed, which is information on the monitored by the EDR scientific selection The ISS locker. and forwarded by the PCCU to Columbus for process for EDR payloads, high-level control purposes. users should contact the ISS Utilisation and The PCCU operates an EDR-level timeline, Microgravity Promotion Division (MSM-GA) at monitoring resource consumption at EDR level. ESTEC: Olivier Minster, tel +31 71 565-4764, on Station It will detect resource violations by individual [email protected] ■ 9

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Heppener.qxp 07-06-2002 11:51 Page 2

elips ELIPSELIPS ESA’s New Programme for Life and Physical Sciences Research on the ISS

Marc Heppener ISS Utilisation and Microgravity Promotion Division,D/MSM, ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected]

Introduction both in number and in quality as numerous ‘newcomers’,attracted by ELIPS, the European Programme for measured by the ‘impact factor’.These the high quality and innovative Life and Physical Sciences and findings are confirmed by more recent character of the experiments Applications utilising the International national surveys in several European performed in space.The database of Space Station (ISS), provides the countries. In the last few years, papers interested scientists and industrial platform for regaining Europe’s pole on space experiments have surpassed users now encompasses almost position lost at the ESA Ministerial the average impact factor for the 12 000 people in Europe. Council in 1999.The Ministerial respective disciplines. Important Since 1998, almost 800 proposals Council in 2001 results are reported in have been received, of which 256 have endorsed the ELIPS ESA’s programme plan areas such as been rated Outstanding or (Highly) user-driven for fundamental and applied cardiovascular Recommended by the peers. In total, approach and research in space ... research, more than 1100 scientists are approved funding of neurosciences, bone participating in these proposals €170 million for 2002-2006. and muscle research, plasma directly, and several hundreds more Although lower than requested, it is physics, thermophysical properties of indirectly (Fig. 1). Several non-ESA significantly more than approved in liquid metals, and astro/exobiology. members are included, notably the US, 1999 for the EMIR-2 Extension.The Experiments are selected by Russia and Japan, plus several from positive scientific results in the independent, international peer eastern Europe (Hungary, Bulgaria, coming years should continue this reviews using the most stringent, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland and upward trend. internationally-accepted procedures Romania).This demonstrates the With ELIPS, Europe will consolidate and criteria. Research efforts are global character of the research and expand its competitiveness in strongly focused and performed by community. such areas as health research, teams of specialists from all over innovative materials and processes, Europe. Applied Research and biotechnology.The European As a result, it is not surprising that As directed by the 1995 Ministerial Commission has underlined its the scientific community in the past Council, ESA has actively pursued interest in using the ISS for developing few years has expanded to include applied research on the ISS.Topical applications for use on Earth. Teams have brought together researchers from academia and Scientific Excellence industry to develop innovative Over the past two decades, schemes for experiments in space. In space-based research in life and response to specific Announcements physical sciences has matured. of Opportunity, some 150 proposals The number of papers in for applied research have been international, peer-reviewed received, of which the peers have

on Station journals, has almost doubled, recommended 44 (Fig. 2). All are run by transnational teams of academic Fig. 1.Distribution of the 1077 scientists and industrial researchers. In total, 116 involved in the approved projects that form the European companies are involved, scientific and industrial basis of ELIPS. including very large multinationals 10

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Heppener.qxp 07-06-2002 11:51 Page 3

Fig. 2.The topics addressed in the current set of 44 application-oriented research projects.In total, Fig. 3.The distribution of the financial contributions towards the costs of 116 European (non-space) industries are participating in these projects. the application-oriented projects.The industries and research institutes each contribute almost a third of the total project costs.

and a large number of start-up the objectives of the Framework will help to improve the efficiency and companies and small- and medium- Programmes of the European Union. environmental impact of engines and sized enterprises (SMEs).These power plants.The development of life- industrial partners contribute their Exploring Nature The weightless and support systems for spacecraft will own funding. ESA, industries and radiation conditions in space will lead to technologies on Earth for academic institutions each participate produce findings in fundamental life waste treatment, rapid detection of at about the same funding level and physical sciences that can change micro-organisms and food production. (Fig. 3) – prime evidence of the our understanding of Nature. In partners’ high expectations. addition, research will prepare for Focusing on these objectives, 14 This innovative approach, which human planetary missions, which are specific research cornerstones have has led to ESA’s first true Public expected to be a major endeavour of been identified as the priority research Private Partnerships, is a backbone of the 21st century. topics for life and physical sciences in the ELIPS programme in pursuing space for the next five years. From terrestrial applications from space Improving Health Human physiology these cornerstones, the requirements research.When the first results of experiments using astronauts aboard for experiment hardware, preparatory these projects on the ISS become the ISS will help to solve health activities and flight opportunities have available, it can be expected that problems on Earth that result from been deduced.These requirements, in some of the participating industries ageing, disease and disability, such as turn, determine the contents of ELIPS. will be interested in follow-on osteoporosis or cardiovascular ELIPS is an envelope programme, research.This will be the basis for fully problems.The focus will be on lasting the lifetime of the Station itself. commercial industrial R&D projects on understanding the underlying The first phase covers 2002-2006: the ISS. physiological processes, testing drugs and countermeasures, and developing –general activities; Strategy and Implementation advanced, tele-operated, diagnostic –preparatory and supporting ELIPS is built on the demands of the techniques. activities; scientific and industrial user –support to application-oriented community. During the year up to Innovating Technologies and projects; mid-2001, these requirements were Processes Studies in material sciences –hardware development; examined and categorised in a and fluid physics mostly concern the –flight costs. process that involved almost 100 liquid state of matter, where European scientists and a dedicated properties can sometimes be masked ESA intends to award 50% or more workshop organised by the European by gravity-induced effects.The results of the hardware development – the Science Foundation (ESF).The are often important for modelling and largest financial element – to SMEs. outcome was the comprehensive understanding processes in the The current programmes show it to be European Research Plan for Life and (petro)chemical, biotechnology and a realistic target. ELIPS will thus Physical Sciences and Applications in metallurgical industries, as well as for contribute to increasing the Space,endorsed by the ESF standing developing new technologies and competitiveness of European industry. committees and Executive Board. materials. ELIPS will ensure optimum use of The plan identifies four science and the International Space Station and application objectives emerging from Caring for the Environment justify past European investments by the user consultation; they are Combustion experiments in space generating valuable results for described in the following sections. reveal details of the burning process science, industry and European on Station They have a strong commonality with that cannot be obtained on Earth, and citizens in general. ■ 11

on Station no. 9, june 2002 EarthKam.qxp 07-06-2002 11:24 Page 2

education CClassrlassrooomom inin SSpacpacee Schools Looking at the Earth from Space Station

Graham T.Biddis On Station Contributing Writer

Introduction The EarthKAM project uses a camera mounted in Destiny’s laboratory window for school students to conduct research from the International Space Station as it orbits 360 km above the Earth. Funded EarthKAM uses a digital camera by NASA, EarthKAM is aboard the ISS for students to operated by the University take stunning photographs of of California, San Diego, the Earth ... and NASA field centres. After the STS-98 crew set it up in February 2001, Station crews have not needed to be involved during normal operations. It will remain aboard for several missions. The east coast of Italy viewed Images are taken by remote operation from by EarthKAM. the ground. After the students select the targets, their requests are collected and compiled into a ‘Camera Control File’ at the was clear that participation could be extremely University.This is uplinked to a Station fruitful. It was suggested that students in the computer which then activates the camera at 14-year+ age group (8th grade) could compare specified times, before transferring the images two countries at opposite latitudes – India and to the camera’s hard disk.This card stores up to Australia were ultimately chosen – to see what 81 images awaiting the downlink. After about differences are visible from space.The question an hour and depending upon the links, the was whether there are geographical reasons EarthKAM team posts the images for easy Web why one country is a developing country while access by participating schools. the other is a high-technology/well-developed country. Images were selected by the teachers European Involvement and pupils together and the objective set to The Maria-Sibylla-Merian Gymnasium, in the look more closely at the coastlines and German town of Telgte, North Rhine Westfalen, mountain formations. became involved through Astronaut Gerhard Following the successful application, Thiele, who flew with EarthKAM on his STS-99 preparations for the first shooting opportunity Shuttle mission. Physics teacher Brigitte got underway with the ordering of India and Schneider applied through the EarthKAM web Australia pictures. A second goal was to acquire site in 1999 for the school to participate. As pictures over the school’s area in Telgte and

on Station part of that application, the school undertook Münsterland, with the specific aim of tracing to use the pictures for only educational the local River Ems from its source to the North purposes, and described how they would be Sea.The students showed even more used.The school’s Geography department was enthusiasm in this objective because it brought in and, after further brainstorming, it involved their home area. However, the 12

on Station no. 9, june 2002 EarthKam.qxp 07-06-2002 11:24 Page 3

weather did not play ball during the planned moment is opportunity so only cloud pictures were that the received. ordered There is no charge for using EarthKAM, but images participating schools must submit a report (40-50) after each opportunity. Regular contact is made are not with the EarthKAM Help Desk, which not only separated supports schools in preparing its picture ‘order’ by user but but also checks if the whole process is working all bunched and that student interest is being maintained. up together During image acquisition, confirmation is – around made to the project, to let them know that the 800 in all. school is actively participating. All contact is This means made through emails, with an occasional that a lot of telephone call for real-time brainstorming.The time is spent school finds that the Help Desk response is in looking at each image and working out if it EarthKAM captures the good, with an email sent in the afternoon or belongs to the school or not. EarthKAM is busy Caribbean. evening from Europe getting a response early working to improve the system to allow users next morning. direct access to their own images. In the first EarthKAM session during 2000 with STS-99, a The Process library system allowed each school to access its The school found that the process for receiving own pictures through its own unique images is relatively simple. Following codeword. acceptance into the project, NASA mailed two The identical Mercator world maps with two orbit acquisition overlays.The ordering process was performed of images online to the EarthKAM site using an assigned from username and password. Once online, the orbit EarthKAM track for EarthKAM operations is presented has taken along with some basic camera details typically (orientation from nadir). At this point, it is between 2-3 relatively easy to see whether EarthKAM is in days and day or night.This is useful because the regular 1week.The 45-minute ‘day’ or ‘night’ matches the typical school team 45-minute lesson. frequently From this knowledge, the targets of works into opportunity are assessed for each orbit and, the late based on the NASA maps and overlays, the evening latitude and longitude are entered into the searching for and downloading their images. EarthKAM:Germany,France order form.The order software checks if it is Students continue to compare city sizes and and Luxembourg. possible with the Station/EarthKAM ground the surrounding landscapes in the track to get good viewing conditions. If not, the India/Australia pictures. order software tells the user so, and the pupils There has been interest from the local press can select another target. EarthKAM informs and radio station, and the school has featured the school some 2-3 weeks in advance which in a short TV spot.The school would like to orbits are available for its particular develop joint objectives and observations with observations. If the school’s target is not other European schools (contact covered within the assigned orbits, then the [email protected] for further information). opportunity is not taken up to take pictures. In the US, EarthKAM users have regular contact In the latest EarthKAM session, in February via an online forum and even a meeting in 2002, the school’s goal was to look at the River Hawaii. ■ Rhine from its source in Lake Constance to its outlet to the North Sea. Unfortunately, only a night pass was available over the Rhine, so For information on EarthKAM: other observations were ordered. http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu on Station One of the school’s biggest problems at the 13

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Clancy.qxp 07-06-2002 11:21 Page 2

exobiology LifLifee inin SSpacpacee ESA Life Sciences, Exobiology and the Search for Life

Paul Clancy Programme Coordinator,Life & Physical Sciences,Space Station Utilisation and Microgravity Promotion Division, D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected]

Introduction relatively free from wind-blown sand are ESA’s life sciences activities cover every aspect prime targets; of space life sciences, including biology, – samples must be taken in several locations, physiology, biotechnology, free from surface oxidation. A rover is ESA is participating in the search biomedical applications, needed, with a drill to reach well into the soil for life beyond Earth ... biological life-support and surface rocks, and a system to prepare systems, exobiology, the samples for analysis; animal research and access to ground facilities. –integrated measurements must be They have included exobiology research since performed on the site and samples. An 1992, when the Exobiology and Radiation exobiology package should carry: a Assembly (ERA) flew on the Eureca mission. microscope for general examination of the This approach continues with the Biopan samples at a resolution of 3 µm (plus a close- facility on the Russian Foton missions. Four up camera with 50 µm resolution); an missions flew in 1992, 1994, 1997 and 1999, and infrared Raman spectroscope for identifying the next is planned for October. In addition, mineral and organic molecules, with near-IR EXPOSE will be installed from about 2005 on excitation for biological and geochemical the external payload site of Columbus aboard studies; an alpha-proton-X-ray spectrometer the International Space Station, mounted on a for identifying chemical elements; a device to point the experiments towards the Mossbauer spectrometer for measuring iron Sun.These facilities are helping to understand composition and oxidation states; a pyrolitic the survivability and damage/repair gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer mechanisms of organics, microorganisms and for isotopic, elemental, organic and invertebrates in space conditions. inorganic molecular composition, and chirality measurements; sensors for ESA Exobiology Science Team Study hydrogen peroxide and other oxidants. As a logical progression from exobiology research in low Earth orbit, an Exobiology Two parallel studies on the Exobiology Science Team was created to survey current Package were then carried out by Kayser- research in exobiology and then formulate Threde (D) and Officine Galileo (I). A 15-month recommendations for a future search for life in Phase-A/B study will begin in mid-2002. the Solar System. (The full findings are Recently, ESA commissioned a study by the published in ESA SP-1231.) Babakin Space Centre (BSC) to see if Russia The main recommendation was that Mars could provide a low-cost mission to deploy the should be ESA’s prime target.Three Exobiology Package. Also considered was Top of page: Frost around the fundamental requirements were identified for cooperation in view of the Russian experience

on Station Viking-2 lander, May 1979. a search for life on Mars: in inflatable reentry and Mars rover Water and life are technologies.The main findings were that the inextricably linked,so any search-for-life strategy must –the landing site must have high exobiology mission is feasible with Russian technologies, involve a search for water, potential.That has not been the case so far. using the Soyuz-FG or Dnepr rockets, that the either past or present.(NASA) Sites with sedimentary deposits and Exobiology Package could be accommodated 14

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Clancy.qxp 07-06-2002 11:21 Page 3

on a 120 kg rover, and that the Inflatable Meteorites and Micrometeorites imported Braking Device could be used.The study major amounts of extraterrestrial organic focused on missions in the 2007 and 2009 Mars material to the Earth – perhaps 1017 kg of launch windows. In early 2002, ESA’s carbon over the 300 million years of the late Concurrent Design Facility confirmed the bombardment phase. Improved collection of technical feasibility, although the 2009 slot is micrometeorites by the Space Station and more realistic. Further studies are planned. other vehicles is needed to allow unambiguous analysis of the organic components. Exobiology Virtual Institute Organic Molecules are potential building As part of a virtual campus to support users of blocks of pre-biological materials, but they may Space Station and other facilities, ESA is setting suffer degradation and racemisation in space. up an Exobiology Virtual Institute. It will The effects of space conditions on organics provide a website (address not yet available) such as amino acids, sugars, lipids and nucleic and support the recently inaugurated acid bases must be studied.They may be European Exo/Astrobiology Network protected by Association (EANA), an independent network of associating with exobiology scientists in Europe. mineral dust particles found in micro- Future Activity meteorites and comets. For the longer term, the Exobiology Science Similar studies are also Team highlighted other areas: needed on polycyclic Europa and other bodies possibly having aromatic hydrocarbons subsurface water and internal heat sources are (PAHs). Experiments of candidates for both extant and extinct life. this type require access Titan has an atmosphere of nitrogen and to the external environ- methane, together with a great number of ment of a space station trace hydrocarbons, nitriles and oxygen or other vehicle with compounds. Surface deposits of hydrocarbons dedicated facilities. have been predicted, although water ice is now Microorganisms considered to be dominant. Interest lies in the subjected to the space study of fundamental physical and chemical environment, especially the UV radiation and Europa: this moon of Jupiter interactions driving planetary organic heavy-particle radiation flux, tend to be is covered by ice.The youngest chemistry, and in the possible development of damaged progressively and die. However, visible features are domes that are probably viscous a life system in the absence of liquid water but certain types can survive in space for long cryovolcanic flows or sites of with other liquids. periods , especially if they are protected inside shallow intrusion.Either Meteorites are samples of solar debris and of meteorites. Continuing space experiments will explanation makes them the material ejected from bodies such as Mars improve our understanding of the underlying good sites to search for life. and the Moon. Martian meteorites are being damage processes, the survivability of a range (NASA) closely studied for evidence of extinct life. A of organisms, and the possibility of life being sample of martian sedimentary material would spread around the Solar System by meteorites. be a major breakthrough, likely to yield Laboratory Simulations can provide important information about life on Mars. valuable information on the organic chemistry Comets were probably an important source processes in comets, on interstellar grains and of organics for the primitive Earth and other in meteorites. Simulation of planetary planetary bodies. environments and the study of their effects on microorganisms have both fundamental and practical value. Laboratory Studies will continue to provide the essential fundamental experiments in the search to understand the earliest steps in the emergence of life. In conjunction with field experiments, they will make important contributions to the knowledge of how life develops and survives under extreme conditions, including deep subterranean life, and its application to the

Biopan open and showing on Station search for life elsewhere in the Solar System. ■ the sample exposure units. 15

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Sanz.qxp 07-06-2002 13:23 Page 2

atv TThehe AATTVV TTestest PPlalatftforormsms

José María Gallego Sanz & Wim van Leeuwen Ground Segment Implementation Section (MSM-EOG),Operations Management Division,Exploitation Programme Preparation Dept., D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected] & [email protected]

Introduction Three SVFs for FAS and one for MSU Test platforms will play an important role in software are being developed.They will be ATV’s system integration, testing and sited at the Prime Contractor premises in Les qualification during development, the launch Mureaux (F), where EADS-LV is in charge of the campaigns in Kourou and mission operations. overall FAS and MSU software development. This includes qualification An extensive test programme is of the overall ATV system, Functional Simulation Facility planned to prepare ESA’s covering the spacecraft, The FSF will fully represent ATV’s avionics, Automated Transfer vehicle (ATV) ground segment and the combining the engineering and flight models. for its debut in 2004 ... ISS, and in particular the It will simulate the behaviour of onboard interfaces between the equipment during all flight phases, and it will vehicle and other systems. allow switching between software and The families of ATV Test Platforms include: hardware models.The FSF will also be at –Software Validation Facilities (SVFs); EADS-LV in Les Mureaux, close to the building –Functional Simulation Facility (FSF); hosting the Ariane-5 simulators. –Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE); –Interface Validation Facilities (IVFs). Interface Verification Facilities The IVFs will qualify the interfaces between the Software Validation Facilities ATV and ISS. One IVF in Moscow will perform The highly demanding mission profile and Bilateral Integration & Verification Tests in tight development schedule means that the combination with the ISS Service Module software is a critical part of the ATV Simulator at the RSC-Energia premises. programme. Hence the need for several SVFs Asecond IVF will be used with the European with multiple teams working in parallel on the Proximity Operations Simulator (EPOS) at DLR staggered versions of the Flight Application in Oberpfaffenhofen (D) for verifying Software (FAS) and the Monitoring and Safety equipment and software involved in the last Unit (MSU) software. MSU software is at the few metres before docking, including the highest level of software criticality – its failure Rendezvous and Docking Sensors. would be catastrophic for the mission. It is responsible for the Collision Avoidance Electrical Ground Support Equipment Manoeuvre The EGSE will be used to qualify all the ATV (preventing spacecraft (Astrium GmbH, Bremen) and check collision with them out during the launch campaigns the ISS) and (Kourou).The first ATV qualification will be will take care done at ESTEC. of the ATV in

on Station Survival Generic Design Mode, when The Test Platforms are designed for ATV’s electrical development phase but will continue to be power is at a used for the production phase.They derive minimum. from the unique Generic Test Platform concept, 16

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Sanz.qxp 07-06-2002 13:23 Page 3

Overview of the ATV test DLR: Deutschen Zentrum für FTC: Fault-Tolerant Computer RS: Russian Segment facilities and simulators. Luft- und Raumfahrt GNC: Guidance, Navigation & RSC-E: Rocket and Space Acronyms for the figure and EADS-LV: European Aeronautic Control Corporation Energia article are: Defence and Space Company GPS: Global Positioning System SMAS: Service Module Avionics ACT: ATV Crew Trainer – Launch Vehicles GSDE: Ground Software Simulator AGCS: ATV Ground Control EDB: Engineering Database Development Environment SPT: Synchronous Packet Simulator EGSE: Electrical Ground Support ISS: International Space Station Transfer ATV: Automated Transfer Equipment ISVF: Independent Software SSDE: Simulation Software Vehicle EPOS: European Proximity Verification Facility Development Environment ATV-CC: ATV Control Centre Operations Simulator IVF: Interface Verification Facility SVF: Software Verification AVS: Algorithm Validation EPS: Electric Power System MSU: Monitoring and Safety Facility Simulators FAS: Flight Application Software Unit TDRSS:Tracking and Data Relay CCSDS: Consultative Committee FEE: Front-End Equipment PCE: Proximity Communication Satellite System for Space Data Systems FSDE: Flight Software Equipment VDM: Videometer CGS: Columbus Ground System Development Environment PCI: Peripheral Component VDS: Vehicle Definition System COTS: commercial of the shelf FSF: Functional Simulation Interconnect VME: Versatile Module Eurocard Facility RF: radio frequency

consisting of: Database; Simulator; Test real-time models of those elements not Supervisor; Front-End Equipment (FEE) physically present during the test. It also allows interfacing with the product under test. the simulation of errors.

Databases Test Supervisor The heart of each platform is the ATV Mission The pool of computers, workstations and Database. Copies are installed at the different printers devoted to providing a man-machine test locations from the Master Mission interface to the test operator is the Test Database, which describes the flight and test Supervisor. It also hosts the Mission Database equipment.The MDB concept relies on Astrium and runs the automatic procedures controlling GmbH’s Columbus Ground System (CGS), and the test sequence.The Test Supervisor software ensures full Configuration Control not only for is based on the latest version of CGS with the platforms but also for the tests themselves. Oracle 8 as the database manager. The Test Results Database stores all the data produced during a test session for later analysis Front-End Equipment and replay. There is a set of front-ends in charge of the direct interaction with the product under test. Simulator All of them interface with the Test Supervisor Apart from the EGSE, all the test facilities have a via a LAN connection. However, their interface Simulator. Based on a Silicon Graphics quad- with the Simulator depends on their particular processor computer running Fokker Space’s nature, and the most time-critical ones (GNC, on Station Eurosim simulation kernel, the Simulator runs power drive, rendezvous) use Reflective 17

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atv

Memory.There are different versions –Sun Sensor Optical FEE providing dynamic depending on the test facility; the most or optical stimulation; important ones are described below. –Dry Tuned Gyroscope FEE providing electrical stimulation; MIL-1553B FEE –Accelerometer FEE providing electrical and The MILFEE is in charged of managing the mechanical stimulation. onboard busses, whether internal or linking to the ISS. It can perform as Bus Controller, as a They interface the simulator via Reflective Remote Terminal or simply spy on the data Memory. In particular, the GPS FEE will be used traffic. Its architecture is VME-based and for testing the ATV GPS receiver and also when interfaces the simulator through a VME-to-PCI the ISS GPS receiver is present during bridge. It can also inject errors at different simulations of the ATV-ISS relative GPS levels: MILBUS, SPT or CCSDS protocols. navigation capability.

Electric Power System (EPS) FEE Rendezvous FEE The EPS FEE takes care of all electrical power Consists of the : matters, including: –telegoniometer FEE providing electrical –providing power to the ATV via the ground stimulation and optical/static/dynamic interface or the ISS; stimulation; –simulating the ATV Power Control and –videometer FEE, providing electrical and Distribution Units; optical simulation. –simulating the ATV electric loads.This function requires a Reflective Memory The telegoniometers provide ATV-ISS range interface with the simulator; and ATV line-of-sight during the final approach –simulating both the ATV rechargeable and of the rendezvous phase from 500 m to 50 m. non-rechargeable batteries; The videometers provide ATV-ISS range, ATV –simulating the ATV solar arrays; line-of-sight and relative attitude during the –trickle-charging the batteries of the ATV final approach from 50 m to docking. flight model. User Interface Simulator FEE Fault-Tolerant Computer (FTC) FEE This FEE provides an analogue/digital The FTC FEE allows the analysis of monitoring and stimulating interface with the communication between the different layers flight equipment. It simulates and acquires of the ATV main computer. It also allows signals on all types of hard-wired ATV analysis and interaction with the software equipment interfaces, both internal to the ATV under test by using Aonix commercial-off-the- and those between ATV and ISS. It includes shelf tools. electrical stimulation of the MSU, simulating the Sun Sensor when absent. Telemetry/Telecommand & RF FEE The Telemetry and Telecommand FEE provides Service Module Avionics Simulator FEE the digital signal processing, monitoring and The SMAS acts as the FEE for the ATV Russian control functions required to process the ATV System. It will be provided by RSC-Energia to commands and telemetry. It also provides a simulate ISS power- and data-busses as well as set of non-modulated interfaces to the the wired interface with the Russian spacecraft.The Radio Frequency FEE allows equipment control, docking and propellant the verification of the ATV radio link using systems that are integrated within the ATV. Spread Spectrum Technology both for the Proximity Link (ATV-ISS) and for the NASA Conclusion TDRSS link. The ATV Test Facilities are a complete and coherent set of tools devoted to qualifying the Guidance, Navigation and Control FEE ATV system, equipment and interfaces.

on Station Consists of the: Developments from previous ESA programmes –Global Positioning System (GPS) FEE have been used in their design.Their common providing electrical stimulation; architecture is allowing incremental –Star Tracker FEE providing optical construction and great synergy between them, stimulation; thereby simplifying the test logic. ■ 18

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Biddis1.qxp 07-06-2002 11:19 Page 1

RResearesearchch inin DDestinestinyy

Graham T.Biddis On Station Contributing Writer

Introduction computer control and passive and low- Carl Walz observing the Earth The ISS Expedition-4 crew of Yuri Onufrienko, temperature stowage.This cell culture from Destiny’s large window. Carl Waltz and Dan Bursch began their research system is an interim platform for cell aboard the Station’s Destiny laboratory on research until the Biotechnology Facility is 5December 2001 and ended in early June delivered. 2002. Destiny’s payload configuration is shown overpage and described below. ER-2 is hosting: Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS) actively Rack Payloads damps out vibrations.The Express Rack #1 (ER-1) is hosting: ARIS ISS Characterization During their occupation of the Microgravity Acceleration Measurements Experiment (ARIS-ICE) Space Station from December 2001 System (MAMS) and Space Acceleration is testing its to June 2002, the Expedition-4 crew Measurement System II (SAMS-RTS) Remote performance. performed a wide range of Triaxial sensors 1 & 2 to characterise the Physics of Colloids in Space investigations ... Station’s microgravity environment. (EXPPCS) is investigating the colloidal Biotechnology Cell Science Stowage Resupply properties of common materials, including (BCSS-R) supports biological cell culture food, paints and coatings. A laser illuminates a research. Sub-rack modules provide semi- melted sample for a pair of colour cameras to automated bioreactors, gas supplies, record images at two magnifications of the arrangements of individual particles as well as the larger structures. Zeolite Crystal Growth Furnace Units 1 & 2 contain a multi-zone furnace for processing multiple samples of zeolite crystals and other smart materials. ZCG-S1/2 (still to be uploaded) will carry the sample solutions in cylindrical,Teflon-lined, triple contained aluminium or titanium autoclaves.

ER-4 hosts: Biotechnology Specimen Temperature Controller (BSTC), part of the BCSS, can house 32 tissue culture modules at a carefully controlled 36°C. The Gas Service Module (GSM) and Biotechnology Refrigerator (BTR) support the BCSS. The Commercial Protein Crystal Growth-High Density (CPCG-H1) locker is on its second trip to ISS. It can carry up to 1000 different samples of proteins and other compounds, on Station to grow samples of greater quality. Express Rack-4 inDestiny. 19

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research

The rack layout of Destiny Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus to study the physiological, behavioural and from April 2002 until the end (CGBA3) characterises the effects of long- chemical changes in humans caused by of Expedition-4 in early June. term exposure to weightlessness on spaceflight.The Gas Analyzer System for The empty ER-3 and ESA’s fermentation, used in the production of Metabolic Analysis Physiology (GASMAP) Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) are planned antibiotics.This experiment is examining analyses metabolic function, cardiac output, to be added in June by bacterial growth processes used to produce lung diffusing capacity, lung volume, STS-111/UF-2.Acronyms not actinomycin D, a class of antibiotics used to pulmonary function and nitrogen washout. explained in the text: ARS: Air treat certain types of cancer. The Ultrasound Imaging System (Ultrasound) Revitalization System; CHeCS: Advanced Thermoelectric Refrigerator/ provides enlarged 3D images of the heart and Crew Health Check System. DDCU: DC-DC Converter Unit; Freezer (ARTIC1) replaced the Ku-REC: Ku-band Receiver; Biotechnology Refrigerator to freeze MSS: Mobile Servicing biological samples. System; TCS:Thermal Control Two Biomass Production System (BPS) lockers System; TESS:Temporary contain the PESTO (Photosynthesis Sleep Station; ZSR: Zero- Gravity Stowage Rack. Experiment and System Testing and Operation) engineering development unit for a future Station plant habitat. PESTO will study and determine whether plants photosynthesise and transpire as on Earth. Biotechnology Refrigerator (BTR) remains in ER-4 awaiting return to ground for examination. Space Acceleration Measurement System II (SAMS-ICU) Interim Control Unit, previously

on Station in an ER-1 drawer.

Destiny is already a busy research facility.Looking ER-5 does not yet have any payloads. forward, with the window area at bottom. The Human Research Facility (HRF-1) is used 20

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Columbus: Payload Configuration

other organs, muscles and blood vessels.The Pulmonary Function in Flight (PuFF) unit is researching changes in lung anatomy and performance caused by spacewalks or microgravity.The focus is on measuring changes in the evenness of gas exchange in the lungs, and on detecting changes in respiratory muscle strength. Each PuFF session includes five lung function tests.

Deployed Payloads Interactions for studying crew and crew- ground team relationships during long-term space missions. The crew fills out a laptop questionnaire of their interactions with each other and ground controllers. Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM) uses a digital camera to enable thousands of students to photograph and examine Earth from an astronaut’s ESA’s Columbus laboratory module is still scheduled for launch in October 2004 aboard the Space perspective.Via the Internet, they control the Shuttle.The baseline layout of the Columbus facilities for launch are shown below,and for orbital camera and post the photographs for public operations above.Shuttle centre-of-gravity considerations require that only the overhead and deck viewing. See the accompanying article rows are occupied for launch; each rack has a launch limitation of 500 kg.The three remaining ‘Classroom in Space’ in this issue. operational positions will be occupied by ER-2, ER-5 and MSG (all transferred from Destiny,as will HRF Extravehicular Activity Radiation Monitor be ER-1 and HRF-1).ER-1/2/4/5 and HRF-1 are already aboard Destiny. EDR: European Drawer Rack (ESA); EPM: European Physiology Modules (ESA); ER: Express Rack (EVARM) is a radiation dosimeter badge (NASA); ETC: European Transport Carrier (ESA); FSL: Fluid Science Lab (ESA); HRF: Human Research reader, with 12 (four sets of three) small Facility (NASA); ZSR: Zero-Gravity Stowage Rack (NASA) dosimeter badges, each uniquely identified. A set is placed in an EVA suit to measure radiation levels at different body locations. HRF Hoffman Reflex (H-Reflex) measures the effects of weightlessness on spinal cord excitability. Surface electrodes are applied to the soleus muscle in the sitting position, with the knee at 120° and the foot at 90°.The stimulating electrode (part of the knee brace) is applied behind the knee to stimulate the posterior tibial nerve. HRF Urine Collection Kit (UCK), a Nomex container housing the Urine Collection Devices (UCD), Ziploc containment bags, towelettes and gauze pads. HRF Renal Stone for observing changes in renal function and increased risk of kidney stones induced by weightlessness. Beginning 3days before launch and continuing for 14 days after their return, the crew are ingesting two potassium citrate pills (a proven Earth- based therapy) or placebos daily and collecting urine samples to learn whether the sized packages carrying experimental materials pills are effective. for solar power cells, radiation shielding, paint, optical materials and lightweight building Attached Payloads materials.The experiment will remain exposed The first attached payload experiment to the harsh environment of space for around a mounted outside the Station, Materials ISS year before being retrieved and returned to on Station Experiments (MISSE), consists of two suitcase- Earth for study. ■ 21

on Station no. 9, june 2002 News.qxp 07-06-2002 13:22 Page 2

recent & relevant Recent & Relevant

Fuglesang to Fly Shuttle/ISS Bedrest Study Continues

ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang will Long-term exposure to the fly on the STS-116 Space Shuttle weightlessness of space generates mission to the International Space significant effects on astronaut Station in May 2003. During the flight, physiology, particularly degrading the he will conduct three EVAs to attach skeleton and muscles. ESA, CNES and new hardware to the Station. He will NASDA are jointly conducting be the first Swede to travel and walk ‘bedrest’ studies at the MEDES Space in space. Clinic in Toulouse, France to evaluate The mission will add new segments ways of countering the adverse to the Station’s truss and deliver the effects.Weightlessness is simulated by Expedition-8 crew, before returning volunteers lying for months at a time the three astronauts of Expedition-7 on beds with the head end tilted 6° to Earth. below horizontal. Christer joined the European The first study ran from August to Astronaut Corps in 1992. In 1993, he December 2001 with 14 volunteers. Christer Fuglesang will fly to the Station next year. began training at Star City, outside The second period began on 22 March Moscow, for the Euromir-95 mission 1998. Later that year, he qualified as a with 11 volunteers aiming for a 27 July aboard Russia’s Mir space station. As Soyuz return commander, one of the finish. Like the first period, the study the prime crew interface coordinator few non-Russians able to command a for the 6-month mission, he provided descending Soyuz spacecraft. He the main ground contact with fellow returned to Houston in late 1998 and ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter aboard has since been working with the NASA Mir. In 1996, he moved to NASA’s Astronaut Office on various technical Johnson Space Center in Houston, to assignments that draw on his in-depth undertake Mission Specialist training; knowledge of Russian systems and he qualified for flight assignment in operations. ■ comprises a 15-day preparation phase, a 3-month bed phase and a 15-day De Winne Contract Signed recovery phase. This is the most complex and the The contract for Frank De Winne’s in April by a crew that included ESA’s longest head-down tilted (HDT) study Soyuz taxi flight to the ISS was signed Roberto Vittori. ever undertaken in Europe. on 18 April at ESA’s Moscow office The flight is part of a framework Experiments are also being conducted between Antonio Rodotà (ESA agreement for European astronauts to on the cardiovascular system, Director General), Charles Picqué fly to the ISS on Russian vehicles neuroendocrine system control, (Belgian Minister for Scientific during 2001-2006 signed between ESA psychological behaviour and sleep- Research),Yvan Ylieff (Belgian and Rosaviakosmos in May 2001. ■ wake cycle changes. From the medical Commissioner in charge of Scientific viewpoint, the study should improve Policy),Yuri Koptev (Rosaviakosmos) Frank De Winne in the Soyuz simulator at Star City. our knowledge of the impact on bone and Yuri Semonov (RSC Energia). mineral loss and muscle atrophy, and Frank De Winne will be the Flight thus help prevent prolonged periods Engineer aboard a Soyuz in October spent bed-ridden following accidents for a 10-day mission to the Space or long illness. It is also testing new Station funded by the Belgian Federal techniques, such as measuring activity Office for Scientific,Technical and and movement using special Cultural Affairs (OSTC).The mission’s mattresses, which are very promising main goal is to exchange the Station's for preventing sores and monitoring

on Station Soyuz vehicle, which serves as the sleep disturbance. main emergency return craft.This will The research protocols were be the first flight of the improved proposed by European investigators in Soyuz-TMA model, which will be response to a call for proposals issued swapped with Soyuz-TM34, delivered by ESA and also by NASDA 22

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Recent & Relevant

investigators studying bone The Pre-Acceptance Review took physiology.Ten teams of scientists place during the week of 11 March in representing around 80 researchers the presence of NASA. ESA authorised are participating. the shipment to the Kennedy Space As over the first period, the Center for the remaining part of the volunteers are undergoing stress verifications and check-out tests, response tests, bone densitometry, supported by the ESA/Astrium team in magnetic resonance imaging and Florida.They include the final interface muscular biopsy. In-depth histological, checks with the Shuttle’s Multi- biochemical and biological analysis Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) and are evaluating body cell and the ISS interface simulators.Thermal molecular-level response to the performances, including various experimental living conditions.The combinations of dewar temperatures volunteers will also undergo special (+4°C, –26°C, –80°C) will be reverified medical check-ups at 45 days, Lesa Roe, recently appointed Chief of the NASA Space in the Payload Rack Check-Out Unit. 3months,6 months and 12 months Station Payloads Projects Office in Houston, visited Before turning it over to NASA in after bedrest and then monitoring ESTEC in April for the first time to co-chair the regular September, the main heat exchangers over 3 years. ESA/NASA Payload Managers Review.At these will be replaced at KSC by Astrium. In meetings,the Partners exchange information on their The study is being carried out by a developments, review the progress of payload barter orbit, an ESA experiment will monitor team of doctors and psychologists arrangements and generally cement relations between the thermal behaviour of one of the from the French Institute for Space the payload teams within the two Agencies.Ms Roe dewars. ■ Medicine and Physiology. MEDES has was supported by teams from the Johnson Space Center more than 10 years’ experience in HDT and the Payload Operations & Integration Center at the Marshall Space Flight Center.Pictured with Ms Roe is Cryosystem Contract simulation. Since 1996, staff at its Dieter Andresen,Head of the Utilisation Division in the Space Clinic have taken part in six Department for Space Station Utilisation and On 25 February, a contract was signed different bedrest studies. ■ Microgravity. at ESTEC between ESA and prime contractor Astrium GmbH (Germany) for the development of the ISS Commercialisation Agreement Cryosystem: a combined set of facilities for preparing, preserving and ESA signed an agreement in March play a significant role in the storing biological samples and with 11 European space companies development and operations of the protein crystals at temperatures (Alenia, I; ALTEC, I; Astrium, D; Bradford, European elements contributed by down to –180°C. It complements NL; Contraves Space, CH; Fokker Space, ESA to the ISS, such as the Columbus MELFI (see story above), which works NL; Intospace, D; Kayser-Threde, D; laboratory and the Automated at +4°C to –80°C. Kesberg Buetfering & Partners, D; Transfer Vehicle.They are therefore in Thanks to ultra-rapid cooling and Laben, I; OHB, D) to promote ISS a unique position to contribute to the large cold volume, the Cryosystem commercial utilisation in Europe.The development of competitive will greatly improve the quality and agreement is non-exclusive and allows utilisation services for future quantity of results from research other Strategic Partners who can offer customers. ■ aboard the ISS, mainly in life sciences, value-added services to commercial physiology and biotechnology. users to join the cooperation. Prototypes of the complete The primary goal is to facilitate MELFI Ready for KSC freezers and some orbital support access by commercial customers to equipment are being developed the Station. ESA and the companies The first Flight Model (FM1) of the during the preliminary design phase. will raise the awareness of the ‘Minus Eighty degrees Laboratory It is expected that the last freezer unit commercial opportunities available Freezer for the ISS’ (MELFI) has will be delivered by 2007 and the first and support utilisation projects completed assembly and testing at rack (Cryorack FU1) launched within presented by early customers. Markets prime contractor Astrium SAS in the Centrifuge Accommodation depending on research in Toulouse. MELFI will cool and store up Module in 2008.Two Cryoracks (FU2 biotechnology, the development of to 80 kg of experiment samples and FU3) will deliver and return new materials and energy-saving aboard the ISS. FM1’s launch is specimens from orbit, with their systems are being targeted. planned for January 2003, on the freezers active during transporation on Station The cooperating space companies STS-114/ULF-1 Shuttle flight. aboard MPLM. ■ 23

on Station no. 9, june 2002 Back.qxp 07-06-2002 11:03 Page 2

On Station ISSN 1562-8019 For a free subscription or change of address, please contact Frits de Zwaan at [email protected] The Newsletter of ESA’s Directorate ESA Publications Division/SER-CP of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity ESTEC, Postbus 299, 2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Fax: +31 71 565-5433 This newsletter is published by ESA Publications Division. It is free to all readers interested in ESA’s manned Editor: Andrew Wilson ([email protected]) spaceflight and microgravity activities. It can also be Contributing Writer: Graham T. Biddis seen via the website at http://esapub.esrin.esa.it/ Design & Layout: Eva Ekstrand & Carel Haakman

A competition for all European university students to propose an experiment for the International Space Station

How can you take part?

More information on the competition and how to enter can be found on the SUCCESS 2002 web page:

www.spaceflight.esa.int/users/success

As a first step, register before 2 September via the web page and revisit it frequently to monitor progress and spot the latest news. www.spaceflight.esa.int/users/success