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Home , BIRD (satellite), Crew Return Vehicle, Destiny (ISS module), European Space Agency, Expedition 3, Expedition 4

number 8, march 2002 on station The Newsletter of the Directorate of Manned and Microgravity http://www.esa.int/spaceflight

in this issue A Promising Start to 2002

aurora Jörg Feustel-Büechl Aurora: A European Roadmap 4 ESA Director of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity for Solar System Exploration Rolf Schulze I want to highlight two very important milestones for this year. Firstly, the final integration and test of our Columbus virtual campus laboratory for the International began at The Erasmus Virtual Campus 6 Astrium GmbH in Bremen (D) following the arrival in Dieter Isakeit September of the Pre-Integrated Columbus Assembly (PICA) from Alenia Spazio in (I). I believe that we have a masterpiece of European engineering here, and I am ESA’s ISS External Payloads 8 delighted with the so far.We should be seeing some Steve Feltham & Giacinto Gianfiglio very real advance on Columbus by the end of 2002 and look forward to its status then. Secondly, I had the opportunity on 15 January to review ISS Assembly of XEUS 10 the course of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) project at Jens Schiemann Les Mureaux (F), together with our team and the industries involved in the project under prime contractor EADS-LV.The spoe progress is quite remarkable when we remember the SPOE 12 difficulties of last year. All in all, I think that the technical Rolf-Dieter Andresen, Maurizio Nati achievements so far are satisfactory. One important & Chris Taylor demonstration of this progress is the arrival of the ATV Structural Test Model in ESTEC’s Test Centre, where it will research undergo testing during the whole of this year. In parallel, the The Destiny Research of 15 preparation of a number of crucial items for the ATV Critical Expedition-4 Design Review is underway.This should lead to a positive Graham T. Biddis conclusion of that extremely important review early in 2003 so that we can then expect ATV’s maiden launch in 2004. education There are two other major events that we are looking Teach Space 2001 18 forward to this year.The first is the taxi flight to the Elena Grifoni & Barber Uijl Space Station of ESA , planned for 27 April.This is a very important flight not only for Roberto, research who is making his first spaceflight, but also because it MSG Ready for Launch 20 demonstrates yet another concrete example of Maria Natalina De Parolis & Martin Zell European/Russian cooperation.This flight is sponsored by the (ASI) and the Italian Air Force. recent & relevant The second event is the Soyz taxi flight of News 22 in November.This will be the first flight of the latest Soyuz-TMA spacecraft and, like Roberto, Frank has the important role of Flight Engineer on his first mission.This Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity Direction des Vols Habité et la Microgravité foreword

crew position is a crucial factor in the success of the improved Soyuz vehicle.This flight is sponsored by the Belgian Government. These are two important astronaut missions for the year. Although we would have liked full ESA Interior of the Columbus missions, I believe that the way in which such module.(Astrium) missions are organised is basically acceptable, and fulfils the goals of having our European flying into space.We in ESA are indeed very keen to continue these beneficial and fruitful ventures with the Russians. We continue to make important progress with our facilities.The Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) will soon be launched on STS-110/ISS Assembly Flight #8A in April, Roberto Vittori (foreground) and Frank De Winne during followed by the first ‘Minus Eighty degree will provide the ISS with its unique and their Soyuz Flight Engineer centigrade Laboratory Freezer for ISS’ (MELFI) multidisciplinary laboratory support training. model on STS-114/ULF-1 next January. MSG capabilities. It can handle a wide variety of materials, house investigations into combustion, fluids and biotechnology, and accommodate servicing of harware that needs a controlled working environment.With MELFI, ESA and European have developed new technologies and integrated them in a new concept for a space freezer. For the first time, the scientific community will have permanent large-volume cold storage in space. We also have the Shuttle STS-107 mission currently planned for July.That will carry a number of ESA payload elements, including APCS, ARMS, Biobox, Biopack, ERISTO, FAST and Com2Plex.The first -M flight is planned for October, with ESA payload elements FluidPac, Stone and Biopan offering further flight opportunities for experiments. I really feel that this wide spectrum of payloads represents a remarkable achievement for European industry. We expect to continue with significant advances in our technical work during 2002. This, I believe, is a very important factor for cooperation not only within but within the whole Station partnership. Nevertheless, we on Station are still far from finished with our overall question to the US on the subject of Station crew-size. In early February we saw NASA present their financial budget for 2003 and, for the first time, we saw in clear terms the ‘US 2

on Station no. 8, march 2002 ISS launches planned for the next 12 months.

Flight # Launch Element/Task Vehicle/Mission

25: 7P 21 Mar 02 Logistics (Progress-M) Soyuz 26: 8A 04 Apr 02 S0 Truss/Mobile Transporter Shuttle STS-110 27: 4S 25 Apr 02 Taxi Flight (Roberto Vittori) Soyuz-TM34 28: UF-2 06 May 02 Expedition-5 Crew/MPLM Shuttle STS-111 29: 8P 14 May 02 Logistics (Progress-M) Soyuz 30: 9P 22 Jul 02 Logistics (Progress-M1) Soyuz 31: 9A 01 Aug 02 S1 Truss Shuttle STS-112 32: 11A 06 Sep 02 Expedition-6 Crew/P1 Truss Shuttle STS-113 33: 10P 07 Oct 02 Logistics (Progress-M) Soyuz 34: 5S 04 Nov 02 Taxi Flight (Frank De Winne) Soyuz-TMA 35: ULF-1 16 Jan 03 Expedition-7 Crew/MPLM Shuttle STS-114

ESA-related flights for the next 12 months.

March: Maser-9 sounding March: 32nd Parabolic Flight Campaign April: Soyuz taxi flight with ESA Astronaut Roberto Vittori ATV STM testing at ESTEC.Above: in the Large European Acoustic May: Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), aboard Shuttle STS-111/UF-2, for Facility.Facing page: with (from left) Antonio installation in Destiny; MPLM Leonardo Rodotà,Head of MSM Manned Spaceflight Programme Department Alan Thirkettle, Mr. Feustel-Büechl, ESA Director of Administration July: STS-107 with ESA payloads APCS, ARMS, Biobox, Biopack, ERISTO, FAST, Com2Plex Daniel Sacotte and ATV engineer Geoffrey Beckwith. July: 5th Student Parabolic Flight Campaign August: X-38 free-flight Core Complete’ proposal with a crew of only October: Foton-M1 with ESA payloads FluidPac, Stone, Biopan, SCCO, Photo II, Aquacells, Biofilter, 3 student/outreach experiments, material science experiments in three, instead of the seven we have long the Russian Polizon (2x) and German Agat (2x) furnaces, biological experiments (2x) expected. I can only repeat what I said in the in the French IBIS facility last issue of On Station,and we have forwarded September: 33rd Parabolic Flight Campaign that view to our American partners: we are November: Soyuz taxi flight with ESA Astronaut Frank De Winne extremely concerned about this development, November: X-38 free-flight and would like to emphasise that NASA and January 2003: MELFI; Pulmonary Function System, part of HRF-2 for Destiny, on the US should stick to their commitments of Shuttle STS-114/ULF-1; MPLM Raffaello the January 1998 Inter-Governmental March 2003: Maxus-5 Agreement and the associated Memoranda of March-April 2003: 34th Parabolic Flight Campaign Understanding. This is not just a legal issue but, more importantly, a political issue.We want to have a Space Station that fulfils our expectations and justifies the enormous amount of tax-payers’ money that has been flowing into the programme.The restricted operational capability offerred by a Space Station with a crew of only three will not fulfil the utilisation expectations that we all had and that we still aim for.We foresaw that, building on our occasional flight opportunities with and Spacehab, we would have a permanent and fully outfitted laboratory in available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year for research and applications projects. Furthermore, it would be operationally comparable with a ground laboratory, where researchers could go to do their work at any time.This purpose will certainly not be fulfilled with a crew of three and therefore we see, as Europeans, an urgent has recently seen the new NASA Administrator, The Columbus module at need to redress the situation, especially on the Mr. Sean O’Keefe, and other high-level US Astrium in Bremen. US side.To this end, our Chairwoman of the ESA representatives to insist that they keep to their on Station Ministerial Council, Mrs. Edelgard Bulmahn (D) original commitments. ■ 3 on Station no. 8, march 2002 aurora

AAururororaa A European Roadmap for Solar System Exploration

Rolf Schulze System Integration Office,ISS Exploitation Dept.,D/MSM, ESTEC,Postbus 299,2200AG ,The Email:[email protected]

NASA

The ‘European Strategy for Space’,endorsed by target. It touches upon geology, geophysics, the ESA Council and the geochemistry, atmospheric physics, climatology Council for Research asks for a European and biology. approach to ‘explore the Solar System and the Aurora is Europe’s response to this Universe...’ and to ‘prepare for the next step in challenging goal – a long-term exploration human , programme in coordination with European and Aurora is a long-term initiative the exploration of the Solar international partners. It is a roadmap for for robotic and human System.’ Based on this robotic and eventually human exploration that exploration of the Solar System, mandate, ESA decided will generate a large number of science and in particular where there towards the end of 2000 to technology spin-offs. By its nature, Aurora is a promises to be traces of life. In a begin the ‘Aurora’ initiative multi-disciplinary programme, across many first 3-year preparatory period, for planetary exploration. sectors of science, technology and space. As an preliminary mission assessments The activity, cutting across envelope programme, Aurora will formulate and technology roadmaps are ESA Directorates, and then implement a European long-term being developed... culminated in a new plan for exploring the bodies of the Solar programme proposal System, particularly those holding promise for describing the objectives and approach traces of life. leading to a long-term mission framework for An important milestone for Europe was robotic and human exploration. reached at the Ministerial Council in Edinburgh At the leading edge of science and (UK) in November 2001, which adopted a technology, a manned mission to would proposal by the ESA Director General for an be a major project, requiring the International initial 3-year preparatory period for Aurora. As Space Station (ISS) and possibly as a an optional programme with a currently testbed and stepping stone.Why explore Mars? subscribed financial envelope of €14. 1 million, With an atmosphere sometimes showing Aurora is subscribed to by , , weather and circulation patterns similar to , , UK, , ,The those of Earth, and with ‘dry river’ valleys Netherlands, Canada and . Other suggesting an earlier environment suitable for countries have expressed their interest and sustaining life, the planet is an extremely rich may join later.The contributions will help to secure the long-term vision and interests of Europe in such a demanding but appealing enterprise. The covers two main components:

The Definition Component includes on Station programme planning and definition of the European framework for exploration, activities selection, scientific support, Interplanetary transport. pre-Phase-A and Phase-A mission studies, (NASA) along with future human missions 4

on Station no. 8, march 2002 architecture, generic technology pre-development work, scientific and instrument definition, as well as public awareness activities. Aurora’s 3-year preparatory period funds only this Definition Component. The Development Component includes mission and technology development Phases-B/C/D/E. For technologies, this is when the mission-specific developments or demonstration activities take place. Operations and exploitation are included, as well as any related infrastructure developments.They will be implemented in the efficient way to reduce costs and improve scientific and technological yield by combining ESA and national efforts, and in and lessons-learned. However, the specific Aurora exploration goals. cooperation with other international requirements for long-duration planetary organisations. missions mean that additional key technologies need to be developed and Two classes of missions are foreseen: validated through realistic demonstrations:

Flagship,major missions driving towards soft –efficient interplanetary fast transfer, landing or sample return from other planets, –regenerative crew life-support systems, and eventually a manned mission; –health care at remote locations, Arrow,cost-capped, rapid-development –techniques to cope with human isolation missions to demonstrate new technologies and confinement, or mission approaches, or to exploit –crew radiation protection in transit and on a opportunities for payloads on European or planetary surface, international missions. – spacesuit technology for planetary surface extravehicular activities. Mars, the Moon and near-Earth will be explored in a natural sequence, summarised To promote innovation, a network of as remote sensing from orbit, robotic in situ European and Canadian academics is being set exploration and sample return for detailed up to generate new mission ideas and analyses, leading to a soft landing by a manned advanced concepts. Also, the interests and vehicle. capabilities of non-prime contractors and The following technology areas were small- and medium-sized enterprises are taken identified as enabling a wide variety of care of via the Arrow missions and the manned and robotic exploration missions: programme’s large technology component. Aurora is being pursued in coordination –automated guidance,navigation & control, with European and international partners, –micro-avionics, including agencies, industry and research –data processing and communication, institutes. Experience with the Space Station –entry,descent and landing, programme clearly shows that the best –crew aspects of exploration, cooperation is between equal partners. Aurora –exploiting local resources, will provide the missions and technologies for –power generation, conditioning and storage, Europe to become a credible partner in the –propulsion (space transportation, ascent, international effort for exploring the Solar descent), System. ■ –robotics and mechanisms, –structures, materials and thermal control. Check the website for more information: For human exploration, Aurora will http://www.esa.int/export/esaHS/ undoubtedly benefit from the International ESACVG0VMOC_future_0.html on Station Space Station in terms of technology validation 5 on Station no. 8, march 2002 virtual campus TThehe EErrasmusasmus VVirirtualtual CCampusampus

Dieter Isakeit Manager,International Space Station Erasmus User Information Centre,D/MSM (MSM-GAU) ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email:[email protected] Tel: +31 71 565 5451 Fax: +31 71 565 3661

What is the Erasmus Virtual Campus? facilitator. It provides information and The Virtual Campus at ESTEC’s Erasmus User communication tools that allow research teams Information Centre is designed to bring people to work on a common research project even together, increase their collective knowledge though they are geographically separated. and facilitate cooperation between them. It is structured very much like a campus in the Who are the users of the Virtual Campus? physical world.Think of it as The target audience for the Campus are The Erasmus Virtual Campus is a city with places and European scientists and engineers who are becoming an increasingly buildings connected by interested, or already involved, in the utilisation important tool for space users... streets.While some of the orbital and ground facilities managed by buildings may be open for ESA’s Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and all visitors, others have a restricted access for Microgravity, or for which this directorate can members only.There is a Library and an provide access.These facilities cover the Archive.There is a Forum for discussion and for European elements of the International Space meeting new people, an Amphitheatre for Station (ISS), the US , Russian lectures and presentations and a Coliseum for Foton capsules, European Maser and Maxus events. sounding , parabolic flight campaigns The Virtual Campus also provides the with the A300, drop towers and selected foundation for creating and operating Virtual ground facilities for research in life sciences Institutes in selected scientific areas. and physical sciences. The Erasmus Virtual Campus is thus open to What are the principal functions? a large potential user community: Firstly, the Campus is an information portal. It eases access to information that is stored –scientists interested in the above facilities elsewhere and difficult to find. Secondly, the for their research activities; Campus is itself an –project engineers and managers involved in information provider. It is a developing, building or operating these warehouse for validated and facilities; up-to-date reference –scientists and engineers in the European information. It packs this User Support and Operations Centres information into appropriate (USOCs) who deal with the utilisation of boxes, describes the contents these facilities; on top and stores the boxes –politicians who decide on research activities in a structured way on and who want to obtain information on the shelves where they can easily objectives and results of the work on Station be found. performed in these facilities; Thirdly, the Campus is a broker. It helps to –students in search of reference material for make the ideas and projects of people known their university studies or of information and to others, and helps people to interconnect. guidance in their personal career choices; Fourthly, the Campus is a cooperation –public and private education institutions 6

on Station no. 8, march 2002 Photo and Video Archive The shared storage of and access to photo and video files is operational.The distribution of video files using streaming video is almost ready.This will make the Archive particularly attractive for tele-education activities. Remote Working Sessions The Campus is setting up a dedicated server and procuring the licences for tele-conferencing and tele-education to work with the software and firewall environments of the participants.This will allow geographically separated research teams to work remotely and interactively using Word, Powerpoint and Excel files and to speak to each other and exposition centres that focus on the through the Internet.The efficient popularisation of science and technology combination with other communication activities in space; tools, such as communications, 3D –laypeople and media representatives with an television and the network that links the interest in research and high-technology USOCs with ESA, makes this form of remote subjects. cooperation attractive to potential users. Chat and Discussion Forums The Campus Why do these people need a Virtual Campus? organises chat sessions and discussion The research projects using the ISS or other forums with a broader audience – and the facilities under ESA responsibility often unite general public – through the people from different scientific disciplines and www.spaceflight.esa.int/users Internet server. professional corporations.These teams are Video Production and Broadcast Facilities The usually international, with their members ISS User Information Centre is spread around Europe. Becoming familiar with equipped with a TV studio and the each other’s discipline, sharing existing resources for producing video films knowledge, working from different locations (including 3D). Its own satellite with the same reference documentation and television uplink/downlink facility jointly working on proposals is a constant can be used for live events and occupation of these teams.The Virtual Campus lectures. makes their lives easier, in particular by reducing Lectures and Events The ISS User the drawbacks of geographical separation. Information Centre has a 120-seat Thanks to its information and communi- auditorium that can be used for cation tools, the Campus provides interactive Campus lectures.The lectures can information exchange and a higher degree of also be broadcast live to Europe via satellite interaction among team members than was and Internet streaming video.The same possible previously using classical one-to-one tools and resources allow a wider information and communication tools. distribution of ISS launch and in-flight events, in particular for those with scientific What are the main tools and services? or educational links, to a number of Internet site The core product of the Campus in European viewing sites.The USOCs are its triple function as an information portal, expected to play a key role in this network an information content provider and an of viewing sites. Commercially funded user- information broker is the Internet site support centres like ALTEC in Turin (I) and www.spaceflight.esa.int/users.It is a resource BEOS in Bremen (D) have been invited to of validated up-to-date reference become part of the network of viewing sites. information for scientists and engineers. As a second step, the network would be Document Server By promoting cooperation, extended to research institutes and the Campus allows its members to store organisations, universities, other space documents of common interest and share agencies, industrial companies and on Station them among team members. education and popular science centres. ■ 7 on Station no. 8, march 2002 payloads ESAESA’’ss ISSISS EExxtterernalnal PPaayloadsyloads

Steve Feltham and Giacinto Gianfiglio ISS Utilisation Division,Dept.of Microgravity and Space Station Utilisation, D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected] & [email protected]

Introduction importance.This is the essence of ACES, which We usually think of astronauts aboard the will test a new generation of in International Space Station (ISS) performing space.The ‘cold atom’ clock, PHARAO (Projet experiments inside the laboratory modules, but d’Horloge Atomique par Refroidissement external payloads offer experiments in the d’Atomes en Orbite), developed by CNES (F), with and SHM (Space Hydrogen Maser), developed European investigators are the major advantages of by the Observatory of Neuchatel (CH), will be preparing to exploit the external long duration exposure characterised and compared in a microgravity research opportunities provided and return to Earth for environment. on the Columbus module... examination. Experiments include high-precision time ESA is equipping the and frequency transfer, atmospheric Columbus module with the External Payload propagation, high-precision geodesy, global Facility (CEPF) to accommodate research network synchronisation and fundamental payloads. It is a framework mounted on the physics. module’s end-cone and provides power, data and command links.The Station’s robot arms Mockup of the ACES payload. will install the payloads delivered by the Space Shuttle.The External Payload programme consists of two elements: early utilisation (before Station assembly is complete) and routine exploitation (after assembly completion).

External Payloads for Early Utilisation ESA negotiated the right to fly external payloads during the Station’s early utilisation phase, for a period of 3 years. Each payload is mounted on an adaptor able to accommodate small instruments and experiments totalling up to 227 kg. Following an Announcement of Opportunity and peer review, five payloads were selected,of which four entered development.They were originally planned to SOLAR use the NASA external sites but will now be SOLAR will measure the ’s output with located on Columbus in 2005-2006. unprecedented accuracy. Apart from on Station contributing to and stellar physics, Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES) knowledge of the interaction between the The fact that time can be measured very solar energy flux and Earth’s atmosphere is of precisely – far better than any other physical great importance for atmospheric modelling, parameter – is a technological asset of great atmospheric chemistry and climatology. 8

on Station no. 8, march 2002 The SOLAR instruments are mounted on a Coarse Pointing Device to track the Sun. fully automated system.The modular architecture provides uniform interfaces for instruments– up to seven instrument modules can be accommodated and operated simultaneously. Five instruments are under development:

–TRIBOLAB, a tribology testbed developed by INTA (E); – PLEGPAY,a plasma electron gun The EXPORT configuration. payload developed by LABEN (I); –MEDET, the Material Exposure SOLAR’s three instruments will measure the and Degradation Experiment solar flux across a wide spectrum: on TEF,developed by CNES/ESA/ONERA/University of –SOVIM (SOlar Variable & Irradiance Monitor), Southampton; covering near-UV, visible and thermal-IR, –DEBIE-2, a detector developed by the Observatory of Davos (CH); developed by ESA (the first is –SOLSPEC (SOLar SPECctral Irradiance flying on the Proba satellite); measurements), covering 180-3000 nm at –FIPEX,the Flux Probe high spectral resolution, developed by CNRS Experiment developed by the (F); University of Stuttgart (D). –SOL-ACES (SOLar Auto-Calibrating EUV/UV EuTEF will initially Spectrophotometers) measures the Future Payloads accommodate five extreme-UV and UV regime at moderate After about 3 years, this first batch will be experiments. spectral resolution, developed by the replaced by new payloads now being studied. Fraunhofer Institute (D). EUSO (Extreme Universe Space Observatory) and Lobster are approved by the Agency’s The instruments are mounted on a multi- Science Programme to begin Phase-A studies purpose Coarse Pointing Device (CPD), which this year. EUSO would detect extreme-energy tracks the Sun as it compensates for the cosmic rays and the high-energy cosmic Station’s orbital motion. neutrino flux. Lobster is an all-sky monitor in the soft X-ray band, using six lobster-eye EXPORT telescopes to provide wide-angle imaging at EXPORT carries two independent instruments. 0.1-3.5 keV. RapidEye is an ISS EXPOSE is an exobiology facility developed by commercialisation payload approved by the ESA. It studies the photo-processing of organic Manned Space Programme Board. It will molecules, the survival of micro-organisms in observe man-made structures for agriculture space and the effect of unshielded solar-UV on applications and insurance verification. organic molecules and micro-organisms. EXPOSE is also mounted on a CPD, to point the Conclusion 12 sample compartments at the Sun. SPOrt The Columbus external facilities offer the (Sky Polarisation Observatory) is an opportunity for classical space science and astrophysical instrument, developed by CNR (I), technology experiments in a diverse array of to measure celestial polarisation in the disciplines.They will enhance the Station’s unexplored microwave frequency range of 20- return without significantly increasing the 90 GHz. SPOrt goals include the first infrastructure cost by exploiting automated polarisation map of the at 22, 32 & operations, with almost no crew intervention (a 60 GHz and all-sky measurements in the very expensive and limited resource).Three cosmological window (90 GHz) with payloads are already in the detailed design and unprecedented sensitivity. manufacturing phase (EuTEF,EXPORT, SOLAR) and ACES is planned to begin Phase-C/D this EuTEF year. Phase-A activities begin soon on EUSO The European Technology Exposure Facility and Lobster, accompanied by the Phase-B of on Station (EuTEF) is a programmable, multifunctional, RapidEye. ■ 9 on Station no. 8, march 2002 xeus ISSISS AAssemblyssembly ofof XEUSXEUS

Jens D.Schiemann XEUS Detector Spacecraft (foreground) and the Head,ISS Payload Operations Unit,Space Station Utilisation Division, initial Mirror Spacecraft,50 m distant ESA/ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected]

Introduction Providing in-orbit assembly services for visiting large science is an attractive new utilisation area for the International Space Station (ISS). A prime but demanding candidate is XEUS (X-ray Evolving XEUS will be the most powerful Universe Spectroscopy), a an attitude control system.The detector X-ray observatory ever launched. revolutionary mission to spacecraft (DSC) hovering 50 m away hosts the Following a first phase of study black holes and the focal plane instrumentation, coolers, a single observations, it will visit the ISS to most distant X-ray docking port, and an attitude and orbit control grow even larger... emissions in the early system. An active laser range-finding system Universe. provides alignment accuracy of better than The sensitivity requirements demand a 1mm3 and post-facto reconstruction to telescope diameter of 10 m, with an effective <100 µm with respect to the MSC. area of more than 30 m2.The observation and The DSC includes an orbital transfer motor, resolution requirements call for a focal length which – after about 5 years of observations – of 50 m.The solution is two spacecraft flying in allows it to dock with the MSC and for the pair formation, with the initial configuration to transfer to the ISS for expansion and (XEUS1) launched into a 600 km orbit by a refurbishment into the much larger XEUS2. single -5 some time after 2010.The slowly spinning mirror spacecraft (MSC1) The ISS Assembly of XEUS2 houses X-ray mirrors spanning a 4.5 m- The innovative mission scenario requires a XEUS/ISS mission scenario. diameter, their baffles, two docking ports and radically new in-orbit assembly scenario. For assembling MSC2, the 12.4 t core MSC1 docks with Zvezda’s aft port at the ISS. Eight new mirror segments, each 3.2 m high, 1.5 m wide and weighing 1.6 t, are delivered to the ISS in a single Shuttle flight, using a 12.9 m-long transport carrier (TC), weighing 15.8 t when loaded.The TC is transferred by the Shuttle/ISS robot arms to Zvezda (via intermediate parking on top of the Z1 Truss, where up to 800 W provides mirror thermal control).The mirror segments are then unloaded one by one by the (ERA) and attached on Station to MSC1. Using the arms limits spacewalks to the final assembly steps and verification.The empty TC may leave the ISS aboard the same Shuttle after 11 days. The 11.2 m-diameter MSC2 has a final mass of 25 t. 10

on Station no. 8, march 2002 Eight mirror segments will be launched in the Transport Carrier.

the feasibility limit of the ISS geometry. ERA then transports and installs the segment, repeating the process until MSC2 is complete. The empty TC is returned to the Shuttle by the reverse sequence.

Conclusions The detector spacecraft is deorbited and Driven by the high scientific replaced by DSC2 offering the latest desire for missions of the instrument technology. importance and complexity of XEUS, the concept developed The Challenges for assembly using the ISS The TC as a single logistics item requires appears technically and detailed analysis: operationally feasible, though challenging: –the loaded TC’s length and mass are at the limit of the Shuttle’s capability; –the defined XEUS mission milestones fit XEUS will be demanding –the availabilities of the Z1 Truss for cargo within the Station’s projected life; robotically: the yellow line storage and of a cargo adapter on it have to –the Shuttle and ISS are capable of satisfying traces the TC’s path. be confirmed; the needs of XEUS logistics, rendezvous & –the loaded TC far exceeds the documented docking, and robotic assembly; standard mass and centre-of-gravity – MSC2 assembly can be performed constraints of a cargo adapter for worst-case robotically, with a minimum of EVA support; ISS accelerations during reboosts and –by far the dominant ISS resource for XEUS is dockings. Avoiding these manoeuvres crew time: 209 man-hours, about a third of should make the excess load acceptable for ESA’s annual share. the short TC parking periods. However, some assembly steps are either Extensive use is made of the ISS robotic beyond normal ISS operations or come very facilities for assembling MSC2.The long robotic close to the limits of the baseline Shuttle and transport from the Shuttle to Zvezda – across Station capabilities, e.g. for: the whole ISS – is a complex and critical activity.The Shuttle robot arm (SRMS) hands off –TC upload in one Shuttle launch; the TC to the Station’s Canadian arm (SSRMS) –TC parking on top of the Z1 Truss; on the Mobile Base System.The SSRMS parks –robotic handoff from SSRMS to ERA. the TC on top of the Z1 Truss, and relocates In addition, the ISS needs some relatively minor upgrades: payload storage (Z1 Truss adapter) and an additional ERA basepoint on the Zvezda. Also, ERA’s handling of payloads in the lateral direction has to be confirmed. In general, the Station’s overall design proved capable of efficiently supporting in-orbit assembly of large spacecraft and ‘visiting vehicles’.Only comparatively minor upgrades and improvements of the present technical baseline are required to support large-scale assembly missions. XEUS, an ambitious mission with major challenges for the scientific community and industry, will likely become a truly global ERA adds mirror segments to mission with international collaboration at a create MSC2. significant level, involving many of the partners itself to . It then holds the TC above already teamed in building the ISS. Further Zvezda so that ERA can extract a mirror information on XEUS can be found at: on Station segment.This TC transfer is critical and close to http://sci.esa.int/home/xeus/ ■ 11 on Station no. 8, march 2002 spoe

SPOESPOE SStandartandardd PPaayloadyload OutfittingOutfitting EEquipmenquipmentt fforor EEururopopeanean PPaayloadsyloads onon thethe ISSISS

Rolf-Dieter Andresen Head of Space Station Utilisation Division (MSM-GU),D/MSM,ESA/ESTEC

Maurizio Nati Technology Management Support to Head of Technology Programmes Department,D/IMT,ESA/ESTEC (former SPOE/MSG Project Manager,Space Station Utilisation Division,D/MSM)

Chris Taylor SPOE Programme Manager,Head of ISS Data Systems Unit,Space Station Utilisation Division (TOS-ES),ESA/ESTEC Email: [email protected]

Introduction Avionics Air Assembly (AAA), the Remote Power In 1996, the Space Station Utilisation Division at Distribution Assembly (RPDA) and the ESTEC began the development and Standard PayLoad Computer (SPLC) were procurement of a set of standard equipment to selected for development and qualification by support the European payloads for the European industry.The International Standard International Space Station (ISS).The Standard Payload Rack (ISPR) was bartered from Japan. Payload Outfitting The Rack Main Switch Assembly (RMSA), the ESA has developed a set of Equipment (SPOE) Smoke Detector Assembly (SDA) and the standard equipment to outfit the programme now supplies a complete set of standard connectors for the European payloads for the suite of standard items Payload Rack/Laboratory Module interface on International Space Station... central to all ESA payloads the Utility Interface Panel (UIP) were bought destined for the ISS.The from the US. Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), to be delivered by the UF-2 mission to the US The Industrial Consortium Destiny module in May, is the first using SPOE Astrium-SI (D) headed the SPOE Industrial elements – it carries the complete set.The Consortium as Prime Contractor. Besides the integration of SPOE items in other payloads is traditional management and system under way. engineering responsibilities, the Prime was also When SPOE development began, the Station in charge of identifying subcontractors and interfaces were still evolving, so a key objective harmonising the requirements. On the was to insulate ESA’s payloads by absorbing technical side, the Prime developed a common the effects of changes in centrally provided approach across all the SPOE items and equipment.This has proved particularly validated them for the different laboratory successful in the area of data handling, where modules, in particular for the interface significant modifications have been absorbed definition, product assurance requirements and without affecting the payloads.The SPOE qualification approach. As a result, the bulk of concept triggered new challenges for SPOE activities is governed by one common set traditional ESA contracts, including: the of Quality Assurance & Safety documents and production of recurring items of ground and by a single, Prime-generated, Interface System flight hardware; their storage, handling and Document towards the hosting modules.The multiple delivery to users; the sustaining subcontractors for the AAA and RPDA are, engineering and user-support services respectively, Bradford Engineering (NL) and on Station stretching over a significant time. Carlo Gavazzi Space (I). Once ESA had identified the key items to be provided as part of SPOE, a number of Standard Payload Computer (SPLC) procurement decisions were made. The SPLC is a standard set of boards and Technologically interesting items such as the matching housing that can be assembled to 12

on Station no. 8, march 2002 The Standard Payload Computer.

AAA installed in the MSG flight model.

meet the data-handling needs of most pay- 220 m3/h, 380ºC, airflow. loads. Owing to the openness of the design, Complying with the ISS special interface requirements can be resolved cabin noise limits was an by adding user-developed boards. About half extremely challenging of the current projects rely on SPOE’s standard design driver.The MSG boards, with the rest combining standard version meets the ‘NC 40’ boards with specific developments. requirements – again a first The SPLC is qualified for internal and – by means of additional acoustic absorbing external payloads and is configurable for either material in the rack. Columbus or Destiny.The software package, to handle the interfaces between the payload and Remote Power Distribution Assembly (RPDA) system, was a major part of the development. It The RPDA distributes up to 6 kW among its was pre-tested on the NASA reference facilities rack elements from the Station’s power system. in Houston, with the result that the MSG data- Modular, it can accommodate two mandatory handling acceptance proceeded without error Exchangeable Standard Electronic Modules RPDA installed in the MSG – a first for ISS payloads. Similar Columbus (ESEMs) for control and internal power supply flight model. pre-testing is in progress on the rack-level test plus up to six facility at Astrium in Bremen (D). selectable ESEMs, The SPLC is accompanied by Electrical able to provide Ground Support Equipment that simulates the 120 Vdc or 28 Vdc. US and Columbus data management systems Each RPDA power with very high fidelity. As MSG experience outlet can be showed, this significantly reduces the number remotely controlled of hidden interface errors that are usually and is protected found only during formal qualification testing. against overcurrent/ Avionics Air Assembly (AAA) shortcircuit. A The AAA dissipates the residual heat inside a baseplate provides rack by air ventilation and forces the required cooling. air ventilation around the Smoke Detector head. AAA comprises an air/water Heat Additional Items Exchanger, a Fan Unit to force the airflow The SDA and the complete set of connectors through it and the electronics (E-Box) to accommodated on the rack UIP were acquired control the fan propeller speed. It can dissipate commercially.The SDA is available in two on Station 1200 W at 190 kg/h, 200ºC, water flow and configurations, suitable for accommodation 13 on Station no. 8, march 2002 spoe

inside the rack open space or inside the duct ESA-developed Payloads using SPOE connected to the AAA. Its sensor head, based on light backscattering, detects typical smoke Project SPLC AAA RPDA ISPR, RMSA particles.The RSMA switch turns off the ISPR SDA, etc power feed via the Columbus or Destiny power ACES X control system during maintenance. It contains X X X an LED for indicating a smoke alarm. CPD X EDR X X X X Qualification EMCS X X X X The SPOE items developed in Europe, EPM X X X X particularly the RPDA and SPLC, were qualified EuTEF X X using a realistic worst-case.The results can be FSL X X X used by the different SPOE customers ‘as is’ if Hexapod X their configuration comes within the reference MELFI X envelope, or extending them ‘by similarity’ MSG X X X X beyond the reference case.The qualification MSL X X process was completed by submitting SPOE PCDF X items to the MSG safety reviews. ACES: Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space. CPD: Coarse Pointing Device. EDR: European Drawer Rack. EMCS: European Modular The ISS Exploitation Phase Cultivation System. EPM: European Physiology Modules. EuTEF: An part of the SPOE concept is the European Technology Exposure Facility. FSL: Fluid Science Lab. MSG uses the full set of SPOE. MELFI: Minus Eighty degree Lab Freezer for ISS. MSG: Microgravity Flight Model testing at provision of centralised spares and software Science Glovebox. MSL: Materials Science Lab. PCDF: Protein Astrium. maintenance over the lifetime of the payloads. Crystallisation Diagnostics Facility. For all SPOE items, users are able to call on immediate replacement of ground and flight units without having to buy repetitive developments of common items, and and maintain individual stocks. the payload integration process has been Software changes are centrally significantly eased by ensuring homogeneous coordinated so that modifications are quality of the end products, together with a implemented and validated on a reliable set of interfaces. As with any form of reference version,which is then standardisation, it is impossible to cater for all distributed to individual users.This the peculiarities of individual payloads and provides significant savings compared some compromises have been necessary.This to maintaining several individual may result in adaptation costs for individual project implementations.The SPOE payloads but these are more than activity is coordinated via databases, compensated for at an overall programme accessible to all users via www.spoe.de. level.The SPOE programme has been a SPOE maintenance is now being aligned with considerable Agency undertaking, with many the ISS Exploitation Programme, where it will technical and programmatic challenges.The be merged with similar requirements from development phase is completed and the other elements of the Columbus system. majority of items have been delivered.With the While this approach will satisfy existing completion of MSG verification testing at the payloads, a strategy is necessary for new , we are well on the way payloads in order to counter component to achieving our objectives. obsolescence brought about by the extremely long periods of ISS utilisation.This problem is Acknowledgements particularly acute for the SPLC, where there are The authors express their appreciation for the already difficulties in component availability. As highly motivated dedication of the Industrial this also applies to the Columbus system Consortium that made the standardisation computers, a possibility under study is to possible. Special thanks go to our colleagues in upgrade the SPLC design with a view towards a ESTEC:T. Sgobba,W. Freihoefer, R. Bureo, on Station common solution for all future computers A. Ciccolella, J. Wolf, G. Colangelo, G. Simonelli aboard Columbus. and H. Van Der Meij. A final word goes to the MSG Industrial Team, who contributed Conclusions significantly to the SPOE activities by acting as Through SPOE, the Agency has avoided a constructive first user. ■ 14

on Station no. 8, march 2002 TThehe DDestinestinyy RResearesearchch ofof EExpxpedition-4edition-4

Graham T.Biddis On Station Contributing Writer

Introduction During their occupation of the This review summarises the research Space Station since December activities aboard the US Destiny 2001, the Expedition-4 crew has laboratory by the Expedition-4 Crew, been performing a wide range who arrived on 5 December 2001 of scientific investigations... aboard STS-108/UF-1 and are Express Rack 4 (NASA). expected to depart in June 2002.The crew of Yuri Onufrienko (Commander), protein, a potent regulator of bone culture research. Sub-rack modules Carl Walz and Dan Bursch (Flight metabolism, while 12 others were provide semi-automated Engineers) inherited a number of treated with a placebo. bioreactors, gas supplies, computer experiments from their predecessors control and passive and low- (On Station #7, December 2001, pp20- Inherited Experiments temperature stowage.This cell 23). Expedition-4 inherited a set of culture system is an interim The Expedition began with two experiments from their predecessors. platform for cell research until the ‘sortie’ experiments that remained Express Rack (ER)-1 is hosting: Biotechnology Facility is delivered. aboard STS-108.The Avian Development Facility was activated Microgravity Acceleration ER-2 is hosting: shortly after docking for its 36 Measurements System (MAMS) Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS) Japanese quail eggs to incubate.The and Space Acceleration actively damps out vibrations.The embryos were then fixed for post- Measurement System II (SAMS- ARIS ISS Characterization Experiment flight examination. Bird embryos are RTS) Remote Triaxial sensors 1 & 2 (ARIS-ICE) is testing its performance. useful biological models for observing to characterise the Station’s SAMS Interim Control Unit. changes in cardiovascular, vestibular, microgravity environment. Physics of Colloids in Space (PCS-TC1 musculoskeletal, immunological and Biotechnology Cell Science Stowage & -AS) is investigating the colloidal neurological development in Resupply (BCSS-R), previously in properties of common materials, microgravity.The second sortie ER-4, supports biological cell including food, paints and coatings. experiment, the Commercial A laser illuminates a melted sample Biomedical Testing for a pair of colour cameras to record Module,examined how images at two magnifications of the well a recently discovered arrangements of individual particles protein reduces bone loss. as well as the larger structures. This potential treatment for osteoporosis is being ER-4 is hosting: tested by a biotechnology Biotechnology Specimen firm together with a NASA Temperature Controller (BSTC), Commercial Space Center, part of the BCSS, can house 32 using microgravity to tissue culture modules at a carefully simulate accelerated bone controlled 36°C. loss on Earth.Twelve lab mice were treated with on Station the osteoprotegerin Expedition-4 Commander Yuri Onufrienko. 15 on Station no. 8, march 2002 research Yuri Onufrienko photographing the Earth from Zvezda.

The Gas Service Module (GSM) and Interactions for studying crew and Biotechnology Refrigerator (BTR) crew-ground team relationships support the BCSS. during long-term space missions. Advanced Astroculture (ADVASC) The crew fills out a laptop Support Systems,previously in questionnaire of their interactions ER-1, for research into whether with each other and ground seeds can be produced by plants controllers. grown from seeds in space. Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM) ER-5 contains no payloads and has uses a digital camera mounted in been installed in readiness for future Destiny’s large window to enable uploads. thousands of students to photograph and examine Earth from The Human Research Facility (HRF-1) an astronaut’s perspective.Via the The STS-105 crew attached the first is used to study the physiological, Internet, they control the camera and experiment outside the Station – behavioural and chemical changes in post the photographs for public Materials ISS Experiments (MISSE) – humans caused by spaceflight.The viewing. Since Expedition-3, several during an EVA in August 2001.Two Gas Analyzer System for Metabolic new schools in the US have joined suitcase-sized packages contain Analysis Physiology (GASMAP) the programme, as well as a school in experimental materials for solar cells, analyses metabolic function, cardiac Krefeld, . radiation shielding, paint, optical output, lung diffusing capacity, lung HRF Radiation materials and lightweight building volume, pulmonary function and Monitor (EVARM) is a radiation materials are being exposed to the nitrogen washout.The Ultrasound dosimeter badge reader, with 12 harsh environment of space for a year Imaging System (Ultrasound) (four sets of three) small dosimeter before return to Earth for study. provides enlarged 3D images of the badges, each uniquely identified. heart and other organs, muscles and Each set will be placed in an EVA New Payloads blood vessels.The Pulmonary suit to measure radiation levels at Sub-rack and deployed payloads Function in Flight (PuFF) unit is different body locations. transferred into Destiny from STS-108 researching changes in lung HRF Hoffman Reflex (H-Reflex) include: anatomy and performance caused measures the effects of by spacewalks or microgravity.The on spinal cord Biotechnology Cell Sciences Stowage focus is on measuring changes in the excitability. Surface electrodes are system (BCSS) Unit #5 added to evenness of gas exchange in the applied to the soleus muscle in the ER-1. lungs, and on detecting changes in sitting position, with the knee at 120° Advanced Astroculture (ADVASC) respiratory muscle strength. Each and the foot at 90°.The stimulating Growth Chamber #2 added to ER-4. PuFF session includes five lung electrode (part of the knee brace) is This is a follow-up to an function tests. applied behind the knee to stimulate Expedition-2 experiment: second- the posterior tibial nerve. generation Arabidopsis thaliana Deployed Payloads HRF Urine Collection Kit (UCK), a plants are being grown using seeds The following payloads were already Nomex container housing the Urine harvested from plants grown in Destiny: Collection Devices (UCD), Ziploc during Expedition-2 (as well as from containment bags, towelettes and new seeds). It also formed the basis gauze pads. for a commercial Internet-based HRF Renal Stone for observing education programme. changes in renal function and Protein Crystal Growth Single Locker increased risk of kidney stones Thermal Enclosure System units 7 & induced by weightlessness. 8 added to ER-4. Beginning 3 days before launch and Zeolite Crystal Growth Furnace Units continuing for 14 days after their 1 & 2 added to ER-2. ZCG is not return, the crew are ingesting two expected to be operational during potassium citrate pills (a proven Expedition-4. on Station Earth-based therapy) or placebos The Microencapsulation Electrostatic daily and collecting urine samples to Processing System (MEPS) failed a learn whether the pills are effective. vacuum test shortly before launch, so it was not moved from the Carl Walz with the WA3 amateur radio antenna. Shuttle. 16

on Station no. 8, march 2002 Descent Payloads wake clouds and von Karman vortices During their normal maintenance Payloads returned aboard STS-108 in in the .Walz and Bursch checks, the crew noticed and removed December as Expedition-4 began completed their third session with the an ice buildup in the Biotechnology included: Hoffman Reflex experiment at the turn Refrigerator containing several cell of the year. Before and after two EVAs, science samples processed earlier in ESA’s Advanced Protein they performed the PuFF experiment. the mission and now awaiting transfer Crystallisation Facility (ER-1) grew The Zeolite Crystal Growth furnace to Earth samples of proteins that are key unit was installed and checked out. ingredients in many life processes. The crew completed checkout of Expedition-4 Untended Experiments Biotechnology Cell Science Stowage EVARM: data from the radiation In December, the MAMS recorded the (BCSS) system Units # 1 & 2 from badges were downlinked to the STS-108 undocking, helping scientists ER-4. ground.Walz and Bursch completed to plan experiments that require a Dynamically Controlled Protein the first session of the Renal Stone vibration-free environment. Research Crystal Growth (DCPCG) experiment, including collection of operations resumed early in the experiment from ER-1. urine over a 24-hour period and diet Expedition with SAMS and ARIS-ICE, Bonner Ball Neutron Detector (BBND) monitoring. Unit. Early in Dreamtime Camera (DMTM) part of a February, a public-private partnership to Guidance, upgrade NASA’s equipment to next- Navigation and generation HDTV technology. Control (GNC) computer Expedition-3/4 Overlap Experiments crash in Zvezda Walz and Bursch completed their first allowed the sessions with the Hoffman Reflex just Station’s a day after arrival, repeating the attitude to sessions every few weeks to track drift slowly. As changes in the human neurovestibular a result, the system. solar wings The Protein Crystal Growth Single could not track Thermal Enclosure Unit #10 was the Sun and activated early on, followed later in their power the Expedition by Unit #7.The crew output fell activated Cellular Biotechnology drastically.The research by injecting cells into 32 crew turned off science experiments, Bursch (left) and Onufrienko perform maintenance. nutrient containers, placing them in backed-up Station systems and shut an incubator and then periodically down non-critical subsystems. NASA’s removing nutrient solution for analysis main antenna could not be aimed at and PCS completed a 48 h run. and re-injection of fresh growth fluid. the relay satellites, losing US Untended operations continued with The first Interactions questionnaires .The crew could a pair of protein crystal-growth were completed. communicate with ground controllers experiments. Around the middle of only when the Station was passing the Expedition, the PCS colloids Expedition-4 Tended Experiments over Russian ground stations in experiment team expanded its Photography targets were uplinked Central Asia.The computer was research to build fractal structures for the Crew Earth Observations restarted after 2.5 h and Station over 5 weeks using a colloidal gel. research programme, including orientation was restored after another Fractal gels are of interest to industrialised South Africa, Angolan 2h.It took less than 6 h to return manufacturers and materials biomass burning, eastern power to sensitive payloads, and specialists on Earth. A primary Mediterranean dust and smog, normal operations were achieved mechanism for degradation of motor Patagonian and Andean glaciers, and within 24 h. oil is the formation of fractal clusters EarthKAM was activated a week of soot. Another example is the ageing earlier than planned to provide a full and spoilage of food. Later, the team For information on ISS science activities, four days operation without concluded its 120 h reexamination of check the website at: communications outages. Initial the crystallisation of the AB6 binary problems with a voltage converter colloid.The colloid experiments will be http://www.scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov/ on Station were overcome. extended into Expedition-5. ■ 17 on Station no. 8, march 2002 education TTeacheach SSpacpacee 20012001

Elena Grifoni Head of Communication & Strategy,D/MSM,ESTEC,Postbus 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlandsrlands Email: [email protected]

Barber Uijl Public Relations Specialist,D/MSM,ESTEC,Postbus 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlandsrlands Email: [email protected]

Teachers from 20 countries, including all 15 ESA facilities and services of the Space Station, Member States, as well as the , allowing about 13 kg of experiments to fly , , Canada and the US took part on Europe’s European Columbus laboratory in Teach Space on 26-28 October 2001. A each year.The Programme can be wealth of information was exchanged on how represented by a pyramid structure, where space is being used in the activities are initially addressed to tens In October 2001, ESA invited 160 education, representing of thousands of students, of which a small teachers to ESTEC for the wide variety of number will end up with access to Teach Space 2001, the first nationalities and the experiments aboard the ISS. International Space Station different subjects and Education Conference in Europe... education levels taught. The Teach Space initiative focuses on pre-university students (aged 6-18), and was Space as a Theme in Education launched at Teach Space 2001. The Agency is increasingly aware of the importance of space as a theme in education. Teach Space 2001: Teacher Requirements ESA depends on a highly talented and skilled Teach Space 2001 was organised to stimulate workforce – and its future members are sitting teachers into adopting space as a tool for in today’s classrooms. Space as a theme has teaching, and for them to encourage ESA in many fascinating angles that can be applied to taking a more active role towards education. subjects taught at primary- and secondary- The busy conference programme included school levels.These approaches can give introductions to several ESA activities, such as students that extra stimulus to be active life sciences and space exploration, as well as participants and be fascinated by their presentations on the world’s largest subjects. cooperative civil space project – the International Space Station.Through Educational Programmes workshops and questionnaires, teachers were The International Space Station (ISS) is an ideal asked about their country’s specific tool for teaching science, mathematics, educational requirements, as well as their technology, engineering and many other needs in incorporating space into their specific disciplines. For this reason, ESA has launched subjects. ESA is studying this information to two educational programmes involving better understand the education systems the ISS programme: throughout Europe, which will help the Agency to create material for The ISS Education Programme widespread use. addresses European Some conclusions from on Station students aged 18- Teach Space 2001 are: 27 years. In particular, it – European makes use of teachers in all the ground disciplines are 18

on Station no. 8, march 2002 maintain the momentum and the interest of teachers, we hope to shift the focus this year towards the production of educational material. Specific projects by teachers for teachers form the basis of ESA’s first publication, the Teach Space 2001 conference proceedings (ESA SP-491).Teachers, space enthusiasts and companies responded to an Open Call for space project proposals. More than 40 were received and, after careful consideration, ten projects were selected for presentation at the event.The book is available from late March enthusiastic and eager to use space as a and can be bought for €20 from Frits de Zwaan teaching tool; at +31 71 565-3405 (or fax +31 71 565-5433; – curricula are, in general, not flexible enough. [email protected]) Space can be taught only as an optional In addition to working on ‘content’,building course or as a supporting element to on the input and contacts established in 2001, existing curricula; the Agency is continuing existing activities –schools/teachers have no access to funding; such as the student parabolic flights. –the formal education structures and organisations (Ministries of Education, local education authorities, etc) need to be improved. A network must be established between teachers and schools, supported by a selection of publications and input from other organisations, such as planetariums and museums; –teachers need simple, practical, modular, European material that can be applied to their lessons; –ESA needs a pool of teachers/consultants to adapt material for schools. Part of the Teach Space 2001 workshop. Sponsors The Teach Space 2001 sponsor initiative aimed The following activities are planned for this at matching ESA’s budget for the event with year: sponsor benefits. Space companies received a –Teach Space Educators Forum on the Human personalised letter inviting them to join; eight Spaceflight website; responded positively and exceeded the –creation of an ISS Education Kit, including sponsorship target of €50 000.The sponsors material that can be used by teachers in were: Astrium, Alenia Spazio, Contraves, OHB, primary or secondary schools to incorporate SENER, ALTEC, HE Space Operations, and space and human spaceflight in their IntoSpace. Astrium and Intospace participated lessons; in the conference. –SUCCESS#2: a second student contest for experiments aboard the ISS; 2002: Focus on Education –World Space Week event at the ISS User During 2001, Human Spaceflight education Information Centre in ESTEC (October); activities focused on gathering input from –ISS Web Marathon: allowing the public to teachers.This was an important first step.To participate in Q&A’s with ESA staff.

Check the Human Spaceflight website for news We hope to create ESA Human Spaceflight and details on upcoming educational events: educational material in the near future built on http://www.esa.int/export/esaHS/ teachers’ input, and we look forward to receiving further comments and suggestions education.html on Station (send them to [email protected]). ■ 19 on Station no. 8, march 2002 research MSGMSG RReadeadyy fforor LLaunchaunch

Maria Natalina De Parolis ESA Project Manager,LSE Section (MSM-GUL),D/MSM,ESA/ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email:[email protected]

Martin Zell Astrium Project Manager,MSG,Astrium GmbH,PO Box 286156,D-28361 Bremen,Germany Email: [email protected]

Introduction The Verification Process in Two Steps The Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) will The process included the verification of both be the first European rack facility to be the science requirements, controlled by the launched to the ISS. It will fly on the MSG System Requirements Document, and the STS-111/UF-2 mission and from ISS Interface requirements, controlled by the ESA’s Microgravity Science May it will equip the US Destiny Pressurised Payload Interface Requirement Glovebox completed final Laboratory.This glovebox can Document (IRD).While the first document was testing at the Kennedy Space handle a wide variety of already consolidated at the beginning of Center in February and is now materials, house investigations Phase-C/D, the IRD and the associated ready to begin its journey to the into combustion, fluids and verification programme evolved in parallel to International Space Station... biotechnology and the project development. A second important accommodate minor repairs aspect, peculiar to MSG and the MELFI freezer, and servicing of hardware requiring a was the lack in Europe of suitable interface controlled working environment.The emulators.This forced division of the development included a long and complex verification flow into two parts: verification process, leading to the final certification for flight readiness. –the European verification process, mainly devoted to environmental and performance testing at the payload developer sites; –NASA’s process at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), aimed at testing the physical, electrical and software interfaces.

The Testing in Europe European verification was supported by dedicated interface emulators, complemented by the ESA-provided Test Equipment for Payload Development, which includes the Water Servicer and the Power Supply Emulator. NASA provided the Suitcase Test Emulator for Payloads and the Common Video Interface Unit. In addition to this hardware available in Europe, an early Data Handling verification test was performed in the ISS laboratory of NASA’s , where generic ESA on Station Standard Payload Computer Basic Software was tested for compatibility with Destiny’s payload Multiplexer-Demultiplexer. European processing included tests at the prime MSG at KSC. contractor site (Astrium-Bremen) and at 20

on Station no. 8, march 2002 resources in orbit at rack level. In the PRCU testing, MSG was still under the control of Astrium, who shared test responsibility with the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) team.The offline tests were very successful – MSG holds the record as the fastest rack through software tests. Offline testing was completed just before the end of 2001. MSG testing at Astrium. On 8 January 2002, subcontractors (Bradford Engineering and ESA/Astrium and NASA MSFC handed MSG ATOS-ORIGIN,The Netherlands; Verhaert Design over to the KSC team, who started the online and Development, Belgium). tests.These are performed at the Payload Test Control System (PTCS).This facility is similar to The Processing Flow at KSC the PRCU but operations control is from a The overall flow of KSC activities for MSG – remote user room,rather than by direct rack typical for ISS payload processing – can be access. It allows end-to-end testing, including characterised as: verification of the operational procedures.The activities are strictly under procedural and –preparatory technical interchange meetings quality control by the KSC authority. (about a year before hardware shipment); –flight hardware and ground support The Integrated Testing equipment shipping from Europe; Despite problems with some –KSC reception inspection; MSG hardware malfunctions –changeout of flight rack from IHI (Japan)- and the late readiness of the type rackstand to (US)-type; PRCU and PTCS, MSG –rack and ground support equipment setup completed all rack level testing in offline laboratory; post-shipment after 2 weeks and was ready for functional checkout test; final rack/experiment –offline testing with Payload Rack Checkout integrated testing.The NASA Unit; science experiments (In-Space, –online testing with Payload Test Control Solidifcation Using a Baffle in System; Sealed Ampoules [SUBSA] and –decable review and rack closeout; Toward Understanding Pore –complementary stowage item activities Formation and Mobility (optional); Investigation [PFMI]) were integrated inside –rack integration in Multi-Purpose Logistics MSG and the integrated rack functionality was Module (MPLM). checked.This last test was completely outside of ESA/Astrium responsibility. The PRCU/PTCS Testing Finally, on 14 February 2002, all test activities After Acceptance Review #1, performed at were concluded.The rack is now awaiting final Astrium in October 2001, MSG was shipped to preparations for integration inside MPLM KSC.There, after the post-shipment checkout, it Leonardo before loading into the Space was subjected to the offline tests by the Shuttle. Payload Rack Checkout Unit (PRCU).This is MSG is the first European rack facility to located in NASA’s Space Station Processing have completed the verification programme, Facility and provides high-fidelity electrical and setting the standard for future ISS payload on Station mechanical simulation of the available development. ■ 21 on Station no. 8, march 2002 recent & relevant Recent & Relevant ESA Astronaut Ready for ISS

Roberto Vittori will become the third ESA Astronaut Roberto Vittori in the ESA Astronaut aboard the ISS when Soyuz simulator at the Gagarin Soyuz-TM34 docks in late April. His Cosmonaut Training Centre, City. 9-day visit includes Europe’s first commercial experiment on the Station: the Bloodpressure to design structures for Measurement Instrument (BMI) for prolonged missions and continuously recording bloodpressure to rehabilitate ground and heart rate, based on the patients. commercial Boso TM-2430 PC. Vittori joined the His other three experiments are European Astronaut sponsored by the Italian space Corps in August 1998 agency: Chiro, Alteino and Vest. with prolonged missions and and immediately began Mission The main purpose of Vest is to exposure to radiation. Alteino is a joint Specialist training at NASA’s Johnson validate a proposed new range of project between the Univ of -Tor Space Center to qualify for Shuttle and clothing for living in space.This Vergata, Univ of Geneo, Italy’s National ISS flights. In July 2001, he was includes researching and employing Nuclear Physics Institute and the assigned to a Soyuz taxi mission under new fabrics.The ultimate aim is to Moscow Institute for Biomedical an agreement between reduce the burden on the system by Problems and the Moscow Rosaviakosmos, ASI and ESA.The cutting the mass and volume of Engineering and Physics Institute. following month, he began training as astronauts’ clothing, while making Chiro will use two dynamometers a Soyuz Flight Engineer at Star City them more comfortable. to measure the forces exerted by the near Moscow. ■ Alteino will measure particle hand and fingers in grasping objects radiation in the Station and its effects in weightlessness.The way that upper For the latest on Vittori’s flight: on the crew’s brains. It is the precursor limbs are used in space reflects some http://www.esa.int/spaceflight to the ALTEA (Anomalous Long Term pathological and traumatic You can discover when the Space Station Effects in Astronauts) system that will phenomena affecting the central is next visible from your location at: http://www.heavens-above.com identify risks to the nervous system nervous system.The results will help

PFS and the Breath of Life

ESA delivered a piece of new photoacoustics, exploiting the wavelengths.The new device divides technology to NASA in December as property that different gases absorb IR the breath sample into several small part of the ISS Pulmonary Function light at different and very precise test cells, each fitted with a window System (PFS). Developed by the filter that admits only the exact Danish company INNOVISION SA, the wavelength of a specific gas.The cells new device will analyse exhaled gas are exposed to an IR source through a from astronauts’ lungs and provide spinning chopper wheel.When the near-instant data on crew health. PFS hole is in front of the window, the IR is the first flight hardware developed energy heats and expands the gas. by the Microgravity Facilities for When the hole has passed, the gas Columbus (MFC) Programme as part contracts again. A microphone picks of the European Physiology Modules up the pulses; their strength (EPM) project, originally planned for accurately measures how much of the launch aboard Columbus. Following specific gas is present. Six different the great interest shown by NASA, ESA gases can be measured was offered an earlier flight simultaneously, with several on Station opportunity in January 2003, as part measurements being made within a of the second NASA Human Research single breath. In addition to the lung Facility (HRF) being delivered to function, the data also reveal much Destiny by the STS-114/ULF-1 mission. about blood flow and the entire The PFS uses a new approach: PFS (top left) integrated in the HRF-2 rack. cardio-vascular system. ■ 22

on Station no. 8, march 2002 Recent & Relevant Foton Capsule at ESTEC

The ISS User Information Centre at groups from York, Edinburgh and ESTEC added a new exhibit to its Zurich. Foton-M is an improved collection in December: a Foton version of the spacecraft, with larger descent capsule. Marked by its 2500ºC battery capacity, enhanced thermal reentry – the scorched heatshield still control and increased telemetry and has a distinctive smell – the Foton-12 telecommand capabilities.The Soyuz capsule is intended to show potential rocket will be equipped with a new users how payloads are third-stage engine, which will provide accommodated. Launched in an orbit with a higher perigee.The September 1999, Foton-12 included more circular orbit, in combination 240 kg of ESA experiments. ESA has with a more even mass distribution been a Foton partner since 1987, and within Foton, will further reduce the has developed an excellent residual onboard acceleration. In total, relationship with the Russian more than 40 experiments in physical manufacturers and launch teams.The sciences, space biology, radiation Foton programme provides biology, space dosimetry and researchers with access to relatively meteoritics will be performed: low-cost weightlessness with a much longer duration than sounding rockets ESA: FluidPac, TeleSupport, Biopan, and a faster turnaround than with the Soret Coefficient in Crude Oil ISS. ESA Technical Officer Antonio (SCCO), Stone and Verga has worked with Foton for Autonomous years.‘It’s very good value for money. visitors will see it as a potential Experiments; Foton carries a multi-disciplinary platform for their experiments.The DLR: Agat and Keramik; payload – anything from biological next mission, Foton-M1, is scheduled CNES: IBIS; experiments to fluid physics and for October 2002, and will include Russian industry and institutes: Polizon, technology testing.’Verga hopes that experiments designed by student Mirage, Sinus-15 and Komparus. ■

NASA Medal Awarded MSM’s Eckart Graf has been presented with NASA’s Public Service Medal ‘in recognition of his exceptional leadership resulting in unprecedented cooperation between the and NASA in the development of the X-38/’.Eckart is credited with reorienting an initial definition study into a hardware programme for the X-38, the prototype for the CRV. Following his initial appointment in 1996 as Crew Transfer Vehicle project manager, in 1998 he became the X-38/CRV project manager. Eckart is pictured with his wife and Roy Estess, acting Director of JSC. ■

Commercial Camera for ISS maps.The maps will record changes GmbH and other European partners even in urban areas – new dwellings, are working jointly on the project. ESA ESA has approved funding for streets, roads and bridges.The combi- will partly finance the hardware and commercial utilisation of the ISS by nation of large-area coverage, high re- organise transport to the ISS. DLR will the ‘RapidEye’ camera. RapidEye Inc. of solution, high revisit rate and low cost support camera development. Kayser- Munich (D) plans to place a high- will allow the maps to be frequently Threde will be responsible for the resolution Earth observation camera updated. New consumer services will project’s technical direction. RapidEye aboard the ISS by 2005, making it the appear; for example, using the Inter- will assume operational control of the first commercial user in this business net, people will be able to see up-to- camera, process the data and market segment.The camera will image major date images of their next vacation de- the images and information services. parts of Europe, North America and stination to check for coverage, The system will use a constellation of Asia, enabling the company to offer water pollution or their hotel location. small satellites enhanced by the ISS on Station regularly updated, highly accurate ESA, DLR, RapidEye, Kayser-Threde camera. ■ 23 on Station no. 8, march 2002 On Station For a free subscription or change of address, please contact ISSN 1562-8019 Frits de Zwaan at [email protected] ESA Publications Division/SER-CP The Newsletter of ESA’s Directorate ESTEC, Postbus 299, 2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity Fax: +31 71 565-5433 This newsletter is published by ESA Publications Division. Editor: Andrew Wilson ([email protected]) It is free to all readers interested in ESA’s manned Contributing Writer: Graham T. Biddis spaceflight and microgravity activities. It can also be ESA Photographer: Anneke van der Geest seen via the website at http://esapub.esrin.esa.it/ Design & Layout: Eva Ekstrand & Carel Haakman

8th European Symposium on Life Sciences Research in Space

23rd Annual International Gravitational Physiology Meeting www.spaceflight.esa.int/users/symposium

2-7 June 2002 Karolinska Institutet Stockholm,