The ISS Must Have a Full Crew

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number 10, september 2002 on station The Newsletter of the Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity http://www.esa.int/spaceflight

in this issue The ISS Must Have a Full Crew

foreword Jörg Feustel-Büechl Foreword 1 ESA Director of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity Jörg Feustel-Büechl A significant event for the International Space Station research programme took place on 3 June in Paris with a meeting of ‘Odissea’ to the ISS 4 the Heads of Agencies, hosted by ESA. A key goal was to Aldo Petrivelli assess how we should consolidate our situation to date. Before going into details, I am pleased to say that everyone foton expressed their highest satisfaction with the technical Forty-four for Foton 6 progress of the ISS programme. So far, we have had 28 Antonio Verga launches to the Station, of which 17 were assembly flights. This means that we have completed almost a third of the microgravity Station construction. Apart from some small hiccups that are Minutes of Microgravity 8 to be expected during such a complex assembly, we can say Wolfgang Herfs that the Station is highly successful from an engineering point of view. commercialisation The meeting was not particularly easy but it did end with a Come-In! 10 good result – a Programme Action Plan.This now means that Maurizio Belingheri & Elena Lippi all five ISS Partner Agencies have documented a clear plan of actions to be accomplished before the next Heads of facilities Agencies meeting around November/December 2002, when Fluid Science Laboratory centre the potential End-State options will be discussed.The US left European Physiology pages the meeting with three issues to address: completion of their Modules Research Maximization and Prioritisation (REMAP) work; determination of the number of Shuttle flights to the Station research each year (four or five); and, potentially the most important, The Space Factor 12 conclusion of their ISS cost-to-completion reviews. Marc Heppener Since the Paris meeting, REMAP has been completed and it confirms what we had expected: a crew of three is too small education for effective use of the Station. For the latter two issues, we are Astronauts in the Classroom 14 awaiting their results.The costing review should be received Gaston Bertels in September, and we will then have a clearer view on further progress. Meanwhile, the Partners are continuing their usoc discussions on the technical and programmatic aspects of the ISS Payload Operations 16 End-State options.These include: a dedicated crew rescue Jens Schiemann vehicle, a second Soyuz return vehicle, and a crew safe haven concept. A number of sub-options containing a mix of these three major options are also being assessed. ESA and Rosaviakosmos have worked hard together to Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity Direction des Vols Habité et la Microgravité Foreword.qxd 01-08-2002 11:08 Page 2

foreword

The ISS crewtime required to execute ESA’s prioritised Utilisation Plan for the initial set of experiments.A crew of three provides only 80 man- hours per year for ESA experiments.

reach a formal agreement with NASA, but the and programmatic issues. Europe, through Mr US agency was not sure that any major Heribert Diehl, Chairman of the IGA decisions could be made in time for the Coordination Committee, supported by ESA, November/December meeting because of expressed concern with the overall situation internal clarifications being required. It was and reiterated its expectation that all Partners therefore agreed that the End-State options meet their IGA obligations – the full would be reviewed during the deployment of the Station as defined in the November/December meeting to agree on a IGA with a crew of seven and a full utilisation process to select the End-State configuration, potential. Our insistence on the full crew is with a view to taking the final decision early triggered by the need for adequate astronaut next year. All in all, the Paris meeting was flight opportunities and, more significantly, to considered to be constructive and positive. ensure maximum Station utilisation. ESA has As a next step, analysed how we will have that can be The Microgravity Science another important achieved for the Glovebox was transferred meeting, of the experiments into the ISS on 9 June.(NASA) Multilateral Control already selected. Board, in Of the 250 September, when experiments we will take stock chosen by the of the situation for science peer the Heads of groups, some Agencies meeting. 100 are foreseen On 23 July, a for the Station consultation of all and about 150 15 signatories to on sounding the ISS Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) rockets, parabolic flights or other means. In

on Station took place at the US State Department in order to complete these selected Station Washington DC. Representatives of all the 11 experiments, some of which are relatively European States plus the US, Japan, large, we need 2.6 years with a crew of seven, Rosaviakosmos and the Canadian Space 3.4 years with a crew of six, and almost Agency were briefed on the current technical 24 years with a crew of three. It must be 2

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remembered that this is only the first selection ISS launches planned for the next 12 months. process of many, so there are many more Flight # Launch Element/Task Vehicle/Mission experiments to come. A crew of three is clearly unacceptable for our user community and ESA, 30: 9P 10 Sep 02 Logistics (Progress-M1) Soyuz and therefore we insist that we maintain the 31: 9A 26 Sep 02 S1 Truss Shuttle STS-112 original baseline agreements. 32: 5S 22 Oct 02 Taxi Flight (Frank De Winne) Soyuz-TMA 1 33: 11A 02 Nov 02 Expedition-6 Crew/P1 Truss Shuttle STS-113 All in all, we are still very concerned about 34: ULF-1 16 Jan 03 Expedition-7 Crew/MPLM Shuttle STS-114 the situation although the project is working 35: 10P 30 Jan 03 Logistics (Progress-M) Soyuz so well technically.We have completed 36: 11P 28 Mar 03 Logistics (Progress-M1) Soyuz many of the Station elements and continue to 37: 12A 10 Apr 03 P3/P4 Truss Shuttle STS-115 38: 6S 28 Apr 02 Taxi Flight Soyuz-TMA 2 insist that the Station is not only a wonderful 39: 12A.1 05 Jun 03 Expedition-8 Crew/P5 Truss/ Shuttle STS-116 piece of engineering but that it can also (Christer Fuglesang; 3 EVAs) provide a maximum utilisation return on our 40: 12P 05 Jul 03 Logistics (Progress-M) Soyuz 41: 13A 21 Aug 03 S3/S4 Truss Shuttle STS-117 investment. 42: 13A.1 25 Sep 03 S5 Truss Shuttle STS-118 We are still looking to install our Columbus core element on the Station in October 2004 and continue to plan on that basis. Columbus ESA-related flights and deliveries for the next 12 months. integration is progressing well at Astrium in September: 33rd Parabolic Flight Campaign Bremen (D) and the module will be ready for October: Foton-M1 with ESA payloads FluidPac, Stone, Biopan, SCCO, Photo II, the addition of the research facilities next Aquacells, Biofilter, TeleSupport, 3 student/outreach experiments, material science spring at the latest. experiments in the Russian Polizon (2x) and German Agat (2x) furnaces, biological experiments (2x) in the French IBIS facility For the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), October/November: Soyuz taxi flight with ESA Astronaut Frank De Winne testing has been successfully completed and January? 2003: STS-107 with ESA payloads APCF, ARMS, Biobox, Biopack, ERISTO, the industrial activities are proceeding as FAST, Com2Plex planned.We are quite satisfied with ATV’s January? 2003: MELFI; Pulmonary Function System, part of HRF-2 for Destiny, on progress after the Preliminary Design Review Shuttle STS-114/ULF-1; MPLM Raffaello in late 2000. February 2003: Node-2 delivery to Kennedy Space Center Our various user facilities are nearing March 2003: Maxus-5 sounding rocket completion.The first element, the Microgravity March 2003: Cupola delivery to Kennedy Space Center Science Glovebox (MSG), is aboard the Station’s March-April 2003: 34th Parabolic Flight Campaign Destiny science module and operational.The April 2003: Columbus completed and placed in storage Minus Eighty-degree Laboratory Freezer for April 2003: ERA completed and placed in storage the ISS (MELFI) has been delivered to NASA June 2003: Shuttle STS-116/12A.1 with ESA Astronaut Christer Fuglesang and should fly early next year. Europe can be June 2003: European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) delivery to Marshall Space proud that it is meeting its commitments. Flight Center Following the successful Soyuz taxi flight of October 2003: 35th Parabolic Flight Campaign Roberto Vittori in April, we are now looking forward to the mission of Frank De Winne in October. Sponsored by the Belgian manner with particular respect to astronaut government, this ‘Odissea’ mission has a very careers.‘Non-flight’ status enables an astronaut, demanding scientific programme (see the after a flight, to work on a dedicated article on pp4-5 of this issue), the management engineering or scientific project. An astronaut of which is entrusted to ESA. Frank will be the can then return to ‘Flight’ status as a further first experimenter to use the MSG. flight opportunity arises.This fills the gap The new Astronaut Policy was approved at between the flights in a concrete and positive the June meeting of the ESA Council. It is an way and increases the astronaut’s valuable important step because it recognises the expertise. changes in this area since the different The Programme Board and Council also national astronauts corps were consolidated discussed nationally sponsored flights, and we into the Single European Corps in 1999.We now have a clear understanding of the now have 16 astronauts and the policy conditions for performing these flights. provides guidance on crew selection, mission Last but not least, we are planning a fourth assignment, commercial activities and other ISS Industry Day at ESTEC on 27 September, aspects.The most important factor is that it when European industry will be cordially provides dynamic management tools to invited to discuss the current projects and their on Station support corps management in a more optimal progress. ■ 3

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research ‘‘OOdisseadissea’’ ttoo thethe ISSISS The Belgian/ESA Taxi Mission

Aldo Petrivelli Project Manager,Microgravity and Space Station Utilisation Department, D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected]

Introduction other physical science experiments will use the The contract for Frank De Winne’s Soyuz taxi ESA-developed Microgravity Science Glovebox mission to the International Space Station was (MSG), delivered in June to NASA’s Destiny signed on 18 April. Frank is the Flight Engineer module. An agreement between OSTC and for the Soyuz-TMA1 10-day mission in October, CNES allows some experiments to reuse funded by the Belgian Federal equipment left onboard by Claudie Office for Scientific, ESA Astronaut Haigneré’s Andromède mission. Technical and Cultural Frank De Winne will perform a Odissea’s international Affairs (OSTC).The wide range of experiments character is highlighted by main goal is to exchange aboard the ISS ... the 24 experiments from five the Station’s Soyuz vehicle, which European countries, two from the USA serves as the main emergency return craft.This and Russian involvement in three. first improved Soyuz-TMA model will be swapped for Soyuz-TM34, delivered in April by The Biology Experiments a crew that included ESA’s Roberto Vittori.The VITAMIN D Microgravity seems to modify the flight is part of a framework agreement for genes controlling osteoblasts, our bone- European astronauts to fly to the ISS on building cells, so that astronauts lose bone Russian vehicles during 2001- strength.The experiment investigates the 2006, signed between ESA and effect of vitamin D on the osteoblasts. Rosaviakosmos in May 2001. RHO SIGNALING studies the chemical signals Frank’s programme of used by cells. Laboratory-created human cells experiments is being managed are being used to improve our understanding on behalf of OSTC by ESA. of cellular and molecular mechanisms, and how When Frank arrives at the ISS they are affected by microgravity. he will find quite a bit of research RAMIROS studies the oxidation of cells by equipment waiting for him. He the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation, and the affect on can then very quickly begin the their behaviour.This effect has similar packed and ambitious characteristics to cell stress in senility diseases, experimental programme of his like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. MESSAGE 8-day stay. Most of the hardware studies gene mutations caused by will be delivered by an microgravity. Microbes are incubated at room unmanned Progress freighter on temperature and every day a sample is 10 September and more will fly removed and frozen (–20ºC) for later analysis. with him aboard Soyuz. Frank will be the first visitor to Cardioscience and Cogniscience

on Station work both in the Russian and CARDIOCOG studies the effects of microgravity Survival training in Russia. American segments. He will be based in the on our cardiovascular and respiratory systems, Russian segment as a Flight Engineer, and there as well as the stress, cognition and he will conduct the life science activities and physiological response during spaceflight. After two of the physical science experiments. Four even only short flights, the body has adapted 4

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Frank working with the MSG training model at ESTEC.

to weightlessness, no flight and then longer having to pump immediately after to gauge blood ‘uphill’ against his system’s intolerance. gravity. Once back on CHROMOSOMES draws Earth, it leaves the brain blood samples before and short of blood until the after flight to see the body re-adapts. RYTHME chromosome damage focuses on the caused by ionising cardiovascular system and radiation. on its re-adaptation to gravity; RESPI similarly for Material Science respiratory system. Past The Granada studies show that an Crystallisation Facility & astronaut’s changing PROMISS run heart rhythm provides complementary information on autonomic experiments on protein nervous activity (the crystallisation in parallel in brain’s automatic control two different facilities.The of our bodies). STRESS and protein solutions are TEXT focus on the stress injected into capillaries and the cognitive/ and crystallisation occurs physiological aspects of a as a precipitating solution spaceflight.The stress diffuses along them.The level is measured via the GCF crystals will be ‘Stroop effect’: the time it analysed only once back takes to react to different on Earth, but PROMISS will stimuli, and how the be conducted in the MSG, memory is affected. where a digital NEUROCOG studies the holographic microscope possibility that can record the process.

weightlessness affects NANOSLAB & ZEOGRID www.esa.int/odissea how the brain works.This study the formation of change is measured by recording two types of zeolite minerals in microgravity.The electrical signals from the brain. NANOSLAB process is controlled in MSG. COSMIC uses MSG to study the creation of Human Physiology advanced materials, such as ceramics and SYMPHATO tests the belief that our adrenal metal-matrix composites, via combustion. glands reduce their activity during the first 24 hours in space, but this is then matched by a Fluid Science pronounced drop in blood volume. VIRUS DCCO measures the Diffusion Coefficients in studies if the physical and physiological Crude Oils.The oil industry needs the stresses of spaceflight can reactivate latent information to predict the potential of new viruses and diseases. SLEEP studies how reservoirs. Gravity on Earth masks this effect. spaceflight disrupts astronaut’s sleep and body Asimilar experiment will fly on the unmanned cycles. Little is known of the problem on Foton-M1 mission at the same time (see the shorter flights. Frank’s pattern of sleep/wake Foton article in this issue). and exposure to light will be continuously monitored by a watch-like device – the Other Experiments Actilight Watch. XENON-1 measures before and LSO studies visible effects in the ionosphere after flight how well the body controls blood connected with thunderstorms and flow when standing (the ‘peripheral veno- earthquakes. VIDEO Video recording of simple arteriolar reflex‘). AORTA studies ‘orthostatic educational demonstrations, like water intolerance’,when someone cannot stand for globules, in weightlessness. ARISS Real-time 10 min after a spaceflight because the radio contact with Belgian schools, offering cardiovascular system has adapted to the unique opportunity to question Frank in on Station weightlessness. Frank will be tested before his space (see pp.14-15). ■ 5

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foton FForortty-fy-fourour fforor FFototonon

Antonio Verga Microgravity and Space Station Utilisation Department, D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email:[email protected]

Introduction French and German space agencies, but the The flight of ESA experiments on the Russian total had continued to grow. Foton-12 mission in September 1999 was a There followed a frantic design phase that milestone success, but an even larger payload gradually led to the current payload will soon be carried by Foton-M1. ESA is configuration. It is densely packed but niches supporting 44 experiments from Austria, were found for all the passengers. ESA’s record Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, France, contribution of 390 kg includes the Fluid Germany, Italy,The Netherlands, Physics Facility (FluidPac, with four Russia, Spain, Switzerland The largest ESA experiments), Biopan hosting a and UK that are now being payload yet record nine experiments, the integrated by the Russian is poised to fly on the next upgraded Telescience Support prime contractor,TsSKB- Foton mission ... Unit (TeleSupport, which will Progress, in the spacecraft in assist both FluidPac and the Samara. Launch is targeted for 15 October German AGAT furnace), six Autonomous ESA payloads from Plesetsk Cosmodrome for a 15-day Experiments (three developed by university mission. students as part of ESA’s Outreach education FluidPac/ 208 TeleSupport programme), the latest Stone simulated Biopan 27 The Payload meteorites, and the ‘Soret Coefficient in Crude IBIS 76 ‘How are we going to fit 44 experiments in a Oil’ (SCCO) experiment, diverted from a Shuttle AGAT 37 2m-diameter capsule?’‘Nyet prablema!’replied GetAway Special flight just last January. Outreach 7 SCCO 20 the Russian engineers at TsSKB when an ESA The 650 kg payload total is completed by Photo II 4 team posed the problem during the first France’s IBIS biological incubator, DLR’s AGAT, Aquacells 6 Foton-M1 technical meeting in July 2001.The Russia’s Polizon furnace (50% shared by ESA Biofilter 4 mission contract had already been signed on and DLR experiments) and four Russian Stone 1 11 April 2001 at ESA Headquarters in Paris for a experiments (Comparus, Mirage, Synus-16 and Total mass (kg) 390 payload put together in conjunction with the Chastata.

Right: the refurbished Biopan,with its brand new heatshield,is fitted to the shaker jig for the final vibration tests. Engineers had to modify its load- carrying structure to accommodate all the nine experiments. on Station

Far right: the new FluidPac Experiment Box,carrying four fluid physics experiments, ready for flight. 6

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Uprated Spacecraft The Foton-M1 payload Foton-M1 is the tenth such mission that ESA configuration.FluidPac’s has been involved in since 1987, but this is the Experiment Box (15) and Electronic Box Assembly (14) first flight of an improved version of the occupy most of one venerable spacecraft. Increased battery hemisphere,while IBIS (19), capacity, boosted by lithium cells and coupled TeleSupport (31, 38), and with enhanced thermal control, supplies the SCCO (100, 110, 111) occupy experiments with 500 W of average power the other.Polizon (17) sits in throughout the orbital flight.The new the bottom of the capsule.An Autonomous Experiment telemetry and telecommand unit will increase (118) is also visible. the data flow.The Soyuz rocket will fly with a more powerful third stage motor, providing the mission with a higher perigee.The resulting near-circular orbit, in combination with a more even mass distribution within Foton, will further improve the already excellent microgravity quality to a few 10–6 g. The experiments cover a remarkably wide The payload viewed from the range of scientific disciplines, including fluid left side of the other drawing. physics, biology, crystal growth, meteoritics, AGAT (3, 47), two Autonomous Experiments radiation dosimetry and exobiology. Applied (113, 114) and the SCCO research is prominent: heat transfer electronics (115) are now experiments in FluidPac, chemical diffusion evident.The dark ducts in the experiments in SCCO, and material science middle are the vacuum investigations in AGAT and Polizon will likely venting lines for the AGAT and Polizon processing contribute, respectively, to new heat-exchanger chambers. designs, to more efficient oil extraction processes, and to better semiconductor alloys. As on previous missions, biological research receives a great deal of attention, this time emphasising fundamental questions about the origin and spreading of life forms in space. IBIS and Biopan – both making their fourth Foton scientific flights – are hosting most of these ground-breaking experiments. The strong cooperation between ESA and Although allocated less than 8 kg, the three the national space agencies (Canada, France, Outreach experiments (protein crystal growth; Germany, Italy and The Netherlands), in bacterial growth; cartilage growth) are a first conjuction with our long experience using on Foton missions.They add an educational Foton, allowed us to prepare this mission’s element to this ESA programme and produced payload in record time. an enthusiastic response from students eager Now all the space hardware is lining up at to participate. TsSKB for the final system tests and the journey to Plesetsk.The tight schedule leaves no room for mistakes, but we are confident of making the launch date. Some of the experiments, with sensitive materials or living biological specimens, will be prepared later and sent directly to the Cosmodrome in northern Russia just five days before lift-off, when the ESA and Russian teams will together install them aboard Foton-M1. Only then will the ‘44 for Foton’ be ready to go. Just wish us good luck! ■

Twin SCCO experiment boxes will fly on Foton-M1. Here, they are being qualified on a shaker for launch.The cover of one is removed to on Station show the delicate hardware. 7

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microgravity MMinutinuteses ofof MMicricroogrgraavitvityy ESA’s Sounding Rocket Programme

Wolfgang Herfs Head,Esrange & Andøya Special Project Office, D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email:[email protected]

Maser 9 Convective Boiling and Condensation On 16 March 2002, ESA’s Maser-9 suborbital The Cyrene-2 module served an experiment to microgravity research mission was launched measure the heat transfer coefficient in a two- from Esrange near Kiruna in northern Sweden. phase gas-liquid flow, of interest for developing The flight and payload more efficient thermal control for satellites.The ESA’s sounding rocket recovery went as planned, module was developed by the Swedish Space programme continues to following a microgravity Corporation (SSC), and its fluid circuitry produce important results ... time of 6 min 15 s with a provided by CNES. A series of five heat flawless telemetry and exchangers moved the heat between two fluid video downlink.The 237 kg research payload, loops of anhydrous ammonia and water, using all funded by ESA, carried seven experiments in ice as the phase-change material. Rated as very three modules: successful.

–Convective Boiling and Condensation of Interfacial Turbulence in Evaporating Liquids Ammonia in Microgravity; J. Delhaye (CEA Evaporation is still not well understood so this Grenoble, F), Cyrene-2 module; experiment analysed the behaviour of an –Interfacial Turbulence in Evaporating evaporating liquid (ethanol) in an open vessel Liquids; P. Colinet (MRC at ULB Brussels, B), with a laminar gas flow parallel to the liquid ITEL module; surface.The thermal field within the liquid –Signal Transduction and Genetic Expression resulting from evaporation and Marangoni in Lymphocytes in Microgravity; M. Cogoli flows was measured by an optical tomography Top of page: the Maser-9 (Space Biology Group, ETH Zurich, CH), CIS-6 system with six viewing directions parallel to scientific payload. module; the liquid surface (i.e. six Mach-Zehnder –Responses to Microgravity Exposure and In- interferometers).This technique was developed Preparing the Cyrene-2 flight Environment of in-vitro Cultures of by Lambda-X (B) and flown in space for the first module at Esrange. Differentiated Functional Epithelial Follicular time, working perfectly. Cells from Thyroid; The ITEL module, developed by SSC and S. Ambesi (Univ. of Udine, Lambda-X, was affected by a still-unexplained I); CIS-6 module; error in the automatic pressure control of the –Three Bioreactors for experiment chamber.The cell’s high pressure Medically Relevant prevented strong evaporation of the ethanol, Organ-like Structures: but some results were still obtained. a) Chondrocytes; A. Cogoli (Space Biology Group, Lymphocytes ETH Zurich, CH); b) Blood Suspended human T-lymphocytes were

on Station Vessel Tissue; A. Bader activated by concanavalin A and their (Medical School Hanover, immediate gene expression was investigated. D); c) Thyroid Cells; This aims at explaining why the blood of most S. Ambesi (Univ. of Udine, astronauts shows depressed mitogenic I), all in the CIS-6 module. activation of lymphocytes, found in 1985 by 8

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The lymphocyte experiment is delivered.In Gravity Dependance by way of the foreground are the two experiment Microtubule Reaction-Diffusion drum assemblies of the CIS-6 module – one Processes (J. Tabony, F). for installation on an inflight 1 g Maxus-6 is planned for April 2004: centrifuge and the other for exposure to microgravity.At rear is the ground Physics of Foams (M. Adler, F); Control reference version. of Surface-tension Driven Convection in Floating Zone Growth (A. Cröll, D); Unconstrained Eutectic Solidification Chondrocytes: this bioreactor of Ternary Alloys (L. Froyen, B); used Sulzer’s patented ‘De Dynamics of Suspended Particles in the same investigators.The technical Novo’ insert to study the effect of Periodic Vortex Flows (H. Kuhlmann, challenge lay in exchanging the microgravity on the cytoskeleton D); Signal Transduction during liquids in the reaction chamber while and the genetic expression of Graviresponse (H. Schnabl, D). maintaining the lymphocyte vimentin and tensin in cartilage Maser-10 is planned for November suspension. Unfortunately, valve cells. Rated as 100% successful. 2004: Interaction in Cosmic and failures in 20 of the 48 experiment Thyroid Cells: a different design to Atmospheric Particle Systems (J. Blum, units reduced the scientific results. accommodate suspended thyroid D); Thermal Radiation Forces in cell clusters, allowing their Non-stationary Conditions (F.S.Gaeta, Thyroid Cells activation with a hormone and I); Chemohydrodynamic Pattern The thyroid’s epithelial follicular cells, their fixation in microgravity.To Formation at Interfaces (S. Müller, D); which produce the thyroid hormone, avoid sedimentation of the clusters Influence of Microgravity on the control and stimulate virtually every before flight, the bioreactor Activation of NF-kappaB organ and function of the human assemblies were continuously (M. Peppelenbosch, NL); Role of body.The experiment investigated the rotated up to launch. Microgravity in Mammalian Cells impact of microgravity on the cells’ Blood Vessel Tissue: this bioreactor held (J. Boonstra, NL). cytoskeleton, on signal transduction 3-D cell tissues of human cells after application of the Thyroid growing on pig blood vessels to Members of the Manned Space Programme Board Stimulating Hormone as a study the impact of microgravity on inspect the Maser service module at Esrange. biochemical stimulus, and on the gene the cytoskeleton. expression. Unfortunately, an electrical The scientific success of the last failure meant that no results were two bioreactors was hampered by obtained. their failure to fix the products before the end of microgravity. Modular Space Bioreactors In preparation for the International Digital Video System Space Station modular space Maser-9 also verified the digital video bioreactor, three different types of system developed by Techno System bioreactor were developed by Dutch (I) for sounding rockets and the ISS. Space (NL) for flight on Maser-9 with Derived from a system flown on three different species of tissue: Foton-12, it performed well and proved itself for future missions. The thyroid cell bioreactor.The black drive belt at left rotated the unit before liftoff to prevent sedimentation. Future Sounding Rocket Missions ESA’s Programme Board for Microgravity has approved the How to Fly an Experiment experiments for two 12-min missions ESA announces research opportunities (Maxus-5 & -6) and one 6-min mission requesting scientific proposals at (Maser-10). Maxus-5 is planned for http://www.spaceflight.esa.int/users/ 31 March 2003: Drop Dissolution and index.cfm.All proposals received by Marangoni Migration (R. Monti, I); the deadline are evaluated Crystallisation Kinetics of Silicalite-1 (J. scientifically by external peers and Martens, B); Vibrational Phenomena in technically by in-house experts.The Inhomogeneous Media (P. Evesque, F); most highly rated are submitted for Gravisensitivity and Graviperception approval by the Human Spaceflight, Mechanism of Characean Rhizoids and Research and Applications on Station Protonema (M. Braun, D); Biological Programme Board. ■ 9

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commercialisation CCome-In!ome-In! Providing Commercial Equipment on the ISS

Maurizio Belingheri & Elena Lippi ISS Commercial Promotion Office, D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email:[email protected]

Introduction One partner to the Agreement is Intospace, In order to exploit Europe’s significant who in June 2001 was already active in contributions to the development and commercially promoting the ISS by signing operations of the International Space Station with ESA a ‘Frame Option Agreement for (ISS), ESA’s Council has Purchase of ESA Resources and Services on the Europe’s first commercial directed the Agency to ISS’.Under this agreement, Intospace has equipment is already aboard the promote the Station’s use developed the Commercial Instruments ISS ready for hire ... for commercial activities. (Come-In) concept to make available new As an important step equipment and services to customers on a towards reaching commercial users, ESA in commercial basis.The customer base March 2002 signed a Cooperation Agreement potentially consists of institutional users (ESA with 11 European space companies already peer-reviewed scientists, astronaut health involved in the ISS programme (Alenia, I; ALTEC, monitoring, other agencies, the scientific I; Astrium, D; Bradford, NL; Contraves Space, CH; community) and commercial users involved in Fokker Space, NL; Intospace, D; Kayser-Threde, applied research. D; Kesberg Buetfering & Partners, D; Laben, I; OHB, D).This alliance is laying the foundations The Come-In Commercial Objectives during 2002-2006 before full commercial The Come-In concept aims at three objectives activities can begin. ESA and these companies for each instrument: are coordinating their efforts, resources and expertise to promote commercial activities by: —demonstrating technology aboard the Station. Space is a unique environment for —maximising the use of ESA’s ISS resources testing products: the lack of gravitational allocated to commercialisation. Areas of effects, vacuum, radiation, and mass and interest include applied research and safety constraints force continuous development projects in life and physical improvements in technology, with direct sciences, technology, Station-based benefits for users in space and consumers services (e.g. communica- on Earth; tions and Earth observation) —leasing the instrument to and unconventional activities institutional or private such as sponsorship; users; — stimulating a market for —marketing and promoting providing industrial ISS the instrument on Earth. services to ISS customers. A pool of three instruments

on Station Roberto Vittori learning to The Agreement is not has been identified so far by use the Blood-pressure exclusive and allows other Intospace as part of this Measurement Instrument partners who can offer value- concept. In addition to the (BMI), now available for added services to commercial blood-pressure monitor commercial lease on the ISS. users to join. described in more detail below, 10

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sized German company specialising in medical Roberto Vittori demonstrated equipment. BMI already has a wide range of BMI during his ISS mission. users, from general patients to pharmaceutical companies running clinical studies on hypotensive drugs.The commercial the company is considering an Atomic instrument Force Microscope for very high- was adapted resolution imaging of, for example, and qualified protein crystals and new materials.The to comply with third instrument is the ‘biochip’: an ISS require- advanced Integrated System for ments. Molecular Bioanalysis. It analyses and monitors fundamental biological processes by measuring the relative expression levels of thousands of individual BMI was demonstrated on genes in parallel. 1May 2002 aboard the The Come-In concept benefits both Station by ESA Astronaut customers and partners.The customers obtain Roberto Vittori during his the latest technology at a reasonable price, visiting mission. He prepared releasing funds for research rather than for the equipment, put it on and payload development.The instrument recorded 8 h of continuous providers (and sponsors) increase their blood pressure and heart competitive advantages by improving the rate measurement under instrument design, leading to better products. operational conditions.The demonstration This enhances the images of the company and included the recording of a 12-min DVD video product by creating a new platform for that was brought back by Vittori and delivered marketing and attracting the media’s to Boso. attention. Space industry is creating new The BMI industrial team was led by markets by providing end-to-end services on Intospace, who charged for its project a commercial basis. management and for finding a customer. Each project, once accepted by ESA’s Qualification was performed by Kayser-Threde. ISS Commercial Promotion Office, may be As a partner in the project, ESA’s ISS financed via the Cooperation Agreement with Commercial Promotion Office, in collaboration private/public funding, with the objective of with the Italian space agency, provided all the keeping the accommodation and qualification technical support for the mission’s ground costs at affordable levels.The initial preparation (documentation, flight investment required for the space authorisation, astronaut training, payload demonstration consists of an in-kind integration), for delivering the instrument to contribution from the instrument provider, the Station aboard the Russian Progress cash contribution from the sponsors, and the freighter, and for performing the flight costs (covered by ESA). Storage, demonstration in space, including its video maintenance and operations are then covered recording. by the income from leasing the instrument to The payload was qualified, tested and customers and from sponsors wishing to be accepted for flight in only 3 months – a record involved in using space and the Space Station time that highlights how ESA can for their commercial media communications. accommodate strict commercial requirements. BMI is planned to remain in the Russian The First Commercial Demonstration segment of the Space Station, ready for the Some 10 months after the ESA/Intospace second step of the Come-In concept: leasing by agreement was signed, the Come-In concept customers. Further information for prospective was tested with the first commercial medical customers can be found at: apparatus to be provided aboard the ISS.The http://www.esa.int/spaceflight/isscommercialisation Blood-pressure Measurement Instrument or contact Elena Lippi at on Station (BMI) was supplied by Boso GmbH, a medium- [email protected] ■ 11

on Station no. 10, september 2002 BR-167/2/epm 30-07-2002 09:44 Page 1

BR-167/II Cardiolab (Cardiovascular Laboratory) Developed by CNES/DLR, Cardiolab’s main objective is to study the cardiovascular system, particularly its central and peripheral regulation, and its short- and long-term adaptation to altered gravity levels. Research areas include the autonomous control of heart rate, and circulation and fluid volume regulation.

SCK (Sample Collection Kit) Developed by ESA, the SCK provides clinical equipment and tools, such as syringes, towels and sample containers, to collect blood, saliva and urine, for later analysis of e.g. hormonal regulation and demineralisation. EPMEPM NASA Science Module In exchange for an ESA Science Module on the NASA HRF-2 Human Research Facility, EPM will contain a Physiology Experiments Science Module provided by the NASA HRF team. The instrument remains to be selected. on the International Space Station

ELITE-S2 (Elaboratore Immagini Televisive- Space 2nd generation) The EPM-1 Science Module Configuration Developed by ASI/CNES, ELITE-S2 enables the The initial configuration of EPM in Columbus quantitative 3D analysis of human kinematics in (EPM-1) consists of six Science Modules provided weightlessness. Movements of astronauts within the by ESA and National Agencies. Although EPM-1 Columbus module are recorded by a set of TV cameras covers a broad range of potential experiments, to investigate the neurovestibular control of posture, thanks to the modular concept,the Science Modules balance and motion sensory coordination. are easily removable to allow on-orbit reconfigur- ation of the facility to accommodate new Science Modules.

MEEMM (Multi-Electrode Further Information Electroencephalogram Mapping Module) http://www.spaceflight.esa.int/users/epm Developed by ESA, MEEMM is dedicated to non-invasive studies of brain activity by measuring Contact address: EEG and Evoked Potentials in stationary and Microgravity Facilities for Columbus Division ambulatory modes (e.g. sleep studies). In addition, ESTEC/MSM-GF,Postbus 299 MEEMM can be used for EMG measurements to NL-2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands investigate muscle deconditioning/atrophy. Published by: ESA Publications Division BAM (Bone Analysis Module) Editor: A. Wilson Design: E. Ekstrand Developed by ESA, BAM measures demineralisation ISBN: 92-9092-650-3 ISSN: 0250-1589 and changes in bone structure, using ultrasound ©ESA 2002 signal propagation through the heel bone. BR-167/2/epm 30-07-2002 09:44 Page 2

European Physiology Modules (EPM) Facility Distribution Panels The European Physiology Modules (EPM) multi-user facility is part of ESA’s ‘Microgravity Facilities for Stowage Units Cardiolab to investigate Columbus’(MFC) Programme. It is designed to support the cardiovascular system research into human physiological adaptation to weightlessness aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the European Columbus module. This research may also increase our understanding of HRF Science Module MEEMM for brain terrestrial problems such as ageing, osteoporosis, function investigations balance disorders and muscle wastage. Typical research areas includes:

Neuroscience:neurovestibular control posture, balance and motion sensory coordination; Cardiovascular and Respiratory System:control of blood volume and distribution; fluid volume shift; Laptop Computer Bone and Muscle Physiology:muscle deconditioning BAM for measuring atrophy; bone mass loss; bone characteristics in Endocrinology and Metabolism:hormonal regula- the heel bone tion; demineralisation.

EPM consists of a Carrier,interfacing with Columbus and providing a set of services (power,data,cooling) to Sample Collection Kit Science Modules (scientific instruments).Two types of Science Modules are possible – rack-mounted and ELITE S2 for quantative deployed. The rack-mounted instruments are analysis of human kinematics accommodated in Standard Active Containers in weightlessness Foot restraint (SACs) available off-the-shelf from ESA,while deployed instruments interface with the Carrier via a Utility Standard Active Container (SAC) for Science Modules Distribution Panel (UDP). The same set of interfaces The Standard Active Container provides all the and services is provided for both types of instruments. mechanical, thermal and electrical interfaces to the Making the SAC available to instrument developers Carrier. The containers are available in two sizes: 4 & 8 PU significantly reduces the cost, time and risk for (Panel Unit). development and integration of new EPM instruments. The Carrier includes a laptop computer for all interactions with the crew,including experiment execution and facility operations.

EPM includes tools for performing manual and automatic experiment procedures. The Science Module developer uses the tool-kit to generate the procedure inputs for execution on the laptop during an experiment session. The facility includes dedicated stowage to contain deployable instruments, sample collection and waste management equipment, as well Engineering Model of the Standard Active Container as Carrier equipment such as laptop and crew aids. BR-167/3/fsl 30-07-2002 09:40 Page 1

BR-167/III • interferometric observation (Wollaston/shearing interferometer; Schlieren observation mode; Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometer (ESPI)).

Operational Conditions

During experiments,the FSL internal primary data flow (maximum 240 Mb/s) goes into the VMU hard disks until their capacity (30 GB) is exhausted. The stored information then can be downlinked or transferred to the VMU tape recorder (capacity 30 GB). The tape cartridges are exchangeable so that the total recording capacity for each experiment can be extended as deemed necessary by the scientists. FSLFSL Simultaneously with the internal data flow, a data stream can be downlinked at the rate the ISS can make available at that time (2 Mb/s on an average, 32 Mb/s Fluid Science Experiments FSL Engineering Model during the system test campaign maximum on request per timelining). This allows for a quick-look assessment of the experiment process. In on the International Space Station addition, housekeeping data of the experiment and During non-operational phases, the ECs are stowed facility are made available to the payload controllers in dedicated locations within the Columbus module. and scientists. They are inserted into and extracted from the facility by the flight crew. The built-in modularity of the EC assemblies allow the science protocol to be reconfigured on-orbit by the crew (e.g. exchange of Further Information the EC internal fluid cell, fluid and gas reservoirs). FSL web page: http://www.spaceflight.esa.int/users/fsl Optical Diagnostics Microgravity Vibration Isolation Subsystem The set of optical diagnostics comprises: http://www.space.gc.ca/csa_sectors/space_science/ •visual observation along two perpendicular axes, microgravity_sci/domain/mim/mvis/default.asp with direct registration via internal CCD cameras and external Front Mounted Cameras (FMCs), Contact address: allowing high-speed, high-resolution, infrared and Microgravity Facilities for Columbus Division colour recording; ESTEC/MSM-GF,Postbus 299, NL-2200 AG •background, volume and travelling light sheet Noordwijk,The Netherlands illumination by white or monochromatic light sources; •particle image velocimetry, including simulta- Published by: ESA Publications Division neous velocity and temperature mapping via Editor: A. Wilson Design: E. Ekstrand liquid crystal tracers; ISBN: 92-9092-650-3 ISSN: 0250-1589 • thermographic mapping of free-liquid surfaces, ©ESA 2002 using the infrared FMC; BR-167/3/fsl 30-07-2002 09:41 Page 2

Fluid Science Laboratory Front Mounted Camera MVIS Electronic Unit The Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL) is part of ESA’s ‘Microgravity Facilities for Columbus’ (MFC) Programme. It will support basic and applied research Video Management Unit Optical Diagnostics in fluid physics under microgravity conditions. The (VMU) design provides easy exchange of FSL modules in the Module (ODM) case of upgrades and modifications.After setup by the crew, the facility can be operated in fully automatic Master Control Unit mode,following a preprogrammed sequence of (MCU) commands, or in semi-automatic telescience mode, Central Experiment enabling the user to interact with the facility in quasi- Module (CEM2) real time from the ground.This allows the scientists to Work Bench Drawer follow the evolution of their experiments and to provide feedback on the data they receive at the ground station. Central Experiment Laptop Unit (LTU) The Facility Core Element is a rigid frame that houses Module (CEM1) all the optical instruments and the experiment Power Control Unit container within three different modules. It can be (PCU) actively isolated from the Space Station vibration environment (g-jitter) using the Microgravity EC Utility Lines Vibration Isolation System (MVIS), a magnetic Secondary Water Loop Assembly levitation system developed and provided by the (SWLA) Canadian Space Agency. The Optical Diagnostics Module (ODM) houses visual observation equipment, cameras,interferometers and illumination sources.The Stowage Container 2 functional interfaces for additional Front Mounted or Upgrade Volume Avionics Air Assembly Cameras are provided on the front panel. Central Experiment Module 1 (CEM1) hosts the Experiment Container (EC), provides the functional interfaces Experiment Container (EC) (power, data, cooling, etc), additional optical equipment (such as mirrors, lasers and cameras) and the FSL •Standard Dimensions: 400 x 270 x 280 mm microgravity-measurement assembly. CEM2 contains •Typical mass: 25-30 kg further diagnostic equipment, including the laser •Observation field of view: 80 x 80 mm sources for light-scattering measurements and equip- •Power lines: +28, ±15, +12, +5 Vdc ment for creating two perpendicular light sheets. •Power consumption: 300 W maximum •Heat rejection: 420 W maximum by water cooling •Low-rate data: RS-422, MIL-1553 rate: 170 Kb/s max. The FSL uses standard Experiment Containers (ECs) •High-rate data: 2 Mb/s average, 32 Mb/s maximum for individual experiments.These ECs contain the fluid •Pulse commanding: 125±5 ms cell assembly and may provide special diagnostics •Temperature monitoring: –40/+90°C (for higher (including dedicated imaging equipment such as temperatures, EC internal signal conditioning) microscopes and multiple miniature cameras) to •Thermoelectric device driver and stepper motor driver complement the ODM standard equipment, and the external to EC •Microgravity sampling frequency: 300 Hz (Microgravity stimuli for the individual experiment processes Measurement Assembly) (heaters/coolers, stepper motors, mixers, pressure gauges, etc). Heppener.qxp 31-07-2002 13:46 Page 2

research Ignition of a spherical flame in weightlessness. TThehe SSpacpacee FFacacttoror

Fundamental and Applied Research Benefiting Europe

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

Introduction Project Details Although ‘made in space’ products will not The topics addressed in the 43 appear on the market anytime soon, space as approved applied research an arena for industrial and applied R&D is projects cover a broad range. gaining interest. ESA is supporting a growing Here are a few examples. number of projects in which Research in space can be used non-space industries, Growing artificial tissues to develop valuable hospitals and other third Growing artificial human tissue for transplant applications on Earth … parties are participating. would answer important medical problems, In any discipline, basic especially if the starting cells came directly research is the starting point for progress. For from the patient. Such tissue would be free that reason, basic research continues to be from rejection problems and be essentially supported within ESA’s ELIPS programme for limitless. Unfortunately, all attempts on Earth to life and physical sciences in space. Proposals of make human cells grow in vitro in three scientific excellence will generate new ideas in dimensions seem to fail. Gravity is clearly a the pure sciences, that will, after gestation, find disturbing factor.Therefore, this project will their way into novel practical applications. A culture human cells in a bioreactor designed good example is the laser. First predicted for weightlessness. theoretically by Albert Einstein in 1917, the first The first trials will use a relatively simple operational laser was not built until 1960 and is tissue: cartilage. Cartilage transplants could now in everyday use. Several concrete ideas for help large numbers of people suffering from applications are already emerging from ELIPS. joint problems. Later, growth of more Since 1998, some 150 proposals for applied complicated tissues will be attempted.The An ESA space bioreactor for research have been received and 43 have been objective is not to grow tissues in space for culturing tissue. approved. All are run by trans-national teams. transplant. Rather, it is hoped that the space In total, 116 European experiments will lead to a method for growing companies are involved, usable tissues on Earth. Nevertheless, even if among which there are very space experiments deliver only a few pieces of large multinationals and a this complex puzzle, this project will prove its significant number of start- value. up companies and Small- and Medium-sized Understanding and treating osteoporosis Enterprises.The industrial One of the best-known effects of participants bring their own weightlessness on humans is the weakening of funding. ESA, industries and bones. Astronauts can lose up to 20% of their

on Station academic institutions each bone calcium in a year.This effect closely participate at about the resembles osteoporosis. On Earth, it affects same level of funding, about 35% of women and 6% of men over 50 leading to true Public- years of age. Private-Partnerships. Experiments in weightlessness are a good 12

on Station no. 10, september 2002 Heppener.qxp 31-07-2002 13:46 Page 3

Dinner for a volunteer during the 90-day bedrest study.

from the scientific microscopic scale to macroscopic models useful to the casting industry. A main factor is our Bone research in space will help the study of poor knowledge of the essential osteoporosis,a common age-related disease. thermophysical properties of liquid metals. For example, even although molten way to study the underlying experiments can thus measure the iron is produced daily in enormous mechanisms. Several projects are various steps involved in the quantities, its very fundamental being supported by ESA; participants combustion process.The results are of viscosity coefficient is known to an include university and hospital great interest for developing accuracy of only ±50%. Basically, only researchers, medical companies and numerical models that predict how its order of magnitude is known developers of medical equipment. combustion proceeds under variable because it is extremely difficult on Apart from real space experiments, circumstances and geometries. Earth to obtain samples of pure tests are also being performed using Interested parties include companies molten iron. Its high temperature and bedrest studies, in which who build power plants or car chemical aggression mean that the weightlessness is simulated by engines.They plan to use these walls of almost any container dissolve keeping volunteers in a 6º head-down improved computer models to in the liquid metal and thus pollute it. tilt for extended periods. Recently, a optimise the efficiency or reduce the record 90-day bedrest study involving environmental loads of their designs. 25 volunteers was organised by ESA, CNES and NASDA at the facilities of Increasing the yields of oil fields MEDES in Toulouse. Over geological timescales, the Significant progress is being made contents of an oil field are mixed by in all areas. In particular, a novel the diffusion caused by geothermal The simulated exercise machine has been tested in heating, gravity and layering. casting of a car engine bedrest studies and appears to be Understanding the diffusion is key to block. highly effective. Some new drugs building computer models for show promise. Finally, a 3-D peripheral companies to optimise their drilling Quantitative Computed Tomography strategy. On Earth, gravity prevents the technique has been developed, with measurement of diffusion in crude oil. Under weightlessness, however, it is good prospects for clinical The first measurements will be made relatively simple to produce pure application. during two missions this year: the molten metal because, in principle, no Soyuz Taxi mission of Frank De Winne container is necessary to hold the Improving the efficiency of combustion to the International Space Station, and sample.With proper instrumentation, A ‘classic’ in space research is burning the Foton-M1 unmanned mission, a sample can even be prepared in a candle in weightlessness.This simple both in October (see the separate vacuum, and most of the important experiment, in which the flame turns articles in this issue). If successful, properties can be measured.The first completely spherical and transparent more measurement campaigns will be trials are being planned for parabolic blue, shows the strong influence of planned. Some large oil companies are flight campaigns in the near future. gravity on the burning process. On involved in this project, with several For the longer term, experiments are Earth, burning gives rise to convection university groups. being designed for the Space Station. of the surrounding air, thus providing This materials theme is attracting the traditional flame shape.This Developing new casting techniques high interest from academic groups convection also means the burning is In recent years, casting has developed and a large number of companies. incomplete, with soot creating the into a very high-tech specialty.Today, Indeed, a recent survey identified the yellow flame. very complicated moulds produce need for this type of data from Combustion is actually a very entire engine blocks and other companies in the glass-making, complicated process. Numerous complicated structures. In order to enamelling, energy production, chemical reactions depend on local fine-tune and guarantee the desired welding, foundry, casting, spray conditions such as concentrations and mechanical and other properties, casting, secondary refining, alloy temperature, which in turn are detailed knowledge is required of the production and primary metal determined by the flow speeds of the underlying solidification physics and, production businesses. ■ constituents. In space, the flow is in particular, the microstructure. negligible, but artificial flows can be Current computer models are not yet The full version of this article appears in on Station created using controlled airflow.These accurate enough to bridge the gap the August 2002 ESA Bulletin. 13

on Station no. 10, september 2002 Bertels.qxp 31-07-2002 11:14 Page 2

education AAstrstronautsonauts inin thethe CClassrlassrooomom

Gaston Bertels Chairman,ARISS-Europe Email:[email protected] Website:http://www.ariss-eu.org

A Dream Comes True cations Union, a United Nations agency. The tension was unbearable.The children in Only 4 years after Sputnik 1 ushered in the the classroom had learned so much about Space Age, the US Air Force orbited the space in the last few months. Now it was time OSCAR 1 piggyback satellite on 12 December for one of the heroes in 1961, the first ‘Orbiting Satellite Carrying Schools can now talk to the space to speak to them Amateur Radio’.Since then, the worldwide astronauts aboard the ISS ... and answer their amateur radio community has built tens of questions. On the satellites for a wide range of space computer screen, they saw the International communications experiments. Space Station (ISS) approaching.Within less Russia’s Mir space station and the US than a minute, it rose over the horizon. Shuttles carried amateur stations.The ISS now Students and teachers held their breath.The has a station on board. Many astronauts and media people fine-tuned their cameras. cosmonauts are licensed amateur radio ‘NA1SS, NA1SS here is F1MOJ, Foxtrot One Mike operators.The space agencies consider Oscar Juliet, calling the International Space astronaut-school links as a valuable Station. Do you copy?’ The amateur radio educational outreach activity. An international operators had set up a station to link with the working group was created by the amateur ISS. On the roof was a big antenna, like a TV radio community to build, develop and antenna, but motorised. From the operations maintain the amateur radio station aboard the VK5ZAI antenna.jpg desk, the computer automatically turned the ISS: Amateur Radio on ISS (ARISS).The space Tracking the ISS at VK5ZAI, antenna to track the Station during its pass. agencies have entrusted ARISS with helping Paringa, South Australia. Hissing filled the air.Then, suddenly ‘F1MOJ, schools to contact astronauts aboard the F1MOJ here is NA1SS. Fine copy. Station. European schools are taken care of by The name is Carl. Nice to hear you. ARISS-Europe. Over’.Carl Walz was answering their questions – an astronaut in How it Works their classroom. Many of the ISS astronauts volunteer to earn an amateur radio licence and are trained to How it Began operate the ARISS station. Many ESA astronauts Since the early days of are also licensed and use the ARISS station radiocommunications, at the during their visiting missions. dawn of the 20th century, radio ARISS includes representatives from the enthusiasts have been at the USA, Canada, Europe, Russia and Japan. For forefront of innovations in the school contacts, two committees have been set field. Officially recognised since up. Schools wishing to invite an astronaut into

on Station 1927 as a radio service, the radio their classrooms join a waiting list.The ARISS amateur activities are defined School Selection Committee meets every by articles S1.56 and S1.57 of month by teleconference, when special the Radio Regulations of the attention is paid to space-oriented educational International Telecommuni- projects. 14

on Station no. 10, september 2002 Bertels.qxp 31-07-2002 11:14 Page 3

Expedition-3 Commander Frank Culbertson using ARISS radio aboard the ISS.(NASA)

Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity places ARISS Contacts on the astronaut’s timeline when the Public Relations department agrees on requests from ESA members. Coordination with NASA and the Russian Space Agency is also needed. Frank De Winne will talk to Belgian schools during his ISS visit in October. Contacts are also possible by ‘telebridge’. Adozen dedicated Scheduling the radio ARISS ground stations, Waiting for the radio contact contacts is the task of run by experienced with astronaut Carl Walz at the ARISS Operations operators, are located the Louis Pergaud school in Raphèle-lès-Arles,France. Committee during its all over the world: US weekly teleconferences. East Coast,Texas, This committee California, Hawaii, interfaces with the ISS South Australia and space agencies and the South Africa. amateur radio Scheduling is easier operators who when the radio contact volunteer to set up well-equipped ground stations in the selected Students of the Peter Anich schools. High School for Surveyors, Close cooperation between the Bolzano during a telebridge space talk with astronaut coordinating teacher and the ground station is Dan Bursch.Assisting is a must, so the Operations Committee coordinating teacher Dr.Peter nominates a ‘mentor’ for each school as the Kofler, IN3JHZ.The radio 2-month scheduling process begins. ARISS contact was by Tony School Mentors are experienced satellite Hutchison,VK5ZAI in amateur radio operators.They must check the Paringa, South Australia. performance of the ground station and prepare the school for the space encounter, paying attention to aspects such as public can be done during a relations.The students have to prepare 20 pass over one of these questions to be faxed to the astronaut in ground stations, charge. From horizon to horizon, a pass lasts whereas the link from only 10 min at most, but careful planning the Station to the school means that most questions can be handled. is by teleconference. Scheduling a school contact is a complicated process that accommodates the Success time appropriate for the school, the school Amateur radio is an location, the orbital movement of the ISS experimental service. related to the rotation of the Earth, and the Success cannot be astronaut’s workload.The goal is to place the guaranteed, but careful Students at Harrogate Ladies’ 15 min timeslot needed for an ARISS contact preparation will produce excellent results. College,England,all with an on the astronaut’s timeline while satisfying all ‘NA1SS, F1MOJ. Many thanks Carl for this amateur radio licence, chatted with astronaut Carl the constraints. space talk.We wish you and all the crew a safe Walz. Richard Horton, Scheduling has to occur in progressive journey in space.You are doing a great job. G3XWH, the physics teacher, stages. For long-stay astronauts, NASA agrees F1MOJ signing off and clear.’ operated the College Ham on scheduling ARISS School Contacts once a ‘F1MOJ, NA1SS. I was delighted to talk to you Radio Club station GB2HC. week, but the daily timeline of crew duties and the students. Greetings from space and see cannot be prepared long in advance. Moreover, you later. NA1SS signing ...‘ the ISS raises its orbit about every 3 weeks in Carl Walz’s last words were lost in the hiss – order to stay close to its nominal 400 km the Station had disappeared over the horizon. altitude, so accurate long-term predictions for a For 10 min, an astronaut had visited their useful pass over a school cannot be made. classroom. Applause and excitement filled the on Station For taxi-flight astronauts, ESA’s Directorate of place. ■ 15

on Station no. 10, september 2002 Schiemann.qxp 31-07-2002 13:49 Page 2

usoc ISSISS PPaayloadyload OpOpereraationstions Decentralised User Operations and Support Centres (USOCs)

Jens Schiemann Head ISS Payload Operations Unit, D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected]

Introduction Centre (COL-CC), which will also coordinate the The definition and implementation of an European communications infrastructure to infrastructure for payload operations is under allow the exchange of telemetry and way to enable the early utilisation by Europe of telecommand data, voice communication and the International Space Station (ISS) from 2003, video distribution, by setting up and later the exploitation of communication links to USOCs and ESA’s facilities and payloads the Columbus module.These investigator sites. will be operated aboard the ISS efforts are leading to a from User Support and decentralised operations Basic functions of a USOC Operation Centres (USOCs) concept that will allow the USOCs will play an important role in linking the spread around Europe ... investigators to perform their user community with ISS utilisation.The various experiments using discipline-oriented USOCs around Europe will telescience techniques and remote experiment ensure that there are focal points for ESA operations whenever feasible. A decentralised payload operations close to the user groups. operations concept is planned: Before a payload’s launch, the USOCs will be –experiment operations executed by the concerned with activities such as ground Principal Investigators, model operations, procedure development, –operation of multi-user facilities by User sample calibration and crew training. During a Support and Operation Centres (USOCs), payload’s operation, the USOCs will receive –European payload operations management facility and experiment data and operate the and coordination. payload. In addition, the USOCs will be responsible for the interaction with the User The operation of ISS payload facilities and Home Bases (UHBs), disseminating Station and the scientific, technical and operational experiment data, and receiving and processing support for the users will be provided through requests for experiment scheduling and direct nationally funded and geographically commanding. Figure 1.The overall USOC distributed USOCs.The payload operations will Depending on the scope of the task development schedule. be coordinated through the Columbus Control assigned to a USOC, it can assume three basic levels of responsibility: –an Experiment Support Centre (ESC) is responsible for single experiments.These are either self- standing experiments using specific equipment or performed in a payload rack.The ESC focuses on science and experiment operational

on Station matters; –a Facility Support Centre (FSC) is responsible for a sub-rack payload (facility insert, experiment container, drawer payload, bioreactor); 16

on Station no. 10, september 2002 Schiemann.qxp 31-07-2002 13:49 Page 3

–a Facility Responsible Centre (FRC) has by the ground-based researchers. ESA’s ISS Figure 2.Locations of the overall responsibility for a payload facility payloads are designed for telescience. USOCs. (full-rack payload). It focuses on payload Dedicated telescience consoles will allow systems and all phases of payload investigators at remote sites, supervised by the operations, including before and after flight. FRCs and the COL-CC, to interact directly with their experiments. FRC specific functions Telescience allows science to be performed Payload operations from the FRC will be in a flexible laboratory-like fashion. Its supported by the associated Support Centres feasibility and usefulness have been (FSCs/ESCs). For experiment operations, the demonstrated on missions such as Texus and FRC will provide the user, who might be the International Microgravity Laboratory accommodated at another centre, with a Spacelab. Experiments were monitored and communication and data processing controlled by the investigators in real-time infrastructure that allows real-time data from USOCs.This concept has been further monitoring and control.The FRC is responsible developed and applied over the years during for interfacing and coordination with the various international Spacelab missions Remote User Locations, such as the UHB.The involving various European USOCs and User FRC will also support the specification of Home Laboratories. For ISS utilisation, hardware and software outfitting and the telescience is now considered as the baseline connection of the UHB to the ISS ground for remote experiment operations. segment. Specifically, the FRCs will have The users conducting their experiments may sufficient knowledge of the functionality of the be located either at their home locations (UHB) facilities allocated to them that they can or at USOCs (FRC, FSC, ESC). If required, the operate the payload in flight. COL-CC also provides limited user accommodation. Remote operations are Telescience and remote operations possible within a window, according to a Telescience provides remote, interactive and resource envelope defined on the basis of a set on Station real-time operation of an experiment in space of previously validated commands.The user 17

on Station no. 10, september 2002 Schiemann.qxp 31-07-2002 13:49 Page 4

usoc Table 1.The USOCs and their responsibilities

major excursions in specimens and collectors, as well as time and to take instruments and facilities if required. appropriate Real-time operations activities for measures. European payloads will be performed directly payloads outside of from the User Centres responsible for the Columbus a payload.These activities are module will be performed under the overall payload monitored and operations coordination and controlled in a management of ESA.The ESA payload similar way. operations management, collocated with COL-CC, will supervise and Management of coordinate payload operations on the payload ESA payload complement level. operations ESA’s Implementation of USOCs management of ESA is now establishing the Mission ISS payload Management Scheme within which operations the USOCs can conduct their activities. includes: This includes the technical capabilities –operations that enable assigned USOCs to management conduct payload operations. and A phased approach has been integration; defined for implementing the –planning, including strategic, European USOC infrastructure: tactical and execution-level Definition, Implementation and will be able to monitor all payload planning with support of the Validation.The D/MSM Utilisation data, using the infrastructure relevant USOCs and ISS Partner Division, with the active participation implemented at the FRC. control centres; of the User Centres, is managing and Payload commanding from a USOC –increment preparation coordinating the project. Fig. 1 shows is always coordinated between the management and coordination for the schedule for the decentralised FRC and COL-CC. Direct payload the ESA payload complement on USOC network. Fig. 2 shows their commands from the USOC will be the ISS; locations; Table 1 lists their checked by the FRC/COL-CC against –supervision of real-time mission responsibilities. the scheduled operations command management at the control centres path and window, which is also in and USOCs; The Definition Phase charge of enabling or disabling the –provision of real-time payload This phase is concerned with the command path. operations management and conceptual and requirements In response to contingencies or science coordination. definition activities in preparation for anomalies according to pre-defined the subsequent hardware and procedures (safety-critical payload During the increment preparation software activities.The phase will commands), the COL-CC, Payload phase, ESA’s Utilisation Management establish the technical and Operations & Integration Center (POIC, Team will be responsible for programmatic baseline for the USOCs at NASA Marshall) or crew can issue concluding all payload interface and and prepare the build-up according to payload commands. For payload operations agreements, for ensuring their different roles.The USOC commands from the USOC, receipt the generation of all payload baseline documentation is being and execution acknowledgements will documentation, and for carrying out generated during this phase, be sent to ground and forwarded to final payload acceptance for flight.The establishing requirements, interfaces the originating centre.The FRCs will Team will supervise the system-level control and architectural design. monitor, verify and acknowledge that test activities at the payload The phase began in December the commands have been executed integration centre, and will 1999 and will last about 3 years, and produced the desired results, thus subsequently be responsible for partially overlapping with the

on Station closing the loop. shipping payloads to the launch site. Implementation Phase. Resource consumption by each ESA Utilisation Management will also major ESA payload will be monitored be responsible for receiving and The Implementation Phase by the COL-CC via the rack-level dispatching hardware that returns The majority of the technical activities interface, enabling them to detect any from orbit, including samples, are concentrated in the 18

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Table 2. European utilisation plan for the ISS.

–test and validation of the communications systems and software products; –finalisation and verification of USOC-specific procedures; –supporting end-to-end simulations; –validate operations support tools and procedures; –certification of USOC staff; –supporting test and verification of the assigned payload facilities; –supporting/performing payload commissioning.

Outlook Table 2 shows the European Utilisation Plan for the major European Payloads on the ISS. It is apparent from this list that there will be a major ESA payload complement after flight UF-2. As soon as more than one complex payload (multi-user facility) needs to be supported, adequate payload coordination functions and a reliable operational infrastructure and the Validation Phase (software ground segment setup need to be tools, Software Validation and provided by ESA, though only as an Implementation Phase.This phase Verification Plan,and Acceptance initial capability: covers the actual build-up and Test Plans for procured hardware –payload operations management; hardware/software implementation at and software); –science coordination; the USOCs according to the agreed –crew training support; –payload planning; Design and Development Plans.The –deployment of operation planning –payload data management; communications and data tools; –communications coordination. infrastructure will be established in –training of USOC staff on ISS design parallel with the preparation of the and operations; These functions will be local infrastructure in the centres.This –procedure development and accommodated in an infrastructure phase will also cover the preparation validation for on-orbit payload consisting of a focal point for of the validation and qualification of operations; management and coordination, and the centres and the preparation of –supporting the operations ISS interfaces and an initial network of operational documentation. preparation for the mission USOCs. The Implementation Phase will increment. However, the most significant begin after the User Centre Review, in milestone is the launch of the mid-2002.The activities include: The Validation Phase Columbus module, when the –development of the USOC This phase is the final stage of majority of ESA’s pressurised pay- infrastructure, including the USOC implementation and covers the loads will be delivered to the ISS.This internal communications network validation of the payload operations event is driving the individual and the link to the Interconnected infrastructure and set-up at the USOCs implementation schedules for the Ground Subnet or public networks; (communications infrastructure, USOCs.The majority of the planned – adaptation of existing building operational interfaces, performance of infrastructure will be in place for this infrastructure to accommodate the all hardware and software flight. assigned facility ground models installations). In addition, the ESA’s external payloads will be and their Ground Support operations preparation for the delivered on flights following Equipment; Columbus commissioning phase is Columbus, although the possibility of –preparation of the test performed during this phase. Activities launching two at the same time as on Station environments and procedures for include: Europe’s module is being studied. ■ 19

on Station no. 10, september 2002 Back.qxp 01-08-2002 11:14 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

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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