number 11, december 2002 on station The Newsletter of the Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity http://www.esa.int/spaceflight

Firstirst MMissionission ffor Erasmus Taxi in this issue Operations Coordination Centre

foreword Jörg Feustel-Büechl Foreword 1 ESA Director of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity Jörg Feustel-Büechl The recent successful flight of ESA astronaut Frank De Winne columbus/node-2 aboard a Soyuz Taxi represents the fourth European mission Columbus & Node-2 4 to the International Space Station, following those of Umberto Bernardo Patti & Daniele Laurini Guidoni, Claudie Hagnieré and Roberto Vittorio.This Belgian- sponsored flight was of double importance. Firstly, it took payloads another European to the Station and had a large scientific ESA Plans for Future ISS 6 programme of 23 experiments that kept De Winne and his External Payloads colleagues very busy. Secondly, we established in the Erasmus Giacinto Gianfiglio building at ESTEC in The Netherlands a Taxi Operations Coordination Centre (TOCC) to coordinate the scientific microgravity programme between our American and Russian partners and Precious Seconds of Microgravity8 the scientists at the Belgian User Support Operations Centre Vladimir Pletser (USOC) in Brussels. Indeed,TOCC is a precursor for our USOC operations in the Columbus era. astronauts The Station is in excellent technical shape and, with Training for STS-116 10 De Winne’s mission, we had the 32nd flight to the ISS.There Graham T. Biddis have been no major problems since the first Station element, Training for ISS 12 Zarya, was launched in November 1998. Compared with Hans Bolender et al. previous international undertakings, there has never been anything of such magnitude and it really is making excellent arms progress. Considering that elements are developed and built Advanced Respiratory 14 continents apart, and that they never meet each other until Monitoring System that first contact in space, it is really a world-class Ing Oei & Marine Le Gouic achievement.We can congratulate everyone involved in the Station’s development! atv As far as the overall status of the Station is concerned, we ATV: Rendezvous with ISS 17 took a very important step at the Space Station Control Board Heinz Wartenberg & Patrice Amadieu (SSCB) on 14/15 October in agreeing to launch the first Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) ‘Jules Verne’ on research 27 September 2004, followed closely by our Columbus Research in Destiny 20 laboratory on 7 October 2004. Columbus will be launched Graham T. Biddis with four or five scientific racks and one or two external platforms.This will enable Columbus to perform an attractive recent & relevant research programme despite there being only three Station News 22 crewmembers at that time, helped by a number of the research facilities being largely automatic.The launch Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity Direction des Vols Habité et la Microgravité foreword

Frank De Winne working agreements were endorsed by the Multilateral addressing the problem gives me a measure of with the Microgravity Science Control Board (MCB) on 15 October, so we are optimism that we will restabilise the Station Glovebox aboard the Station’s now entering the final phase of preparing for programme in the coming months. Destiny module.(NASA) these two most important European After a lengthy process, we can see light at contributions. the end of the tunnel and we all hope that it We have therefore nominated two ESA will lead to a crew of 6 from 2006 and a full Mission Managers: Bernardo Patti for crew of 7 from 2010. Although that is a year Columbus, and Robert Lainé for ATV, who have later than originally planned, it is still the major tasks of coordinating all the activities acceptable. It also means that, with the and schedules, and making sure that Columbus launch in October 2004, we have everything – from the space segment to the good utilisation prospects: we expect to spend ground segment – is ready to support end-to- the rest of 2004 in commissioning Columbus end operations when the two elements join before gradually building up utilisation in 2005. the Station. This is only marginally slower than the original The MCB also addressed the studies into the plan because only ESA and NASA have research various option paths towards an acceptable modules at the Station in the period up to End-State of the Station. Progress has been less 2007, when Japan’s module arrives. Our than expected so the Partners, under Chairman utilisation priorities – and those of our Partners Fred Gregory (the responsible NASA Deputy – are well-defined, so we know precisely what Administrator) decided on an accelerated plan needs to be done in the years to come. to define the option paths by early December. In respect of ESA astronaut opportunities, On 6 December there will be a Heads of Agency meeting and we hope to take a big step forward in defining the way forward to achieve an attractive Station End-State. Since the October MCB, we have seen good progress that gives me hope that by the December meeting we will at least know what is the right ‘option pass’ even though we might not have a final decision. (‘Option pass’ means that the End-State would be defined but that the configuration options in that End-State remain to be further detailed.) The final End-State goal will then entail further work before we can select a final configuration, which is expected on Station for early 2003. I hope that this will provide the final clarification on the configuration sometime in February/March 2003 and in time Frank De Winne (left) with for the next ESA Ministerial Conference.The his Soyuz colleagues.(NASA) way our Partners – and particularly NASA – are 2

on Station no. 11, december 2002 we are able to offer an average of three ISS launches planned for the next 14 months. flights/year.With a Corps of around 15 astronauts, we can achieve each an average of Flight # Launch Element/Task Vehicle/Mission one flight every 5 years.That is, I believe, 34: 10P 02 Feb 03 Logistics (Progress-M) Soyuz extremely good.We have had three flights this 35: ULF-1 11 Mar 03 Expedition-7 Crew/MPLM Shuttle STS-114 year and are looking forward to another three 36: 6S 26 Apr 03 Taxi Flight (ESA Astronaut) Soyuz-TMA 2 in 2003 (Soyuz Taxi flights with two European 37: 12A 23 May 03 P3/P4 Truss Shuttle STS-115 38: 11P 26 May 03 Logistics (Progress-M1) Soyuz astronauts, and Christer Fuglesang on a US 39: 12P 30 Jul 03 Logistics (Progress-M) Soyuz Cooperation Shuttle flight in July). Of course, in 40: 12A.1 31 Jul 03 Expedition-8 Crew/P5 Truss/ Shuttle STS-116 2004 we have the opportunity with Columbus (Christer Fuglesang; 3 EVAs) to see the first European astronaut as part of an 41: 13A 02 Oct 03 S3/S4 Truss Shuttle STS-117 42: 7S 18 Oct 03 Taxi Flight (ESA Astronaut) Soyuz-TMA 3 Increment crew, and other flight opportunities. 43: 13A.1 13 Nov 03 S5 Truss Shuttle STS-118 Unfortunately, we had the launch failure on 44: 13P 18 Nov 03 Logistics (Progress-M1) Soyuz 15 October of Foton-M1 on a Russian Soyuz 45: 15A 15 Jan 04 Expedition-9 Crew/S6 Truss Shuttle STS-119 46: 10A 19 Feb 04 Node-2 Shuttle STS-120 launcher.The investigation committee is still looking at the cause and we expect their report soon.The total loss of the 44 ESA-sponsored ESA-related flights and deliveries for the next 12 months. experiments is a tremendous blow for the January 2003: STS-107 with ESA payloads APCF, ARMS, Biobox, Biopack, ERISTO, scientific community.We now have to see how FAST, Com2Plex we can continue our cooperation in this area. March 2003: MELFI; Pulmonary Function System, part of HRF-2 for Destiny, on Shuttle The total loss for us amounted to around STS-114/ULF-1; MPLM Raffaello €25 million, including the launch. March 2003: Maxus-5 sounding rocket In September, we held our fourth Industry March-April 2003: 34th Parabolic Flight Campaign Day and took the opportunity to brief April 2003: Soyuz Taxi flight with ESA Astronaut Pedro Duque European industry on the status of all of our April 2003: Node-2 delivery to Kennedy Space Center programmes. Our first research facility aboard April 2003: Hexapod delivery to Langley Research Center the Station, the Microgravity Science Glovebox April 2003: Columbus completed and placed in storage (MSG), is working well and was used by Frank April 2003: ERA completed and placed in storage De Winne for a number of European July 2003: Cupola delivery to Kennedy Space Center experiments.The DMS-R data management July 2003: Shuttle STS-116/12A.1 with ESA Astronaut Christer Fuglesang system supplied by ESA for Zvezda passed two October 2003: 35th Parabolic Flight Campaign years of operations in July. Its operational reliability reflects well on European industry and the Agency. MELFI has now been accepted Centre are ready but also the USOCs. I would by NASA for its first launch in 2003. Columbus, like to encourage all those participating in the ATV, Cupola and Hexapod are all on schedule. A ground segment, both within the Agencies and concern for us at the moment is the industry, to do their very best to ensure that development of Node-2 these activities do not appear on the critical because it has to be path in the 18 months remaining until they delivered by March 2003 need to be fully operational. to pave the way for the As far as that part of the Period 1 of the Columbus launch.The Exploitation Programme that was blocked at schedule is very tight and the Ministerial Conference in Edinburgh in we know that industry is November 2001 is concerned, we hope to making every effort to move forward with a reasonable End-State maintain that milestone. configuration early next year, which is a There is a further concern pre-condition for the unblocking.This is with the ground- important so that the launches and operations segment development of ATV and Columbus are not jeopardised. that was, for financial In summary, the ISS is in excellent technical reasons, delayed for quite shape and, on the political side, we are seeing some time. Now we have considerable movement that we hope will lead to intensify our effort so to a fruitful conclusion at the end of this that not only the year/early next year, and recover programme Columbus Control Centre stability by defining a concrete End-State on Station and the ATV Control option path. ■ 3 on Station no. 11, december 2002 columbus / node-2 CColumbusolumbus && NNoode-2de-2

Bernardo Patti & Daniele Laurini Manned Spaceflight Programme Department,D/MSM,ESTEC, PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: Bernardo [email protected]; Daniele [email protected]

Introduction Flight Model (FM) was powered up for the first Despite all the problems in ISS development time early this year, involving all its subsystems and reductions in the number of Shuttle flights, and using an advanced version of the system the baseline launch date of October 2004 for software. Initial checkout and power polarity ESA’s Columbus laboratory tests were successful before a very important Two of ESA’s major contributions module has remained milestone was achieved in August: qualification to the International Space stable for more than tests jointly performed with NASA and Station Station are nearing completion ... 2years. A recent revision prime contractor Boeing on the electrical of the ISS Assembly power and audio interfaces, and especially on Sequence confirmed that date. Before all the Columbus-ISS software interfaces.The Columbus can go to the Station, Node-2 must latter test demonstrated the robustness of be launched first, as it provides the attachment Columbus, especially in off-normal conditions. port for the European module. The functional qualification test campaign, Columbus is now well into the final phase of using the Electrical Test Model (ETM), is also its development. Its status will be reviewed well underway. Achievements include manual next Spring to confirm its readiness for payload commanding of the subsystems and integration. Node-2 will be completed in early qualification of the generic payload functional 2003 and delivered to the Kennedy Space interfaces.Very important ESA/NASA bilateral Center in time for launch aboard the Shuttle in verification tests on Columbus-ISS interfaces February/March 2004. have been successful, including the electrical power interface and the High Rate Data Link Columbus Testing interface. ETM’s functional qualification The Columbus Qualification and Acceptance campaign will be completed by year’s end. Test Campaign is now at its peak at prime The next milestone of the Columbus Module contractor Astrium GmbH in Bremen (D).The Verification programme will be the completion of the FM integration and acceptance test phase. A combined Qualification and Flight Acceptance Review (QR/FAR1) in April 2003 will be conducted to determine whether Columbus is ready for initial payload facility integration and checkout.The module on Station will then be stored until the first payload facility (Biolab) is verified on the Top/bottom: working on Rack Level Test Facility Columbus at Astrium. (RLTF). All payload 4

on Station no. 11, december 2002 facilities will be integrated into Columbus in October 2003. Columbus enhancements were recently studied to improve the communications resources of the European ISS infrastructure and to solve some technology obsolescence in the video system.The work would be performed during the storage phase; the final decision will be taken in early 2003. During the second half of 2003, all the system and payload operational items will be integrated into the overall Columbus ground segment.The electrical system functional problems would appear later during the Working on Node-2, testing began in September 2002 to pave the system-level tests. Many of the connections are September 2002.(Alenia) way for delivery to Florida by the end of March not readily accessible once these large building 2004 for the remainder of ground processing. blocks are integrated into the Node. Following these checks, the pipes carrying cold fluids Node-2 End-to-End Testing were covered with insulation to avoid After a series of delays, the Node-2 integration condensation from the humid air during and final test activities have gathered pace at operations. Finally, each outfitted secondary Alenia Spazio in Torino (I). Several major items structure was partitioned into ‘fire enclosures’ were prepared in parallel for installation in by means of soft flame-retardant panels. Node-2: Integration into the Node primary structure was a choreographed operation involving a –the primary structure was outfitted with large overhead crane and dedicated Ground attachments for the internal and secondary Support Equipment (GSE) to keep these heavy structures; internal and external harnesses objects stable as they were inserted through one of the Node’s axial hatches and lowered into position.The Node could be rotated to help position the secondary structure. Following integration, the fluid connections, piping insulation and bonds were checked. In parallel – and using up to three shifts per day – the external secondary structure attachment points were added, together with Node-2 approaches the rest of the external harness. completion in Torino.(Alenia) Internally, automated end-to-end were mounted and all the external heater testing of the integrated harness has verified mats and thermistors installed; that each connector pin is properly assigned –the four internal standoffs were integrated and connected. A NASA/Boeing team has with all the harness, piping and valves; integrated the active and passive Common –the major internal secondary structures (four Berthing Mechanisms. alcove and midbay structures, resembling The overall system end-to-end functional tall, thin cupboards) were outfitted to testing began in October to pave the way for support most of Node-2’s communications, delivery to Florida by the end of March 2003 command and control, life support and for the remainder of ground processing. thermal control equipment; As well as accommodating Columbus, –four large subsystem racks were readied to Node-2 is also the connecting element for the accommodate mainly command and control ‘Kibo’ Japanese Experiment Module, the and power distribution equipment. Centrifuge Accommodation Module and the Shuttle. It also provides the access port for the Bonding and leak tests of each fluid Multi Purpose Logistics Module during visits to on Station connection at each step ensured that no the Station. ■ 5 on Station no. 11, december 2002 payloads ESAESA PPlanslans fforor FFuturuturee ISSISS EExxtterernalnal PPaayloadsyloads

Giacinto Gianfiglio Head of Mission Implementation of External Payload Section,ISS Utilisation Division, D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected]

Introduction Unlike a conventional satellite, which orbits the Earth pointing in the same direction (unless commanded otherwise), the ISS orbits rather like an airplane, keeping its main A second generation of axis parallel to the local horizon. payloads is under study to This is a great advantage for both exploit the Columbus all-sky investigations and Earth External Payload Facility ... observations because an instrument can automatically scan most of the sky during the 90-min ISS orbit. ESA will exploit this unique feature for world-class research and commercialisation. Channel Plates provides an extremely wide The first generation of ESA external payloads field of view. Lobster will generate a catalogue – ACES, SOLAR, EXPORT and EuTEF – was of about 250 000 X-ray sources every 2 months described in On Station #8 (March 2002, pp.8- with a spatial resolution of a few arcmin. 9).They will occupy the Columbus External The instrument is being developed by the Payload Facility (EPF) during 2004-2008. EuTEF University of Leicester (UK) with various and SOLAR will be launched atop a ‘lite’ version co-investigators. It consists of six lobster-eye of the Integrated Cargo Carrier in October 2004 telescopes, collectively covering 22.5 x 162° on the 1E Flight, together with the Columbus and imaging almost the entire sky every ISS module itself.The next launch opportunity, in orbit. In this way, detailed long-duration light 2006 (at the earliest), will be used by ACES and curves will be recorded for an unprecedented EXPORT. Future payloads, however, are already number of objects. In addition, Lobster will be under study: Lobster, EUSO, ROSITA and sensitive enough to detect the soft X-ray RapidEye. emission associated with gamma-ray bursts. It will occupy EPF’s zenith position for the Second-Generation Payloads best possible view of the sky. Lobster and EUSO (originally proposed for the An initial feasibility study showed that science directorate’s Flexi-Missions) and ROSITA Lobster can be accommodated on an Express (an unsolicited proposal) were handed to Pallet adapter. A 12-month Phase-A study, D/MSM for feasibility studies, now being jointly funded by D/SCI, began in July 2002. performed by the two Directorates. By contrast, RapidEye is a pathfinder project in the context Extreme Universe Space Observatory (EUSO) of ISS Commercialisation. EUSO is devoted to investigating the highest on Station energy processes in the Universe, answering Lobster questions in fundamental physics, cosmology Lobster is an all-sky monitoring package in the and astrophysics, by using Earth’s atmosphere soft X-ray band (0.1-3.5 keV), based on lobster- as a giant cosmic ray detector. eye X-ray optics. A novel arrangement of Micro EUSO will observe the flash of fluorescent 6

on Station no. 11, december 2002 study in detail the physics of galactic X-ray sources, like supernova remnants and X-ray binaries. The telescope will be supplied by MPE of Garching (D) and consist of a replica of the Wolter-1 mirror system already flown on the Abrixas satellite and a novel detector system currently under development (though based on XMM-Newton’s pn-CCD technology). Major improvements of the new camera are a higher time and energy resolution and significantly reduced ghost images.The accommodation feasibility of this large payload (about 1 m diameter, 2.5 m length and 380 kg mass) on the upper starboard light and the reflected Cerenkov radiation EPF position was shown by the when an Extreme Energy Cosmic Ray (EECR, pre-Phase-A study performed with energy >3x1019 eV) interacts with the by ESTEC’s Concurrent Design atmosphere. Direct imaging of the light track Facility in September 2002. and its intensity variations will allow the sky Following D/SCI and D/MSM approval, a position of the event, as well as the overall 12-month Phase-A study should start early energy, to be reconstructed. next year. EUSO will take advantage of the continuous Earth-pointing provided by the lowest balcony RapidEye of the EPF.By nadir-looking with a 60° field of The ability to guarantee delivery of information Lobster (facing page), EUSO view, it will detect around 1000 events per year, products is the key for any successful (top left) and ROSITA (above). allowing a sensitive search for objects commercial Earth observation service. producing EECRs. Reliability is achieved only if full coverage of A large consortium of investigators led by countries and continents can be provided IASF-CNR of Palermo (I) is developing this UV within a few weeks on a regular basis.This telescope, which uses a lightweight double understanding led to the definition of the Fresnel lens optics system, a highly segmented RapidEye system: a constellation of four focal surface detector array and sophisticated remote-sensing satellites, orbiting at about onboard image processing. Owing to its large 600 km altitude, to provide multi-spectral (and dimensions (2.5 m diameter and 4 m length), optionally stereo) imaging at a resolution of EUSO needs a dedicated carrier and will 6.5 m for any point on Earth, on a daily basis.To occupy the whole lower EPF balcony. enhance and complement the satellite Following an initial feasibility study, the constellation, the RapidEye AG company (D) EUSO Phase-A study, cofunded by D/SCI and has proposed to fly an identical camera on the D/MSM, began in March 2002 and will be Columbus EPF.This will provide improved completed in June 2003. It has already been resolution (4-4.5 m), better coverage of regions demonstrated that it is possible to around 51° latitude, different observation times accommodate such a class of payload on the than the satellites, additional capacity and EPF,provided the total mass on each balcony redundancy, and significantly promote the ISS. remains below 1500 kg. The feasibility of installing the RapidEye-ISS on the lower starboard EPF position is now ROentgen Survey and Imaging Telescope under study. Following completion of this Array (ROSITA) pre-Phase-A study, it is planned to begin a ROSITA will perform an all-sky survey and 6-month Phase-A early in 2003. imaging in the medium-energy X-ray range up to 10 keV with an unprecedented spectral and Conclusion angular resolution.The main scientific goals are Assuming a successful conclusion of the to identify all obscured accreting black holes in running studies and approval of the mission nearby galaxies and distant active galactic funding, Phase-B (and subsequently Phase-C/D) nuclei, to detect the hot intergalactic medium will begin with the goal of achieving readiness on Station of several ten-thousand galaxy clusters and to for flight in 2009, at the earliest. ■ 7 on Station no. 11, december 2002 microgravity PPrreciousecious SSececondsonds ofof MMicricroogrgraavitvityy ESA’s Parabolic Flight Campaigns

Vladimir Pletser Microgravity Projects Division (MSM-GMM),D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email:[email protected]

Introduction climbs at 47° (pull-up) for about 20 s, Parabolic flights in aircraft can provide up to generating 1.8-2 g; 20 s of reduced gravity, allowing short –engine thrust is strongly reduced for 20-25 s, microgravity experiments, hardware and compensating for air drag (parabolic free procedures testing, and fall); The Parabolic Flight Campaigns astronaut training before a –the aircraft dives at 42° (pull-out), are an important element of spaceflight.They accelerating at 1.8-2 g for about 20 s, to ESA’s microgravity activities ... complement other return to steady horizontal flight. microgravity opportunities, ranging from drop towers A microgravity transition phase (seconds) to the Space Station (months).Their of about 5 s appears first, with real value lies in improving the quality and variations of about 10–1 g in success rate of experiments before spaceflight, the Z-axis (floor to ceiling), and in confirming or correcting (sometimes followed by about 20 s conflicting) results from space experiments. with levels of a few Since 1984, ESA’s Microgravity Programme 10–2 g, while has organised 33 such research campaigns accelerations along the using six different aircraft. More than 400 X-axis (aft to front) and experiments have been conducted during Y-axis (right to left) are more than 3000 parabolas and a total time of less than 10–2 g.For 17 h of weightlessness. In parallel, ESA’s experiments left free- Outreach and Education Department has floating, levels can be organised five campaigns for student improved to typically 10–3 g. experiments. Since 1997, the Airbus A300 ‘Zero G’ – the Parabolic Flights Campaigns world’s largest aircraft for parabolic flights – The main advantages of parabolic flights for has been used by ESA, CNES, DLR and industrial microgravity investigations are: the short customers, managed by the French company turnaround time (typically a few months Novespace, a subsidiary of CNES.The Airbus is between proposal and execution), the low cost operated by the Centre d’Essais en Vol (CEV, (ESA provides the flight free of charge), the French Test Flight Centre) and maintained by flexibility (laboratory-type hardware is most the Sogerma company. commonly used), experimenters performing their own investigations, and experiment Microgravity during Parabolic Flights modifications between parabolas and flights. Microgravity is created by free-falling, when the Precautions are taken to ensure that all on Station sum of all forces, other than gravity, acting on operations are safe and that participants are the carrier is nil or strongly reduced. For the prepared. Flying experimenters must pass a Airbus A300, it is attained by flying the medical examination in a qualified following manoeuvres: Aeronautical Medical Centre. ESA and –from steady horizontal flight, the aircraft Novespace help in hardware design and safety 8

on Station no. 11, december 2002 aspects.Technical visits are made to the Experiments of the 33rd ESA Parabolic Flight Campaign institutions to review the equipment. A safety Two phase loop with condensing-separating system for the evaporative review is held with ESA and CEV a month convection and turbulence in pure fluids experiment before the campaign to discuss the integration Vibrational phenomena in inhomogeneous media of all equipment and assess the overall safety Laminar diffusion flames representative of fires in microgravity environments of the campaign. Microgravity ignition tests of insulating materials The campaign itself lasts 2 weeks.The first Investigations on soot concentration and primary particle sizes under microgravity week is devoted to experiment installation in by advanced laser-induced incandescence techniques the aircraft.The second follows a well- Tests of an ‘Interactions in Cosmic and Atmospheric Particle Systems’ ICAPS established schedule for flight operations. On facility for ISS Monday morning, a tour of the aircraft verifies Validation of an experimental set-up for the ESA Droplet Combustion Insert that all equipment complies with the safety In vivo monitoring of the mechanical environment of bone and comparison of its specific characteristics in microgravity and normal gravity standards. A mandatory flight briefing takes Effect of gravity on the reorganization of the chromosome after centrifugation place that afternoon.Three flights are made Deployment and stabilisation of tether/telemanipulator during the following three mornings, each of 30 parabolas in sets of five. Friday is a backup day in case of bad weather or technical Parabolic flight manoeuvres. problems.The flights, from the Bordeaux- Merignac international airport, last about 2.5 h. During the flights, specialised personnel

N TIO supervise and support the experiments. C E J N AFlight Surgeon supervises the medical I aspects of flight operations and helps participants in case of sickness.The repeated P U g L switching between low- and high-gravity ,5 L 1 O n U he T t 1, means that motion sickness is quite ,8g 5g P 1 L U common, sometimes hampering PUL experiments. Anti-motion sickness medication is available on request before each flight.

The Recent Campaign The most recent (33rd) ESA campaign was Typical acceleration levels during an Airbus conducted in September parabola, measured with micro-accelerometers 2002 with ten experiments: strapped to the cabin floor,are of the order of 10–2 g. seven Physical Sciences, two Life Sciences and one Technology investigation (see table). Experiment descriptions can be found in: http://www.spaceflight.esa.int/users/ file.cfm?Filename=miss-parafl-33.After a campaign, investigators submit abstracts with preliminary results to ESA’s Microgravity Database at: http://www.esrin.esa.it/htdocs/mgdb/mgdbhome.html Most of the experiments of recent campaigns resulted from peer reviews after ESA Announcements of Opportunities. Simpler opportunities and the ease of flight ‘look and see’ experiments are still flown from preparation make aircraft parabolic flights a time to time. Unsolicitated proposals are always unique and versatile microgravity tool.They are welcome. particularly valuable for preparing gravity- related science and technology experiments Conclusion for Space Station missions. ESA will therefore The quality and duration of microgravity continue to organise two campaigns a year on Station obtained, the flexibility and variety of until at least 2006. ■ 9 on Station no. 11, december 2002 on Station no. 11, 2002 december sts into one Corps.sts into One of the flight opportunities needed, are 6 6 ainly a wise step to unify the various to ainly a wise step 1 1 lights and then asking fly their ESA to ol. On Soyuz, support life I handled from er than reducing the Corps size. the Corps er than reducing Coming case, I was selected partly because my main responsibility was for the ESA main responsibility was for

take control as that was always under the as that was always take control 1 tronaut Class startedtronaut fly. to Partly, I think, 1 With the unification of the ESA Astronaut Corps, With the unification changes? see significant did you cert was It selected for STS-116? were you How During the 1990s, all treated generally NASA in the same stationed in Houston astronauts way, of nationality. independent Unfortunately, NASA this changed about the time when my As foreigners. had so many because we it is Now between mainly a question of agreements home country or NASA and the astronaut’s sponsoring agency, the successful and of how their deal implemented. is in having latter In my What were your specific responsibilities? What were your My European intere not necessarily issues is that flights are current with ESA but rather by being organised buying their countries individual European own f astronauts. In this sense, only are that we I feel should be with a unified we where to halfway Corps. More rath a small country,from I hope that each member will get an equal opportunityof the Corps to of nationality. fly irrespective payloads but we also trained on some Mir also trained but we payloads systems, support including life and thermal contr the right-hand seat.The really Russians never have expected would that a visiting cosmonaut to responsibility.Russian commander’s But they be sufficiently familiar with to did want visitors the systems. - - S S . ion his training

On Stat ile I there, was ESA er in Houston, he y physics and y physics rs between my rs between or ST or in particle at physics or ST or as a NASA Mission Specialist. visit On a recent to Europe from Johnson Space at NASA’s Cent spoke with nne Siegbahn research Royal Institute of Technology of Institute Royal to stud mathematics. I do a on to went PhD Stockholm University and then at CERN in got a Fellowship Geneva.Wh application and selection, so I returned Fellowship after my at the home and worked Ma institute.The final decision 1992. came in May announced the astronaut announced opportunity. It around took 2yea Russian. So, during the winter

hest part grips with the was getting to fly on Shuttle mission STS-116 in July 2003 in July fly on Shuttle mission STS-116

ologne in preparation for going to Russia, going to for ologne in preparation but, How did you get on with EuroMir training? get on with EuroMir did you How The toug Russian language. didn’t ‘nyet’,I Apart from of word a know What is your background? What is your up in StockholmI grew the and attended Gymnasium,Bromma the to after which I went Introduction is scheduled Fuglesang Christer ESA astronaut to of 1993, had a lot of language classes in we C in hindsight, enough.When it was far from we Russia,got to started we Soyuz classes on the and Mir, were of months and the first couple really hard. Graham T.BiddisGraham Writer On Station Contributing

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Pr T

on Station 10 Astronaut Class was coming to an end and partly because my EVA skills fit well into the four spacewalks planned for STS-116.This expertise came first from my Soyuz/Mir work and, more importantly, from my NASA EVA training.

What are your responsibilities on STS-116? First of all, there are no European payloads on STS-116. In contrast, STS-107 carries a large number of ESA payloads but no ESA astronaut. On the 11-day STS-116 mission, I will perform three of the four EVAs. During launch, Iwill be Mission Specialist #1, sitting on the so I have to advise ‘up a little’ or ‘down a little’ to Shuttle training at the flight deck’s right-hand seat. Just after main guide the 1800 kg unit.This whole activity is Johnson Space Center.Above engine shutdown, I will photograph the hampered by the solar arrays because they is the full STS-116 crew; Christer is third from left. departing External Tank with a 400 mm need to be at a specific orientation and cannot (All photos NASA) telephoto lens. I will then coordinate the swap be stowed out of the way. from launch- to on-orbit configuration, such as The other EVAs will reconfigure the Station’s stowing the suits and seats. Fortunately, the power and thermal cabling and plumbing so new Station crew sitting ‘downstairs’ are old that, after checkout, the new arrays can be hands at this. brought on line. While docked, I am the Loadmaster for most STS-116 will also bring up many spare parts of the logistics movements between Atlantis for us to stow on the outside of the Station and the Station.There are a lot of items stowed ready for later repair and replacement EVAs. A in our Spacehab lockers for the up-crew, such spectacular job will be retraction of an existing as food, clothes, experiments and personal solar array on P6, now on top of Z1. From items, and they all have to be moved to the earlier experiences, there is considerable Station. At the same time, items for the down- nervousness about retraction, but it must be crew will make the reverse trip. done in preparation for the later transfer of For descent, I will coordinate the P6 to its final position on P5. configuration for landing with the returning I will not be involved in the fourth crew.This involves setting up the special seats EVA and will be most likely continuing that enable the ISS crew’s horizontal transfer my Loadmaster tasks. I have also after so long in weightlessness. I will be sitting signed up for various Detailed downstairs with them. Science Objective tests in I hope to perform an experiment that I have support of human physiology been working on since Mir: SilEye/Alteino, research, including checks delivered to the Station by Roberto Vittorio in on the vestibular system April 2002.This detector studies the light to investigate speedier flashes seen by many astronauts, as well as the recovery of the body Station’s radiation environment. I hope that the after changes during Italian Space Agency makes it an official flights. European experiment. But my most important work is the three And thoughts on future EVAs.In the first – and probably the most opportunities? spectacular – we will add the P5 Truss element Of course, I would to the ISS. Shuttle’s Canadarm will hand it over like to fly as an to the Station’s Canadarm2, which will truck it Expedition down to the port truss end. It must be carefully crewmember, but passed through a gap between the existing realise that I solar arrays where there are literally only must continue centimetres to spare in both directions. During training after that operation, my main task is to talk to the STS-116 until arm controller so that P5 doesn’t hit any my turn Station parts.There are no good camera views comes! ■

on Station no. 11, december 2002 astronauts TTrrainingaining fforor ISSISS First International Astronaut Class Trained at EAC

Hans Bolender,Loredana Bessone,Andreas Schoen & Herve Stevenin Astronaut Training Division,European Astronaut Centre,Cologne,Germany Email: [email protected]

Introduction in-depth understanding of systems and After years of preparation, ESA’s ISS training subsystems, payloads and payload support programme is now operational. Between 26 systems, transport vehicles and related August and 6 September 2002, the European operations. It focuses on generic ISS onboard Astronaut Centre (EAC) at Cologne delivered tasks and interaction with the ground control the first ESA advanced training course to an centres and prepares crewmembers for an international ISS astronaut assignment to flight. ESA’s astronaut-training class: two from NASA, four During their stay at Cologne, the class programme for the ISS is now NASDA (Japan) and four participated in 33 classroom and hands-on operational ... ESA (France, Germany, Italy training lessons for ESA’s main contributions, and Spain).They began namely Columbus (including the four ESA their advanced training in 2001 at NASA’s payload racks) and the Automated Transfer Johnson Space Center in Houston and at Vehicle (ATV). NASDA’s Japanese Training Centre in Tsukuba. Columbus training focused on familiarising the astronauts with the technical layout of the Advanced Training module, the characteristics and capabilities, Following the Astronaut Basic Training and the operational concepts and modes.They (provided independently by each International received knowledge-based training on the Partner to its own astronauts), the Advanced different systems and subsystems, their Training marks the start of multilateral training. components, functions and redundancies. It is designed for international astronaut classes Special attention was paid to the data and is provided jointly by all Partners at their management system (DMS) as – seen from a training sites around the world. During crew operations perspective – the central multilateral training, each Partner is in charge element of the Columbus module.Training Hands-on training on the of training all ISS astronauts on those elements objectives relate to understanding the DMS Data Management System in it contributes to the Station programme.The architecture, its vital layer and nominal layer, the Columbus trainer at EAC. 1-year Advanced Training provides a more and its redundancies and reconfiguration capabilities.Working with crew displays, navigation within the displays, monitoring and commanding is another key element. The Orbital Replaceable Unit (ORU) concept used for Columbus maintenance was introduced, together with an explanation of the major ORUs and their functions and locations. This knowledge-oriented part concluded with a lesson on the Columbus operational modes, mode transitions and their operational drivers on Station and consequences. On ATV, the astronauts received an overview on the overall mission concept, systems and subsystems, before a closer insight into the three major groups of crew tasks: rendezvous 12

on Station no. 11, december 2002 and docking, delivery skills of ESA training instructors were The first international cargo evaluated.The multilateral review board finally astronaut ISS advanced operations testified to ESA’s readiness for advanced training class at EAC.From left: Satoshi Furukawa and training by declaring the reviews successful. (NASDA), Stephanie Wilson emergencies. Delivering the first ESA training course (NASA), Paolo Nespoli (ESA), As ATV will provided a good opportunity for the Astronaut Thomas Reiter (ESA), Pedro dock Training Division to determine the status of the Duque (ESA), Koichi Wakata automatically, ESA training programme. Comments and (NASDA), Leopold Eyharts crew recommendations made by the training (ESA),Takao Doi (NASDA), Nicole Stott (NASA) and intervention experts and astronauts have been carefully Aikihido Hoshide (NASDA). will be rather evaluated and the results are being fed back limited. into the training development process for the However, the Increment-specific training (the final phase in training is the ISS training flow; see figure).The important for overall Station safety.The crew Increment-specific training prepares an learns to monitor the rendezvous using video assigned Station crew to perform all the tasks images of the approaching ATV and the data planned for a specific long-duration ISS flight. provided by on onboard displays to assess if it is on a safe trajectory and if intervention is Training Preparation for 1E and its Increment required.The crew can pause ATV’s approach, As a consequence of delaying Japan’s Kibo or command it into to a collision-free orbit. research module to 2006, ESA is now the next ATV will resupply the Station with a wide Partner in line to launch its module. Changes to range of dry cargo, water, gases and fuel.The the assembly sequence suggest that the astronauts familiarised themselves with the Columbus launch of October 2004 will no basic cargo operations and handling. Filling longer include a crew-exchange. According to ATV with rubbish is not a simple task and current planning, requires training. Special attention has to be the long-stay paid to keeping the centre of mass within a crew will have certain range to allow a safe undocking and been aboard the departure from the Station. Station since July Finally, an overview of ATV-specific and 2004 by the time Station generic emergencies was provided.The Columbus first group deals with emergencies during arrives. rendezvous, docking,undocking and Under this departure.The second covers a fire in the scenario, training vehicle and rapid depressurization of the ATV. for the Shuttle After the first week, the astronauts visited and ISS crews the Columbus flight model at prime contractor will be a special Astrium in Bremen.The training concluded challenge, not with an introduction to the four ESA only because it is the first Increment-specific The ISS training flow. experiment facilities (European Drawer Rack, training provided by ESA, but also because it Fluid Science Laboratory, European Physiology requires training for a Shuttle crew and prime Modules and Biolab) for Columbus. and back-up Increment crews. Moreover, the training for the ISS crews needs to be advanced Training Readiness Reviews 3months compared to the original schedule. In preparation of the first advanced training According to the draft assembly sequence, the block, two Training Readiness Reviews were first ATV launch is scheduled for the same conducted at EAC in June and August.They Increment, so the Station crews must also were supported by training experts and prepare for ATV operations. astronauts from NASA, NASDA and the Training schedule updates are being Canadian Space Agency, who analysed and prepared, and coordination of Shuttle and evaluated ESA’s advanced training concept, the Increment training with our NASA counterparts development process, training content and has begun.The first Increment-specific crew instructional design of lessons and courses. training at EAC is expected for the last quarter Furthermore, the fidelity of the crew training of 2003. Preparations have started and we are on Station facilities and the subject matter expertise and confident of mastering the challenge. ■ 13 on Station no. 11, december 2002 arms ARMSARMS Improving our Understanding of the Human Body

Ing Oei & Marine Le Gouic Microgravity and Space Utilisation Department,MSM-GMP D/MSM,ESTEC,PO Box 299,2200 AG Noordwijk,The Netherlands Email: [email protected] & [email protected]

Introduction to behave as test subjects. It is quite ESA’s Advanced Respiratory an undertaking since Monitoring System (ARMS) crewmembers are often asked is scheduled to fly on the to control their respiratory STS-107 Shuttle Spacehab flow, respiratory pressure, research mission in January respiratory frequency and 2003. Eight European pedalling speed.The software experiments will gives them visual feedback of investigate the effects of these parameters through microgravity on human ARMS’ laptop screen. physiology using ARMS, To collect baseline data, the crew providing insights into certain has to repeat their orbital experiments clinical cases that are not yet well understood. regularly, together with some specific ground- ARMS is a facility to research human only variations. BDC began around 9 months pulmonary (lungs), before launch to obtain the baseline data ESA’s ARMS human physiology cardiovascular (heart and against which in-flight (adaptation to research facility is ready for blood vessels) and metabolic microgravity) and post-flight data flight on Shuttle STS-107 ... physiology. Its predecessors – (readaptation to 1 g) will be compared. Crew Anthrorack & RMS II dedication is very important as four must each (Respiratory Monitoring System II) – flew devote 21 h during flight, 80 h to training, 60 h respectively the German STS-55 Spacelab D2 to BDC and 44 h post-flight. mission in April 1993 and the Euromir 1995 mission. It was Physiology of the Heart developed by a consortium The body is an ingenious led by Innovision of Denmark. system of numerous control A bicycle ergometer is used loops and sensors that we to stress the body and study still do not fully understand. its reactions. The heart is a muscle that There are three ARMS continuously pumps blood units: the Training and Flight through the whole body, by Spare units are used for crew contraction of the muscle training and Baseline Data fibres. It consists of two Collection (BDC), plus the smaller upper chambers Flight Unit. ARMS was tested (atria) and two large in microgravity for the first chambers (ventricles).The time during ESA, DLR and right atrium receives on Station Top: ARMS installed in CNES parabolic flight deoxygenated blood from all Spacehab. campaigns in 1999. organs and releases it into Bottom: Crewmember Ilan Ramon with the RIP band The STS-107 crew has the right ventricle.That then around his chest while trained since 2001 to operate pumps its contents into the exercising on the bicycle. ARMS and, more difficult, how lung circulation, where the 14

on Station no. 11, december 2002 carbon dioxide in the blood is exchanged for blood.When air is STS-107 experiments using ARMS oxygen. From the lung circulation, the oxygen- inhaled, it travels Cardiopulmonary and muscular adaptations during saturated blood travels to the left atrium and through branching and after microgravity (Prof. Dr. D. Linnarsson, Sweden) then into the left ventricle.The left ventricle airways ending in Effects of microgravity on total peripheral resistance squeezes the blood to the head and the rest of little sacs, called in humans (Dr. P. Norsk, Denmark) the body. A natural pacemaker, the Sinus Atrial alveoli. Blood Physiological parameters that predict orthostatic node, sends an electrical signal through the circulates around intolerance after space flight (ground experiment) heart muscle fibres to trigger the timely these alveoli and (Dr. J. Karemaker, The Netherlands) contractions of the four chambers. through a simple Multiparametric assessment of the stress response Blood from the ventricles flows through the diffusion process in astronauts during space flight (Prof. Dr. M. Pagani, Italy) arteries to the organs, then returns via the veins oxygen and carbon Adaptation of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity to to the atria. At rest, an average of 5 litre/min is dioxide are microgravity (Dr. M. Di Rienzo, Italy) pumped, known as the cardiac output. During exchanged. Initial effects of microgravity on central heavy exercise, this output can increase 5-6 Since the heart cardiovascular variables in humans times to fulfil the body’s oxygen demand. and lungs work (Dr. R. Videbaek, Denmark) During each contraction, the blood is pumped closely, they are Influence of weightlessness on heart rate and blood into the aorta and smaller arteries, causing their referred to as the pressure regulation: responses to exercise and valsalva manoeuvre (Dr. U. Hoffmann, Germany) elastic walls to expand and shrink directly after cardiopulmonary Arterial baroreflex control of sinus node during the left ventricle has emptied its contents. It is system.This close exercise in microgravity conditions this expansion and recoil of the arteries that we relationship means (Dr. F. Iellamo, Italy) feel pulsating in our necks and wrists. that some heart Another parameter that can easily be functions can be measured is the blood pressure, which rises obtained through measurements of the lung and falls according to the pumping cycle of the function. For instance, the blood flow through heart.When the ventricles contract, they the heart can be calculated from the rate that squeeze blood into the arteries, making the respiratory gases disappear while breathing in pressure rise rapidly.When the ventricles relax, a closed circuit. they fill with blood from the atria so they are Just as pulmonary functions tests are ready for the next contraction. During this commonly used in clinics to test lung relaxation period, the pressure drops. performance, these tests are also performed Doctors measure blood pressure with an with ARMS. Spirometry determines lung inflatable cuff around the upper arm, which volume during slow maximum in- and compresses and closes the artery. By slowly expiratory effort. It also measures the flow rate. deflating the cuff, the force with which the Breathing frequency is measured using the Crewmember Dave Brown on the tilt table, reaching for the blood is squeezed through the arteries by the Respiratory Inductance Plethysmograph (RIP), a Respiratory Valve Unit and pumping heart can be measured.The pressure band worn around the chest; breathing causes mouthpiece.The ARMS measured by this method gives only two a change in inductance in the wires. facility is in the background. values.The high (systolic) value corresponds to the pressure produced during the contraction of the left ventricle, while the low (diastolic) value reflects the relaxation of the ventricles. In reality, the blood pressure is a continuous signal. One of the ARMS instruments, Portapres, continuously measures the blood pressure at finger level using a clever combination of an applied external pressure through a finger cuff and light controls. To measure the electric activity of the heart, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is used. For the ARMS experiments where only the heart rate and rhythm are important, a 3-electrode ECG is recorded using the Portapres.

Our Lungs The lungs’ most important function is to on Station exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the 15 on Station no. 11, december 2002 arms

ARMS Technical Summary cardiovascular and pulmonary characteristics. Two photo- & magneto-acoustic gas analysers with Nafion inlet: Crewmembers will perform various breathing Analyser 1 measures: O2, 0-100%; CO2, 0-12%; SF6, 0-2%; Freon 22, 0-3%. manoeuvres that differ in breathing frequency, Analyser 2 measures: O2, 0-100%; CO, 0-0.3%; CH4, 0-3%. Signal/noise generally better than 250 at half-scale. depth and flow rate. Gas signal response time 160 ms or better, except for CO (300 ms). Sampling To measure oxygen saturation, an infrared frequency: 33 Hz for each gas. pulse oxymeter is placed over the fingertip and connected to the electronic and display unit. It Gas supply: 372 litres Rebreathing 1 mix (25% O2, 1-3% Freon 22, 1% SF6, 0.3% CO, 2.4% is used in clinics but it can also be used by CH4, balance N2). pilots to measure their own oxygen saturation 62 litres Rebreathing 2 mix (1-3% Freon 22, 1% SF6, 0.3% CO, balance O2). at high altitudes in unpressurised cabins. 372 litres Rebreathing 3 mix (60% O2, 1-3% Freon 22, 1% SF6, balance N2). Hypoxia (low oxygen saturation) may lead to 62 litres Calibration mix (13% O2, 3% CH4, 0.3% CO, 8% CO2, balance N2). impaired judgement and vision in flight. Respiratory Valve Unit: Computer-controlled Respiratory Valve Unit, including automatic Rebreathing Bag ARMS Science and its Benefits emptying and filling. Mouthpiece pressure, ±100 mbar, 0.2 mbar accuracy, up to 200 Hz sampling. Orthostatic intolerance produces dizziness, light-headedness and even fainting when Flowmeters: upright, while these symptoms are absent lying Ultrasonic Flowmeter: ±12 litre/s, 2% accuracy, 200 Hz sampling. (Flowmeter not down. An inadequate pressure-control used for STS-107.) Turbine Flowmeter: ±15 litre/s, 2% accuracy, 20 Hz sampling. mechanism leaves the head with insufficient Differential Flowmeter: ±15 litre/s, 2% accuracy, 200 Hz sampling. blood as the subject moves from horizontal to upright. Baroreceptors in the arterial walls help Continuous Blood Pressure & ECG signal (acquired by Portapres model 3.1): Finger BP Curve 10-300 mm Hg, 0-240 beats/min, 200 Hz sampling. to regulate the cardiovascular system. For Systolic, Diastolic, Mean, Heart Rate, Inter-beat-Interval data. example, if they sense a decrease in blood ECG, 3 electrodes. 30-250 beats/min, 200 Hz sampling. pressure they can cause the blood vessels to Hardware detection of Rpeak with 1 ms accuracy. constrict so that the blood pressure rises. Ambient conditions monitoring: In clinics, orthostatic intolerance is a Temperature 5-40°C; Pressure 950-1050 mbar; Humidity 10-95% RH common problem in patients after long-term bedrest. Several ARMS experiments will study Respiratory Induction Plethysmograph (RIP): Measurement of ribcage movement for breathing frequency. On STS-107, RIP different factors (including blood pressure will measure only frequency (1 band); no volume determination will be made. variability, control mechanisms in the nervous system, and exercise) that may influence Experimenter-provided equipment for STS-107: orthostatic intolerance.Two ground Isometric muscle exercise using Handgrip Dynamometer. Manual readout of instantaneous pressure, 0-1.6 bar. Manual readout of maximal pressure experiments use a tilt table to investigate the reached during experiment. blood pressure-control mechanism.The subject Oxygen saturation measured by Infrared Pulse Oxymeter (MicrO2, Siemens). is secured on a tilt table, then tilted back and Manual readout of %SaO2, 0-100%. Manual readout of heart rate, 30-250 forth from a horizontal position to near-upright beats/min. Haemoglobin measured by Haemoglobin Photometer (HemoCue). Manual within 1 s. Previous spaceflights showed readout, range 0-256 g/litre. similarities between clinical and post-flight Breathing pressure measured by Spirovis. Manual readout of maximum orthostatic intolerance, so these experiments inspiratory & expiratory pressure. Breathing pressure measured by thigh cuffs, from Neurolab, manually inflated. are expected to benefit medical science. Clinical studies have shown that the gas exchange in patients with severe lung insufficiency can be improved by treating them The diffusion capacity refers to the ability of in the prone (face down) position.The oxygen to diffuse from the alveoli into the mechanism behind this is unknown. An ARMS blood. It is reduced with age and emphysema experiment will investigate the gas exchange (a lung disease in which the alveoli are in prone and supine (face-up) positions, and in irreversibly damaged; commonly caused by microgravity. cigarette smoking), and is increased during The results from this and previous human exercise. During the ARMS experiments, the physiology research missions will benefit pulmonary function will be determined using human performance not only in extreme on Station different gas mixtures carrying components environments (space, Arctic expeditions, high not normally found in air.These components altitude) but also medically.These experiments are non-toxic and are selected according to will lead to a better understanding of how our their mass and solubility in the blood, thus body tunes the fine mechanisms and may lead making it possible to assess various to new treatment methods. ■ 16

on Station no. 11, december 2002 AATTVV:: RRendeendezvzvousous withwith ISSISS ESA/D.Ducros

Heinz Wartenberg1 & Patrice Amadieu2 1System & Avionics Section, 2AIV & ISS Integration; ATV Project,D/MSM,Les Mureaux,France Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Introduction to an intermediate orbit 10-15 km below the One of ESA’s most ambitious contributions to Station, where the natural drift due to orbital the International Space Station (ISS) will dynamics corrects the relative phase angle. culminate in 2 years, when the Automated When ATV is 200 km behind the ISS, trim Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is launched by Ariane-5 manoeuvres then position it in exactly the same and, after 5 days, performs an automatic orbital plane as the ISS, still at a slightly lower rendezvous and docking with the ISS. altitude, so that the relative drift From a total launch mass of up When the brings them closer and closer. to 20.5 t, ATV will deliver up to Automated Transfer Vehicle At 30 km out (point S0), 9t of supplies, payloads, crew docks with the ISS, it will be a direct ATV-ISS radio items and propellant. During its first for Europe ... communications are estab- stay of 6 months, ATV will also provide lished, allowing ATV to initiate relative reboost and attitude control for the Station. On navigation to the Station using GPS data from departure, ATV will take up to 5.5 t of waste both ATV and ISS receivers, processed by ATV. (including up to 840 kg of liquid wastes), for destructive reentry into the atmosphere. Homing The first mission (named ‘Jules Verne’) will be At point S1, about 20 km behind the Station, the a premiere for Europe in more than one sense: ATV CC commands ATV to begin its homing it will be the first rendezvous and docking ever manoeuvre, which consists of a two-boost by a European spacecraft, it will be the first transfer lasting 45 min. It brings ATV to point S2 automated rendezvous with a space station on the same orbit and about 3.5 km behind the using optical sensors, and the first ever where ISS, still outside the ISS ‘Approach Ellipsoid’ (an the target’s attitude motion is compensated for ellipsoid of 4000 x 2000 x 2000 m centred on by the chaser. Ensuring the safety of the ISS the ISS centre-of-mass, with the long axis along crew was an essential design driver. the velocity vector, or V-bar). All ATV operations inside the Approach Ellipsoid are ‘combined The Rendezvous Scenario operations’ and involve the mission control Ariane-5 will inject ATV into a 51.6° orbit at an authorities in Houston, Moscow and Toulouse. altitude between 200 km and 300 km, 50- S2 is the first stable hold point of ATV with 150 km below the ISS, depending on the Station altitude at the time. On separation from Ariane, the essential ATV subsystems are automatically activated and ATV stabilises its attitude, establishes radio communication with the its Control Centre (ATV CC) in Toulouse via the NASA TDRSS and ESA Artemis data relay network, and deploys its solar array.

Altitude Raising and Phasing on Station

A sequence of orbital manoeuvres brings ATV ESA/D.Ducros 17 on Station no. 11, december 2002 atv

burn fails at S3, then ATV naturally returns to S2 in another half-orbit.

Final Approach and Docking Between S3 and docking, ATV approaches on a ‘forced’ translation along the ISS velocity vector to the docking port at the aft end of Zvezda. ‘Forced’ means that, in addition to the 220 N thrusters propelling ATV towards the ISS, perpendicular thrusters are firing towards Earth to stop the orbit rising. To ensure proper capture and acceptable docking loads, ATV’s docking probe has to meet Zvezda’s docking cone within a radius of 10 cm and a lateral velocity of less than 2 cm/s. To meet these conditions, the relative navigation during final approach is based on ATV’s optical sensors, with corresponding passive target patterns close to Zvezda’s port. While measurements from the Videometer primary sensor are used in the active guidance, navigation & control (GNC) loops to control ATV’s motion, the information provided by the Telegoniometer secondary sensor is provided to the Flight Control Monitoring (FCM) system to supervise the performance of the active loop.

Principle of the Videometer The Videometer delivers range and line-of- sight angles to the GNC system, and, from within 30 m, relative attitude angles, based on triangulation. A diverging laser beam emitted by diodes on the ATV front cone towards Zvezda is returned by a pattern of reflectors, imaged by a CCD.The pattern size provides the range, its position on the CCD yields the line-of- sight angles, and its apparent shape gives information about the relative attitude angles.

Top: the series of orbital respect to the ISS; ATV stays there for up to Principle of the Telegoniometer manoeuvres.(OMP: Onboard 90 min, in preparation for final approach. The Telegoniometer delivers range and line-of- Mission Plan.) sight angles to the FCM, based on time-of- Centre: the homing approach Closing flight measurement. Collimated laser pulses from point S1. Bottom: the final approach Once the Mission Control Centre in Houston from a diode scan the ISS vicinity and are from point S3. gives the go-ahead for Approach Initiation, the returned by three reflectors on Zvezda.The (Illustrations: EADS) ATV CC commands the vehicle to enter the light-pulse travel time provides the distance, Approach Ellipsoid.The Closing manoeuvre and the positions of two beam steering mirrors brings it to point S3, 250 m behind the ISS. It give the two line-of-sight angles. must not enter the ISS ‘Keep Out Zone’ – a Once the rendezvous sensor relative safety sphere of radius 200 m, centred around navigation is properly acquired, the ATV CC on Station the ISS centre-of-mass.This exclusion is commands ATV to leave S3 and enter the Keep- guaranteed by using an ‘eccentricity increase’ Out Zone.This final approach is performed in manoeuvre to get from S2 to S3: two burns several steps, each initiated by ATV CC perpendicular to the orbital tangent bring ATV command for ATV to proceed automatically to to S3 in half an orbit (45 min). If the braking the next hold point: 18

on Station no. 11, december 2002 –S3 to S4,20m from docking. ATV stays on the V-bar and controls its motion relative to the ISS based on range and line-of-sight information from the Videometer. –S4 to S41. Before reaching S4, the sensor mode changes to relative attitude measurement. From then on, ATV’s docking port always aligns with Zvezda’s, thereby tracking any movements of the ISS. –S41 to docking. At S41, about 12 m out, ATV performs a last hold, for the crew and by executing a safe departure from the Station Top: the approach from S3. ground to confirm that all is ready for (ESCAPE manoeuvre). (CAM: Collision Avoidance docking. It resumes the approach on During rendezvous, the independent Flight Manoeuvre.LVLH: local- vertical, local-horizontal. command from the ATV CC; there are no Control Monitoring system, which runs in TGM:Telegoniometer.VDM: more mode or configuration changes.The parallel with the active GNC loop, permanently Videometer.) Above: from S4, crew closely monitors this last part of the supervises vehicle performance and triggers ATV matches the ISS motion. approach using information independent of corrective actions in case of discrepancy. (DUA: Docking Unit Active. ATV’s onboard systems (Zvezda video To ensure ultimate safety, and to cover any DUP: Docking Unit Passive). camera visual image, and range and range- ‘unforeseen’ problems (such as a crash of the (Illustrations: EADS) rate readings from the Russian Kurs onboard flight software), the Proximity Flight rendezvous system on Zvezda). Safety (PFS) system continuously monitors the approach trajectory. In the event that safety How Safety is Ensured thresholds are violated, it triggers a Collision In accordance with the principle of two-fault Avoidance Manoeuvre (CAM), which propels tolerance (2FT) against failures that could ATV into a safe trajectory far away from the endanger crew safety, all ATV onboard Station. functions involved in the rendezvous and An additional safety layer on top of the docking operations are designed 2FT. A first onboard resources is provided by the ATV CC, failure will in general be recovered by the which during rendezvous is in continuous onboard FDIR (Fault Detection, Isolation and contact with ATV and can interrupt the mission Recovery) function without interrupting the at any time. During final approach, the Station mission. After a second failure in the same crew will visually monitor ATV and can functional chain, ATV performance may be command it to stop or fly away by using the on Station degraded, but the FDIR will still ensure safety ESCAPE or RED BUTTON CAM command. ■ 19 on Station no. 11, december 2002 research RResearesearchch inin DDestinestinyy

Graham T.Biddis On Station Contributing Writer

Introduction triple contained aluminium or titanium The ISS Expedition-5 crew began its research autoclaves. aboard the Station’s Destiny laboratory on 7June 2002 and ended in In the transition from UF-2 to 9A, the ADVASC During their occupation of the November.The previous 8A support system locker was transferred from Space Station from June to configuration was changed ER-4 into ER-2. November 2002, the Expedition-5 to UF-2 with the visit of crew performed a wide range of STS-110 in April 2002, and ER-4 hosted: investigations ... from UF-2 to 9A at the Biotechnology Specimen Temperature beginning of October. Controller (BSTC), part of the BCSS, can house 32 tissue culture modules at a Expedition-5’s Peggy Whitson Rack Payloads carefully controlled 36°C.The Gas Service inserts an experiment Express Rack #1 (ER-1) hosted: Module (GSM) supports the BCSS. cartridge in the autoclave for Microgravity Acceleration Measurements Protein Crystal Growth – Single Locker the Zeolite Crystal Growth experiment.(NASA) System (MAMS) and Space Acceleration Thermal Enclosure System (PCG-STES) is an Measurement System II (SAMS-RTS) Remote incubator/refrigerator to house devices for Triaxial sensors 1 & 2 to characterise the growing biological crystals in microgravity. Station’s microgravity environment. Advanced Astroculture Growth Chamber Biotechnology Cell Science Stowage Resupply (ADVASC) consists of two single middeck (BCSS-R & BCSS-5) supports biological cell lockers. One contains the support systems culture research. Sub-rack modules provide and typically remains onboard for 1-2 years. semi-automated bioreactors, gas supplies, The second is a growth chamber for larger computer control and passive and low- plants. temperature stowage.This cell culture Advanced Thermoelectric Refrigerator/ system is an interim platform for cell Freezer (ARTIC1) preserves biological research until the Biotechnology Facility is samples. delivered. Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Microencapsulation Electrostatic Processing (CGBA) is a commercial plant biotechnology System (MEPS) is an automatic locker for research into tissue production, manufacturing experiment to create pharmaceutical production, biosubstrate research microcapsules through curing, growth, etc. filtering, washing and harvesting Space Acceleration Measurement System II microcapsules for analysis on the ground. (SAMS-ICU) Interim Control Unit, previously in an ER-1 drawer. ER-2 hosted: Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS) actively In the transition from UF-2 to 9A, the ADVASC damps out vibrations.The ARIS ISS growth chamber locker was returned to Characterization Experiment (ARIS-ICE) is ground; the ADVASC support locker was testing its performance. transferred from ER-4 to ER-2; the PCG-STES on Station Zeolite Crystal Growth Furnace Units 1 & 2 locker was exchanged for a brought-up new contain a multi-zone furnace for processing STES Locker into ER-4; the CGBA was delivered multiple samples of zeolite crystals and by 9A and inserted into ER-4. other smart materials. ZCG-S1/2 carry the sample solutions in cylindrical,Teflon-lined, ER-3 and ER-5 do not yet have any payloads. 20

on Station no. 11, december 2002 The Human Research Facility (HRF-1) is used to study the physiological, behavioural and chemical changes in humans caused by spaceflight.The Gas Analyzer System for Metabolic Analysis Physiology (GASMAP) analyses metabolic function, cardiac output, lung diffusing capacity, lung volume, pulmonary function and nitrogen washout. The Ultrasound Imaging System (Ultrasound) provides enlarged 3D images of the heart and other organs, muscles and blood vessels.The Pulmonary Function in Flight (PuFF) unit is researching changes in lung anatomy and performance caused by spacewalks or microgravity.The focus is on measuring changes in the evenness of gas exchange in the lungs, and on detecting changes in respiratory muscle strength. Each PuFF session includes five lung function tests.

The Microgravity Science Glovebox,provided by ESA, will be transferred to Columbus once that module is attached to the Station. (In the meantime, ESA shares usage of other facilities until Columbus is operational.) As part of the initial MSG science activities, two investigations were conducted during Expedition-5: Pore Formation and Mobility During Controlled Directional Solidification in a Microgravity Environment Investigation (PFMI); Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules (SUBSA). SUBSA uses a moving baffle to see if convection is reduced in the container housing the Urine Collection Peggy Whitson working with melt, thereby improving semiconductor Devices (UCD), Ziploc containment bags, the Microgravity Science crystal formation towelettes and gauze pads. Glovebox.(NASA) HRF Renal Stone for observing changes in Deployed Payloads renal function and increased risk of kidney Interactions for studying crew and crew- stones induced by weightlessness. Beginning ground team relationships during long-term 3days before launch and continuing for 14 space missions. The crew fills out a laptop days after their return, the crew are ingesting questionnaire of their interactions with each two potassium citrate pills (a proven Earth- other and ground controllers. based therapy) or placebos daily and Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School collecting urine samples to learn whether the Students (EarthKAM) uses a digital camera to pills are effective. enable thousands of students to photograph and examine Earth from an astronaut’s Attached Payloads perspective.Via the Internet, they control the The first attached payload experiment camera and post the photographs for public mounted outside the Station, Materials ISS viewing. Experiments (MISSE), consists of two suitcase- HRF Extravehicular Activity Radiation Monitor sized packages carrying experimental materials (EVARM) is a radiation dosimeter badge for solar power cells, radiation shielding, paint, reader, with 12 (four sets of three) small optical materials and lightweight building dosimeter badges, each uniquely identified. A materials.The experiment will remain exposed set is placed in an EVA suit to measure to the harsh environment of space for around a radiation levels at different body locations. year before being retrieved and returned to on Station HRF Urine Collection Kit (UCK), a Nomex Earth for study. ■ 21 on Station no. 11, december 2002 recent & relevant Recent & Relevant

MPLM Flight Experience protection unnecessary. Ground cleanliness and After five flights, the Multi-Purpose work procedures have Logistics Module (MPLM) has proved since been improved. itself to be a valuable part of the ISS No ground programme, and its ESA-provided maintenance has been Environmental Control and Life- required on the ECLSS Support System (ECLSS) has so far.The positive performed flawlessly. pressure relief valves The ECLSS is liked by ISS crews, who have been calibrated to a different reliability and accuracy of this appreciate the quiet of MPLM for pressure crack point at NASA’s request equipment. sleeping in.What was a little crew and the inter-module ventilation had The success of MPLM’s ECLSS is a secret during Leonardo’s maiden flight its closing vanes adjusted to improve tribute to the efforts of Astrium- has become an approved flight rule, valve tightness. Not bad for several Dornier, Europe’s leading company for after ventilation and air vitality hundred pieces of hardware delivered space life-support systems. ■ analyses have confirmed astronaut by ESA starting in 1998! safety.The arrival of an MPLM at the Normal ground operations involve: Station is eagerly awaited, not only for cleaning of return filters, including Foton-M1 Launch Failure the supplies it brings but also for a cabin fan inlet filter; checking pressure few good nights’ sleep. control valve pressure crack/reseat The Soyuz launcher carrying the MPLM’s air cleanliness is also point; leak testing of all valves; Foton-M1 research satellite failed a appreciated by the crew. Immediately functional testing of cabin fan, few seconds after lift-off from the after opening the hatch during temperature and pressure sensors; Plesetsk cosmodrome on 15 October Leonardo’s first flight, the crew noticed visually inspecting ducting. at 18:20 UT. Foton carried 44 many particles and metal shavings Leak testing and valve functional experiments sponsored by ESA, floating around, the results of late checking – the bulk of ECLSS ground totalling 650 kg. (See On Station #10, drilling work and some dirty cargo.The operations – are performed using the September 2002, pp6-7 for crew was asked to continue unloading specially-developed Gas Leakage Test experiment details.) wearing goggles but the air ventilation Stand.The MPLM ground servicing The report of the State Inquiry system quickly trapped all the particles crew at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Board headed by Russian space on the return filters, making the eye – MPLM’s home – have praised the officials is expected to report soon on the causes of the accident. A press conference given by the head of Odissea Success Rosaviakosmo,Yuri Koptev, on 18 October provided initial ESA astronaut Frank De Winne information. One of the strap-ons took returned safely to Earth on 2s to reach full thrust, pulsed for 1.5 s 10 November after a successful and 4 s after launch lost all power. It Soyuz mission to the ISS then fell away from the vehicle, as it is involving 9 days of scientific designed to do when thrust no longer research.The Odissea mission holds it in place. It fell back on the crew of Sergei Zalyutin,Yuri pad, where the ruptured tanks led to a Lonchakov and Frank flew large fire that significantly damaged aboard the first uprated Soyuz-TMA Soyuz-TMA 1 approaches the ISS for docking the pad.The launcher automatically and returned in the old TM-34 Soyuz 1November. (NASA) shut down the other three strap-ons that was left by Roberto Vittori’s crew 20 s after launch, and it struck the last May as an emergency return 5) included four in the Microgravity ground about 1 km from the pad and vehicle. Science Glovebox – an important exploded. Unfortunately, a soldier Frank described his first voyage into research facility developed by Europe. watching from the integration on Station space as ‘the most intense, challenging The next issue of On Station will building was killed. and unbelievably fulfilling 11 days of my include more detailed coverage of the Preliminary analysis indicated that professional life.’ His substantial Odissea mission. See pp1-3 of this the hydrogen peroxide supply to the programme of 23 experiments (see issue for mission photographs and propellant turbopumps was blocked On Station #10, September 2002, pp4- other information. ■ by a foreign body. ■ 22

on Station no. 11, december 2002 Recent & Relevant

ATV Cargo Meeting

The first ATV Cargo Integration approved.The ESA Database will then ESA astronaut Jean-François Technical Interchange Meeting (TIM) interface with MIDAS. ESA’s CAST Clervoy and NASA astronaut Marsha took place at ESTEC in July, between software will optimise the loading of Ivins were instrumental in devising the ESA, NASA, CNES, Alenia Spazio and cargo items in stowage containers and method for locating the hardware EADS-LV, to agree on the ATV cargo their positions inside the ATV racks. inside the racks and maintaining an analytical and physical integration The Crew Transfer Bag (CTB) is the inventory of launch cargo, temporary processes. ATV can carry up to 4000 kg primary stowage container, as it is for stowed cargo and return cargo.The of reboost propellant, 860 kg of the ISS. Half, single and triple CTBs will Partners agreed to a 9-digit location refuelling propellant, 857 kg of water, be strapped to the inside of the ATV coding system for all launch cargo. and 102 kg of gas (nitrogen, oxygen racks. Other non-standard and Barcodes will allow the astronauts to and/or air).These capabilities and the standard stowage and payload scan the container or item on each cargo needs for 2004 were discussed containers such as ISIS drawers can be ATV shelf, for automatic updating of during the TIM, and the projected the mounted to the adapter plates on the ISS Inventory Management cargo breakdown for the first ATV the rack front. System.The astronaut participants flight in late 2004 was determined. also recommended the location of NASA, ESA and industry agreed to handholds on the racks to help cargo all the cargo integration processes transfer in orbit. and milestones for that first flight. There will be three cargo-packing NASA will maintain the first ATV cargo facilities: NASA will pack US cargo at manifest, obtain all the necessary the Kennedy and Johnson centre; information from cargo providers and Alenia Spazio will pack ESA and other update their MIDAS Database.The first International Partner Cargo at the release of the ATV manifest is planned Turin Cargo Integration Facility in Italy. for September 2003.Then, the The integrated cargo will be shipped database will be updated weekly as to Kourou, where it will be loaded into cargo manifests requests are ATV. ■

Marketing ISS Assets ‘In the past, human spaceflight has property is fully protected at all stages ESA recently selected Ogilvy Brand wrongly retained an exotic and elitist of a programme. Ogilvy will help us Relations in Brussels (B) to help image.With the ISS, this is changing. explain these opportunities to a wide develop a branding and Human spaceflight will become an audience.’ communications strategy for the ISS. everyday experience,’ explained Jörg Ogilvy will help ESA to develop the ESA’s objective is to raise commercial Feustel-Büechl, ESA’s Director of Station’s brand image and design a demand for use of the European Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity. communications strategy to put the assets aboard the Station.The ISS is ‘The Station offers companies and ISS in the public eye in Europe and to one of the world’s most sophisticated organisations the opportunity, for the raise its potential among the research laboratories and a unique first time, to exploit manned spaceflight European business community. platform for marketing, sponsorship for commercial purposes. By opening a Although the communications and other less conventional space unit exclusively devoted to marketing programme will focus on the R&D activities. And yet, outside the the station's facilities, ESA is leading the community, it will also reach out to aerospace community, many ISS commercialisation effort. ESA and newer kinds of space entrepreneurs, companies are still unaware of this its commercial partners can offer active in marketing, entertainment potential. tailored packages to interested and tourism.The R&D effort will Antonio Rodotà, ESA’s Director companies, taking care of everything concentrate on health, biotechnology, General, said ‘In the ISS, ESA is offering a from space certification of payloads to environment, food and new materials. platform for new activities.We are launches, flying and running The fact that most companies lack convinced that,through the ISS, we can programmes on board the Station, and experience in the commercial help European companies convey delivering results and payloads back to exploitation of space, combined with compelling messages to their markets customers on Earth. ESA can arrange the state of today’s economy, will and increase their competitive favourable financing deals and make this a complex and challenging on Station advantage around the world.’ guarantees that its clients’ intellectual programme. ■ 23 on Station no. 11, december 2002 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

Europe’s first ISS Education Kit for students aged 12-15.

ESA has published an ISS Education Kit to meet the requirements for teaching Space and subjects related to the ISS to European students, aged 12-15. The kit is available only in English and includes simple, modular and interdisciplinary material based on existing European curricula, making it suitable for teaching a wide range of subjects. If you work in the education sector and are prepared to give feedback by mid-January 2003 on the content of the kit then please contact Solveig Pettersen at Tel: +31 (0) 71 565 5755, Fax: +31 (0) 71 565 4499 International Space Station or Email: [email protected]

The main objectives of the kit are to: • Introduce the ISS as a motivating and ideal tool for teaching; • Increase the awareness and interest in science and technology research in space among the youth; • Stimulate curiosity and creativity through active participation; • Highlight the important contributions being made by space technology and science to the well-being of society; • Focus on future, possible areas of space research and technology, as well as the importance of international cooperation and cross-cultural interaction.

For further information about the ISS Education Initiatives please visit: www.esa.int/spaceflight