ISS expedition 19

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Mission emblem
Mission emblem Expedition 19
Mission dates
Mission: ISS expedition 19
Crew: 3
Rescue ships: Soyuz TMA-14
Space station: ISS
Start: March 28, 2009, 13:05 UTC
Started by: Coupling of Soyuz TMA-14
The End: May 29, 2009, 12:34 UTC
Ended by: Coupling of Soyuz TMA-15
Duration: 61d 23h 29min
Team photo
Michael Barratt, Gennadi Padalka, Koichi Wakata
Michael Barratt, Gennadi Padalka, Koichi Wakata
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ISS Expedition 19 is the mission name for the 19th long-term crew of the International Space Station (ISS). The crew started their flight to the ISS on March 26, 2009 with Soyuz TMA-14 to live and work there. Expedition 19 was the last ISS mission with only three crew members and ended with the docking of Soyuz TMA-15 on May 29, 2009. 3

team

The crew of the mission was composed as follows:

Substitute team

Mission history

With the launch of the Russian spaceship Soyuz-TMA 14, which took place at 11:49 a.m. UTC, the core of ISS expedition 19, consisting of commander Gennadi Padalka and flight engineer Michael Barratt, entered space. The two worked in the space station until mid-October. Charles Simonyi, who made his second self-paid space flight, was there for a short time. Of the three space travelers who went into space with Soyuz TMA 14, Gennadi Padalka, who already completed his third flight, was the most experienced. He has been in Earth orbit for more than a year on two long-term missions.

In the final phase of the approach, Commander Padalka took control of the spaceship at the direction of the ground station. Previously, the automatic system had detected multiple, brief failures of a control engine, then wanted to break off the rendezvous and bring the spaceship into a safe distance. However, Padalka explained during the flight with manual control that the spaceship was flying "as in the simulation". In his opinion, all engines would be functional.

After docking with the ISS on March 28, the obligatory safety briefing, a press conference and a short acclimatization phase, the new crew took command of the station on April 2. Five days later, the old crew, Michael Fincke and Juri Lontschakow, returned to earth with Charles Simonyi. Koichi Wakata, was initially taken over by the Expedition 19 crew and replaced on the next shuttle mission.

Koichi Wakata had already reached the ISS on March 15, 2009 with the STS-119 shuttle mission to replace Sandra Magnus as a member of ISS Expedition 18 .

During the mission, extensive research was carried out on behalf of the participating space agencies NASA (USA), Roskosmos (Russia), ESA (EU), JAXA (Japan) and CSA (Canada). They covered the fields of medicine, biology, physics, materials research, earth exploration, technology and astrophysics.

In the Multi-User Droplet Combustion Apparatus - Flame Extinguishment Experiment (MCDA-FLEX, NASA) experiment, the effectiveness of fire extinguishing systems in weightlessness was researched. First examined in the model, the experiments served to define a new system for the Orion spaceship, which is currently under development. The Kaskad experiment (БТХ-26, Roskosmos) studied the cultivation of different cell types under controlled conditions. A special bioreactor was used for this. WAICO (Waving and Coiling, ESA) examined how plant roots grow in weightlessness. These experiments were carried out with plants of the genus Arabidopsis in the Biolab Facility, a kind of greenhouse. Above all, they wanted to find out whether the wave-like or spiral-shaped growth of the roots is independent of the presence of gravity. The Rad Silk (JAXA) experiment investigated the effects of long-lasting cosmic rays on the eggs of silkworms of the genus Bombyx mori. Probably the most extraordinary experiment (ISS Moon Score) also came from the Japanese. About 100 pictures of the moon were taken during the mission. These were transmitted to earth and, due to the position and size of the craters, formed the basis for the notes of a space station moon symphony.

The beginning of increment 19 also marked the crucial phase of the preparations for the return of the old station crew. The Russian pilots Lontschakow and Padalka worked with a special flight simulation program that is supposed to determine the ability to react in stressful situations (Pilot-M / NEURO), tested or trained the communication between station and spaceship during the casting maneuver and checked the ASN-M, a component of the Russian Satellite navigation system on board the station. Various work was also carried out to follow up on the coupling of the new crew at the stern of the station. The coupling unit was inspected, the Soyuz connected to the on-board network and air flow of the station, various devices in the spaceship were deactivated, the Sokol suits dried and the specially adapted seat shells for Simonyi and Wakata in the Soyuz-TMA 13 and 14 spaceships were replaced.

In parallel to the transfer of biological samples for various experiments from the spaceship to a special cooling device at the station (Konjugatsija, Bioemulsija, Bioekologija, Astrovaccine and Polygen in CryoGem 03), Dakon-M, an accelerometer of the Izgib system, was deactivated. With this device, accelerations that occur during normal operation or during special events, in this case the coupling of Soyuz-TMA 14 to the station, can be measured more precisely.

While the members of Expedition 18 were preparing for their return, adaptation to weightlessness became an object of investigation for the newcomers. In SLEEP, the influence of light on a person's well-being was examined. The fast light-dark cycles influence the sleep-wake rhythm of space travelers. For this purpose, the test person wore a so-called Actiwatch, which recorded both its activity and the light intensity. Koichi Wakata was the subject of investigation for a whole week. In the context of bisphosphonates, he also took a special drug with which one wants to reduce bone loss in weightlessness. Further examinations concerned blood pressure, the cardiovascular system, an exercise EKG, lung function and hearing ability. Michael Fincke, on the other hand, took part in the Integrated Immune (II) and Nutrition experiments. At Nutrition, blood and urine samples are taken, a nutritional questionnaire is filled out and bones, oxidative damage and hormonal changes are examined before and after return. It was a complex study to investigate the physical changes in the human body during prolonged stays in weightlessness. With II, however, the development of the immune system was observed. For this purpose, saliva samples were taken.

Koichi Wakata first worked with the Japanese manipulator (JEM RMS). He performed a series of movements and repeatedly checked the accuracy and manageability. On the following shuttle mission, these skills were required to dock a larger outside platform on the Kibo module. Many of the experiments taking place there can be supervised by a robot arm without any outboard work.

Other work related to the measurement of environmental parameters within the station (Experiment Expert with measurement of temperature, humidity and air flow), the activation of individual biological samples (CryoGem), further tests of a new GPS antenna, the data management system in the Columbus module, the Calibration of a system for the investigation of liquids and combustion processes (Fluids & Combustion Facility) as well as the supply of fresh oxygen to the station atmosphere from the supplies of the transport ship Progress-M 66.

Regular maintenance included, among other things, an air filter system and a condensation water recovery system, restarting various computers, inspecting sports equipment, replacing or charging various batteries in a fire alarm and several measuring devices, processing CO 2 filters used during outboard work in Quest, backup and upload scientific data (Matryoshka, Econ) as well as the inspection of all hatches in the US-based part of the ISS.

Contact was made several times via amateur radio ( ARISS ) to educational institutions in Canada, Italy and Japan. Earth observations (Crew Earth Observation) mainly had impact and volcanic craters in Ghana, Mauritania, Algeria, Ecuador and Colombia in their sights. On April 1st, some islands were also the focus of the observation and photo documentation.

Charles Simonyi only took part in a few station crew activities. He carried out his own measurements of radiation exposure, had multiple contact with the earth via amateur radio, video conference or IP telephone and photographed interesting areas and phenomena of the home planet.

So while Michael Fincke and Juri Lontschakow did more sport, carried out final medical examinations on themselves or had them carried out, prepared samples of experiments for the return transport, managed and recorded flight simulations with a special computer program under time pressure and medical observation (an electroaculogram recorded the eye movements) After hours of landing training, Gennadi Padalka, Michael Barratt and Koichi Wakata began various examinations.

Fincke, Lontschakow and Simonyi returned aboard Soyuz TMA-13 on April 8, 2009 , officially ending ISS expedition 18 .

New on board the ISS was the Tipologija experiment, in which the aim was to use EEG, psychological tests and a question-and-answer game to find out when the performance of a long-term driver was better or worse. The scientists would prefer a display that shows what stress this or that test person can tolerate in the current phase. Gennadi completed the experiment for the first time. He had to pass color tests and solve a computer question game with as few errors as possible. The EEG was obtained through a cap with top electrodes.

In addition to the medical tests that Koichi Wakata completed, a long-term EKG was added in early April. He also carried a portable device that recorded his values ​​while he was sleeping. Finally, a nutrition questionnaire had to be filled out, which Michael Barratt was allowed to do for the first time. Other experiments worth mentioning concerned the facet-like crystal growth of transparent organic tissue in a facility for the physics of liquids in Kibo (FACET in Fluid Physics Experiment Facility), the activation of a measuring device for determining acceleration values ​​in the US laboratory Destiny (SAMS = Space Acceleration Measurement System), which Investigation of the influence of altered optical perception through optical illusions on motor skills (3D space), the commissioning of an automatic experiment for the photographic recording of the movements of colloid compounds in a dispersion over six days (Binary Colloid Alloy Test 4, BCAT) as well as activation several biological samples under controlled thermal conditions (22 ° C) to study the gravity of plants (Polca and GraviGen). Other experiments concerned the assessment of long-term effects of charged particles on humans (ALTEA) and the Canadian experiment BISE (Bodies in the Space Environment), in which Michael Barratt only saw the image of a computer monitor through glasses, on which objects and letters were displayed. The subject of investigation is the above-below sensation that the astronaut has.

In terms of maintenance, work was carried out on life support and supply systems (electrolysis system for oxygen production, carbon dioxide absorbers, water treatment systems), and air flow, windows and sports equipment were inspected. Inspections were also carried out on fire alarms and a fire extinguishing system, as well as medical equipment such as a portable emergency defibrillator and the Crew Health Care System Rack. Routine work consisted of checking the air flow sensors, the air quality (ammonia and carbon monoxide), the new water treatment system, the sanitary facilities, the sports equipment and the daily updating of the inventory. There was amateur radio contact with schools in Japan and France, the objects of investigation during earth observation were the Andes in Bolivia, the Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala, sediment fans (megafans) in Algeria, selected areas in Arizona and New Mexico and the German capital Berlin. An educational project is also worth mentioning. As part of Fisika-Obrasowanije experiments with “flying saucers” were carried out and recorded.

Koichi Wakata and Michael Fincke worked on the airlock in the Kibo module. Transport locks were removed from the lock control and display, on a valve box and on the slide, and the drive shaft was checked. The slide can be moved into the module for loading and of course out of the station for unloading. Usually the Japanese manipulator is used there. The lock has an internal diameter of 1.4 m and a length of 2 m. Transfer freight must not exceed the dimensions 64 × 83 × 80 cm and be a maximum of 300 kg inert.

The Merlin cooling container had to be switched off after a false alarm. This is where the space travelers' food and drinks are usually cooled. For quite a while they were also busy wrapping up the spacecraft operations of the Discovery crew. In the last few days, several CO 2 absorber cartridges have been "baked out" and the liquids in the cooling circuits of the spacesuits used have been filtered. When mixed with iodine compounds, one also avoids biological contamination.

A not new but possibly serious problem was a damaged radiator on the grille structure. Here part of the cladding had come loose so that the cooling coils were exposed in a small area. This could increase the stress on the material and cause a leak. The technicians on earth had to deal with this problem. A repair during one of the next shuttle missions was considered.

Dakon-M, a measurement system for accelerations in the station's microgravity environment, has been activated and checked. No data was recorded when the Soyuz-TMA 14 was docked; this worked better when the Soyuz-TMA 13 was disconnected. On April 8, due to unfavorable ground conditions at the predicted landing site, one day later than originally planned, Michael Fincke and Yuri Lontschakow disconnected from the station with their Soyuz-TMA 13 spacecraft and returned to Earth a few hours later. The first space tourist to go to space twice, Charles Simonyi, also successfully concluded his great adventure.

Now the three spacemen of the ISS expedition 19 turned to new tasks. The Canadian robot Dextre, which had been waiting on the outside of the Destiny module since its installation, was coupled to the station's 18-meter-long manipulator arm and transported towards the lattice structure. Then some exercises were done here.

At the beginning of a long-term stay, many medical parameters of all crew members are first measured in order to be able to determine later changes occurring during the stay in weightlessness (including experiments CCISS, Periodic Health Status and Pnevmokard). Measurements of the calf muscles, body mass, blood pressure, cardiovascular and lung function are just as much a part of this as blood flow measurements (brain, fingers and photoplethysmogram), recording of heart sounds, breathing rate determination, urine and blood analyzes. A whole series of experiments and routine examinations, which Gennadi Padalka, Michael Barratt and Koichi Wakata underwent, served for this purpose.

Normal scales cannot be used to determine the mass. Instead, in Zvezda and Columbus, various devices were used in which a beam to which the spaceman is strapped is set in motion. If the spring constant is known, the (inert) mass can be calculated from the period duration. Further experiments on the complex physiology were nutrition (influence of nutrition on physical changes), SLEEP (sleep-wake rhythm), biorhythm (long-term ECG), sonocard (contact-free monitoring of as many body functions as possible during sleep and during exercise), hematocrit (measurement of Decrease in the number of red blood cells during long space flights) and bisphosphonates (drugs against bone breakdown).

But psychological changes were also researched. Bodies in the Space Environment (BISE) uses a PC and a pair of “glasses” that hide everything except the screen content, and how space travelers feel in weightlessness above and below. You can see the letters p and d on different background images. The letters are practically identical if you turn them 180 °. The space travelers now have to make a decision at short notice. Prefrontal brain functions and spatial perception were just as much a subject of research as the influence of the non-existent gravity on brain activities.

As part of WinSCAT (Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows), the cognitive abilities were determined at intervals of 30 days using a question-and-answer test. The ability to learn and concentrate, attention, short-term memory, spatial imagination and mathematical-logical skills were examined. Michael Barratt was the first subject. In addition, the individual crew members held private medical conferences (PMC) with supervisors on earth and filled out questionnaires on personal well-being, cooperation in teams (within the station and with the control centers) and possible incidents (Wsaimodeistwije / Interactions).

Experiments were also carried out on combustion processes in weightlessness (Fluids & Combustion Facility with methanol), colloids (BCAT-4), crystal growth (CGBA 5 & FACET) and technology (ENose). At FACET, for example, the facet-like growth of transparent organic materials was recorded in weightlessness. Most of these examinations only required little supervision.

Earth observation also moved increasingly into the focus of interest. In addition to the obligatory observations of special occurrences on earth (Crew Earth Observation, Uragan or Ekon), which include the cities of Beijing, Pyongyang, Belgrade, Minneapolis / St. Paul, Cairo, Tehran, Athens, Mumbai, Delhi, Vienna, Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Baku, Berlin, Riyadh, Tunis, Khartoum, Nouakchott (Mauritania), Austin, Houston, Muscat (Oman) and Mexico City , the Italian earthquake region around L'Aquila, the Three Gorges Dam, Central Japan, the region around Baikonur, the Slate Island crater in Canada, the Redoubt volcano in Alaska, the Carpathian Mountains, and Lake Sevan who have favourited the Don and Volga rivers, the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka, photographed in detail.

The multi-spectral camera AgCam (Agricultural Camera), which was developed by students at the University of North Dakota and can be used to investigate phenomena of agricultural interest, has been rebuilt. In visible light and in the near infrared, statements such as B. gain on maturity, pest infestation or ecological parameters. The observation regions were fields, meadows, forests and wetlands in the north of the USA.

A plant experiment was also newly installed in the Lada greenhouse. Here, the growth of plants from sowing to fertilization to harvest can be observed and recorded in weightlessness under controlled conditions.

Repair work was carried out on the training bike Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation System (CEVIS) and several control computers (TVS). Microbiological analyzes of water samples as well as investigations of the air quality (formaldehyde concentration) and the noise level at 54 measuring points also took up a lot of space. Koichi Wakata used a special sound level meter for this. In addition, airflow sensors, life support systems and hygienic facilities were checked daily, and other components such as fire extinguishers, oxygen generators or CO 2 absorbers were checked at set intervals or on certain occasions. Further maintenance work concerned the toilet (replacement of hoses and other mobile parts with new ones), the extravehicular mobility units (EMU), the US spacesuits (adding iodine to the cooling liquid to avoid bacteriological contamination), various computers (reboots, antivirus update), Avionics Rack 3 as well as air fans.

There was amateur radio contact with students in Japan and with various institutions in Russia on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the first space flight on April 12, 1961. Of course there were also highly material contacts with Roskosmos, Energia, the Institute for Biological-Medical Problems (IBMP) and the Gagarin training center in star city near Moscow, press contacts with CNN and ABC as well as private family conferences. Michael Barratt celebrated his 50th birthday on April 16.

Koichi Wakata tested a new board suit with fantastic properties for the Japanese women's university in Tokyo. It is antibacterial, deodorant, water-absorbent, thermally insulating, quick-drying, fire-resistant, antistatic, comfortable and attractive.

After Dextre (Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator - SPDM) was transported remotely from Earth to a future test site, the ISS crew trained in the practical handling of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System SSRMS (Canadarm2) and tested a special algorithm with which Misalignments of the arm are recognized before coupling to a Power & Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF) and adjustments are to be made automatically (Force Moment Accommodation). However, there was a movement of about 10 cm, which was not initiated by the astronauts. The FMA was then deactivated again. Further investigations followed.

For several days, Michael Barratt and Koichi Wakata were busy with the regular maintenance of the active vibration-damped treadmill TVIS. This work was carried out in the Unity connection node and filmed completely. After the sports equipment was dismantled, the slat band itself and the roller bearings were replaced. A flywheel could not be changed because the spare part could not be found. So the used part was lubricated and used again. In addition, the control electronics were replaced, frayed wire ropes replaced, the device reassembled, aligned and tested. Work was also carried out on the CEVIS ergometer. However, only one advertisement was exchanged here. The weight training machine ARED was only subjected to a thorough inspection.

Relaksatsija is a revived, but new experiment for Expedition 19. Luminous phenomena in the earth's atmosphere are studied. First, chemiluminescence and atmospheric light phenomena were spectrally analyzed from Zvezda window No. 2 . Later, a UV camera, a spectrometer, a camcorder and a computer for data recording and control were installed in window No. 9. With the new AgCam (Agricultural Camera), multispectral images of certain regions in the north of the USA were obtained from Destiny. From the data, conclusions can be drawn about soil moisture, pest infestation, degree of ripeness and expected yields in crops, on pasture and grassland as well as in wetlands and forests. The rivers Oder, Ganges, Mississippi and Volga, the Taman mud volcanoes, the Galapagos and the Darwin Islands as well as a long solidified lava flow in Arizona were photographed as part of the long-term Earth Observation, Uragan and Ekon. The new NASA moon car LER (Lunar Exploration Rover) was later tested in this rugged rock area. The "aerial photos" had the same purpose as the recordings of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

Gennadi Padalka used the Expert measuring apparatus to determine environmental parameters in hard-to-reach areas of the station in order to assess the risk of corrosion. Temperature, humidity, air flow and heat losses were measured using an infrared thermometer, thermohygrometer, heat loss anemometer and ultrasonic analyzer. He also invested some time in the Fisika Obrasowanije educational project. The partial experiment phase deals with the slow, complete separation of liquid and gas in a dispersion in microgravity. The sub-experiment UFO (flying saucer), on the other hand, dealt with the levitation and rotation of a flat disk with and without precession. Image and video recordings were made of all experiments, which were later used in schools and colleges. Other special tasks for the commander were the preparation of the second, newly arrived Orlan MK spacesuit (activation and pressure test, checking the interfaces, preparation of the telemetry system, installation of the oxygen tank, lithium hydroxide canisters, lamps and batteries), the cleaning and the partial replacement of air fans to maintain the air flow, the transfer of gases and fuels from the docked freighter Progress-M 66, the reactivation of the electron oxygen generator (after filter replacement and rewiring), the cleaning of camera lenses, cover caps and a CCD sensor in a camera, data backup (e.g. B. from ESA's external experiment Exposure-R) as well as dealing with computer problems. The terminal computer TVM 1 (from Germany) was still not running continuously (aborted after 80 minutes).

Preparations were made for the CARD experiment, which Thomas Reiter carried out on the ISS in 2006. Blood volume and blood pressure decrease with prolonged stay in weightlessness. This effect also occurs with certain clinical pictures on earth. It was now investigated whether the additional intake of salt counteracted this. This required extensive cardiological tests. Stimul 1 was also in the preparatory phase. Here, the test person should wear a special suit with electrodes sewn into the trouser legs that electrically stimulate certain muscle fibers. Most of the equipment used did not arrive at the station until the next Progress freighter.

Dozens of automated experiments continued to run and occasionally required supervision (data transfer, battery or sample changes, minor repairs). In addition, the health of the space travelers was closely monitored and medical examinations continued. Cleaning work, sport, status checks (cooling devices GLACIER, MELFI, MERLIN), air and water analyzes complete the work program of the three-person ISS crew. In addition, the life support systems had to be checked and maintained. The water treatment system posed a minor problem. A check valve did not work as intended, so the waste water tanks were now 70% full. The ground control worked out a way to remove the valve, which has meanwhile been classified as superfluous. Fortunately, all the hygienic facilities in the ward are duplicated.

A structure and dynamics test for the solar cell module S4 took place on the night of April 22nd to 23rd. To do this, engines were ignited alternately for about five minutes. Forces and movements were measured at certain points of S4. For the second starboard element with solar cells S6, an analog test was carried out in the night of April 26th to 27th.

The Acoustic Measurement Protocol was initiated at the end of April. Gennadi Padalka, Michael Barratt and Koichi Wakata also wore small microphones as well as measuring devices and memories on their bodies. This was used to record the noise levels to which the space travelers are exposed over a longer period of time. In addition, stationary “acoustic dosimeters” were switched on. These examinations are carried out twice during each ISS expedition.

Then the cargo space ship Progress-M 66 was prepared for its departure. To this end, Koichi checked various consumer goods, such as blood analysis kits and transport packaging, for their further usability. Materials that could no longer be used were sorted out and transported to the Progress spaceship. Until May 4, however, Progress-M 66 was still used to control the rolling movements of the entire station and for possible evasive maneuvers. Air from a special tank on the spaceship was also used to freshen up the atmosphere in the station. In addition, various tests were carried out and the fuel lines were flushed.

Earth observation targets included the Galapagos Islands, Kilauea and Mauna Lea in Hawaii, Lake Chad, the cities of Bucharest, Mexico City, Key Largo, Rio de Janeiro and Tucson, the island of Madeira and the Villarrica volcano in Chile. Biochemical urine analyzes as well as air and water quality tests were also carried out. Water from the urine treatment system was classified as suitable for hygienic purposes and approved. It can only be used as drinking water after the dissolved iodide has been filtered out. As part of ALTEA (Anomalous Long Term Effects on Astronauts), 6 dosimeters were activated in the ward, with which the radiation exposure was measured. The Matryoshka and Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter Detector experiments were also used to research the same area. The human body or living tissue was simulated using special materials and more practical data was obtained. The experiments Try Zero G and Photo-Moon were carried out as part of educational programs.

Other scientific experiments were EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students), in which images of areas of the earth's surface were made using an electronic camera and transmitted to schools for evaluation, and Sonokard, in which data from the cardiovascular system (EKG) were recorded without the need for electrodes were obtained simply by wearing a sensitive T-shirt, SLEEP to investigate the effects of lighting conditions on sleep-wake rhythm and the ability to work of space travelers, as well as Bodies in the Space Environment (BISE), which uses computer-generated images to establish the connection between psychological and physical perception was investigated.

In the context of Tipologija it was measured how the human brain reacts in stressful situations and which stress level is suitable for normal work in the space station. Gennadi wore electrodes for an EEG while he was doing various tasks. This included adaptive training according to Lüscher, mathematical problem-solving processes, but also computer games such as Minesweeper and Tetris. One physical experiment carried out by Michael Barrat was SPICE (Smoke Point in Co-flow Experiment). Combustion processes in the controlled and hermetically sealed environment of the Microgravity Science Glovebox (glove box for science in microgravity) were controlled in such a way that the point at which it began to smoke could be precisely determined. The fuel used this time contained 75% propylene.

The tests on the new Russian Orlan MK spacesuit (integrated EKG) were completed while the US airlock module Quest was being cleaned up. In addition, the charger 4 was examined, which was previously responsible for the deep discharge of a battery. In the Russian exit module Pirs, it was the turn of regular tests on switches and fuses.

There were still problems with computers in different station modules. Apparently, one thing could be fixed by briefly removing the batteries after the shutdown. After restarting, everything seemed to work normally. Work continued on the telemetry system in Zvezda. In addition, an internal Russian communication system for telephony, telegraphy, communication during spacecraft, packet e-mail and control signals with arriving and departing spaceships (TORU) was tested.

Gennadi Padalka carried out a complex recording of important parameters on himself at rest and under stress. The movement of the heart muscle (kinetocardiogram), the blood flow to the lungs (rheoplethsmogram) and brain (rheoencephalogram) as well as the heart rate were recorded, while the test person had to maintain an output of 125, 150 and 175 watts on the VELO ergometer for three minutes .

In addition, various chemical-biological parameters were monitored in the station. Koichi Wakata checked the Petri dishes, in which samples from the station air or from various surface swabs had been cultivated five days earlier, for bacterial contamination. Other systems recorded the pollution of the station air or various water reservoirs with biological or chemical substances. NASA

On May 3, the loading of the Freighter Progress-M 66 was completed. Finally, urine from the station had been pumped into empty tanks on the spaceship. As a final step before uncoupling, a temperature sensor and a lamp were removed for reuse, the control of the engines was switched from the station computer to the freighter's on-board electronics, the coupling mechanism was installed in the outer hatch of the Pirs exit module, some retaining clips were loosened, and a hose for ventilation and temperature regulation was dismantled and the hatches closed. After the approximately one hour leak test, the Progress-M 66 was ready for take-off. The decoupling took place on May 6th at 16:17 UTC. Previously, Padalka and Michael Barratt had completed a three-hour training session on the TORU remote control system for incoming and outgoing spaceships. After uncoupling, an amateur radio system was activated in the station, which could be used to investigate interference with the freighter's telemetry system. Progress-M 66 flew autonomously until May 18 to carry out plasma experiments. Then the spacecraft crashed over the Pacific.

On May 5th, the Canadarm2 station manipulator was brought into a convenient position for a trip on the Mobile Transporter (MT). The MT was moved from workstation 4 to 7 the following day, remotely controlled from Earth. On May 7, the video system of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), as the manipulator is officially called, was used to connect a CETA transport cart and the pivot for rotating the solar cells on the port side (Portside Solar Alpha Rotary Joint, SARJ) examine and measure photometrically. In addition, the emission of ammonia from a radiator of the grating element S1 was recorded in the backlight.

Further work concerned the maintenance and cleaning of various station components (sports equipment, life support system, air flow fans and filters), status checks on various experiments (BCAT, Rastenija), the analysis of air and water samples, inventory and checking of EVA accessories in Quest, the Rearrangement of accelerometer sensors (SAMS), the preparation of tools and aids for the exits due at the beginning of June, the inspection of fire warning and extinguishing systems as well as an hour-long emergency training. A problem arose in the advanced Russian telemetry system. To date, no data has been received from the new Orlan-MK spacesuits.

On May 7th, the second Russian freighter with digital controls, Progress-M 02M, took off from Baikonur into space. On board were 2.59 tons of fuel, supplies and consumables, clothing, spare parts, experimental material, documentation, water, air and oxygen. The cargo also included the third Orlan MK spacesuit. The 33rd ISS Progress freighter docked fully automatically with the Pirs lock module on May 12 after extensive tests. The crew, who stood by on a remote control system in case of emergencies, did not have to intervene. With the first spaceship of this revised Progress type in December last year, a nonsensical distance specification meant that the automatic approach had to be canceled and docked by hand control. On the day after the docking maneuver, the freighter was secured, opened and connected to the station's on-board supply and control system (air, temperature, energy).

On May 13th, the mobile transporter including the manipulator arm was moved from job 7 back to 4. With the help of a camera on Canadarm2, the emission of around 20 kg of ammonia from the station's cooling system was recorded the next day. The effects of this emission on the surrounding high atmosphere were also observed from Earth. With this, however, the cooling circuit A, one of a total of 4 existing, was drained. Some time ago the radiator on grille element S1 was damaged. Material fatigue or impacts with micrometeorites could cause a crack to form there, through which coolant is lost. In the worst case, all of the coolant could escape because there is no measuring device for the amount of ammonia still present. It was therefore decided to deactivate the relevant cooling circuit. The other cooling loops offer sufficient capacity to dissipate the heat that is generated in the electrical systems outside the station.

Repair work was carried out on a blocked condensation water pipe in the European Columbus laboratory module. Experimental activities included, among other things, the care and monitoring of the barley plants in the Lada greenhouse (experiment Rastenija), the realignment of crystallization cell 2 in a corresponding system in the Kibo module (experiment FACET), research into combustion processes and, in particular, the temperature from which onwards Fuels smoke formation occurs (experiment SPICE) or the development of cognitive abilities such as learning and concentration, attention, short-term memory, spatial perception and mathematical-logical skills (WinSCAT).

In preparation for the arrival of the new exit, coupling and research module MIM 2, Gennadi Padalka installed new control and navigation hardware in the head section of the Zvezda service module.

For educational purposes, Koichi Wakata demonstrated the behavior of different bodies in weightlessness (including clothing, a flying carpet and water). There were also several conferences with the flight control center. Radio contact was also made with participants in the Flemish Space Days in Leuven (Belgium), students from Besyo Primary School in Saitama (Japan) and reporters from Rossiski Kosmos magazine. Koichi also opened the voting for the “Eurovision Song Contest” from space on Russian television. Earth observation, on the other hand, hardly played a role in mid-May. Only glaciers and coastal areas in South America were photographed.

On May 18, Koichi Wakata succeeded in removing a faulty non-return valve in the water treatment plant, which enabled the plant to be put into operation. Two days later, the crew was given permission to drink the water, which was arranged with media coverage. Since every kilogram of cargo that has to be transported from the earth into space costs in the region of tens of thousands of US dollars, the reprocessing plant brings savings in the millions.

In addition, preparations were made for the visit to the space shuttle Endeavor in June. The main task was to collect and pack equipment and cargo that is to be returned to Earth from the space shuttle for departure. Gennadi Padalka and Michael Barratt trained for the first time for the shuttle RPM (Rotation Pitch Maneuver). The crew members were prepared to take photos of the arriving space shuttle while it rotated around its transverse axis in order to detect any damage to the heat shield.

On May 21st, the first concrete preparations were made for the next exit, which was planned for June 5th. Gennadi Padalka and Michael Barratt looked at the schedule and prepared equipment. In addition, Padalka continued the installation of systems that are important for coupling with the new Poisk module (MIM 2) in the Zvezda module.

The tasks also included continuing the repair of one of the station's ergometers, where a significant discrepancy between the set and the actual load was observed some time ago. Koichi Wakata cleaned the inside of the sports equipment thoroughly with a toothbrush and vacuum cleaner. Koichi Wakata previously placed the station manipulator SSRMS on the third platform called PDGF (Power & Data Grapple Fixture) of the Mobile Base System in order to bring it into a convenient position for visual monitoring of the Dextre robotic arm. He also carried out a review of another robotic arm at the Japanese Kibo laboratory module on May 22.

On May 29, 2009, with the arrival of Romanenko, De Winne and Thirsk with Soyuz TMA-15, the manning increased from three to six people. From then on, the crew was officially referred to as ISS Expedition 20 .

With the arrival of the crew of the Soyuz-TMA 15 spacecraft, a new stage in the use of the International Space Station began. For the first time, the regular crew of the ISS consisted of 6 astronauts, who also represented all participating states or confederations. This step was also appropriately recognized politically. The Soyuz-TMA 15 spacecraft, launched on May 27, was successfully docked with the ISS two days later at around 12:34 p.m. UTC. At 2:15 p.m., after extensive leak tests, the hatches between the spaceship and the station were opened and the newcomers welcomed. At the first video meeting, greetings and congratulations were exchanged around the world, especially relatives of the spacemen had a say. Then the safety briefing was completed and work began as ISS Expedition 20.

On the other hand, on Earth, the new usage phase was recognized by space agency officials and future perspectives were discussed. A publication was also contradicted, among other things, that Russia is pursuing plans to decouple its own segment from the ISS. Rather, they want to use the ISS in its entirety effectively for as long as possible.

The ISS Expedition 20, to which the spacemen Gennadi Padalka, Michael Barratt, Koichi Wakata, Frank de Winne, Robert Thirsk and Roman Romanjenko belong, was the most international crew of a spacecraft ever. With the increase in crew, the scientific work will also make up a considerably larger share of around 50% of the work of all crew members.

See also

Web links

Commons : ISS Expedition 19  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Katherine Trinidad, Nicole Cloutier-Lemasters: NASA Assigns Space Station Crews, Updates Expedition Numbering. NASA, November 21, 2008, accessed November 21, 2008 .