ISS expedition 4

Mission emblem

Mission dates

Mission:

ISS expedition 4

Crew:

3

Call sign:

Expedition 4

Rescue ships:

Soyuz TM-33 , Soyuz TM-34

Space station:

ISS

Start:

December 7, 2001, 20:03 UTC

Started by:

Coupling of STS-108

The End:

June 15, 2002, 14:32 UTC

Ended by:

Decoupling from STS-111

Duration:

189d 18h 29min

Number of EVAs :

3

Total length of the EVAs:

17h 49m

Team photo

(from left) Daniel Bursch, Juri Onufrijenko and Carl Walz

navigation

Previous
mission:
ISS expedition 3

Next
mission:
ISS expedition 5

ISS Expedition 4 is the mission name for the fourth long-term crew of the International Space Station . The crew lived and worked on board the ISS from December 7, 2001 to June 15, 2002.

team

Yuri Ivanovich Onufrijenko (2nd space flight), ISS commander December 12, 2001 to June 10, 2002 ( Roskosmos / Russia )
Daniel Wheeler Bursch (5th spaceflight), mission specialist ( NASA / USA )
Carl Erwin Walz (4th space flight), mission specialist (NASA / USA)

Substitute team

Gennady Ivanovich Padalka , Commander (Roskosmos / Russia)
Stephen Kern Robinson , Flight Engineer (NASA / USA)
Edward Michael Fincke , flight engineer (NASA / USA)

Mission description

During this mission, the number of scientific experiments carried out was almost doubled. The crew became a station crew on December 7, 2001 at 8:03 p.m. UTC and stayed on board the ISS for 189 days until they were brought back to Earth with the space shuttle Endeavor .

At the beginning of the mission, the focus was on unloading work. In addition to the Raffaello load module , experiments also had to be transported from the middle deck of the Endeavor and from a docked Progress spaceship to the station. Bursch and Walz underwent the first medical tests. This included the investigation of a muscle reflex (Hoffman Reflex Experiment) and lung function (Pulmonary Function in Flight) . Five tests are carried out one after the other to examine gas exchange and the respiratory muscles. These tests will be carried out regularly during the mission, including: a. also before and after spacecraft missions.

The three space travelers were able to relax for two days over Christmas and the New Year. They then trained on the Canadian manipulator arm for future assembly work. They also tested a new technique with which large mechanical stresses on the fastening points should be avoided in the future. Preparations were also made for the first spacecraft missions in January. The Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support System (CBOSS) was used to study the growth of blood, kidney and almond cells over a period of 12 days. To do this, the astronauts first had to inject prepared cells into 32 sample containers with nutrient solution. These were then stowed in an incubator . On the following days, some samples were frozen at various stages of growth. Cell tissue grows three-dimensionally in weightlessness. This allows you to use it for functioning parts of organs. On the other hand, three-dimensional growth on Earth has so far only been achieved with support structures made from foreign tissue. With CBOSS, various, primarily cancerous tissues (including kidney, colon and ovarian tissue) were grown in the further course. After returning to earth, these pieces of tissue were then carefully examined. At the end of December, the first measurements of the cosmic background radiation were also made. As part of the Extra Vehicular Activity Radiation Monitoring (EVARM) experiment , an accurate determination of the radiation dose to various organs (eyes, internal organs, skin) that affects a space traveler during an exit was carried out for the first time. Another medical experiment was the investigation of the risk of developing kidney stones during long space flights (Renal Stone Risk) . To do this, urine samples were collected from a spaceman while he was on a special diet. This makes it possible to analyze the effects of certain food ingredients on the metabolism.

The maintenance work in January also included replacing the previous hard drives with solid state drives in the three communication and control computers. In May 2001, several data memories were apparently damaged when docking the space shuttle Atlantis , causing the computers to fail. That is why they switched to mechanically robust flash memories . At the same time, improved software was used.

Physical experiments on vibration damping (ARIS-ICE) and the behavior of particle-liquid mixtures (Experiment on Physics of Colloids in Space) in weightlessness were continued. ARIS is a small platform within a rack . There are systems on the platform that dampen vibrations caused by the movement of space travelers in the station and by control or docking maneuvers. The operational use of the system was prepared with new software. In the case of colloids, the AB-6 particle mixture was converted to a gel that consists of 99.992% water and only 0.008% particles. The formation of self-similar structures (fractals) was investigated. For this purpose, the mixture was first liquefied. When solidifying, the particles formed structures that were then recognizable in stroboscopic laser light. The experiments ran independently, were monitored from a ground station and lasted for several weeks. It was also of interest how the behavior of the colloids changed during this time (aging of the gel).

The fourth permanent crew completed their first two spacecraft missions in January. When Onufrijenko and Walz first disembarked on January 14th (6:03 am), the Strela 2 crane was brought from the interior of Pirs into space and mounted on the outer skin of the module. The existing Strela-1, which is located opposite on the Pirs exit module, was used for this purpose. Strela (in German: arrow) are hand-operated cranes with an extendable crane arm that can be rotated on a fixed mast. Such cranes have already been used on the Russian Mir space station . Furthermore, the two spaceman mounted an amateur radio antenna on the outside of the module Swesda ( ARISS project). Four such antennas should make it possible to establish contact with radio amateurs worldwide from the residential module. During the second spacecraft mission on January 25 (Onufrijenko and Bursch, 5:59 h) a second antenna was installed. Previously, the two spacemen installed six deflection shields to keep engine exhaust gases away from the experiments on the outside of the station. At the same time, they changed a detector (KROMKA), with which previous damage from engine exhaust gases and particles was documented. After that, a physical experiment (PLATAN-M) was exchanged, with which heavy nuclei are collected from the sun or from interstellar sources. Both devices were later transported to Earth. In addition, three material experiments (SKK) were installed on the Zvezda module. Half-open cable holders were then installed to keep the spacemen's tethers away from the experiments when they got out. Finally, the entire work was documented with photos.

February started with minor problems. For example, a computer that is responsible for the position control of the entire station failed for no apparent reason. As a result, the solar cells could no longer be optimally aligned with the sun, and the energy supply was no longer guaranteed. In such a case, different systems switch off automatically. Others were deactivated by the crew. After a good four hours, the controls were working properly again. The climate systems of various experiments were first reactivated. Apparently, the temperature in a refrigerator (biotechnology refrigerator) containing the results of experiments that had already been carried out had not risen to the point where it was feared that it would be destroyed. Unscheduled repairs were also required in the ARIS vibration damping experiment and in an energy converter.

The focus of the experimental work was on earth exploration, medical-biological and physical experiments. Objects to be observed as part of the Crew Earth Observation were a. Arid areas in the Congo-Zimbabwe region, coral reefs and atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago (South Pacific) and in Malaysia, the tropical cyclone "Francesca", glaciers in Patagonia , the city of Mumbai , the Mekong Delta , areas of fire and dust storms in the Sahel zone, Smog over the Mediterranean, the Fuego volcano in Guatemala and pack ice in the Saint Lawrence River . The EarthKAM system was installed in the Zvezda service module for several days . With this, pupils worldwide can take pictures of selected areas of the earth's surface. A 180 mm lens was used for the first time in the series of photographs in February, in which a German school was also involved, which enabled more detailed photographs to be taken. With the help of medical instruments in the Human Research Facility (HRF) and special training equipment, lung function and fitness tests were carried out. In addition, the imaging ultrasound device was tested. Arabidopsis thaliana was sown for the second time in the Advanced Astroculture (ADVASC) mini greenhouse . The seed was already obtained in space. Thus, the plants, which belong to the same family as cabbage and radish, have thrived in weightlessness for the second generation. The experiment on the physics of colloids in space to investigate fractal structures and to grow protein crystals for commercial clients ( Protein Crystal Growth - Single Thermal Enclosure System , PCG-STES) was continued. In addition, a furnace was tested to produce pure, large and stable zeolite crystals. Zeolites are honeycomb-like crystals that can store liquids and gases for a long time. So far, they have mainly been used in petrochemistry and electronics.

On February 20, Bursch and Walz left the station for five hours and 47 minutes using the Quest exit module . They tested a new method for rapidly reducing the amount of nitrogen dissolved in the blood. In US spacesuits , pure oxygen is breathed under reduced pressure. However, this can lead to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the blood, which is life-threatening. To prevent this danger, the body slowly gets used to the changed breathing air. During their spacecraft mission , the astronauts performed various tasks. They checked the correct functioning of all Quest systems, laid a test cable that was later to be connected to the central lattice structure, dismantled brackets that had become superfluous, secured loose locks on oxygen and nitrogen tanks and laid out tools that were necessary for the assembly of the first Lattice structure element S0 are required. In addition, they photographed MISSE (Materials International Space Station Experiment) , an experiment with which various materials are tested for their usability under the harsh conditions of space. Apparently there is a fear that some of the materials could detach from the structure. Before and after the exit, Walz and Bursch carried out lung function tests (experiment PuFF). During their stay outside the station, the radiation exposure of various body parts was precisely measured using special detectors ( MOSFET detectors as part of the EVA Radiation Monitoring experiment). The MAMS and SAMS accelerometers were also in operation during this time.

Parts of the software of several computers on board the station were renewed again. In addition, the engines of the docked Progress transporter raised the runway by around 5 kilometers. Finally, for educational purposes, a video was shot in which the space travelers demonstrated the difference between mass and weight and the behavior of liquids in weightlessness through suitable experiments. These activities continued in March. As part of the educational program, a total of 1269 pictures of interesting areas of the earth's surface were made with the EarthKAM system. Schoolchildren on earth control the digital camera fixed in a window of the station and work on the evaluation of the images.

On March 19, the unmanned transport spaceship Progress M1-7, previously loaded with waste, cast off from the station. It launched a small research satellite and then burned up in the earth's atmosphere. On March 21, Progress M1-8 took off and docked at the station three days later. With it, 2.4 tons of fuel, experiments, spare parts, food, clothing and documents reached the station. Then the crew was busy unloading the freighter and doing an extensive inventory. The ongoing experiments were also supervised. A second series of crystallization experiments (cylinders 7 to 12) was carried out as part of Protein Crystal Growth - Single Thermal Enclosure System (PCG-STES). The main thing was to determine the most favorable crystallization rate. Medical examinations (Hoffman reflex, lung function, radiation exposure), earth observation, acceleration measurements (especially low-frequency vibrations), vibration damping (ARIS) and the investigation of the behavior of colloids in weightlessness were also continued. Several computer breakdowns and mechanical defects had to be fixed. The Canadian manipulator arm has been tested several times. Again there were problems with the first control unit. With the help of the fully-fledged, second system, however, all movement sequences for the assembly of the central grille segment S0 due in April could be trained. A complete video inspection of the station was also carried out from the outside.

From April 10th to 17th, the crew worked with the crew of the docked space shuttle Atlantis. The main task of the shuttle crew was to assemble the first, central element of the station's lattice structure, with the ISS crew assisting. Starboard Zero (S0) was lifted out of the shuttle's cargo bay on April 10 with the ISS manipulator and attached to the top of Destiny . On the following days, energy, data and coolant lines were installed and the correct functioning of all S0 systems was checked. Of course, equipment, supplies and experiments were also transported to the station. The Photosynthesis Experiment and System Testing Operation (PESTO), Protein Crystal Growth - Enhanced Gaseous Nitrogen Dewar (PCG-EGND), Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA) and Commercial Protein Crystal Growth - High density (CPCG-H) were new. Results of scientific research were deposited in the shuttle. This included protein crystal samples (PCG-STES) and biological cell cultures (ADVanced AStroCulture) . A freezer for test samples was deactivated after one of three cooling units had failed beyond repair. It was replaced by a new device. Arctic 1 can hold samples with a total volume of 18.97 liters.

On April 20, the three space travelers boarded their Soyuz spacecraft and relocated it to the Pirs module on a 21-minute flight. This cleared the docking area on the underside of the Sarja module for a new spaceship. This coupled with the station on April 27th. The six astronauts from four nations undertook scientific research together. This included research on the ability of astronauts to work, testing new, more functional work clothes, researching the influence of cosmic radiation on the central nervous system, testing an improved blood pressure monitor in weightlessness, carrying out a further series of experiments on the plasma crystal experiment and determining the concentration of hormones and other biochemical indicators in the blood of space travelers during the adaptation to weightlessness, the measurement of the effects of weightlessness on the cardiovascular system in particular the body's water balance, the cultivation of particularly pure protein crystals, the reproduction of cultures of embryonic and adult cells (including stem cells ) of mice and sheep in an incubator as well as research into the effects of various atmospheric, hydrophysical and geological factors on the biological productivity of the ocean in the South Africa region. The guest crew returned to Earth on the Soyuz-TM 33 spaceship and left a fresh rescue vehicle to the regular crew.

In the following weeks, further scientific experiments and regular maintenance work were on the program. New experiments dealt with the cultivation of wheat and turnip rape (Brassica rapa) under defined conditions, whereby the process of photosynthesis and the entire plant metabolism was examined ( Photosynthesis Experiment and System Testing Operation in the Biomass Production System ), the measurement of radiation exposure within the station (BraDoz), the creation of a biochemical profile of a crew member (BioTest), the testing of drugs against the degeneration of the skeletal muscles (Profilaktika), the production of various protein crystals (Commercial Protein Crystal Growth, KAF, Vaccina K), the isolation of glycoproteins (Glikoproteid ) and antibodies (Mimetics K), investigations on honeycomb-shaped zeolite crystals (Zeolite Crystal Growth Furnace - ZCG) and the production of antibiotics (Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus - CGBA). Experiments to measure microgravity on board the station (MAMS and SAMS), the resistance of materials in free space (MISSE), the production of protein crystals (DCPCG), earth observation (CEO, Uragan and EarthKAM), and interaction with were continued the ground station (crew interactions) , bone loss (bone loss) , the long-term effects of pharmaceuticals in weightlessness (Farma) , blood flow in the body, especially when adjusting back to gravity (Xenon 1) , heart activity and blood circulation (cardio-ODNT) as well as the increased risk of kidney stones (Renal Stone Experiment) .

Wheat in the Biomass Production System

As part of the photosynthesis experiment PESTO, fast-growing wheat and the rapeseed-like plant Brassica rapa were grown in a total of 4 chambers. In the case of wheat, the main focus was on studying the metabolism and changes in growth in plants whose seeds had already emerged in weightlessness. So several successive growth cycles were run through. With the cultivation of the relatively insensitive turnip rape (Brassica rapa), however, the effectiveness of the “greenhouse” was examined. After the humidity control in a wheat chamber failed, the turnips were moved to this chamber, which had little impact on their growth. The astronauts had to lend a hand primarily with the sowing, the control of the environmental conditions (water, nutrients, light, heat), the taking of water and air samples, the pollination of the flowering plants and the harvest themselves. The Biomass Production System is seen as the forerunner of a continuously operating greenhouse.

The growth of zeolite crystals was carried out in a special melting furnace. This was mounted on the ARIS vibration damping platform. In a 14-day test run, the functioning of the overall system was proven in principle. Zeolites are honeycomb-like crystals, inside of which liquids or gases can be trapped. These are gradually released by the zeolites when they are heated or when the pressure is reduced. Zeolites are of great importance in petroleum chemistry, for example.

The Extra Vehicular Activity Radiation Monitoring Experiment (EVARM) was also used several times. Not only the astronauts of the regular crew wore special dosimeters in their clothing during outboard work. The dosimeter values were read before and after the exits so that the radiation exposure can be precisely determined. The individual measuring devices are worn at different points on the body, so that the stress on individual body parts can be estimated.

As of mid-May, various experiments were deactivated and their results stowed away. Medical examinations were also carried out again (Hoffman reflex, lung function). After the Endeavor space shuttle docked, extensive materials were transported into the shuttle, which brought them to earth for closer examination. Smaller defects concerned an electron type oxygen generator (defective sensor) and the data recorder MCOR (Medium Rate Communication Outage Recorder) , which meant that measurements from the MAMS vibration measurement complex could only be transmitted to earth to a limited extent. Another short-term defect in a control computer for the cooling system in the Russian Zvezda module is worth mentioning. The three astronauts of the fourth regular crew of the International Space Station landed on the space shuttle Endeavor (STS 111) after almost 196 days, which meant a long-term record for the two Americans.

Space operations

The fourth ISS expedition carried out a total of three spacecraft missions during the mission. In total, the team was outside the station for 17 hours and 49 minutes.

1st EVA

Juri Onufrijenko, Carl Walz
Total time: 6h 03min
Start: January 14, 2002, 20:59 UTC
End: January 15, 2002, 03:02 UTC

Onufrijenko and Walz relocated the cargo boom for the Russian Strela crane from the PMA-1 to the outer end of the docking device of the Pirs module . The team also installed an amateur radio - antenna at the end of the Zvezda -modules. The spacecraft operation was carried out with Russian Orlan spacesuits .

2. EVA

Juri Onufrijenko, Daniel Bursch
Total time: 5h 59min
Start: January 25, 2002, 15:19 UTC
End: January 25, 2002, 21:18 UTC

In the second EVA Onufriyenko and Bursch brought six deflector shields for the control nozzle of the Swesda to -modules. They also installed another amateur radio antenna, four science experiments, and replaced a device for measuring material from the nozzles. As with the first EVA, the astronauts got off at the Pirs module and wore Orlan spacesuits.

3. EVA

Carl Walz, Daniel Bursch
Total time: 5h 49min
Start: February 20, 2002, 11:38 UTC
End: February 20, 2002, 17:25 UTC

This time the astronauts got out through the Quest lock and wore American suits. Walz and Bursch tested the lock and prepared it for the four EVAs that were performed during STS-110 . The STS-110 team installed the S0 grid structure at the station. This was the first exit through the Quest lock without a shuttle being docked at the station.