Expedition 17 Press Kit

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    APRIL 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS i

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Section Page

    MIS S ION OVE R VIE W .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

    E X PE D IT ION 1 7 C R E W .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

    MIS S ION MIL E S T ON E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 3

    E X PE D IT ION 1 7 S PA C E W A L KS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5

    R US S IA N S OY UZ T MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7

    S O Y U Z B O O S T E R R O C K E T C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1

    P R E L A U N C H C O U N T D O W N T I M E L I N E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2

    A S C E N T / I N S E R T I O N T I M E L I N E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3

    O R B I T A L I N S E R T I O N T O D O C K I N G T I M E L I N E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4

    K E Y T I M E S F O R E X P E D I T I O N 1 7 / 1 6 I S S E V E N T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9

    E X P E D I T I O N 1 6 / S O Y U Z T M A - 1 1 L A N D I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1

    S O Y U Z E N T R Y T I M E L I N E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5

    IN T E R N A T ION A L S PA C E S T A T ION : E X PE D IT ION 1 7 S C IE N C E OVE R VIE W .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 9

    T H E PA Y L OA D OPE R A T ION S C E N T E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 5

    IS S - 1 7 R US S IA N R E S E A RC H OB J E C T IVE S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 9

    E UR OPE A N E X PE R IME N T PR OG R A M .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

    D IG IT A L N A S A T E L E VIS ION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5

    E X PE D IT ION 1 7 PUB L IC A F F A IR S OF F IC E R S ( PA O) C ON T A C T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 7

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    ii TABLE OF CONTENTS APRIL 2008

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    APRIL 2008 MISSION OVERVIEW 1

    Mission Overview

    Expedition 17: Global Science in Space

    Attired in Russian Sokol launch and entry suits, cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko (right), Expedition17 Flight Engineer; cosmonaut Sergei Volkov, Soyuz and Expedition 17 Commander; and South

    Korean space flight participant So-yeon Yi take a break from training in Star City, Russia, topose for a portrait. Kononenko, Volkov and Yi are scheduled to launch to the ISS in a Soyuz

    spacecraft in April. Photo credit: Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.

    On April 8, two Russian cosmonauts aboard the

    Soyuz TMA-12 will launch to the InternationalSpace Station (ISS), joining an Americanastronaut as they oversee the continuingexpansion of the station.

    Making his first flight into space, cosmonautSergei Volkov (SIR-gay VOHL-koff), a35-year-old Russian Air Force lieutenantcolonel, will command the Expedition 17

    mission and the Soyuz spacecraft for launch

    and landing. Volkov is the son of formerRussian cosmonaut Alexander Volkov. JoiningVolkov is fellow Russian cosmonautOleg Kononenko (AH-leg Koh-no-NEHN-ko), anengineer for RSC-Energia, who will turn 44 inJune. He is also making his first flight. Theirstay aboard the station is expected to last sixmonths.

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    2 MISSION OVERVIEW APRIL 2008

    Volkov and Kononenko will join 40-yearold National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut Garrett

    Reisman (REES-man), who was brought to thestation aboard shuttle Endeavour on theSTS-123 mission. Shortly after Volkov andKononenko arrive, Reisman will be replaced by46-year old NASA astronaut and first-time flierGreg Chamitoff (SHAM-eh-tawf), who willlaunch on Discovery's STS-124 mission.Chamitoff will return home aboard Endeavouron mission STS-126 in the fall.

    The Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft will launch fromthe Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a

    two-day flight to link up to the PirsDocking Compartment on the station. Joiningthem on the Soyuz is South Korean researcherand mechanical engineer So-yeon Yi(Soh-Yeeon-YEE), 29, who will spend ninedays on the station under an agreementbetween the South Korean government and theRussian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos).

    Yi will return to Earth on the Soyuz TMA-11capsule with Expedition 16 Commander PeggyWhitson, 48, and Flight Engineer and Soyuz

    Commander Yuri Malenchenko (Muh-LEHN-chen-ko), 46, landing in central Kazakhstan.Whitson and Malenchenko have been aboardthe station since October 2007.

    Once they arrive, Volkov and Kononenko willconduct more than a week of handoveractivities with Whitson, Malenchenko andReisman, familiarizing themselves with stationsystems and procedures. They also will receiveproficiency training on the Canadarm2 roboticarm from the resident crew, engage in safety

    briefings and receive payload and scientificequipment training.

    The change of command ceremony will markthe formal handoff of control of the station byWhitson and Malenchenko to Volkov and

    Kononenko, just days before the Expedition 16crew members and Yi depart the station.Malenchenko, at the controls of Soyuz, Whitson

    and Yi will land in the steppes of Kazakhstan toconclude their mission. Yis mission will span11 days.

    After landing, the trio will be flown fromKazakhstan to the Gagarin Cosmonaut TrainingCenter in Star City, for initial physicalrehabilitation.

    The Expedition 17 crew will work withexperiments across a wide variety of fields,including human life sciences, physical

    sciences and Earth observation, and conducttechnology demonstrations. Many experimentsare designed to gather information about theeffects of long-duration spaceflight on thehuman body, which will help with planningfuture exploration missions to the moon andMars. The science team at the PayloadOperations Center (POC) at NASA's MarshallSpace Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Ala.,will operate some experiments without crewinput and other experiments are designed tofunction autonomously.

    South Korean spaceflight participantSo-yeon Yi gets tested for fitting of her seat

    shell use on her Soyuz flight to the ISS.

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    APRIL 2008 MISSION OVERVIEW 3

    Russian Federal Space Agency cosmonaut Sergei A. Volkov (right), Expedition 17 commander;NASA astronaut Greg Chamitoff (center) and cosmonaut Oleg D. Kononenko, both flight

    engineers, participate in a routine operations training session in the Space Vehicle MockupFacility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

    With the addition of the European Columbusmodule to the station in February and the first ofthe Japanese Kibo module elements in March,new control centers in Oberpfaffenhofen,Germany, and Tsukuba, Japan, are beinginaugurated to integrate science activitiesconducted by the station crew.

    Discovery's STS-124 mission will deliver the

    Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's(JAXAs) large Kibo pressurized sciencemodule that will be attached to the port side ofthe Harmony connecting node. Volkov,Kononenko and Chamitoff also are expected togreet three Russian Progress resupply cargoships filled with food, fuel, water and supplies,augmenting the supplies that are beingdelivered on the maiden flight of the European

    Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV).The ATVs docking port is the aft end of theRussian Zvezda Service Module.

    The ISS Progress 29 cargo is targeted to reachthe station in May, ISS Progress 30 is slated forAugust and Progress 31 will reach the complexin September, about one month prior to thelaunch of the next resident crew, Expedition 18.

    U.S. and Russian specialists are reviewingpotential spacewalk tasks for Expedition 17.Volkov and Kononenko are scheduled toconduct one spacewalk in Russian Orlan suitsfrom the Pirs Docking Compartment in July toinstall experiments on the hull of Zvezda. Otherpossible spacewalking work will be reviewed bystation program officials.

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    4 MISSION OVERVIEW APRIL 2008

    Backdropped by the airglow of Earth's horizon and the blackness of space, the ISS is seenfrom Space Shuttle Endeavour as the two spacecraft begin their relative separation. Earlier theSTS-123 and Expedition 16 crews concluded 12 days of cooperative work onboard the shuttleand station. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 7:25 p.m. (CDT) on March 24, 2008.

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    APRIL 2008 CREW 5

    Expedition 17 Crew

    The Expedition 17 patch is meant to celebratecurrent human achievements in space as wellas symbolize the future potential for continuingexploration. The Earth, represented at thebottom of the patch, is the base from which allspace exploration activities initiate. TheInternational Space Station, shown in low Earthorbit, illustrates the current level of spaceoperations. The arrow and star point outwards,away from the Earth, toward the wider universe

    indicating the direction of future activities ashuman beings build on what has already beenaccomplished. The flags, representing thehome countries of the crew members, Russiaand the United States, are touching,highlighting the cooperative nature of the spaceprogram and symbolizing the merger of scienceand technical knowledge of these twoexperienced spacefaring nations.

    Expedition 17 Patch

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    6 CREW APRIL 2008

    Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko (right), Expedition 17 Flight Engineer; cosmonaut Sergei Volkov,Soyuz and Expedition 17 Commander; and South Korean spaceflight participant So-yeon Yi

    are scheduled to launch to the ISS in a Soyuz spacecraft in April.Photo credit: Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center

    Short biographical sketches of the crew followwith detailed background available at:

    http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/

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    APRIL 2008 CREW 7

    Sergey Volkov

    Russian Air Force Lt. Col. Sergey Volkov will bemaking his first trip into space as commander ofExpedition 17. He will command the Soyuzspacecraft to the station in April. Selected fortraining as a test cosmonaut in 1997, he hasbeen training for missions to the International

    Space Station since 2000. He trained as thebackup for Expedition 7 and 13. He alsotrained for the primary crew of Expedition 11until the station missions were reorganizedfollowing the Columbia accident. He will returnto Earth in October.

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    8 CREW APRIL 2008

    Oleg Kononenko

    Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko will be making hisfirst trip into space. He will launch on a Soyuzspacecraft in April to serve as a flight engineerfor Expedition 17. He graduated frompostgraduate courses specializing inautomation of control systems design. He wasselected as a test cosmonaut to the Cosmonaut

    Corps of the Samara Central Design Bureau in1996 and assigned to RSC Energia CosmonautCorps in 1999. He has been training formissions to the International Space Stationsince 1998. He trained as part of the backupcrew for the third Soyuz taxi flight to the station.He will return to Earth in October.

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    APRIL 2008 CREW 9

    Garrett Reisman

    Astronaut Garrett Reisman made his first tripinto space aboard STS-123 to joinExpedition 16 in progress. He holds adoctorate in mechanical engineering. Selectedby NASA in 1998, Reisman has worked in the Astronaut Office robotics and advancedvehicles branches. He was part of the NEEMO

    5 mission, living on the bottom of the sea in the Aquarius habitat for two weeks. He will serveas a flight engineer and science officer duringExpedition 16 and Expedition 17 aboard station.He is scheduled to return on shuttle missionSTS-124.

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    10 CREW APRIL 2008

    Greg Chamitoff

    Astronaut Greg Chamitoff is making hisfirst spaceflight aboard STS-124 to joinExpedition 17 in progress. He holds adoctorate in aeronautics and astronautics.Selected by NASA in 1998, Chamitoff hasworked in the Astronaut Office robotics branch.He also served as the lead Capcom forExpedition 9 and as the crew support astronaut

    for Expedition 6. He was part of the NEEMO 3mission, living on the bottom of the sea in the Aquarius habitat for nine days. He willserve as a flight engineer and science officerduring Expedition 17 and the transition toExpedition 18 aboard station. He is scheduledto return on shuttle mission STS-126.

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    APRIL 2008 CREW 11

    So-yeon YiSpaceflight Participant

    During July 2000 to August 2000,So-yeon Yi worked for the Korean Instituteof Machine-building and Materials. FromMarch 2001, she participated in development,manufacturing and testing of hardwarein the Center of Nana Technologies ofthe Korean Science-Technical Institute. InDecember 2006, she was selected as an

    astronaut candidate for the first South Koreanspace mission. Since that time she hasworked as a research fellow in the Departmentof Korean Astronaut Mission Project ofthe Korean Aerospace Research Institute. InSeptember 2007, Yi was assigned to train as aspaceflight participant.

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    12 CREW APRIL 2008

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    APRIL 2008 MISSION MILESTONES 13

    Mission Milestones

    (Dates are subject to change)

    2008:

    April 8 Expedition 17 launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on SoyuzTMA-12 with South Korean spaceflight participant

    April 10 Expedition 17 docks to the International Space Stations Pirs DockingCompartment on Soyuz TMA-12 with South Korean spaceflight participant

    April 17 Change of command ceremony with departingExpedition 16 crew

    April 19 Undocking and landing of Expedition 16 crew from Zarya Module and landing inKazakhstan on Soyuz TMA-11 with South Korean spaceflight participant

    May 6 Relocation of Soyuz TMA-12 from Pirs Docking Compartment to Zarya Module

    May 14 Launch of ISS Progress 29 resupply ship from Baikonur Cosmodrome,Kazakhstan

    May 16 Docking of ISS Progress 29 to the Pirs Docking Compartment

    May 31 Launch of Discovery on the STS-124/1J mission from the Kennedy Space Center

    June 2 Docking of Discovery to ISS Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2); Reismanand Chamitoff swap places as Expedition 17 crew members

    June 3 Installation of Kibo Pressurized Module to port side of Harmony connecting node

    June 10 Undocking of Discovery from ISS PMA-2

    June 13 Landing of Discovery to complete STS-124/1J

    July 10 Russian spacewalk by Volkov and Kononenko

    Aug. 7 Scheduled undocking of Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle from aft port

    of the Zvezda Service Module

    Aug. 12 Launch of ISS Progress 30 resupply ship from Baikonur Cosmodrome,Kazakhstan

    Aug. 14 Docking of ISS Progress 30 to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module

    Sept. 9 Undocking of the ISS Progress 29 from the Pirs Docking Compartment

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    14 MISSION MILESTONES APRIL 2008

    Sept. 10 Launch of ISS Progress 31 resupply ship from Baikonur Cosmodrome,Kazakhstan

    Sept. 12 Docking of ISS Progress 31 to the Pirs Docking Compartment

    Oct. 10 Undocking of ISS Progress 30 from the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module

    Oct. 12 Launch of the Expedition 18 crew and a U.S. spaceflight participant on the SoyuzTMA-13 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan

    Oct. 14 Docking of the Expedition 18 crew and a U.S. spaceflight participant on theSoyuz TMA-13 to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module

    Oct. 23 Undocking of the Expedition 17 crew and a U.S. spaceflight participant from theZarya Module and landing in Kazakhstan on Soyuz TMA-12

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    APRIL 2008 SPACEWALKS 15

    Expedition 17 Spacewalks

    Cosmonaut Oleg D. Kononenko, Expedition 17 flight engineer representing Russia'sFederal Space Agency, participates in an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU)spacesuit fit check in the Space Station Airlock Test Article (SSATA) in the

    Crew Systems Laboratory at JSC. Cosmonaut Sergei A. Volkov, commanderrepresenting Russia's Federal Space Agency, assisted Kononenko.

    Presently there are no U.S.-based spacewalksscheduled during Expedition 17.

    In early July, cosmonauts Volkov andKononenko will perform the stations 20thRussian spacewalk in Orlan spacesuits toinstall a docking target for a new airlock calledthe Mini-Research Module 2. The MRM2 willreplace the Docking Compartment 1, or DC1 orPirs, as the primary Russian segment airlock.

    The new airlock will be delivered during theProgress 36P, targeted for 2009.

    The MRM2, which is identical to the DC1, willbe docked to the zenith port of the Zvezdaservice modules transfer compartment.

    During the spacewalk, Volkov and Kononenkowill be working near the Zvezda and DockingCompartment 1.

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    16 SPACEWALKS APRIL 2008

    The other major tasks for the spacewalkersinclude installing the scientific payloadVsplesk and the Strela crane Foot Restraint

    Adapter that will hold crew members duringspacewalks. The spacewalkers also will

    remove a scientific payload Biorisk containerfor return to Earth at a later date.

    The Vsplesk, or Burst, experiment monitors theseismic effects of high-energy particles streamsin the near-Earth space environment.

    This image illustrates the worksites that will be used during the stations

    20th Russian spacewalk to install a docking target for a new airlock.

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 17

    Russian Soyuz TMA

    The Soyuz TMA spacecraft is designed to serveas the ISS's crew return vehicle, acting as alifeboat in the unlikely event an emergencywould require the crew to leave the station. Anew Soyuz capsule is normally delivered to thestation by a Soyuz crew every six months,replacing an older Soyuz capsule at the ISS.

    The Soyuz spacecraft is launched to the spacestation from the Baikonur Cosmodrome inKazakhstan aboard a Soyuz rocket. It consistsof an orbital module, a descent module and an

    instrumentation/propulsion module.

    Orbital Module

    This portion of the Soyuz spacecraft is used bythe crew while on orbit during free-flight. It hasa volume of 6.5 cubic meters (230 cubic feet),with a docking mechanism, hatch andrendezvous antennas located at the front end.The docking mechanism is used to dock withthe space station and the hatch allows entryinto the station. The rendezvous antennas are

    used by the automated docking system aradar-based system to maneuver towardsthe station for docking. There is also a windowin the module.

    The opposite end of the orbital moduleconnects to the descent module via apressurized hatch. Before returning to Earth,the orbital module separates from the descent

    module after the deorbit maneuver andburns up upon re-entry into the atmosphere.

    Descent Module

    The descent module is where the cosmonautsand astronauts sit for launch, re-entry andlanding. All the necessary controls anddisplays of the Soyuz are here. The modulealso contains life support supplies and batteriesused during descent, as well as the primary andbackup parachutes and landing rockets. It also

    contains custom-fitted seat liners for each crewmember, individually molded to fit eachperson's body this ensures a tight,comfortable fit when the module lands on theEarth. When crew members are brought to thestation aboard the space shuttle, their seatliners are brought with them and transferred tothe Soyuz spacecraft as part of crew handoveractivities.

    The module has a periscope, which allows thecrew to view the docking target on the station or

    the Earth below. The eight hydrogen peroxidethrusters located on the module are used tocontrol the spacecraft's orientation, or attitude,during the descent until parachute deployment.It also has a guidance, navigation and controlsystem to maneuver the vehicle during thedescent phase of the mission.

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    18 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA APRIL 2008

    This module weighs 2,900 kilograms(6,393 pounds), with a habitable volume of4 cubic meters (141 cubic feet). Approximately

    50 kilograms (110 pounds) of payload can bereturned to Earth in this module and up to150 kilograms (331 pounds) if only two crewmembers are present. The Descent Module isthe only portion of the Soyuz that survives thereturn to Earth.

    Instrumentation/Propulsion Module

    This module contains three compartments:intermediate, instrumentation and propulsion.

    The intermediate compartment is where themodule connects to the descent module. It alsocontains oxygen storage tanks and the attitudecontrol thrusters, as well as electronics,communications and control equipment. Theprimary guidance, navigation, control andcomputer systems of the Soyuz are in theinstrumentation compartment, which is a sealedcontainer filled with circulating nitrogen gas tocool the avionics equipment. The propulsioncompartment contains the primary thermalcontrol system and the Soyuz radiator, with a

    cooling area of 8 square meters (86 squarefeet). The propulsion system, batteries, solararrays, radiator and structural connection to theSoyuz launch rocket are located in thiscompartment.

    The propulsion compartment contains thesystem that is used to perform anymaneuvers while in orbit, including rendezvousand docking with the space station and thedeorbit burns necessary to return to Earth.The propellants are nitrogen tetroxideand unsymmetric-dimethylhydrazine. The mainpropulsion system and the smaller reactioncontrol system, used for attitude changes whilein space, share the same propellant tanks.

    The two Soyuz solar arrays are attached toeither side of the rear section of theinstrumentation/propulsion module and arelinked to rechargeable batteries. Like the

    orbital module, the intermediate section of theinstrumentation/propulsion module separatesfrom the descent module after the final deorbit

    maneuver and burns up in atmosphere uponre-entry.

    TMA Improvements and Testing

    The Soyuz TMA spacecraft is a replacement forthe Soyuz TM, which was used from 1986 to2002 to take astronauts and cosmonauts to Mirand then to the International Space Station.

    The TMA increases safety, especially indescent and landing. It has smaller and more

    efficient computers and improved displays. Inaddition, the Soyuz TMA accommodatesindividuals as large as 1.9 meters (6 feet,3 inches) tall and 95 kilograms (209 pounds),compared to 1.8 meters (6 feet) and85 kilograms (187 pounds) in the earlier TM.Minimum crew member size for the TMA is1.5 meters (4 feet, 11 inches) and 50 kilograms(110 pounds), compared to 1.6 meters (5 feet,4 inches) and 56 kilograms (123 pounds) for theTM.

    Two new engines reduce landing speed andforces felt by crew members by 15 to30 percent and a new entry control system andthree-axis accelerometer increase landingaccuracy. Instrumentation improvementsinclude a color glass cockpit, which is easierto use and gives the crew more information,with hand controllers that can be secured underan instrument panel. All the new componentsin the Soyuz TMA can spend up to one year inspace.

    New components and the entire TMA wererigorously tested on the ground, in hangar-droptests, in airdrop tests and in space before thespacecraft was declared flight-ready. Forexample, the accelerometer and associatedsoftware, as well as modified boosters(incorporated to cope with the TMA's additionalmass), were tested on flights of Progressunpiloted supply spacecraft, while the new

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 19

    cooling system was tested on two Soyuz TMflights.

    Descent module structural modifications, seatsand seat shock absorbers were tested inhangar drop tests. Landing systemmodifications, including associated softwareupgrades, were tested in a series of airdroptests. Additionally, extensive tests of systemsand components were conducted on theground.

    Soyuz Launcher

    Throughout history, more than 1,500 launches

    have been made with Soyuz launchers to orbitsatellites for telecommunications, Earthobservation, weather, and scientific missions,as well as for human flights.

    The basic Soyuz vehicle is considered a three-stage launcher in Russian terms and iscomposed of:

    A lower portion consisting of four boosters(first stage) and a central core (secondstage).

    An upper portion, consisting of the thirdstage, payload adapter and payload fairing.

    Liquid oxygen and kerosene are used aspropellants in all three Soyuz stages.

    First Stage Boosters

    The first stages four boosters are assembledaround the second stage central core. Theboosters are identical and cylindrical-conic inshape with the oxygen tank in the cone-shaped

    portion and the kerosene tank in the cylindricalportion.

    An NPO Energomash RD 107 engine with fourmain chambers and two gimbaled vernierthrusters is used in each booster. The vernierthrusters provide three-axis flight control.

    Ignition of the first stage boosters and thesecond stage central core occur simultaneouslyon the ground. When the boosters have

    completed their powered flight during ascent,they are separated and the core second stagecontinues to function.

    First stage separation occurs when thepre-defined velocity is reached, which is about118 seconds after liftoff.

    A Soyuz launches from the BaikonurCosmodrome, Kazakhstan.

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    Second Stage

    An NPO Energomash RD 108 engine powers

    the Soyuz second stage. This engine has fourvernier thrusters, necessary for three-axis flightcontrol after the first stage boosters haveseparated.

    An equipment bay located atop the secondstage operates during the entire flight of the firstand second stages.

    Third Stage

    The third stage is linked to the Soyuz second

    stage by a latticework structure. When thesecond stages powered flight is complete, thethird stage engine is ignited. Separation occursby the direct ignition forces of the third stageengine.

    A single-turbopump RD 0110 engine from KBKhA powers the Soyuz third stage.

    The third stage engine is fired for about240 seconds. Cutoff occurs at a calculatedvelocity. After cutoff and separation, the thirdstage performs an avoidance maneuver byopening an outgassing valve in the liquidoxygen tank.

    Launcher Telemetry Tracking & FlightSafety Systems

    Soyuz launcher tracking and telemetry isprovided through systems in the second andthird stages. These two stages have their ownradar transponders for ground tracking.Individual telemetry transmitters are in eachstage. Launcher health status is downlinked to

    ground stations along the flight path. Telemetryand tracking data are transmitted to the missioncontrol center, where the incoming data flow isrecorded. Partial real-time data processing andplotting is performed for flight following and

    initial performance assessment. All flight datais analyzed and documented within a few hoursafter launch.

    Baikonur Cosmodrome LaunchOperations

    Soyuz missions use the BaikonurCosmodromes proven infrastructure, andlaunches are performed by trained personnelwith extensive operational experience.

    Baikonur Cosmodrome is in the Republic ofKazakhstan in Central Asia between45 degrees and 46 degrees north latitude and

    63 degrees east longitude. Two launch padsare dedicated to Soyuz missions.

    Final Launch Preparations

    The assembled launch vehicle is moved to thelaunch pad on a railcar. Transfer to the launchzone occurs two days before launch. Thevehicle is erected and a launch rehearsal isperformed that includes activation of allelectrical and mechanical equipment.

    On launch day, the vehicle is loaded withpropellant and the final countdown sequence isstarted at three hours before the liftoff time.

    Rendezvous to Docking

    A Soyuz spacecraft generally takes two days toreach the space station. The rendezvous anddocking are both automated, though once thespacecraft is within 150 meters (492 feet) of thestation, the Russian Mission Control Center justoutside Moscow monitors the approach anddocking. The Soyuz crew has the capability to

    manually intervene or execute theseoperations.

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 21

    Soyuz Booster Rocket Characteristics

    First Stage Data - Blocks B, V, G, DEngine RD-107

    Propellants LOX/Kerosene

    Thrust (tons) 102

    Burn time (sec) 122

    Specific impulse 314

    Length (meters) 19.8

    Diameter (meters) 2.68

    Dry mass (tons) 3.45

    Propellant mass (tons) 39.63

    Second Stage Data, Block A

    Engine RD-108Propellants LOX/Kerosene

    Thrust (tons) 96

    Burn time (sec) 314

    Specific impulse 315

    Length (meters) 28.75

    Diameter (meters) 2.95

    Dry mass (tons) 6.51

    Propellant mass (tons) 95.7

    Third Stage Data, Block IEngine RD-461

    Propellants LOX/Kerosene

    Thrust (tons) 30

    Burn time (sec) 240

    Specific impulse 330

    Length (meters) 8.1

    Diameter (meters) 2.66

    Dry mass (tons) 2.4

    Propellant mass (tons) 21.3

    PAYLOAD MASS (tons) 6.8

    SHROUD MASS (tons) 4.5

    LAUNCH MASS (tons) 309.53TOTAL LENGTH (meters) 49.3

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    Prelaunch Countdown Timeline

    T- 34 Hours Booster is prepared for fuel loadingT- 6:00:00 Batteries are installed in booster

    T- 5:30:00 State commission gives go to take launch vehicle

    T- 5:15:00 Crew arrives at site 254

    T- 5:00:00 Tanking begins

    T- 4:20:00 Spacesuit donning

    T- 4:00:00 Booster is loaded with liquid oxygen

    T- 3:40:00 Crew meets delegations

    T- 3:10:00 Reports to the State commission

    T- 3:05:00 Transfer to the launch pad

    T- 3:00:00 Vehicle 1st and 2nd stage oxidizer fueling complete

    T- 2:35:00 Crew arrives at launch vehicleT- 2:30:00 Crew ingress through orbital module side hatch

    T- 2:00:00 Crew in re-entry vehicle

    T- 1:45:00 Re-entry vehicle hardware tested; suits are ventilated

    T- 1:30:00 Launch command monitoring and supply unit prepared

    Orbital compartment hatch tested for sealing

    T- 1:00:00 Launch vehicle control system prepared for use; gyro instrumentsactivated

    T - :45:00 Launch pad service structure halves are lowered

    T- :40:00 Re-entry vehicle hardware testing complete; leak checksperformed on suits

    T- :30:00 Emergency escape system armed; launch command supply unitactivated

    T- :25:00 Service towers withdrawn

    T- :15:00 Suit leak tests complete; crew engages personal escapehardware auto mode

    T- :10:00 Launch gyro instruments uncaged; crew activates on-boardrecorders

    T- 7:00 All prelaunch operations are complete

    T- 6:15 Key to launch command given at the launch site

    Automatic program of final launch operations is activated

    T- 6:00 All launch complex and vehicle systems ready for launchT- 5:00 Onboard systems switched to onboard control

    Ground measurement system activated by RUN 1 command

    Commander's controls activated

    Crew switches to suit air by closing helmets

    Launch key inserted in launch bunker

    T- 3:15 Combustion chambers of side and central engine pods purgedwith nitrogen

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 23

    Prelaunch Countdown Timeline (concluded)

    T- 2:30 Booster propellant tank pressurization startsOnboard measurement system activated by RUN 2 command

    Prelaunch pressurization of all tanks with nitrogen begins

    T- 2:15 Oxidizer and fuel drain and safety valves of launch vehicle areclosed

    Ground filling of oxidizer and nitrogen to the launch vehicle isterminated

    T- 1:00 Vehicle on internal power

    Automatic sequencer on

    First umbilical tower separates from booster

    T- :40 Ground power supply umbilical to third stage is disconnected

    T- :20 Launch command given at the launch positionCentral and side pod engines are turned on

    T- :15 Second umbilical tower separates from booster

    T- :10 Engine turbopumps at flight speed

    T- :05 First stage engines at maximum thrust

    T- :00 Fueling tower separates

    Lift off

    Ascent/Insertion Timeline

    T- :00 Lift off

    T+ 1:10 Booster velocity is 1,640 ft/sec

    T+ 1:58 Stage 1 (strap-on boosters) separation

    T+ 2:00 Booster velocity is 4,921 ft/sec

    T+ 2:40 Escape tower and launch shroud jettison

    T+ 4:58 Core booster separates at 105.65 statute miles

    Third stage ignites

    T+ 7:30 Velocity is 19,685 ft/sec

    T+ 9:00 Third stage cut-off

    Soyuz separates

    Antennas and solar panels deployFlight control switches to Mission Control, Korolev

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    Orbital Insertion to Docking Timeline

    FLIGHT DAY 1 OVERVIEWOrbit 1 Post insertion: Deployment of solar panels, antennas and

    docking probe

    - Crew monitors all deployments

    - Crew reports on pressurization of OMS/RCS and ECLSSsystems and crew health. Entry thermal sensors are manuallydeactivated

    - Ground provides initial orbital insertion data from tracking

    Orbit 2 Systems Checkout: IR Att Sensors, Kurs, Angular Accels,Display TV Downlink System, OMS engine control system,Manual Attitude Control Test

    - Crew monitors all systems tests and confirms onboardindications

    - Crew performs manual RHC stick inputs for attitude control test

    - Ingress into HM, activate HM CO2 scrubber and doff Sokols

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Manual maneuver to +Y to Sun and initiate a 2 deg/sec yawrotation. MCS is deactivated after rate is established.

    Orbit 3 Terminate +Y solar rotation, reactivate MCS and establishLVLH attitude reference (auto maneuver sequence)

    - Crew monitors LVLH attitude reference build up- Burn data command upload for DV1 and DV2 (attitude, TIGDelta Vs)

    - Form 14 preburn emergency deorbit pad read up

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Auto maneuver to DV1 burn attitude (TIG - 8 minutes) whileLOS

    - Crew monitor only, no manual action nominally required

    DV1 phasing burn while LOS

    - Crew monitor only, no manual action nominally required

    Orbit 4 Auto maneuver to DV2 burn attitude (TIG - 8 minutes) whileLOS

    - Crew monitor only, no manual action nominally required

    DV2 phasing burn while LOS

    - Crew monitor only, no manual action nominally required

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 25

    FLIGHT DAY 1 OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

    Orbit 4

    (continued)

    Crew report on burn performance upon AOS

    - HM and DM pressure checks read down- Post burn Form 23 (AOS/LOS pad), Form 14 and Globe

    corrections voiced up

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Manual maneuver to +Y to Sun and initiate a 2 deg/sec yawrotation. MCS is deactivated after rate is established.

    External boresight TV camera ops check (while LOS)

    Meal

    Orbit 5 Last pass on Russian tracking range for Flight Day 1

    Report on TV camera test and crew health

    Sokol suit clean up- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Orbit 6-12 Crew Sleep, off of Russian tracking range

    - Emergency VHF2 comm available through NASA VHF Network

    FLIGHT DAY 2 OVERVIEW

    Orbit 13 Post sleep activity, report on HM/DM Pressures

    Form 14 revisions voiced up

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Orbit 14 Configuration of RHC-2/THC-2 work station in the HM- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Orbit 15 THC-2 (HM) manual control test

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Orbit 16 Lunch

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Orbit 17 (1) Terminate +Y solar rotation, reactivate MCS and establishLVLH attitude reference (auto maneuver sequence)

    RHC-2 (HM) Test- Burn data uplink (TIG, attitude, delta V)

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Auto maneuver to burn attitude (TIG - 8 min) while LOS

    Rendezvous burn while LOS

    Manual maneuver to +Y to Sun and initiate a 2 deg/sec yawrotation. MCS is deactivated after rate is established.

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    FLIGHT DAY 2 OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

    Orbit 18 (2) Post burn and manual maneuver to +Y Sun report when AOS

    - HM/DM pressures read down- Post burn Form 23, Form 14 and Form 2 (Globe correction)

    voiced up

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Orbit 19 (3) CO2 scrubber cartridge change out

    Free time

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Orbit 20 (4) Free time

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder trackingOrbit 21 (5) Last pass on Russian tracking range for Flight Day 2

    Free time

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Orbit 22 (6) - 27(11)

    Crew sleep, off of Russian tracking range- Emergency VHF2 comm available through NASA VHF Network

    FLIGHT DAY 3 OVERVIEW

    Orbit 28 (12) Post sleep activity

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder trackingOrbit 29 (13) Free time, report on HM/DM pressures

    - Read up of predicted post burn Form 23 and Form 14

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    Orbit 30 (14) Free time, read up of Form 2 Globe Correction, lunch

    - Uplink of auto rendezvous command timeline

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radar and radio transponder tracking

    FLIGHT DAY 3 AUTO RENDEZVOUS SEQUENCE

    Orbit 31 (15) Don Sokol spacesuits, ingress DM, close DM/HM hatch- Active and passive vehicle state vector uplinks

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radio transponder tracking

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 27

    FLIGHT DAY 3 AUTO RENDEZVOUS SEQUENCE (CONCLUDED)

    Orbit 32 (16) Terminate +Y solar rotation, reactivate MCS and establish

    LVLH attitude reference (auto maneuver sequence)Begin auto rendezvous sequence

    - Crew monitoring of LVLH reference build and auto rendezvoustimeline execution

    - A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

    - Radio transponder tracking

    FLIGHT DAY 3 FINAL APPROACH AND DOCKING

    Orbit 33 (1) Auto Rendezvous sequence continues, flyaround and stationkeeping

    - Crew monitor

    - Comm relays via SM through Altair established

    - Form 23 and Form 14 updates

    - Fly around and station keeping initiated near end of orbit

    - A/G (gnd stations and Altair), R/T TLM (gnd stations), DisplayTV downlink (gnd stations and Altair)

    - Radio transponder tracking

    Orbit 34 (2) Final Approach and docking

    - Capture to docking sequence complete 20 minutes, typically

    - Monitor docking interface pressure seal

    - Transfer to HM, doff Sokol suits

    - A/G (gnd stations and Altair), R/T TLM (gnd stations), Display

    TV downlink (gnd stations and Altair)- Radio transponder tracking

    FLIGHT DAY 3 STATION INGRESS

    Orbit 35 (3) Station/Soyuz pressure equalization

    - Report all pressures

    - Open transfer hatch, ingress station

    - A/G, R/T and playback telemetry

    - Radio transponder tracking

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    Typical Soyuz Ground Track

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 29

    Key Times for Expedition 17/16 ISS Events

    Expedition 17/SFP Launch

    6:16:35 a.m. CT on April 8

    11:16:35 GMT on April 8

    15:16:35 p.m. Moscow time on April 8

    17:16:35 p.m. Baikonur time on April 8

    Expedition 17/SFP Docking to the ISS (Pirs Docking Compartment)

    8:00 a.m. CT on April 10

    13:00 GMT on April 10

    17:00 p.m. Moscow time on April 10

    Expedition 17/SFP Hatch Opening to the ISS

    10:50 a.m. CT on April 10

    15:50 GMT on April 10

    19:50 p.m. Moscow time on April 10

    Expedition 16/SFP Hatch Closure to the ISS

    9:00 p.m. CT on April 18

    2:00 GMT on April 19

    6:00 a.m. Moscow time on April 19

    8:00 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 19

    Expedition 16/SFP Undocking from the ISS

    12:02 a.m. CT on April 19

    5:02 GMT on April 19

    9:02 a.m. Moscow time on April 19

    11:02 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 19

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 31

    Expedition 16/Soyuz TMA-11 Landing

    NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson (center), Expedition 16 commander; European Space Agency(ESA) astronaut Leopold Eyharts (left) and Russian Federal Space Agency cosmonaut YuriMalenchenko, both flight engineers, pose for a photo in the hatchway between the Harmony

    node and Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station

    Following a nine-day handover with the newlyarrived Expedition 17 crew, Expedition 16Commander Peggy Whitson, Flight Engineerand Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko andSouth Korean Spaceflight Participant

    So-yeon Yi will board their Soyuz TMA-11capsule for undocking and a one-hour descentback to Earth. Whitson and Malenchenko willcomplete a six-month mission in orbit, while Yiwill return after an 11-day flight.

    About three hours before undocking, Whitson,Malenchenko and Yi will bid farewell to the newExpedition 17 crew Commander Sergei Volkov

    and Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko, and toFlight Engineer Garrett Reisman, who arrived atthe station aboard shuttle Endeavour in March.The departing crew will climb into the Soyuzvehicle and close the hatch between Soyuz and

    the Zarya module. Whitson will be seated inthe Soyuz left seat for entry and landing asengineer. Malenchenko will be in the centerseat as Soyuz commander, as he was forlaunch in October 2007. Yi will occupy the rightseat.

    After activating Soyuz systems and gettingapproval from Russian flight controllers at the

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    Russian Mission Control Center outsideMoscow, Malenchenko will send commands toopen the hooks and latches connecting Soyuz

    and Zarya.

    Malenchenko will fire the Soyuz thrusters toback away from Zarya. Six minutes afterundocking, with the Soyuz about 20 metersaway from the station, Malenchenko willconduct a separation maneuver, firing theSoyuz jets for about 15 seconds to depart thevicinity of the complex.

    About 2.5 hours after undocking, at a distanceof about 19 kilometers from the station, Soyuz

    computers will initiate a deorbit burn braking

    maneuver. The 4.5-minute maneuver to slowthe spacecraft will enable it to drop out of orbitand begin its re-entry to Earth.

    About 30 minutes later, just above the firsttraces of the Earths atmosphere, computerswill command the separation of the threemodules of the Soyuz vehicle. With the crewstrapped in to the descent module, the forwardorbital module containing the dockingmechanism and rendezvous antennas and therear instrumentation and propulsion module,which houses the engines and avionics, willpyrotechnically separate and burn up in theatmosphere.

    The Soyuz 15 (TMA-11) approaches the International Space Station, carrying NASA astronautPeggy A. Whitson, Expedition 16 commander; cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Soyuz

    commander and flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency;and Malaysian spaceflight participant Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 33

    The descent modules computers will orient thecapsule with its ablative heat shield pointingforward to repel the buildup of heat as it

    plunges into the atmosphere. The crew will feelthe first effects of gravity at the point calledentry interface, about three minutes aftermodule separation, about 400,000 feet(122,000 meters) above the Earth.

    About eight minutes later, with Soyuz travelingnearly 220 meters per second at an altitude ofabout 10 kilometers, the capsule's computerswill begin a commanded sequence for thedeployment of its parachutes. First, two pilotparachutes will be deployed, extracting a larger

    drogue parachute, which stretches out over anarea of 24 square meters. Within 16 seconds,the Soyuzs descent will slow to about80 meters per second.

    The initiation of the parachute deployment willcreate a gentle spin for the Soyuz as it danglesunderneath the drogue chute, assisting in thecapsules stability during the final minutes priorto touchdown.

    Following the first parachute deployment, the

    drogue chute will be jettisoned, allowing themain parachute to be deployed. Connected tothe descent module by two harnesses, the mainparachute covers an area of about1,000 meters. The deployment of the mainparachute will slow down the descent module toa velocity of about seven meters per second.Initially, the descent module will hangunderneath the main parachute at a 30 degreeangle with respect to the horizon foraerodynamic stability. The bottommost harnesswill be severed a few minutes before landing,

    allowing the descent module to hang verticallythrough touchdown.

    At an altitude of a little more than fivekilometers, the crew will monitor the jettison ofthe descent modules heat shield, which will befollowed by the termination of the aerodynamicspin cycle and the dumping of any residual

    propellant from the Soyuz. Computers also willarm the modules seat shock absorbers inpreparation for landing.

    When the capsules heat shield is jettisoned theSoyuz altimeter will be exposed to the surfaceof the Earth. Signals will be bounced to theground from the Soyuz and reflected back,providing the capsules computers updatedinformation on altitude and rate of descent.

    At an altitude of about 12 meters, cockpitdisplays will tell Malenchenko to prepare for thesoft landing engine firing. Just one meterabove the surface, and just seconds before

    touchdown, the six solid propellant engines willbe fired in a final braking maneuver, slowingSoyuz to a velocity of about 1.5 meters persecond as it lands.

    A Russian recovery team and NASA personnel,including a flight surgeon and station program,astronaut office and public affairsrepresentatives, will be in the landing area in aconvoy of Russian military helicopters awaitingthe Soyuz landing. Once the capsule touchesdown, the helicopters will land nearby to meet

    the crew.

    A portable medical tent will be set up near thecapsule so the crew can change out of itslaunch and entry suits. Russian technicians willopen the modules hatch and begin to removethe crew members. They will be seated inspecial reclining chairs near the capsule forinitial medical tests, and to begin readapting toEarths gravity.

    About two hours after landing, the crew will beassisted to the helicopters for a flight back to astaging site in Kazakhstan, where local officialswill welcome them. The crew will then board aRussian military transport plane and be flown tothe Chkalovsky Airfield adjacent to the GagarinCosmonaut Training Center in Star City,Russia, where their families will meet them.The crew will arrive in Star City about eighthours after Soyuz landing.

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    34 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA APRIL 2008

    Live video from the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft of the International Space Station is shown onthe screen (upper right) in the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, outside Moscow.

    NASA astronaut Peggy A. Whitson, Expedition 16 commander; cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko,Soyuz commander and flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency; andMalaysian spaceflight participant Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor docked their Soyuz TMA-11

    spacecraft to the station in October 2007.

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 35

    Soyuz Entry Timeline

    Technicians begin the process of removing cargo from the Soyuz TMA-7 capsule at sunrise onthe steppes of Kazakhstan on April 9, 2006 (Kazakhstan time) following the pre-dawn landing ofastronaut William S. McArthur Jr., Expedition 12 commander and space station science officer;

    Russian cosmonaut Valery I. Tokarev, Soyuz commander and space station flight engineer;and Brazilian Space Agency astronaut Marcos C. Pontes.

    This is the entry timeline for Soyuz TMA-11 for a landing on daily orbit 2 in the northern zone inKazakhstan if the SAR forces choose this as the prime option after a surveillance of conditions in bothlanding zones on April 14.

    Separation Command to Begin to Open Hooks and Latches; Undocking Command + 0 mins.)

    11:59 p.m. CT on April 18

    4:59 GMT on April 19

    8:59 a.m. Moscow time on April 19

    10:59 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 19

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    Hooks Opened/Physical Separation of Soyuz from Zarya Module nadir port at .12 meter/sec.;Undocking Command + 3 mins.)

    12:02 a.m. CT on April 19

    5:02 GMT on April 19

    9:02 a.m. Moscow time on April 19

    11:02 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 19

    Separation Burn from ISS (15 second burn of the Soyuz engines, .65 meters/sec; Soyuz distancefrom the ISS is ~20 meters)

    12:06 a.m. CT on April 19

    5:06 GMT on April 19

    9:06 a.m. Moscow time on April 19

    11:06 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 19

    Deorbit Burn (appx 4:35 in duration, 115.2 m/sec; Soyuz distance from the ISS is ~12 kilometers;Undocking Command appx + ~2 hours, 30 mins.)

    2:48 a.m. CT on April 19

    7:48 GMT on April 19

    11:48 a.m. Moscow time on April 19

    13:48 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 19

    Separation of Modules (~23 mins. after Deorbit Burn; Undocking Command + ~2 hours,57 mins.)

    3:11 a.m. CT on April 19

    8:11 GMT on April 19

    12:11 p.m. Moscow time on April 19

    14:11 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 19

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN SOYUZ TMA 37

    Entry Interface (400,000 feet in altitude; 3 mins. after Module Seperation; 31 mins. after DeorbitBurn; Undocking Command + ~3 hours)

    3:14 a.m. CT on April 19

    8:14 GMT on April 19

    12:14 p.m. Moscow time on April 19

    14:14 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 19

    Command to Open Chutes (8 mins. after Entry Interface; 39 mins. after Deorbit Burn; UndockingCommand + ~3 hours, 8 mins.)

    3:22 a.m. CT on April 19

    8:22 GMT on April 19

    12:22 p.m. Moscow time on April 19

    14:22 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 19

    Two pilot parachutes are first deployed, the second of which extracts the drogue chute. The droguechute is then released, measuring 24 square meters, slowing the Soyuz down from a descent rate of230 meters/second to 80 meters/second.

    The main parachute is then released, covering an area of 1,000 meters; it slows the Soyuz to a descentrate of 7.2 meters/second; its harnesses first allow the Soyuz to descend at an angle of 30 degrees to

    expel heat, then shifts the Soyuz to a straight vertical descent.

    Soft Landing Engine Firing (6 engines fire to slow the Soyuz descent rate to 1.5 meters/secondjust .8 meter above the ground)

    Landing - appx. 2 seconds

    Landing (~50 mins. after Deorbit Burn; Undocking Command + ~3 hours, 24 mins.)

    3:38 a.m. CT on April 19

    8:38 GMT on April 19

    12:38 p.m. Moscow time on April 19

    14:38 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 19 (~6:05 before sunset at the landing site)

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    APRIL 2008 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 39

    International Space Station:Expedition 17 Science Overview

    Expedition 17, the 17th science researchmission on the ISS, includes the operation of26 NASA-managed experiments in humanresearch, exploration technology testing,biological and physical sciences and education. An additional 20 experiments are planned foroperation by two international partners (IPs),the European Space Agency (ESA) and theJapan Aerospace and Exploration Agency.

    During Expedition 17, the scientific work ofmore than 400 scientists will be supportedthrough U.S.-managed experiments. The teamof controllers and scientists on the ground willcontinue to plan, monitor and remotely operateexperiments from control centers across theUnited States.

    A team of controllers for Expedition 17 will staffthe POC, the science command post for thespace station, at NASAs MSFC in Huntsville,Ala. Controllers work in three shifts around the

    clock, seven days a week in the POC, whichlinks researchers around the world with theirexperiments and the space station crew.

    The POC also coordinates the payloadactivities of NASAs IPs. While the partners areresponsible for the planning and operations oftheir space agencies modules, NASA's POC ischartered with synchronizing the payloadactivities among the partners and optimizing theuse of valuable on-orbit resources.

    Human Life Science Investigations

    Crew members will be tested to study changesin the body caused by living in microgravity.Continuing and new experiments include:

    ELaboratore Immagini Televisive Space 2(ELITE-S2) will investigate the connectionbetween the brain, visualization and motion in

    the absence of gravity. By recording andanalyzing the three-dimensional motion ofastronauts, this study will help engineers applyergonomics into future spacecraft designs anddetermine the effects of weightlessness onbreathing mechanisms for long-durationmissions. Results might also be applied toneurological patients on the ground withimpaired motor control. This experiment is acooperative effort with the Italian Space

    Agency (ASI).

    Space Flight-Induced Reactivation of LatentEpstein-Barr Virus (Epstein-Barr) performstests to study changes in the human immunefunction. Using blood and urine samplescollected from crew members before and afterspaceflight, the study will provide insight forpossible countermeasures to prevent thepotential development of infectious illness increw members during flight.

    Validation of Procedures for MonitoringCrew Member Immune Function (IntegratedImmune) will assess the clinical risks resultingfrom the adverse effects of spaceflight on thehuman immune system. The study will validatea flight-compatible immune monitoring strategyby collecting and analyzing blood, urine andsaliva samples from crew members before,during and after spaceflight to monitor changesin the immune system.

    Behavioral Issues Associated with Isolationand Confinement: Review and Analysis ofAstronaut Journals (Journals) is studying theeffect of isolation by using surveys and journalskept by the crew. By quantifying theimportance of different behavioral issues increw members, the study will help NASA designequipment and procedures to allow astronautsto best cope with isolation and long-durationspaceflight.

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    40 SCIENCE OVERVIEW APRIL 2008

    Test of Midodrine as a Countermeasureagainst Post-Flight Orthostatic Hypotension

    Long (Midodrine-Long) measures the ability

    of the drug midodrine, as a countermeasure, toreduce the incidence or severity of orthostatichypotension dizziness caused by the blood-pressure decrease that many astronautsexperience when returning to Earth's gravity.

    Nutritional Status Assessment (Nutrition) isNASA's most comprehensive in-flight study todate of human physiologic changes duringlong-duration spaceflight. Its measurementswill include bone metabolism, oxidativedamage, nutritional assessments and hormonal

    changes. This study will impact both thedefinition of nutritional requirements anddevelopment of food systems for future spaceexploration missions to the moon and beyond.This experiment will also help researchersunderstand the impact of countermeasuressuch as exercise and pharmaceuticals onnutritional status and nutrient requirements forastronauts.

    The National Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration Biological Specimen

    Repository (Repository) is a storage bankused to maintain biological specimens overextended periods of time and underwell-controlled conditions. Samples from thestation, including blood and urine, will becollected, processed and archived during thepre-flight, in-flight and post-flight phases of themissions. This investigation has beendeveloped to archive biological samples for useas a resource for future spaceflight research.

    Stability of Pharmacotherapeutic and

    Nutritional Compounds (Stability) studies theeffects of radiation in space on complex organicmolecules, such as vitamins and othercompounds in food and medicine. This couldhelp researchers develop more stable andreliable pharmaceutical and nutritionalcountermeasures that are suitable for futurelong-duration missions.

    Experiments Related to SpacecraftSystems

    Many experiments are designed to helpdevelop technologies, designs and materials forfuture spacecraft and exploration missions.These include:

    Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development-Portable Test System (LOCAD-PTS) is ahandheld device for rapid detection of biologicaland chemical substances aboard the spacestation. Astronauts will swab surfaces withinthe cabin, add swab material to theLOCAD-PTS, and within 15 minutes obtain

    results on a display screen. The study'spurpose is to effectively provide an earlywarning system to enable crew members totake remedial measures if necessary to protectthe health and safety of those on the station.

    Microgravity Acceleration MeasurementSystem (MAMS) and Space AccelerationMeasurement System II (SAMS-II) measurevibration and quasi-steady accelerations thatresult from vehicle control burns, docking andundocking activities. The two different

    equipment packages measure vibrations atdifferent frequencies. These measurementshelp investigators characterize the vibrationsand accelerations that may influence spacestation experiments.

    Materials on the International Space StationExperiment 6 (MISSE-6A and 6B) is a test bedfor materials and coatings attached to theoutside of the space station that are beingevaluated for the effects of atomic oxygen,direct sunlight, radiation and extremes of heat

    and cold. This experiment allows thedevelopment and testing of new materials tobetter withstand the rigors of spaceenvironments. Results will provide a betterunderstanding of the durability of variousmaterials in space, leading to the design ofstronger, more durable spacecraft components.

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    APRIL 2008 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 41

    Biological and Physical ScienceExperiments

    Plant growth experiments give insight into theeffects of the space environment on livingorganisms. Physical science experimentsexplore fundamental processes such asphase transitions or crystal growth inmicrogravity. These experiments include:

    Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2(CSLM-2) examines the kinetics of competitiveparticle growth within a liquid metal matrix.During this process, small particles of tinsuspended in a liquid tin-lead matrix shrink by

    losing atoms to larger particles of tin, causingthe larger particles to grow, or coarsen. Thisstudy defines the mechanisms and rates ofcoarsening in the absence of gravitationalsettling. This work has direct applications tometal alloy manufacturing on Earth, includingmaterials critical for aerospace applications,such as the production of better aluminumalloys for turbine blades.

    The Optimization of Root Zone Substrates(ORZS) for Reduced Gravity Experiments

    Program was developed to provide directmeasurements and models for plant rootinginstructions that will be used in future advancedlife support plant growth experiments. The goalis to develop and enhance hardware andprocedures to allow optimal plant growth inmicrogravity.

    Shear History Extensional RheologyExperiment (SHERE) is designed toinvestigate the effect of preshearing, or rotationon the stress and strain response of a polymer

    fluid, a complex fluid containing long chains ofpolymer molecules, being stretched inmicrogravity. The fundamental understandingand measurement of the extensional rheologyof complex fluids is important for understanding

    containerless processing, an importantoperation for fabrication of parts, such asadhesives or fillers, using elastomeric materials

    on future exploration missions. This knowledgealso can be applied to controlling and improvingEarth-based manufacturing processes.

    Education and Earth Observation

    Many experiments on board the space stationcontinue to teach the next generation ofexplorers about living and working in space.These experiments include:

    Crew Earth Observations (CEO) takes

    advantage of the crew in space to observe andphotograph natural and human-made changeson Earth. The photographs record the Earthssurface changes over time, along with dynamicevents such as storms, floods, fires andvolcanic eruptions. These images provideresearchers on Earth with key data to betterunderstand the planet.

    Crew Earth Observations InternationalPolar Year (CEO-IPY) supports an internationalcollaboration of scientists studying the Earths

    polar regions from 2007 to 2009. Space stationcrew members photograph polar phenomena,including icebergs, auroras and mesosphericclouds in response to daily correspondencefrom the scientists on the ground.

    Earth Knowledge Acquired by MiddleSchool Students (EarthKAM), an educationexperiment, allows middle school students toprogram a digital camera on board the stationto photograph a variety of geographical targetsfor study in the classroom. Photos are madeavailable on the Web for viewing and study byparticipating schools around the world.Educators use the images for projects involvingEarth science, geography, physics andtechnology.

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    42 SCIENCE OVERVIEW APRIL 2008

    Space Shuttle Experiments

    Many other experiments are scheduled to be

    performed during upcoming space shuttlemissions that are part of Expedition 17. Theseexperiments include:

    National Lab Pathfinder Vaccine 1B(NLP-Vaccine 1B) is a commercial payloadserving as a pathfinder for use of the ISS as anational laboratory after station assembly iscomplete. This payload contains a pathogenic,or disease-carrying organism, and testswhether the organism changes in microgravityin a way that allows it to become a viable base

    for a potential vaccine against infections onEarth and in microgravity.

    Validation of Procedures for MonitoringCrew Member Immune Function ShortDuration Biological Investigation (IntegratedImmune SDBI) will assess the clinical risksresulting from the adverse effects of spaceflighton the human immune system for space shuttlecrew members. The study will validate a flight-compatible immune monitoring strategy bycollecting and analyzing blood, urine and saliva

    samples from crew members before, during andafter spaceflight to monitor changes in theimmune system.

    Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Exposureduring Spaceflight Short (Sleep-Short)examines the effects of spaceflight onthe sleep-wake cycles of the astronautsduring space shuttle missions. Advancingstate-of-the-art technology for monitoring,diagnosing and assessing treatment of sleeppatterns is vital to treating insomnia on Earthand in space.

    Reserve Payloads

    Several additional experiments are ready foroperation, but designated as reserve and willbe performed if crew time becomes available.They include:

    Analyzing Interferometer for Ambient Air(ANITA) will monitor 32 potentially gaseouscontaminants in the atmosphere on board the

    station, including formaldehyde, ammonia andcarbon monoxide. The experiment will test theaccuracy and reliability of this technology as apotential next-generation atmosphere trace-gasmonitoring system for the station.

    BCAT-3 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test 3)consists of two investigations which will studythe long-term behavior of colloids, a system offine particles suspended in a fluid, in amicrogravity environment, where the effects ofsedimentation and convection are removed.

    Crew members will mix the samples,photograph the growth and formations of thecolloids and downlink the images for analysis.Results may lead to improvements insupercritical fluids used in rocket propellantsand biotechnology applications andadvancements in fiber-optics technology.

    BCAT-4 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test 4) is afollow-on experiment to BCAT-3. BCAT-4 willstudy 10 colloidal samples. Several of thesesamples will determine phase separation rates

    and add needed points to the phase diagram ofa model critical fluid system initially studied inBCAT-3. Crew members photograph samplesof polymer and colloidal particles tinynanoscale spheres suspended in liquid thatmodel liquid/gas phase changes. Results willhelp scientists develop fundamental physicsconcepts previously cloaked by the effects ofgravity.

    Education Payload Operations (EPO)includes curriculum-based educational activities

    demonstrating basic principles of science,mathematics, technology, engineering andgeography. These activities are videotapedand then used in classroom lectures. EPO isdesigned to support the NASA mission toinspire the next generation of explorers.

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    APRIL 2008 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 43

    Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Exposureduring Spaceflight Long (Sleep-Long)examines the effects of spaceflight and ambient

    light exposure on the sleep-wake cycles of thecrew members during long-duration stays onthe space station.

    Synchronized Position Hold, Engage,Reorient, Experimental Satellites(SPHERES) are bowling-ball sized sphericalsatellites. They will be used inside the spacestation to test a set of well-defined instructionsfor spacecraft performing autonomousrendezvous and docking maneuvers. Threefree-flying spheres will fly within the cabin of the

    station, performing flight formations. Eachsatellite is self-contained with power,propulsion, computers and navigationequipment. The results are important forsatellite servicing, vehicle assembly andformation flying spacecraft configurations.

    Destiny Laboratory Facilities

    The Destiny Laboratory is equipped withstate-of-the-art research facilities to supportspace station science investigations:

    The Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) isused to perform combustion experiments inmicrogravity. It is designed to easily bereconfigured on orbit to accommodate a widevariety of combustion experiments.

    The General Laboratory Active CryogenicISS Experiment Refrigerator (GLACIER) willserve as an on-orbit cold stowage facility aswell as carry frozen scientific samples to andfrom the station and Earth via the space shuttle.This facility is capable of thermally controllingthe samples between 4C and -185C.

    The Human Research Facility-1 (HRF-1) isdesigned to house and support life sciencesexperiments. It includes equipment for lungfunction tests, ultrasound to image the heartand many other types of computers andmedical equipment.

    Human Research Facility-2 (HRF-2) providesan on-orbit laboratory that enables human lifescience researchers to study and evaluate the

    physiological, behavioral and chemical changesin astronauts induced by spaceflight.

    Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer forISS (MELFI) provides refrigerated storage andfast-freezing of biological and life sciencesamples. It can hold up to 300 liters of samplesranging in temperature from -80C, -26C, or4C throughout a mission.

    The Destiny lab also is outfitted with fiveEXPRESS Racks. EXPRESS, or Expedite the

    Processing of Experiments to the SpaceStation, racks are standard payload racksdesigned to provide experiments with utilitiessuch as power, data, cooling, fluids and gasses.The racks support payloads in disciplinesincluding biology, chemistry, physics, ecologyand medicines. The racks stay in orbit, whileexperiments are changed as needed.EXPRESS Racks 2 and 3 are equipped with theActive Rack Isolation System (ARIS) forcountering minute vibrations from crewmovement or operating equipment that could

    disturb delicate experiments.

    Other ISS Laboratories

    With ESAs Columbus module and JAXAs KiboModule, the Laboratory space aboard thestation has nearly tripled. Certain U.S. facilitieswill be permanently located in one of theseother modules.

    In the Columbus Module, the MicrogravityScience Glovebox (MSG) provides a safeenvironment for research with liquids,combustion and hazardous materials on theISS. Without the MSG, many types ofhands-on investigations would be impossible orseverely limited on the station.

    Express Rack 3A, containing the EuropeanModular Cultivation System (EMCS) facility,also is located in Columbus. EMCS is a large

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    44 SCIENCE OVERVIEW APRIL 2008

    incubator that provides control over theatmosphere, lighting and humidity of growthchambers used to study plant growth. The

    facility was developed by the European SpaceAgency.

    On the Internet

    For fact sheets, imagery and more on

    Expedition 17 experiments and payloadoperations, click on

    http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/index.html

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    APRIL 2008 PAYLOAD OPERATIONS CENTER 45

    The Payload Operations Center

    From the Payload Operations Center at NASAs MSFC in Huntsville, Ala., scientists andengineers operate all the U.S. experiments located 240 miles above Earth on the ISS.

    The best technology of the 21st century monitors and stores several billion bits ofdata from the space station, while saving NASA millions of dollars and serving

    a diverse community of research scientists located around the globe.

    The Payload Operations Center (POC) atMSFC in Huntsville, Ala., is NASAs primaryscience command post for the ISS. Spacestation scientific research plays a vital role inNASA's roadmap for returning to the moon and

    exploring our solar system.

    The ISS accommodates dozens of experimentsin fields as diverse as medicine, human lifesciences, biotechnology, agriculture,manufacturing and Earth observation.Managing these science assets, as well as thetime and space required to accommodateexperiments and programs from a host of

    private, commercial, industry and governmentagencies nationwide, makes the job ofcoordinating space station research critical.

    The POC continues the role Marshall has

    played in management and operation ofNASAs on-orbit science research. In the1970s, Marshall managed the science programfor Skylab, the first American space station.Spacelab, the international science laboratorythat the space shuttle carried more than adozen times to orbit in the 1980s and 1990s,was the prototype for Marshalls space stationscience operations.

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    46 PAYLOAD OPERATIONS CENTER APRIL 2008

    Today, the POC team is responsible formanaging all U.S. science and researchexperiments aboard the station. The center

    also is home for coordination of the missionplanning work, all U.S. science payloaddeliveries and retrieval, and payload trainingand payload safety programs for the stationcrew and all ground personnel.

    State-of-the-art computers and communicationsequipment deliver around-the-clock reports toand from science outposts across the UnitedStates to POC systems controllers and scienceexperts. Other computers stream information toand from the space station itself, linking the

    orbiting research facility with the sciencecommand post on Earth.

    The payload operations team also synchronizesthe payload time lining among IPs, ensuring thebest use of valuable on-orbit resources and

    crew time. NASAs partners are the RussianSpace Agency (RSA), ESA, JAXA, and theCanadian Space Agency (CSA).

    NASAs partners control centers are:

    Center for Control of Spaceflights (TsUP inRussian) in Korolev, Russia

    Space Station Integration and PromotionCenter (SSIPC) in Tskuba, Japan

    Columbus Control Center (Col-CC) inOberpfaffenhofen, Germany

    Once launch schedules are finalized, the POCoversees delivery of experiments to the spacestation. Experiments are rotated in and outperiodically as the shuttle or other launchvehicle makes deliveries and returns completedexperiments and samples to Earth.

    Orbiting 250 miles above the Earth, the space station crew works together with science expertsat the POC at the MSFC and researchers around the world to perform cutting-edge science

    experiments in the unique microgravity environment of space. (NASA)

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    Housed in a two-story complex at Marshall, thePOC is staffed around the clock by three shiftsof systems controllers. During space station

    operations, center personnel routinely manage10 to 40 or more experiments simultaneously.

    The payload operations director leads thePOCs main flight control team, known as the"cadre." The payload operations directorapproves all science plans in coordination withMission Control at JSC, the station crew andthe IP control centers. The payloadcommunications manager, the voice of thePOC, coordinates and manages real-time voiceresponses between the station crew conducting

    payload operations and the researchers whosescience the crew is conducting. The operations

    controller oversees station science operationsresources such as tools and supplies andassures support systems and procedures are

    ready to support planned activities. The datamanagement coordinator is responsible forstation video systems and high-rate data linksto the POC. The payload rack officer monitorsrack integrity, power and temperature control,and the proper working conditions of stationexperiments.

    Additional support controllers routinelycoordinate anomaly resolution and procedurechanges and maintain configurationmanagement of on-board stowed payload

    hardware.

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 49

    ISS-17 Russian Research Objectives

    Russian Research Objectives

    Category ExperimentCode

    ExperimentName

    HardwareDescription

    Research Objective Unique PayloadConstraints

    Commercial GTS-2 GTS-2 Electronics unit-2;Antenna assemblywith attachmentmechanism

    Global time system testdevelopment

    Unattended

    Technology &MaterialScience

    -9 Kristallizator(Crystallizer)

    Crystallizer complex Biological macromoleculescrystallization and obtainingcrystal films under microgravconditions

    bio-ity

    Geophysical -1 Relaksatsiya Fialka-MB-Kosmos -Spectrozonal

    ultraviolet systemHigh sensitive imagesrecorder

    Study of chemiluminescentchemical reactions and

    atmospheric light phenomenathat occur during high-velocityinteraction between the exhaustproducts from spacecraftpropulsion systems and theEarth atmosphere at orbitalaltitudes and during the entry ofspace vehicles into the Earthupper atmosphere

    Using OCA

    Geophysical -8 Uragan Nominal hardware:

    Camera Nikon D2Laptop

    Experimental verification of theground and space-based systemfor predicting natural and man-made disasters, mitigating thedamage caused, and facilitatingrecovery

    Using OCA

    Geophysical -16 Vsplesk

    (Burst)

    Vsplesk hardware

    Mechanical adapterConversion board

    Seismic effects monitoring.

    Researching high-energyparticles streams in near-Earthspace environment

    EVA

    Biomedical -5 Kardio-ODNT Nominal Hardware:

    Gamma-1Mequipment;

    Chibiscountermeasuresvacuum suit

    Comprehensive study of thecardiac activity and bloodcirculation primary parameterdynamics

    Will need help from UScrewmember

    Biomedical -8 Profilaktika TEEM-100M gasanalyzer;

    Accusport device;

    Nominal Hardware:

    Reflotron-4 kit; TVIS

    treadmill; -3 cycleergometer; Set ofbungee cords;Computer; Tsentrequipment powersupply

    Study of the action mechanismand efficacy of variouscountermeasures aimed atpreventing locomotor systemdisorders in weightlessness

    Time required for theexperiment should becounted toward physicalexercise time

    Biomedical -12 Sonokard Sonokard set

    Sonokard

    Sonokard-Data kitLaptop RSE-Med

    Integrated study of physiologicalfunctions during sleep periodthroughout a long space flight

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    50 RUSSIAN RESEARCH OBJECTIVES APRIL 2008

    Russian Research Objectives (continued)

    Category Experiment

    Code

    Experiment

    Name

    Hardware

    Description

    Research Objective Unique Payload

    ConstraintsBiomedical -15 Pilot Right Control Handle

    Left Control Handle

    Synchronizer Unit() ULTRABUOY-2000 Unit

    Neyrolab set

    Nominal hardware:

    Laptop RSE-Med

    Researching for individualfeatures of statepsychophysiological regulationand crewmembers professionalactivities during long spaceflights.

    Biomedical -16 Vsaimodeystvie(Interaction)

    Vsaimodeystvie kit Control of group activity ofin space flight conditions

    crew

    Biomedical -18 Dykhanie Dykhanie-1 set

    Dykhanie-1 - Data kit

    Nominal hardware:

    Study of respiration regulationand biomechanics under spaceflight conditions

    Laptop RSE-Med

    Biomedical -21 Pneumocard Pneumocard set

    Pneumocard- kit

    Pneumocard-Data kit

    Study of space flight factorsimpacts on vegetative regulationof blood circulation, respirationand contractile heart functionduring long space flights

    Biomedical -22 BIMS(OnboardInformationMedicalSystem)

    Kit TBK-1

    Kit TBK-1.Accessories

    Kit TBK-1. Data

    Nominal Hardware:

    Study of flight medicalinformation support usingonboard information medicalsystem

    Laptop RSE-Med

    Biomedical -2 Biorisk Biorisk-KM set

    Biorisk-MSVcontainers

    Biorisk-MSN kit

    Study of space flight impact onmicroorganisms-substrates

    systems state related to spacetechnique ecological safety andplanetary quarantine problem

    EVA

    Biomedical -4 Aquarium Rasteniya (Plants) kit(with Aquariumpacks - 2 items)

    Study of stability of model closedecological system and its partsunder microgravity conditions,both as microsystemcomponents and as perspectivebiological systems of spacecrews life support

    Crewmembersinvolvement is taken intoaccount in Rasteniyaexperiment

    Biomedical -5 Rasteniya Lada greenhouse

    Nominal Hardware:

    Water container;

    Sony DVCam;

    Laptop RSE-Med

    Study of the space flight effecton the growth and developmentof higher plants

    Biomedical -8 Plazmida Hybridizers Recomb-K

    Kriogem-03M freezer(TBD)

    Investigation of microgravityeffect on the rate of transfer andmobilization of bacteria plasmids

    During ISS-16, ISS-17crews rotation

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    APRIL 2008 RUSSIAN RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 51

    Russian Research Objectives (continued)

    Category Experiment

    Code

    Experiment

    Name

    Hardware

    Description

    Research Objective Unique Payload

    ConstraintsBiomedical -1 Prognoz Nominal Hardware for

    the radiationmonitoring system:

    P-16 dosimeter;

    -8 dosimeters

    Pille-ISS dosimeter

    Lyulin-ISS complex

    Development of a method forreal-time prediction of dose loadson the crews of mannedspacecraft

    Unattended

    Biomedical -3 Matryeshka-R Passive detectors unitPhantom setMOSFET-dosimeterscientific equipmentBubble-dosimeterhardware Lyulin-5hardware

    Matryeshkaequipment(monoblock)

    Study of radiation environmentdynamics along the ISS RS flightpath and in ISS compartments,and dose accumulation inantroph-amorphous phantom,located inside and outside ISS

    Study ofEarth naturalresourcesandecologicalmonitoring

    -2 Diatomea Diatomea kit

    Nominal hardware:

    Nikon F5 camera;

    DSR-PD1P videocamera;

    Dictaphone;

    Laptop RSK1

    Study of the stability of thegeographic position and form ofthe boundaries of the WorldOcean biologically active waterareas observed by space stationcrews

    Biotechnology -1 Glykoproteid Luch-2 biocrystall izer

    Kriogem-03M freezer(TBD)

    Obtaining and study of E1-E2surface glycoprotein of-virus

    Biotechnology -2 Mimetik-K Anti-idiotypic antibodies asadjuvant-active glycoproteid

    mimetic

    Biotechnology -3 KAF Crystallization of Caf1M proteinand its complex with C-endpeptide as a basis for formationof new generation ofantimicrobial medicines andvaccine ingredients effectiveagainst yersiniosis

    Biotechnology -4 Vaktsina-K(Vaccine)

    Structural analysis of proteins-candidates for vaccine effectiveagainst AIDS

    Biotechnology -20 Interleukin-K Obtaining of high-quality 1, 1interleukins crystals andinterleukin receptor antagonist 1

    Biotechnology -5 Laktolen Bioekologiya kit Effect produced by space flightfactors on Laktolen producingstrain

    During ISS-16, ISS-17crews rotation

    Biotechnology -6 ARIL Effect produced by SFFs onexpression of strains producinginterleukins 1, 1, ARIL

    During ISS-16, ISS-17crews rotation

    Biotechnology -7 OChB Effect produced by SFFs onstrain producingsuperoxidodismutase (SOD)

    During ISS-16, ISS-17crews rotation

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    52 RUSSIAN RESEARCH OBJECTIVES APRIL 2008

    Russian Research Objectives (continued)

    Category Experiment

    Code

    Experiment

    Name

    Hardware

    Description

    Research Objective Unique Payload

    ConstraintsBiotechnology -8 Biotrack Bioekologiya kit Study of space radiation heavy

    charged particles fluxesinfluence on genetic properties ofbioactive substancescells-producers

    Biotechnology -10 Konyugatsiya(Conjugation)

    Rekomb-K hardwareNominal Hardware:

    Kriogem-03M freezer(TBD)

    Working through the process ofgenetic material transmissionusing bacteria conjugationmethod

    During ISS-16, ISS-17crews rotation

    Biotechnology -11 Biodegradatsiya Bioproby kit Assessment of the initial stagesof biodegradation andbiodeterioration of the surfacesof structural materials

    Biotechnology -14 Bioemulsiya(Bioemulsion)

    Changeable bioreactorThermostat with drivecontrol unit with standand power supplycable in coverBiocont- Thermo-vacuum container

    Study and improvement ofclosed-type autonomous reactorfor obtaining biomass ofmicroorganisms and bioactivesubstance without additionalingredients input and metabolismproducts removal

    During ISS-16, ISS-17crews rotation

    Biotechnology -27 Astrovaktsina Bioekologiya kit Cultivation in zero-gravityconditions .Coliproducer ofCaf1 protein

    Biotechnology -29 Zhenshen-2 Bioekologiya kit Study of a possibility to increasebiological activity of ginseng

    Biotechnology -31 Antigen Bioekologiya kit Comparative researchingheterologous expression of acuteviral hepatitis HbsAg inS.cerevisiae yeast undermicrogravity and Earthconditions and determiningsynthesis optimization methods

    TechnicalStudies

    -14(SDTO12002-R)

    Vektor-T Nominal Hardware:

    ISS RS sensors; ISS RS orbitradio tracking