October 2007 - Sarex (INACTIVE)

Expedition 15-16 Crews Work Together
by Arthur Rowe 09 Nov '07

09 Nov '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Expedition Crews Work Together* Astronauts Clay Anderson and Peggy WhitsonImage above: Flight Engineer Clay Anderson and Commander Peggy Whitson take a break from handover activities to talk to the press Monday. Credit: NASA TV TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html The newly arrived Expedition 16 crew members are familiarizing themselves with life aboard the International Space Station as Expedition 15 nears the end of its mission. The Expedition 16 crew, Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineers Yuri Malenchenko and Clay Anderson, joined with Expedition 15 Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov for several hours of dedicated handover activity on Monday. Whitson and Anderson reviewed the Crew Medical Restraint System and the exercise equipment aboard the station. Malenchenko began his first shuttle photography training session. The station crew will use digital cameras to take high-resolution images of space shuttle Discovery's thermal protection system when it approaches the station for docking later this month. Whitson, Malenchenko and spaceflight participant Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor docked with the station aboard their Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft at 10:50 a.m. Friday. Expedition 15 welcomed the new crew aboard the station when the hatches were opened at 12:22 p.m. Friday. Afterwards, Anderson, who joined Expedition 15 in June, became an Expedition 16 crew member when his seatliner was moved from the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft to Soyuz TMA-11. + Read more about the docking <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition16/exp16_ad…> + View launch day images <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/multimedia/exp16_TMA11_launch.html> Both crews will work together until Oct. 21, when Yurchikhin, Kotov and Shukor depart aboard Soyuz TMA-10. Anderson will remain with Expedition 16 and return to Earth with the Discovery crew on the STS-120 mission. + View crew daily timelines <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/timelines/index.html> + Read more about Expedition 15 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition15/index.ht…> + Read more about Expedition 16 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition16/index.ht…>

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2007-10-31 23:30 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 31 Oct '07

31 Oct '07

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2007-10-31 23:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Liceo Scientifico G.Galilei, Civitavecchia, Roma, Italy; ITI-LST Mottura Caltanisetta I-93100, Italy direct via IZØLSG and IT9YBA Successful Wed 2007-10-31 07:33 UTC 78 deg (***) Faculty of Engineering, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, I-67040, Italy direct via IZ6BAJ Successful Mon 2007-10-29 09:59 UTC 20 deg (***) IIS Deambrosis-Natta Sestri Levante I- 16039, Italy, direct via IK1XHI (***) Successful Mon 2007-10-29 08:23 UTC 41 deg (***) Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 333. (***) Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 2. (***) Once STS-120 undocks ARISS expects no school contacts until late December due to the crew work schedule. We will keep everyone informed of any changes. QSL information may be found at: http://www.arrl.org/ARISS/arissfaq.html http://www.rac.ca/ariss/oindex.htm#QSL's ISS callsigns: DP0ISS, NA1SS, RS0ISS ***************************************************************************** The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2007-10-31 23:30 UTC. Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt The successful school list has been updated as of 2007-10-31 23:30 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correctio… tf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf ***************************************************************************** There have been rumors in the past indicating that the ISS was having direct contacts on the 40 meter band. There is no HF radio equipment on board and available yet. The HF antenna is mounted. Sometimes WA3NAN will retransmit shuttle audio. ***************************************************************************** Expedition 16 on orbit: Peggy Whitson Yuri Malenchenko RK3DUP Clayton Anderson KD5PLA Daniel Tani KD5DXE STS-120 10A docked with the ISS (FE-2, Tani up) (Melroy, Zamka, Parazynski KC5RSY, Wheelock, Wilson, Nespoli) Paolo Nespoli IZ0JPA ***************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

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Fourth Spacewalk Targeted for Friday
by Arthur Rowe 31 Oct '07

31 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Fourth Spacewalk Targeted for Friday 31 October 2007* Mission managers announced today that the fourth spacewalk of STS-120 is targeted for Friday. This spacewalk was originally scheduled for Thursday and would have involved work on the starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint. However, the station program has decided to attempt to repair the damaged P6 4B solar array wing during Friday’s spacewalk. Performing the spacewalk on Friday preserves the program’s option to schedule another solar array repair spacewalk during STS-120 if needed. + View images of P6 4B solar array from Mission Status Briefing <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/news/msb_s…> The STS-120 and Expedition 16 crews are continuing cargo transfers. They took a break this morning to participate in the traditional joint crew news conference. They fielded questions from reporters in America, Italy and Russia. Early this morning Mission Specialist and European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli and STS-120 Commander Pam Melroy talked to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. The astronauts took questions from the Italian leader while they were inside the Harmony node. The newly delivered Harmony was U.S. funded and Italian built. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…>

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Crews Continue Spacewalk Preparations,
by Arthur Rowe 31 Oct '07

31 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Crews Continue Spacewalk Preparations, Cargo Transfers* 31October 2007 Image Above: The shuttle and station crews participate in the joint crew news conference taking questions from reporters in America, Italy and Russia. Image credit: NASA TV TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html The STS-120 and Expedition 16 crews are continuing cargo transfers and preparing for Thursday’s spacewalk. They took a break this morning to participate in the traditional joint crew news conference. They fielded questions from reporters in America, Italy and Russia. The spacewalk preparations include preparing equipment and reviewing procedures. Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski and Doug Wheelock will conduct the excursion, which is slated to kick off at 4:58 a.m. EDT Thursday. Early this morning Mission Specialist and European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli and STS-120 Commander Pam Melroy talked to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. The astronauts took questions from the Italian leader while they were inside the Harmony node. The newly delivered Harmony was U.S. funded and Italian built.

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ISS visual in Australia
by Norm VK3XCI 31 Oct '07

31 Oct '07

G'day all, 2045 EST pass over Mildura,Vic, Australia was incredible!!!! Despite some high cloud the thing was BRIGHT! Outshone everything and made the street lights pale!!! -- Norm, VK3XCI, Mildura, The Wintersun City QF15bt Victoria, Australia.

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Spacewalk Preparations, Cargo Transfers on Tap Today
by Arthur Rowe 31 Oct '07

31 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Spacewalk Preparations, Cargo Transfers on Tap Today* 31 October 2007 Image Above: Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli and STS-120 Commander Pam Melroy speak to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano from inside the Harmony node. Image credit: NASA TV TO VIEW IMAGES GO TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html Today, the STS-120 and Expedition 16 crews will continue cargo transfers and prepare for Thursday’s spacewalk. The two crews will also hold the traditional joint crew news conference. The spacewalk preparations include preparing equipment and reviewing procedures. Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski and Doug Wheelock will conduct the excursion, which is slated to kick off at 4:58 a.m. EDT Thursday. The news conference will take place at 7:48 a.m. The crew members will field questions from reporters on the ground. *Teams Evaluate Array Damage* Image Above: A view of a damaged P6 4B solar array wing on the International Space Station. Image credit: NASA TV Engineering teams continue to look at the damage to the P6 4B solar array spotted by the crew during deployment Tuesday. NASA halted the deployment of the solar array wing to evaluate the damage. Deployment was about 80 percent complete. The crew photographed the area on the solar array wing and downlinked the images to the ground. Meanwhile during post-spacewalk activities, Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock reported to the ground that he had seen a small hole in one of his gloves. The crew sent photos of the glove to the ground for further review. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…>

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Solar Array Deploy Halted
by Arthur Rowe 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Solar Array Deploy Halted 30 October 2007 * Image Above: A view of P6 4B solar array wing. Image credit: NASA TV TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html Astronauts and ground controllers are looking at apparent damage to the P6 4B solar array spotted by the crew during deployment. NASA halted the deployment of the solar array wing to evaluate the damage. Deployment is about 75 percent complete with 25 of 31 bays deployed. The crew has been asked to photograph the area on the solar array wing and downlink the images to the ground. Meanwhile during post-spacewalk activities, Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock reported to the ground that he has noted a hole in one of his gloves. He is sending photos to the ground for assessment. *Spacewalkers Complete Truss Installation, Inspect Joint* Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski and Doug Wheelock helped install the P6 truss in its permanent location and inspected the port Solar Alpha Rotary Joint today during STS-120’s third spacewalk. The 7-hour, 8-minute excursion wrapped up at 11:53 a.m. EDT. Shortly after the spacewalk began, Parazynski and Wheelock went to work at the end of the port truss to help station robotic arm operators attach the P6 to its new location on P5. The two provided verbal cues to Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Dan Tani and Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson as they aligned the truss. Once the 17.5 ton truss was in place, the spacewalkers secured it and attached its power source. After completing the truss work, Parazynski inspected the port rotary joint and found no evidence of any debris. He described the joint's race rings as "nice and clean." The spacewalkers also installed a spare main bus switching unit on a station storage platform. Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli coordinated today’s spacewalk activities. Pilot George Zamka was the shuttle robot arm operator. STS-120’s fourth spacewalk to perform additional inspections of the starboard rotary joint will take place Thursday. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…>

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Astronauts Go to Work Outside Space Station
by Arthur Rowe 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Astronauts Go to Work Outside Space Station 30 October 2007 * Image Above: Spacewalker Doug Wheelock exits the U.S. Quest joint airlock to begin the mission's third spacewalk. Image credit: NASA TV : to view image go to:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html Astronauts Scott Parazynski and Doug Wheelock kicked off STS-120’s third spacewalk at 4:45 a.m. EDT. They are scheduled to spend seven hours outside the International Space Station helping install the Port 6 (P6) truss and inspecting the port Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ). The spacewalking duo will work at the outboard end of the port truss to assist with the robotic arm attachment of the P6 truss in its new location on the end of the Port 5 (P5) truss. Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Clay Anderson and Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Daniel Tani will be the station robotic arm operators. Pilot George Zamka and Wilson will be at the controls of the shuttle robotic arm. Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli will be the spacewalk coordinator. Once the P6 installation is complete, Parazynski will inspect the port SARJ. Mission managers want to compare data from this inspection to the data gathered during Sunday’s inspection of the starboard SARJ, where vibrations and increased power usage has been seen. Today’s spacewalk is the third for Parazynski and the second for Wheelock during this mission. The spacewalk is slated to end at 11:45 a.m. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…>

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Some changes
by Robert McGwier 30 Oct '07

30 Oct '07

This was sent to the Eagle team and is included here for your information. Since this note was to the Eagle team, please read all sentences and other directives as to the Eagle team. Suitsat engineering money, and ARISS money is a separate pot. Bob Eagle team members: > > Bob Davis, Jim Sanford, and I met in Pittsburgh as the engineering > executive team and we made some changes. Bob and Jim are Asst. VP > Engineering and continue to remain in those offices until such time as > they do not wish to hold them or another AMSAT opportunity interests them. > > The office of project manager does not exist as of the annual meeting. I > do NOT want this read the wrong way. There are some delicate > negotiations that are about to take place with multiple entities. For > all sorts of reasons, none of them having a single solitary thing to do > with ego, performance, etc. require the person speaking on behalf of > the project, for its budget, and direction must reside in the VPE. > > As of the annual meeting and the budget passed by the AMSAT BOD, the > only projects receiving funds in 2008 are RF payloads, antennas, SDX, > ACP, and the Eagle structure. The Eagle structure is going forward > because it serves multiple purposes. No funds will be expended on any > of those systems that are unique to Phase 3 satellite systems since our > goal, to put RF payloads on Intelsat, does not need solar panels, > attitude sensors, attitude control mechanisms, etc. We are going to > need to hold some meetings soon. I will call for them shortly. > > As much as some of you disliked either the tone or approach of > functional requirements and specifications, we are without choices now. > We are going to have to talk to and work with some fairly serious > engineering firms or offices about getting payloads built that will last > for 15 years. We cannot do less than this and expect anyone to give us > the millions of dollars this program is going to take. That said, I > believe we can raise this money. > > Expect more to follow shortly. > > Bob -- AMSAT Director and VP Engineering. Member: ARRL, AMSAT-DL, TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. ARRL SDR WG Chair “An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?” Descartes

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Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2007-10-29 21:00 UTC
by AJ9N＠aol.com 29 Oct '07

29 Oct '07

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2007-10-29 21:00 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: IIS Deambrosis-Natta Sestri Levante I- 16039, Italy, and Faculty of Engineering, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, I-67040, Italy direct via IK1XHI and IZ6BAJ Successful Mon 2007-10-29 08:23 UTC 41 deg (***) Liceo Scientifico G.Galilei, Civitavecchia, Roma, Italy; ITI-LST Mottura Caltanisetta I-93100, Italy direct via IZØLSG and IT9YBA Wed 2007-10-31 07:33 UTC 78 deg Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 331. (***) Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 2. (***) Once STS-120 undocks ARISS expects no school contacts until late December due to the crew work schedule. We will keep everyone informed of any changes.(***) QSL information may be found at: http://www.arrl.org/ARISS/arissfaq.html http://www.rac.ca/ariss/oindex.htm#QSL's ISS callsigns: DP0ISS, NA1SS, RS0ISS ***************************************************************************** The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2007-10-24 07:00 UTC. Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt The successful school list has been updated as of 2007-10-24 07:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correctio… tf Listing of ARISS related magazine articles as of 2006-07-10 03:30 UTC: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ARISS_magazine_articles.rtf ***************************************************************************** There have been rumors in the past indicating that the ISS was having direct contacts on the 40 meter band. There is no HF radio equipment on board and available yet. The HF antenna is mounted. Sometimes WA3NAN will retransmit shuttle audio. ***************************************************************************** Expedition 16 on orbit: Peggy Whitson KC5ZTD Yuri Malenchenko RK3DUP Clayton Anderson KD5PLA Daniel Tani KD5DXE STS-120 10A docked with the ISS (FE-2, Tani up) (Melroy, Zamka, Parazynski KC5RSY, Wheelock, Wilson, Nespoli) Paolo Nespoli IZ0JPA ***************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

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Spacewalkers find solar-panel joint damage
by Arthur Rowe 29 Oct '07

29 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Oct. 28, 2007, 6:50PM* Spacewalkers find solar-panel joint damage By MARCIA DUNN Associated Press CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Spacewalking astronauts doing construction work outside the international space station today made a disturbing discovery: what appear to be metal shavings inside a joint that is needed to turn a set of solar power panels. FOR THE REST OF THE STORY GO TO: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/space/5252633.html

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Truss Work, Spacewalk Preps on Tap Today
by Arthur Rowe 29 Oct '07

29 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Truss Work, Spacewalk Preps on Tap Today* Image Above: The station arm handed off the P6 truss structure to the shuttle's arm. Image credit: NASA TV TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html The Space Shuttle Discovery and International Space Station crews are using the station and shuttle robotic arms to move the P6 truss segment and preparing for Tuesday’s spacewalk, the third of the mission. The crews will also get some off duty time this morning. The station robotic arm operators have handed off the P6 truss to the shuttle robotic arm operators. The shuttle’s Canadarm will hand the P6 back over to the station’s Canadarm2 later this morning after Canadarm2 moves closer to the worksite. Canadarm2 will then install P6 to the P5 truss during the mission’s third spacewalk. STS-120 Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski and Doug Wheelock are reviewing procedures and practicing techniques they will use during the third spacewalk set to begin at 5:28 a.m. EDT Tuesday. Parazynski and Wheelock will also conduct an overnight campout in the station’s airlock to prepare for the spacewalk. Shuttle and station crew members are also set to talk about their mission from inside the Harmony node with ABC News, NBC News and CNN News at 1:43 p.m. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…>

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Station, Shuttle Crews Working Together
by Arthur Rowe 28 Oct '07

28 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C#31468 *Station, Shuttle Crews Working Together* 28 October 2007 Image Above: Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson (left), Expedition 16 commander, and Pam Melroy, STS-120 commander, take a moment for a photo in the Unity node of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station. Image credit: NASA TO VIEW IMAGE ABOVE GO TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html The Expedition 16 crew and the visiting STS-120 crew continue joint operations aboard the International Space Station. Since the seven STS-120 astronauts arrived on Oct. 25, the station has grown in size. The addition of the Harmony module sets the stage for the arrival of new research laboratories from the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency during upcoming shuttle missions. The crews have performed two spacewalks so far, and three more spacewalks are planned during STS-120’s stay at the station. STS-120’s stay at the station is slated to wrap up when Discovery undocks Nov. 4. For the latest news and information on the STS-120 mission, visit the main shuttle page. + Read More <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html> + View crew daily timelines <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/timelines/index.html> + Read more about Expedition 16 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition16/index.ht…> + Read more about Expedition 15 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition15/index.ht…>

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SPACEWALK COMPLETED
by Arthur Rowe 28 Oct '07

28 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Spacewalkers Prepare Truss for Relocation 28 October 2007 * Image Above: STS-120 spacewalkers exit the Quest airlock to begin the second spacewalk of the mission. Image credit: NASA TV: TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html STS-120’s second spacewalk is now in the books. Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski and Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Daniel Tani successfully prepared the P6 truss for its relocation during the excursion, which ended at 12:05 p.m. EDT. Parazynski and Tani began the spacewalk heading to the section where the P6 truss was attached to the Z1 truss. Once there they disconnected the umbilicals and bolts holding the two trusses together. Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Doug Wheelock used the station robotic arm to remove the P6. They will place the solar array section in a temporary holding position for tonight before handing it off to the shuttle's robotic arm Monday morning. Tani performed a couple of inspections requested by mission managers. He inspected handrails on a Crew and Equipment Translation Aid cart, but he did not note any apparent sharp edges on them. While inspecting a rotary joint used to rotate solar arrays he noticed metal shavings and unusual wear on a race ring. The joint has been showing some increased friction lately, and engineers are analyzing potential causes. The excursion lasted 6 hours and 33 minutes. Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli was the spacewalk coordinator, assisting the spacewalkers with their tasks. The next spacewalk is scheduled to take place Tuesday. Parazynski and Wheelock will team up to assist with robotic arm attachment of the P6 truss in its new location on P5. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…>

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ISS KEPS - DAY 300
by Arthur Rowe 28 Oct '07

28 Oct '07

ISS (ZARYA) 1 25544U 98067A 07300.90939573 .00014099 00000-0 92667-4 0 2412 2 25544 51.6371 139.4786 0002573 139.5015 1.9355 15.76020103511717

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Astronauts Go to Work Outside Space Station
by Arthur Rowe 28 Oct '07

28 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Astronauts Go to Work Outside Space Station 28 October 2007 *Astronauts are working outside the International Space Station for the second time during the STS-120 mission. The main objective of today’s spacewalk, which began at 5:32 a.m. EDT, is the preparation of the Port 6, or P6, truss segment for its relocation. Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski and Flight Engineer Daniel Tani will disconnect the Port 6, or P6, truss segment from the top of the station, where it was installed temporarily in 2000. Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Doug Wheelock will use the station robotic arm to remove it and place the solar array section in a temporary holding position for tonight. Parazynski and Tani will begin the spacewalk heading to the section where the P6 truss is attached to the Z1 truss. There they will disconnect the umbilicals and bolts holding the two trusses together. In addition, mission managers have asked Tani to make a couple of inspections. First, he will inspect a rotary joint used to rotate solar arrays on the starboard side of the truss. The joint has been showing some increased friction lately, and mission managers hope Tani may be able to identify the cause. Second, he will inspect some handrails on a Crew and Equipment Translation Aid cart for sharp edges. Parazynski also will install handholds and other equipment on the Harmony node. Both spacewalkers will finish up their tasks when they install a new grapple fixture to Harmony. The station’s robotic arm will use the grapple fixture next month when it reinstalls Harmony to the front of the Destiny laboratory. The excursion is scheduled to last 6 hours and 40 minutes. Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli will be the spacewalk coordinator, assisting the spacewalkers with their tasks. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…>

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Crews Prepare for Second Spacewalk, Enter Harmony
by Arthur Rowe 28 Oct '07

28 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C# 31468 *Crews Prepare for Second Spacewalk, Enter Harmony* 27 October 2007 Image Above: Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson (left) and STS-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli enter the Harmony module for the first time. Image credit: NASA TV TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html The STS-120 and Expedition 16 crews entered the Harmony module for the first time at 8:24 a.m EDT Saturday after STS-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli and Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson opened the hatches. Whitson recognized the schools that submitted the name "Harmony" in an academic competition, and Nespoli made some comments about the significance of this new addition to the station. STS-120 Commander Pam Melroy also presented Whitson with a necklace with a Harmony charm that was given to her by one of the winning schools. The second spacewalk of the STS-120 mission is on tap for Sunday. The spacewalk is scheduled to begin at 5:58 a.m. For the latest news and information on the STS-120 mission, visit the main shuttle page. + Read More <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html> + View crew daily timelines <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/timelines/index.html> + Read more about Expedition 16 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition16/index.ht…> + Read more about Expedition 15 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition15/index.ht…>

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Crews Enter Harmony, Prepare for Second Spacewalk
by Arthur Rowe 28 Oct '07

28 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Crews Enter Harmony, Prepare for Second Spacewalk 27 October 2007* STS-120 and Expedition 15 crew members talk to press Image Above: STS-120 and Expedition 16 crew members gather in the new Harmony module to talk to the press. Image credit: NASA TV TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO :http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html The hatch of Harmony was opened at 8:24 a.m. EDT Saturday. Station Commander Peggy Whitson and Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli – who is from Italy, where the module was built – were the first to enter, and took advantage of the opportunity to remark on the appropriateness of its name. “We think Harmony is a very good name for this module,” Whitson said, “because it represents the culmination of a lot of international partner work and will allow international partner modules to be added on.” Crew members spent part of Saturday hooking Harmony systems up for use. After the module’s ventilation system was up and running, some crew members were able to take time out from their work for interviews with a few television stations. They answered questions on subjects ranging from the challenges of the missions to the historic significance of having Whitson, the first female commander of the station, in space at the same time as Pam Melroy, the second female commander for the shuttle. The other major tasks for the day centered around preparations for the mission’s second spacewalk on Sunday. Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski and the station’s newly arrived flight engineer, Daniel Tani, are scheduled to leave the station at 5:58 a.m. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…>

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Items Taken Into Space Reflect Accomplishments on Earth
by Arthur Rowe 27 Oct '07

27 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 Items Taken Into Space Reflect Accomplishments on Earth http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/behindscenes/Whatsgoingup.html 10.24.07 The Wright Flyer got only a few feet off the ground during its maiden flight in 1903, but traveled to the moon 66 years later. A lead cargo tag that took months to cross the Atlantic Ocean from England to the nascent colony at Jamestown recently made the same crossing in minutes. Astronaut Jim Reilly with R2-D2 and a lightsaber from Star Wars. Image right: Astronaut Jim Reilly helped welcome R2-D2 and Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from Star Wars to the Kennedy Space Center. The lightsaber is being taken into space aboard the real-life spacecraft Discovery during mission STS-120. Photo credit: Lucasfilm + View Hi-Res Image <http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/194005main_astrolightsaber.jpg> Now a plastic handle whose sole role was to make the fictional world of Star Wars look realistic is ready to take a real trip to the stars aboard space shuttle Discovery for mission STS-120. From pieces of history to articles of pop culture, the assortment of items astronauts have taken with them into space is as varied as the world the artifacts represent. Most of the objects find esteemed homes when they return, such as a stuffed teddy bear that STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky took into orbit. The bear was a replica of one owned by a Holocaust survivor. The astronaut returned the replica to a museum after the flight for its collection. The lightsaber used in Star Wars Return of the Jedi was packed for space. Image left: The lightsaber prop that was used by Lluke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi was packed in foam and will spend two weeks in orbit. The flight helps celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of the original Star Wars trilogy. Photo credit: Lucasfilm + View Hi-Res Image <http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/194007main_lightsaberpic.jpg> For the Star Wars prop, a lightsaber handle that was used by Luke Skywalker, even the send-off was celebrated. Actors dressed as characters including Chewbacca and X-wing pilots escorted the item to an airport in California for the flight to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where it was packed into a shuttle locker and taken to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for loading aboard Discovery. Astronaut Jim Reilly, who flew three missions and has conducted eight spacewalks, said there is a symbolic tie between the lightsaber and the real-life work NASA does in space. "There's a kind of a fine line between science fiction and reality as far as what we do and it's only just time really because a lot of what we're doing right now was science fiction when I was growing up," he said. "I think it's a neat link because it combines two space themes all at one time." The lightsaber will spend 14 days in orbit on mission STS-120, but is not expected to leave the locker during the flight. It will be returned to Star Wars creator George Lucas' film company after the mission. It will not be the first time a Star Wars-related item has gone into orbit, though. Reilly said astronauts have taken small Star Wars toys into space with them when asked. "Toy mementos, things like a Star Wars toy that might have meant something in their life, so there are any number of things that might be just a little out of the ordinary," he said. A piece of the Wright Brothers' first powered airplane was carried to the moon. Image right: The crew of Apollo 11 took a swath of fabric and a small piece of a wooden strut from the Wright Flyer to moon. The Wright Flyer was the first successful powered aircraft. Photo credit: Mark Avino, National Air & Space Museum More solemn markers have also accompanied astronauts. For example, Reilly's STS-117 mission carried a medal earned by a World War II pilot who died in the war. Patches, flags and medallions are routinely carried by the dozens or more on each flight, with some going on display and many going as awards to shuttle workers and VIPs. "I think it makes it real," astronaut Rick Arnold said. "I lived in several countries and I think it's nice to be able to present one of the flags that flew on our mission to those host countries as a thank you." Arnold has been picked to fly aboard STS-119 in 2008, and is just starting to contemplate what to take with him to mark the occasion. "There's not a lot of room for personal items," he said. Wedding rings and other small tokens are often taken into orbit. They are small enough to fit and large enough to have meaning. Each crew member is allowed to take about two pounds of mementos on their flight, but they must fit in a comparatively tiny area. Astronaut Stephanie Wilson is taking a sheet of music from the Boston Symphony Orchestra onboard Discovery for mission STS-120. The music comes from Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," a favorite in the orchestra's extensive repertoire. Wilson worked at one time in a music store in Tanglewood, Mass., which is the summer home of the orchestra. Some items never leave space, notably mission emblems like those stuck to the walls inside the International Space Station. This lead cargo tag is believed to have been discarded from a shipping crate or trunk arriving at Jamestown in about 1611. Image left: This cargo tag made of lead was unearthed during excavation of the original colony at Jamestown in Virginia. It is believed to have made the trip from England to the New World in 1611, and made the trip going the other way in minutes aboard space shuttle Discovery during STS-117. Photo credit: NASA Another example is a golf ball astronaut Alan Shepard carried to the moon on Apollo 14 and hit with an improvised club. Moonwalker Charles Duke left a portrait of his family on the lunar surface. Thousands of signatures have also gone into the solar system in the form of computer codes imprinted on compact discs. Whether they go into space to stay or to be appreciated anew back on Earth, the artifacts manage to find a unique home. "When you get the chance to deliver that stuff back to your family and friends, they're really excited about it," Reilly said. + Listen to Podcast <http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/whatsgoingup_transcript.html>

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Harmony Open for Business
by Arthur Rowe 27 Oct '07

27 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C#31468 *Harmony Open for Business* Image Above: STS-120 and Expedition 16 crew members gather in the new Harmony module to talk to the press. Image credit: NASA TV TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html The STS-120 and Expedition 16 crews entered the Harmony module for the first time at 8:24 a.m EDT after Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli and Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson opened the hatches. Harmony will provide the docking ports for new research laboratories from the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The laboratories will be delivered to the station on upcoming shuttle missions. Members of the shuttle and station crews gathered in the new Harmonony module shortly after 2 p.m to discuss the mission in interviews with CBS News, FOX News, and WHAM-TV of Rochester, New York. The participants were Whitson, Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko, and STS-120 Commander Pam Melroy, Pilot George Zamka, and mission specialists Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock and Clay Anderson. The crews are also preparing for Sunday’s spacewalk, the second of the mission. The spacewalk will be conducted by Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski and Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Daniel Tani. To prepare, they will do an overnight “campout” in the station’s airlock. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…> 27 October 2007

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Harmony Open for Business
by Arthur Rowe 27 Oct '07

27 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Harmony Open for Business* 27 October 2007 Image Above: STS-120 Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock rides the station's robotic arm into Discovery's payload bay. Image credit: NASA TV TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO:*http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html* Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock rides the station's robotic armImage Above: STS-120 Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock rides the station's robotic arm into Discovery's payload bay. Image credit: NASA TV The STS-120 and Expedition 16 crews entered the Harmony module for the first time at 8:24 a.m EDT after Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli and Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson opened the hatches. Harmony will provide the docking ports for new research laboratories from the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The laboratories will be delivered to the station on upcoming shuttle missions. The crews are also preparing for Sunday’s spacewalk, the second of the mission. The spacewalk will be conducted by Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski and Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Daniel Tani. To prepare, they will do an overnight “campout” in the station’s airlock. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…> The STS-120 and Expedition 16 crews entered the Harmony module for the first time at 8:24 a.m EDT after Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli and Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson opened the hatches. Harmony will provide the docking ports for new research laboratories from the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The laboratories will be delivered to the station on upcoming shuttle missions. The crews are also preparing for Sunday’s spacewalk, the second of the mission. The spacewalk will be conducted by Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski and Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Daniel Tani. To prepare, they will do an overnight “campout” in the station’s airlock. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…>

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ISS NEW KEPS - DAY 299
by Arthur Rowe 27 Oct '07

27 Oct '07

ISS (ZARYA) 1 25544U 98067A 07299.95923674 .00013156 00000-0 86870-4 0 2354 2 25544 51.6382 144.3740 0002748 130.1483 16.7911 15.75988536511561

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Crews to Enter Harmony
by Arthur Rowe 27 Oct '07

27 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Crews to Enter Harmony* 27 October 2007 The STS-120 and Expedition 16 crews will enter the Harmony module for the first time just before 9 a.m. EDT Saturday after Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli and Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson open the hatches. Harmony will provide the docking ports for new research laboratories from the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The laboratories will be delivered to the station on upcoming shuttle missions. The crews will also prepare for Sunday’s spacewalk, the second of the mission. The spacewalk will be conducted by Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski and Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Daniel Tani. The duo will conduct an overnight “campout” Saturday in the station’s airlock. *Mission Information* + STS-120 Mission Overview <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html> + Harmony Node 2 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> + Space Shuttle Discovery <http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-in…>

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Space Station Grows With Addition of Harmony
by Arthur Rowe 26 Oct '07

26 Oct '07

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 *Space Station Grows With Addition of Harmony* Image Above: The Harmony module is attached to the International Space Station. Image credit: NASA TV TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html The International Space Station continued its on-orbit expansion with the addition of the Harmony module. Harmony was attached to the station at 11:38 a.m. EDT during STS-120’s first spacewalk. The addition of the Harmony module sets the stage for the arrival of new research laboratories from the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency during upcoming shuttle missions. Four more spacewalks will take place during STS-120’s stay at the station. The two crews will also transfer cargo between Space Shuttle Discovery and the station. STS-120 is the 23rd shuttle mission to visit the station. For the latest news and information on the STS-120 mission, visit the main shuttle page. + Read More <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html> + View crew daily timelines <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/timelines/index.html> + Read more about Expedition 16 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition16/index.ht…> + Read more about Expedition 15 <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition15/index.ht…>

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ARISS Event - Liceo Scientifico G.Galilei, Civitavecchia, Roma, and ITI-LST Mottura Caltanisetta, Italy, Wednesday (Oct 31) 07:33 UTC
by Ransom, Kenneth G. (JSC-OC)[BAR] 26 Oct '07

26 Oct '07

An STS-120 ARISS school contact has been planned with participants at Liceo Scientifico G.Galilei, Civitavecchia, Roma, Italy and ITI-LST Mottura Caltanisetta, Italy on 31 Oct. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 07:33 UTC. The contact will be a direct between station IZØJPA (Nespoli) and ground stations IZØLSG and IT9YBA. The contact should be audible in most of Europe. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The participants are expected to conduct the conversation in Italian. Live audio from this contact can be heard on the EchoLink AMSAT (101 377) and JK1ZRW (277 208) Conference Rooms, and on the IRLP Discovery Reflector 9010. For further information, please check the calendar of events on www.amsat.org. Galileo Galilei is a high school with a scientific focus in Civitavecchia. There are 650 students aged between 14 and 19 attending our school. The main subjects are math, physics, natural sciences, Italian, English, history and philosophy. Our school is situated in Civitavecchia near Rome. It is famous for its most important harbour in Italy. Marconi conducted experiments on microwaves, RADAR, radio mobile telephone and the use of the moon as a natural satellite. He sent waves to the moon and received their reflections. ITI - LST Mottura is the oldest mining school in Italy, founded in 1862. It offers three different specialized courses which are the scientific and technological orientation, electrical engineering and automation and the geo-environmental course. Among its extra activities there are the following courses: sound technology, aeronautic technology and virtual aviation, radio-astronomy, astrophysics and astronomy. There is a "Science Festival" every year. The school has a telescope and a radio telescope on the school roof. The number of students enrolled is 998. Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows: 1. Qual è il contributo che lei, come rappresentante dell'Italia, apporta alla missione? 2. Quanto tempo occorrerà per il completamento della stazione spaziale? 3. Quali saranno i vantaggi che porterà l'aggiunta del Nodo 2 sulla ISS? 4. Quali difficoltà incontrate tornando a terra dopo una lunga permanenza nello spazio? 5. Che genere di strumenti usate per l'assemblaggio della ISS? 6. Quanto tempo dura l'addestramento di un astronauta prima di una missione spaziale? 7. Quale è l'utilità futura e i vantaggi pratici sulla terra degli esperimenti svolti nello spazio? 8. Quali tipi di esperimenti scientifici si eseguono attualmente sulla stazione spaziale? 9. Cosa fanno gli astronauti durante una missione? 10. Quanto tempo trascorrerete fuori dalla staziona spaziale per il montaggio del Nodo 2? 11. Come passano il tempo libero gli astronauti? 12. Qual è la maggiore difficoltà del vostro lavoro? 13. Quanto rimarrà in orbita la stazione spaziale? 14. Esistono rischi di contrarre malattie nello spazio? 15. Che tipo di energia usa la stazione? 16. Quanto è alto il rischio di impattare contro un detrito spaziale? 17. Si riesce a dormire nonostante la mancanza di gravità non vi faccia 'gustare' un soffice letto? 18. Come avete simulato sulla terra le condizioni nello spazio per l'assemblaggio del Nodo 2? 19. Come vengono smaltiti i rifiuti sulla ISS? 20. Qual è il contributo dell'Italia nella progettazione e nella realizzazione della Stazione Spaziale Internazionale? Information about the next scheduled ARISS contact can be found at http://www.rac.ca/ariss/upcoming.htm#NextContact . Packet is occasionally active on 145.825 simplex. Next planned event(s): TBD ARISS is an international educational outreach program partnering the participating space agencies, NASA, Russian Space Agency, ESA, CNES, JAXA, and CSA, with the AMSAT and IARU organizations from participating countries. ARISS offers an opportunity for students to experience the excitement of Amateur Radio by talking directly with crewmembers on-board the International Space Station. Teachers, parents and communities see, first hand, how Amateur Radio and crewmembers on ISS can energize youngsters' interest in science, technology, and learning. Further information on the ARISS program is available on the website http://www.rac.ca/ariss (graciously hosted by the Radio Amateurs of Canada). Thank you & 73, Kenneth - N5VHO

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