SHUTTLE MISSION STS-88 TO ISS

1998STS-88

December 4
December 5
December 6
December 7
December 8
December 9

December 10
December 11
December 12
December 13
December 14
December 15

On December 4 the shuttle Endeavor lifted of on a mission to install Node-1 on the new ISS, after a one day delay. Because of an alarm in the cockpit 4,5 minutes before scheduled liftoff on December 3 and without enough time to find out what it was all about in the small 10 minute launch window, the launch had to be delayed one day. The ISS is in an orbit inclination that means that the shuttle can only reach it for a ten minute window every day. They were on the way to rendezvous with the Russian FGB, launched on November 20. In orbit the crew were testing all the equipment needed over the next days.

On December 5, one day after the launch, the crew checked out equipment going to be used throughout the mission and got ready for the arrival of Zarya (FGB). The outer docking ring on the shuttle docking system was extended, ready to receive PMA-1 on Unity. Astronaut Nancy Currie later in the day lifted Unity (Node-1) out of the cargobay using the shuttle robot arm and positioned it over the shuttle docking module before slowly lowering it onto the docking ring where it was latched. The outer docking ring was than retracted and a tight seal was formed. They were now awaiting Zarya.

Image showing the docking system in the front, ready to grasp Unity and Unity stored in the cargo bay behind the docking system. Image of the robot arm (RMS) starting to lift the Unity module out of the cargo bay.

Image of PMA2 on Unity successfully mated onto the docking system in the cargo bay.

On December 6 the crew docked Node-1 with the FGB. It took several burns and alignment maneuvers before the crew was ready to bring the FGB in. When the module was 3 meters away from the shuttle, Currie used the shuttle's arm to grapple it and position it directly over the Node docking mechanism (PMA-1, an adapter making a docking of a Russian and U.S. module possible). When Currie had positioned it, she put the robot arm in "limp" mode (just like putting your car in neutral), and Cabana activated the shuttle's thrusters. The thrusters made the shuttle approach the FGB in very slow motion and making the 19 metric ton module slide down to a docking with PMA-1 on the Node. The two modules stood 23 meters out of the shuttle cargo bay. After the docking was completed Cabana and Jerry Ross ventured through the shuttle docking module and into PMA-2 for the first time. They installed caps over vent valves in preparation for the crew's entrance a few days later.


Zarya had been orbiting Earth for a little over 16 days prior to the docking.	Using the shuttle's 50-ft.-long Canadian-built robot arm, Zarya was plucked out of orbit by Currie.

EVA 1

On December 7 Jerry Ross and Jim Newman ventured outside to do some work in the new space station. They're mission was to connect 40 cables carrying electricity and data between the Node and FGB. Ross attached himself to the robot arm which Currie operated, while Newman climbed the outside of the station. Newman unhooked the 6-9 meters long cables and gave them to Ross who checked them for damage and installed them on the FGB. Some of the cables were very stiff, making them hard connect. The operation was expected to take 5-6 hours but they were done in just 4. In their extra time they installed hardware, handrails and sockets that will receive footholds in the future, all these will help spacewalkers in the future in moving around. One of the footholds got away from Ross and drifted out into space, adding to the space junk out there. It will not pose any danger to the station in the future, because they travel at the same speed. The two astronauts also got a chance to admire the view of the Earth before the walk came to an end. The spacewalk lasted 7 hours and 21 minutes. At the end of the spacewalk as Endeavour passed over Russia, as flight contollers could communicate with the FGB, they turned on a pair of voltage converters, enabling power to flow to the node. The voltage converters are needed because the Russians use a voltage of 28 volts while the Americans use a voltage of 110 volts. Mission controllers in Houston could then see the Unity module coming to life. A pair of data relay boxes serving as the brain and nervous system for the node was activated. After confirmation that the two modules was working perfectly, Ross removed thermal covers from the data relay boxes as they were now able to adjust their temperature on their own.

Newman working between the two modules, connecting 40 cables between them. Newman waving at the camera while holding onto a handrail. Image showing newman tethered at the station and Ross on the robot arm while working between Zarya and Unity (on PMA1)

On December 8 the crew got half a day of to relax after the hard spacewalk the day before. Preparations for the second spacewalk on December 9 were made and Endeavour's primary reaction control jets were fired to raise the orbit of the ISS. During the operation the new station swayed 15 centimeters back and forth in the shuttle berthing port, it was expected by NASA and did not pose any treat to either of the craft. The 22 minute firing of the jets raised the altitude of the two spacecraft by 8 kilometers. This will be a normal procedure every time the shuttle visits the station, just as the Progress is used on the Mir station. It will save precious fuel on the station. Command checks between Mission Control, Houston, and Mission Control, Moscow, was also conducted, to verify the ability to command Zarya from Houston via the Moscow control center. In preparation for the venture inside the station for the first time on December 10, PMA-1, the mating adapter between Node-1 and FGB, was pressurized via remote commands in Moscow and checked for leaks. Flight controllers in Houston also powered up heaters, filters and fans to circulate the otherwise motion less air.

EVA 2

On December 9 the crew performed another EVA. Ross and Newman were outside once again and their No.1 priority was to install two 45 kilogram antennas to the outside of Unity (node). The antennas was installed on the opposite side of each other and will provide a uninterrupted link between the station and mission control. Without these antennas Nasa would have to rely on the sporadic coverage provided by Russian ground stations which only give a few minutes of communications with the station each earth. The FGB module only have capability to "talk" to ground stations, not with relay sattelites which these new antennas do. The antennas will provide more capability to retrieve information on the health of the systems on Unity. It will also provide videoconferencing (so-called early S-band communications system) for the first crew(s).
Ross and Newman also removed launch restraint pins on the four hatchways that will have modules attached to them later in the launch assembly. A sunhade was also installed on the two data relay boxes on the outside of Unity to protect them from the harsh sunlight. At the end of the flight Ross was moved up to the end of Zarya (FGB) with a 3 meter long grappling hook to try to free an antenna, part of the backup Toru rendezvous systeme. The antenna had not unfolded propperly after launch and had to be extended to give reliable data. The antenna is a backup to the automatic guidance system Kurz that will be used for later automated dockings, including the docking of the Service module. After nudging the antenna a while, it popped out to it's fully extended position. The grappling hook used was to assure that when the antenna sprung out, he would be at a safe distance from the antenna, which could hurt him if he got hit by it. At the end of the spacewalk they disconnected and stowed cables used by Endeavour’s crew to control the docking mechanism on PMA1, called the Androgynous Peripheral Attach System (APAS), that docked Zarya to Unity. It will not be needed anymore, because the Node will forever be docked to the FGB. The cables running from the APAS sytem on PMA1 and down over PMA2 and to the shuttle was also removed as a get ahed task for future missions when PMA2 which was connected to the shuttle will be moved around.

Working in on the dark side of the Earth with the spacesuit lights on.

Newman on the arm after deploying one of the black antennas shown in the picture with the hook he is holding.

Ross in the cargo bay while passing the dark side of the earth.

MOVING INTO UNITY On December 10 the crew entered the station for the first time. Right after being awakend they increased the air pressure inside the shuttle to 14,7 pounds per square inch, they then started equalizing the pressure between the modules. After this was completed they moved into the docking area and opened up the hatch to PMA2. Kabana and Russian cosmonaut Krikalev moved into the PMA and possitoned equipment ready to bring into the station. A few minutes later they opened the hatch from PMA2 to the Unity (node) module, and moved into the module in tandem. The station was totally dark and the first thing they had to do was flip on the lights. Cameras was brought in to share the view with the people back on earth. They were all impressed over what they saw, it was large and roomy with great new hardware. It was something else than the crowded node on the Mir station. With the rest of the crew inside they started installing portable fans and lights. Some access panels were then opened and equipment was unstowed for use on later missions . They continued installing the early S-band communications system and marked each passageway with a sign where other modules will be attached later.

MOVING INTO ZARYA About an hour after entering Unity they opened the hatch to PMA1 and inside it they opened the hatch to the small node of the Zarya module and then the last hatch leading to the main portion of the module. Cabana and Krikalev was once again in front of the others, moving in tandem and said once inside after turning on the lights that this signified the start of a new era in space exploration. Ross and Newman went right to work in Unity, completing the assembly of an early S-band communications system that will allow flight controllers in Houston to send commands to Unity's systems and stay in constant contact with the station. Newman aslo tested the new videoconferencing system, sending greetings to controllers down on the ground. They also started removing some of the over hundred launch restraint bolts from some of the panels inside Zarya. These bolts were installed before launch to ensure that none of the panels popped open during launch. Hardware and logistical supplies were stored behind panels in Zarya for future crews and assembly missions. Krikalev and Currie replaced a faulty unit in Zarya which controlled the discharging of stored energy from one of the module's six batteries. The unit could be controlled manually but it was decided that it should be replaced. Krikalev had done this operation before, replacing a similar unit on the Mir station. Air ducts were also installed between Unity and Zarya, allowing air to flow around which is needed in space, without gravity and wind to move the air around as it does on the earth.

Commander Cabana in the Unity module with one of the unused hatches showing behind him. Cabana and Krikalev against the background of PMA 1 connecting to Zarya.

Pilot Sturckow with a power tool against the background of PMA1, showing how big Unity actually is. Ross taking pictures of Cabana and Krikalev as the prepare to open the hatch from PMA1 to Zarya.

Cabana and Krikalev inside the forward presurized compartement of Zarya. Ross, Currie, Cabana and Krikalev after moving into Zarya.

Currie and Krikalev removing bolts, Cabana translating along the rails in the background Newman and Cabana looking at checklists as they prepare to continue work in Unity.

On December 11 the crew once again moved into the ISS to complete the work needed to prepare it for future missions. Sturckow and Currie continued removing the launch restraint bolts from panels and tried to find a part of a pivotting fitting that would allow the the equipment rack in Unity to be tilted, but gave up after an hours search. The crew also completed work on the computer and communications systems. Dessicant bags was installed in Unity’s portable, battery-operated fans to remove humidity from the module and left running as they closed up the station. Endeavours life support systems were used to increase the atmospheric pressure in the shuttle and ISS to a little bit above sea level. After the hatches were closed the air pressure was lowered a bit to kep positive air pressure inside each hatch to assist in the prosses of sealing the hatches. The air pressure inside the shuttle were then lowered to prepare Ross and Newman for the next days EVA as they had done before the other two EVA's. Lowering the air pressure would reduce the amount of time the astronauts need to breath pure oxygen to avoid getting the "bends" (nitrogen bubbles forming in the body when exposed to low pressure).

Newman and Krikalev in communications with ground controllers while working aboard Zarya. Krikalev peaking out of a panel in Zarya.

Krikalev floating in Unity with the flag of the 16 participants behind him.

EVA 3

On December 12 Ross and Newman went out for their last spacewalk. They attached a bag of tools to the outside of Unity to be used by future crews and were quickly ahed os schedule. Cables were checked and stowed on the outside and further handrails were installed to make further EVA's easier. Through the spacewalk they carried out an extensive photographic survey of the station. Newman released a nother stuck antenna on Zaya with the grappling hook , this antenna was also a part of the Toru guidance system. After several minutes of poking it, it shot out just like the other antenna. he two astronauts also tested the new SAFER (Simpified Aid for Extravehicular Activity Rescue jet backpack) backpacks. The thrusters on the backpacks which run on nitrogen used a little more gas than planne but else than that they worked as planned. The backpacks will be used on the new station to assure the safety of an astronaut if he should become untangeled from the station. With all three of the spacewalks done, they had completed Over the course of the three spacewalks they had spent a total of 21 hours and 22 minutes outside. After entering the shuttle they depressurized the vestibule running from Eneadvours docking system and PMA2 connected to Unity in prepparation for the separation December 13.


Newman working at the end of Zarya.	Newman wraps up his work.	Ross and Newman posing for a picture.

On December 13 the crew undocked from the new station and Sturckow backed away from the station to a distance of 137 meters. They than completed 1,5 revolutions of the station to do a photographic survey. The crew fired one of the shuttle engines for 10 seconds as part of an experiment to track shuttle engine firings. A few hours was given of to the crew before they did some interviews. They also released SAC-A, a non-recoverable satellite built by the Argentinean National Commission of Space Activities. The satellite is shaped like a cub, weighs 267 kilograms and will test new equipment and technologies. it contains a differential global positioning system, a magnetometer, whale tracker experiment, Earth camera and silicon solar cells. It is expected to remain in orbit for 5-9 months. At the end of the day they cleaned up after the spacewalk the previous day and increased the air pressure to normal. Flight controllers commanded the new station to turn Unity towards Earth and Zarya towards space. The station were also commanded to go into a slow spin of one revolution every 30 minutes. This would give the station more favorable thermal conditions. Every week the stations control system will be activated to insure that it is working properly and it's guidance system will be updated with the latest orbital parameters

Zary and Unity after undocking from the shuttle. Newman and Krikalev on the shuttle mid-deck.
Deployment of the SAC-A satellite.

On December 14 the crew mainly checked out shuttle systems, preparing for shuttle reentry and landing. Later in the day a second satellite was released. It is called MightySat and is a U.S. Air Force/Phillips Laboratory satellite. It weighs 324 kilograms and will demonstrate several advanced technologies, including a composite structure, advanced solar cells, a microparticle impact detector, advanced electronics and a shock device. At the end of the day they configured the Endevours cabin and stowed equipment in preparation for landing the next day.

The crew posing for a picture with a banner representing the participating countries for ISS and a model of the two new ISS modules. Image of the shuttle cargo bay, showing the docking adapter used to dock with Unity (Node1) Deployment of MightySat, a U.S. Air Force/Phillips Laboratory satellite.

On December 15 the last tests were carried out to ensure that the shuttle was in good health. After closing the shuttle cargo bay doors which provide cooling for the shuttle, the crew put on their launch and entry suits and strapped them selves in their seats. Commander Cabana guided the shuttle down to a landing on runway 15 at the Kennedy Space Center.

Related Info:
NASA | JSC | Shuttle | Shuttle-Mir | Mir

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Image showing the docking system in the front, ready to grasp Unity and Unity stored in the cargo bay behind the docking system.	Image of the robot arm (RMS) starting to lift the Unity module out of the cargo bay.	Image of PMA2 on Unity successfully mated onto the docking system in the cargo bay.


Newman working between the two modules, connecting 40 cables between them.	Newman waving at the camera while holding onto a handrail.	Image showing newman tethered at the station and Ross on the robot arm while working between Zarya and Unity (on PMA1)


Working in on the dark side of the Earth with the spacesuit lights on.	Newman on the arm after deploying one of the black antennas shown in the picture with the hook he is holding.	Ross in the cargo bay while passing the dark side of the earth.


Commander Cabana in the Unity module with one of the unused hatches showing behind him.	Cabana and Krikalev against the background of PMA 1 connecting to Zarya.	Pilot Sturckow with a power tool against the background of PMA1, showing how big Unity actually is.	Ross taking pictures of Cabana and Krikalev as the prepare to open the hatch from PMA1 to Zarya.

Cabana and Krikalev inside the forward presurized compartement of Zarya.	Ross, Currie, Cabana and Krikalev after moving into Zarya.	Currie and Krikalev removing bolts, Cabana translating along the rails in the background	Newman and Cabana looking at checklists as they prepare to continue work in Unity.


Newman and Krikalev in communications with ground controllers while working aboard Zarya.	Krikalev peaking out of a panel in Zarya.	Krikalev floating in Unity with the flag of the 16 participants behind him.


Zary and Unity after undocking from the shuttle.	Newman and Krikalev on the shuttle mid-deck.	Deployment of the SAC-A satellite.


The crew posing for a picture with a banner representing the participating countries for ISS and a model of the two new ISS modules.	Image of the shuttle cargo bay, showing the docking adapter used to dock with Unity (Node1)	Deployment of MightySat, a U.S. Air Force/Phillips Laboratory satellite.