March 17, 2006 

Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Table of Contents 

Mission Overview ............................................................................................................ 1 

Crew.................................................................................................................................. 6 

Mission Milestones.......................................................................................................... 11

Spacewalks ...................................................................................................................... 12 

Russian Soyuz TMA ........................................................................................................ 15 

Soyuz Booster Rocket Characteristics ......................................................................... 21 

Prelaunch Countdown Timeline ................................................................................... 22 

Ascent/Insertion Timeline ............................................................................................. 23 

Orbital Insertion to Docking Timeline............................................................................ 24 

Expedition 12/ISS Soyuz 11 (TMA-7) Landing............................................................. 29 

Key Times for Expedition 13/12 International Space Station Events............................ 32 

Soyuz Entry Timeline ................................................................................................... 33 

Science Overview ............................................................................................................ 38

Payload Operations Center............................................................................................. 43 

Russian Experiments ...................................................................................................... 46 

U.S. Experiments/Facilities............................................................................................. 53 

Anomalous Long-Term Effects in Astronauts’ Central Nervous 

System (ALTEA) .......................................................................................................... 53 

Capillary Flow Experiment (CFE) ................................................................................. 54 

Chromosomal Aberrations in Blood Lymphocytes of Astronauts –2 

(Chromosome-2) .......................................................................................................... 57 

Crew Earth Observations (CEO) .................................................................................. 58 

Dust and Aerosol measurement Feasibility Test (DAFT) ............................................. 59 

Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM)............................ 61 

Epstein-Barr: Space Flight Induced Reactivation of Latent 

Epstein-Barr Virus ........................................................................................................ 63 

i 
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Fungal Pathogenesis, Tumorigenesis and Effects of Host 

Immunity in Space (FIT)............................................................................................... 65 

Journals........................................................................................................................ 66 

Latent Virus: Incidence of Latent Virus Shedding During Space Flight ....................... 67 

Effects of Spaceflight on Microbial Gene Expression and 

Virulence (Microbe) ...................................................................................................... 68 

Materials on the International Space Station Experiment 5 (MISSE) ........................... 69 

Bioavailability and Performance Effects of Promethazine During 

Spaceflight (PMZ) ........................................................................................................ 71 

Passive Observatories for Experimental Microbial Systems in 

Microgravity (POEMS).................................................................................................. 72 

Renal Stone ................................................................................................................. 73

Acquisition & Analysis of Medical & Environmental Data Aboard the 

International Space Station .......................................................................................... 75 

Space Acceleration Measurement System II (SAMS-II)............................................... 76 

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS) ........................................... 77 

Space Experiment Module (SEM) ................................................................................ 78 

Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Exposure During Spaceflight-Short 

(Sleep-Short)................................................................................................................ 79 

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites 

(SPHERES).................................................................................................................. 80 

A Comprehensive Characterization of Microorganisms and Allergens 

in Spacecraft (SWAB) .................................................................................................. 81 

Trophi: Analysis of a Novel Sensory Mechanism in Root Phototropism...................... 83 

The New Digital NASA Television .................................................................................. 84 

Media Contacts ................................................................................................................ 85 

ii 
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Overview 

Expedition 13: Station Assembly Resumes 

A veteran crew will fly aboard the 

International Space Station this spring, 

working to set the stage for the resumption 

of assembly of new components at the 

complex as well as the return to a 

three-person crew on board. 

Attired in Russian Sokol launch and landing suits, the next crew to launch to the 

International Space Station pauses from its training schedule in Star City, Russia, to 

pose for a crew portrait. From the left are Brazilian Space Agency astronaut 

Marcos C. Pontes; cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander, 

representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, and NASA astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams, 

Expedition 13 Flight Engineer and Science Officer. 

Making his second flight into space, 

Russian cosmonaut Pavel Vinogradov 

(Pah'-vuhl Vee-nah-grah'-dawf), 52, will 

command the 13th Expedition to the station 

and serve as Soyuz Commander for 

launch, landing and on-orbit operations. 

NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams, 48, an 

Army colonel, will serve as Flight Engineer 

and Science Officer. He is also making his 

second flight into space. 

Vinogradov and Williams will launch on the 

ISS Soyuz 12, or TMA-8, spacecraft on 

March 29, CST, from the Baikonur 

1
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a two-day 

flight to link up to the Zvezda Service 

Module on the station. They will be joined 

on the Soyuz by Brazilian Space Agency 

astronaut Marcos Pontes (Mar'-kuss

Pahn'-tess), 43, a lieutenant colonel in the 

Brazilian Air Force, who will spend eight 

days on the complex under a contract 

signed with the Russian Federal Space 

Agency (Roscosmos). 

Pontes will return to Earth on the ISS 

Soyuz 11, or TMA-7, capsule with 

Expedition 12 Commander and NASA 

Science Officer William McArthur and 

Russian Flight Engineer and Soyuz 

Commander Valery Tokarev (Vuh-lair'-ee 

Toe'-kuh-reff) in the pre-dawn hours of 

April 9, Kazakhstan time. McArthur and 

Tokarev have been aboard the station since 

October, 2005. 

European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut Thomas Reiter 

2
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Vinogradov and Williams will be joined on 

the station during Expedition 13 by 

European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut 

Thomas Reiter (Toe-mahs' Rye'-turr) of 

Germany, 47, who will launch to the outpost 

on the STS-121 shuttle mission. Reiter is 

expected to be a station crewmember 

during both the Expedition 13 and 14 

missions, and is scheduled to return on a 

future shuttle or Soyuz mission. He would 

be the first non-American or Russian longduration crew member on the station under 

a commercial agreement between ESA and 

Roscosmos. 

Once on board, Vinogradov and Williams 

will conduct more than a week of handover 

activities with McArthur and Tokarev, 

familiarizing themselves with station 

systems and procedures. They will also 

receive proficiency training on the 

Canadarm2 robotic arm from McArthur and 

will engage in safety briefings with the 

departing Expedition 12 crew as well as 

payload and scientific equipment training. 

Vinogradov and Williams will assume 

formal control of the station at hatch closure 

for the Expedition 12 crew members shortly 

before they and Pontes undock the ISS 

Soyuz 11 craft from their docking port at the 

Zarya Module. With Tokarev at the controls 

of Soyuz, he, McArthur and Pontes will land 

in the steppes of Kazakhstan to wrap up 

their mission. Pontes’ mission will span 10 

days. 

After landing, the trio will be flown from 

Kazakhstan to the Gagarin Cosmonaut 

Training Center in Star City, Russia, for 

about two weeks of initial physical 

rehabilitation. Pontes will spend a much 

3
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

shorter time acclimating himself to Earth’s 

gravity due to the brevity of his flight. 

Vinogradov and Williams are expected to 

spend about six months aboard the station. 

After the Columbia accident on 

Feb. 1, 2003, the station program and the 

international partners determined that the 

complex would be occupied by only two 

crewmembers until the resumption of 

shuttle flights because of limitations on 

consumables. Once Reiter arrives on 

board, the station will operate with a 

three-person crew for the first time since 

May, 2003. 

The crew will work with experiments across 

a wide variety of fields including human life 

sciences, physical sciences and Earth 

observation as well as education and 

technology demonstrations. Many 

experiments are designed to gather 

information about the effects of 

long-duration spaceflight on the human 

body to help with planning future 

exploration missions to the moon or Mars. 

The science team at the Payload 

Operations Center at the Marshall Space 

Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., will operate 

some experiments without crew input and 

other experiments are designed to function 

autonomously. 

During their six months aloft, Vinogradov 

and Williams will greet the arrival of two 

Russian Progress resupply cargo ships 

filled with food, fuel, water and supplies that 

will augment the delivery of supplies on 

visiting shuttles. If all goes as planned, 

they will also greet two visiting shuttle 

crews. 

4
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

On STS-121, Discovery will deliver Reiter to 

the complex as well as logistical supplies 

and a new umbilical cable system for the 

station’s Mobile Transporter rail car. The 

new system will replace a unit that incurred 

a mechanical failure last December, 

resulting in the severing of one of two 

redundant cables that enable the car to 

move along the station’s truss. 

STS-115, on Atlantis, will deliver the next 

pair of segments for the port side of the 

truss. The P3 and P4 trusses will also add 

a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays to 

increase the power capability of the station. 

The ISS Progress 21 cargo ship is 

scheduled to reach the station in late April 

and ISS Progress 22 is earmarked to fly to 

the complex in late June. The first 

Progress craft will link up to the aft port of 

Zvezda and the second will arrive at the 

Pirs Docking Compartment. 

U.S. and Russian specialists are reviewing 

tasks that will be included in two 

spacewalks scheduled for Expedition 13. 

The first would be staged by Williams and 

Reiter out of the Quest airlock wearing U.S. 

suits to install a variety of external 

equipment for future assembly work. The 

second would be conducted by Vinogradov 

and Williams in Russian Orlan suits out of 

the Pirs airlock to install a new vent nozzle 

for the Elektron oxygen-generation system 

and to retrieve experiments. 

Vinogradov is a veteran of five spacewalks 

on the Mir Space Station. Reiter conducted 

a pair of spacewalks on Mir. Williams 

would be conducting his second spacewalk. 

His first was during a shuttle assembly 

mission to the International Space Station. 

Also on the crew’s agenda is work with the 

station’s robotic arm, Canadarm2. Robotics 

work will focus on observations of the 

station’s exterior, maintaining operator 

proficiency, and completing the schedule of 

on-orbit checkout requirements that were 

developed to fully characterize the 

performance of the robotic system.

5
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Expedition 13 Crew 

Pavel Vinogradov, commander

Russian Cosmonaut Pavel Vinogradov will 

command Expedition 13 and serve as the 

Soyuz commander for launch, landing and 

on-orbit operations. This will be the second 

long-duration mission for Vinogradov. He 

joined the RSC-Energia cosmonaut corps in 

May 1992 and conducted his first 

spaceflight in August 1997, launching on a 

Russian Soyuz for a 198-day spaceflight on 

board the Mir space station as the 

Expedition 24 flight engineer. During the 

mission, he conducted five spacewalks. He 

plans to conduct one spacewalk during 

Expedition 13. 

6
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Jeffrey Williams, flight engineer-1 and NASA science officer

This will be the second visit to the 

International Space Station for NASA 

astronaut Jeffrey Williams, an Army colonel, 

who will serve as the flight engineer. He’ll 

also serve as the NASA station science officer for 

the six-month mission, overseeing a diverse 

range of U.S. experiments. His previous 

spaceflight experience includes STS-101 in 

May 2000, the third shuttle mission devoted 

to space station construction. During the 

flight, Williams performed his first 

spacewalk lasting nearly seven hours as he 

worked on station assembly tasks. He is 

scheduled to conduct two spacewalks 

during Expedition 13. 

7
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Thomas Reiter, Expedition 13 flight engineer-2 

As the first astronaut from the European 

Space Agency to conduct a long-duration 

mission on the International Space Station, 

Thomas Reiter is scheduled to join 

Expedition 13 in progress, launching on 

Discovery on the STS-121 mission. Once 

on board, Reiter will return the station to a 

three-man crew for the first time since May 

2003. Reiter is flying under a commercial 

agreement between ESA and the Russian 

Federal Space Agency. 

Reiter will launch with Discovery’s crew, 

scheduled for liftoff no earlier than 

July 2006. Shortly after docking to the 

outpost, Reiter will transfer his custommade Soyuz capsule seat liner from the 

shuttle to the station to officially join 

Expedition 13. He is scheduled to return to 

Earth aboard shuttle mission STS-116 or 

aboard a Russian Soyuz. 

8
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

This will be Reiter’s second long-duration 

spaceflight, having served as a flight 

engineer on a mission aboard the Russian 

Mir Space Station in 1995 and 1996. 

During that flight, he performed 40 

European scientific experiments and 

participated in the maintenance of Mir. He 

did two spacewalks to install and later 

retrieve cassettes of the European Space 

Exposure Facility experiment. 

9
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Marcos Pontes, Brazilian Space Agency astronaut 

Brazilian Space Agency astronaut Marcos 

Pontes, a lieutenant colonel in the Brazil Air 

Force, will join the Expedition 13 crew for its 

launch to the International Space Station. 

He will remain aboard the complex for eight 

days of docked operations, and then return 

to Earth in with the Expedition 12 crew, 

Commander Bill McArthur and Flight 

Engineer Valery Tokarev. 

While on board, Pontes will perform 

research and science experiments on 

behalf of the Brazilian Space Agency under 

a commercial agreement with the Russian 

Federal Space Agency. 

10
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Mission Milestones 

(Dates are subject to change.)

March 30..............Launch of ISS Soyuz 

12/TMA-8 with Expedition 13 / Pontes 

April 1..................Docking of ISS Soyuz 

12/TMA-8 with Expedition 13 / Pontes 

(docks to Zarya nadir aft; 3 Russian 

vehicles at ISS) 

March 31 - April 9...........Expedition 13 / 12 

Handover 

April 9.................Undocking of ISS Soyuz 

11/TMA-7 and landing of Expedition 12 / 

Pontes (undocks from Zvezda aft; 

2 Russian vehicles at ISS) 

April 12...............45th anniversary of Yuri 

Gagarin's flight; 25th anniversary of STS-1 

April 24................Launch of ISS 

Progress 21 

April 26................Docking of ISS 

Progress 21 (to Zvezda aft) 

June 19...............Undocking of ISS 

Progress 20 (from Pirs Docking 

Compartment) 

June 28..............Launch of ISS 

Progress 22 

June 30..............Docking of ISS 

Progress 22 (to Pirs) 

July 1 - 19..........STS-121/ULF1.1 space 

shuttle mission planning launch window 

July...................U.S. spacewalk by 

Williams and Reiter 

Aug...................Russian spacewalk by 

Vinogradov and Williams 

Aug...................STS-115/12A space 

shuttle mission planning launch window 

Sept. 13.............Undocking of ISS 

Progress 21 

Sept. 14.............Launch of Expedition 14 

in ISS Soyuz 13/TMA-9 

Sept. 16.............Docking of Expedition 14 

to ISS 

Sept. 24.............Undocking from ISS and 

landing of Expedition 13 in ISS Soyuz 

12/TMA-8 

11
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Expedition 13 Spacewalks 

Cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing the 

Russian Federal 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 the Johnson Space Center. 

Two spacewalks are planned during 

Expedition 13. The first spacewalk, staged 

from the Quest airlock, is scheduled in July 

and the second, staged from the Pirs 

airlock, is scheduled in August. Jeff 

Williams and Thomas Reiter will perform 

the spacewalk from Quest. Pavel 

Vinogradov and Williams will perform the 

spacewalk from Pirs. 

12
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams, Expedition 13 NASA science 

officer and flight engineer, is submerged in the waters of the Neutral 

 Buoyancy Laboratory at Johnson Space Center. 

13
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

All three crewmembers are spacewalk 

veterans. Vinogradov has made five, 

Williams has made one and Reiter has 

made two. 

The following activities are to be 

accomplished during the Expedition 13 

spacewalks: 

U.S. Spacewalk No. 5 

Williams (EV1) and Reiter (EV2) 

• Install Video Stanchion Support 

Assembly and Floating Potential 

Measurement Unit on the S1 truss 

• Deploy materials on the ISS Experiment 

3 and 4 

• Install Thermal Radiator Rotary Joint 

Rotary Joint Motor Controller on 

S1 truss 

• Remove and replace Thermal Radiator 

Multiplexer/Demultiplexer on S1 truss 

• Remove and replace Node 2 Shunt 

Jumper in S0 truss 

• Install four Spool Positioning Devices 

(SPDs) on the S0 truss 

• Complete infra-red camera Detailed 

Test Objective 851 Objective 2 for the 

Space Shuttle Program to test shuttle 

heat shield inspection techniques 

• A variety of get-ahead tasks for future 

shuttle assembly mission to the station 

are under consideration, including: 

– Install a light on the Crew 

Equipment Translation Aid cart on 

the S1 truss 

– Install a Non-Propulsive Valve on 

the Destiny Laboratory 

• Remove Global Positioning Satellite 

antenna No. 4 

Russian Spacewalk No. 16

Vinogradov (EV1) and Williams (EV2) 

• Elektron vent nozzle (hydrogen relief 

valve) installation 

• Retrieve third Biorisk container from 

DC-1 

• Perform Golf Project 

• Retrieve Pressure Control and Exposure 

Monitor Sensor 

• Retrieve Kromka No. 3 

14
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Russian Soyuz TMA 

The Soyuz TMA spacecraft is designed to 

serve as the International Space Station's 

crew return vehicle, acting as a lifeboat in 

the unlikely event an emergency would 

require the crew to leave the station. A new 

Soyuz capsule is normally delivered to the 

station by a Soyuz crew every six months, 

replacing an older Soyuz capsule at the 

ISS. 

The Soyuz spacecraft is launched to the 

space station from the Baikonur 

Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard a 

Soyuz rocket. It consists of an orbital 

module, a descent module and an 

instrumentation/propulsion module. 

Orbital Module 

This portion of the Soyuz spacecraft is used 

by the crew while on orbit during free-flight. 

It has a volume of 6.5 cubic meters 

(230 cubic feet), with a docking mechanism, 

hatch and rendezvous antennas located at 

the front end. The docking mechanism is 

used to dock with the space station and the 

hatch allows entry into the station. The 

rendezvous antennas are used by the 

automated docking system -- a radar-based 

system -- to maneuver towards the station 

for docking. There is also a window in the 

module. 

The opposite end of the orbital module 

connects to the descent module via a 

pressurized hatch. Before returning to 

Earth, the orbital module separates from 

the descent module -- after the deorbit 

maneuver -- and burns up upon re-entry 

into the atmosphere. 

Descent Module 

The descent module is where the 

cosmonauts and astronauts sit for launch, 

re-entry and landing. All the necessary 

controls and displays of the Soyuz are here. 

The module also contains life support 

supplies and batteries used during descent, 

as well as the primary and backup 

parachutes and landing rockets. It also 

contains custom-fitted seat liners for each 

crewmember, individually molded to fit each 

person's body -- this ensures a tight, 

comfortable fit when the module lands on 

the Earth. When crewmembers are brought 

to the station aboard the space shuttle, their 

15
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

seat liners are brought with them and 

transferred to the existing Soyuz spacecraft 

as part of crew handover activities. 

The module has a periscope, which allows 

the crew to view the docking target on the 

station or the Earth below. The eight 

hydrogen peroxide thrusters located on the 

module are used to control the spacecraft's 

orientation, or attitude, during the descent 

until parachute deployment. It also has a 

guidance, navigation and control system to 

maneuver the vehicle during the descent 

phase of the mission. 

This module weighs 2,900 kilograms 

(6,393 pounds), with a habitable volume of 

4 cubic meters (141 cubic feet). 

Approximately 50 kilograms (110 pounds) 

of payload can be returned to Earth in this 

module and up to 150 kilograms 

(331 pounds) if only two crewmembers are 

present. The Descent Module is the only 

portion of the Soyuz that survives the return 

to Earth. 

Instrumentation/Propulsion Module 

This module contains three compartments: 

intermediate, instrumentation and 

propulsion. 

The intermediate compartment is where the 

module connects to the descent module. It 

also contains oxygen storage tanks and the 

attitude control thrusters, as well as 

electronics, communications and control 

equipment. The primary guidance, 

navigation, control and computer systems 

of the Soyuz are in the instrumentation 

compartment, which is a sealed container 

filled with circulating nitrogen gas to cool 

the avionics equipment. The propulsion 

compartment contains the primary thermal 

control system and the Soyuz radiator, with 

a cooling area of 8 square meters (86 

square feet). The propulsion system, 

batteries, solar arrays, radiator and 

structural connection to the Soyuz launch 

rocket are located in this compartment. 

The propulsion compartment contains the 

system that is used to perform any 

maneuvers while in orbit, including 

rendezvous and docking with the space 

station and the deorbit burns necessary to 

return to Earth. The propellants are 

nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetricdimethylhydrazine. The main propulsion 

system and the smaller reaction control 

system, used for attitude changes while in 

space, share the same propellant tanks. 

The two Soyuz solar arrays are attached to 

either side of the rear section of the 

instrumentation/propulsion module and are 

linked to rechargeable batteries. Like the 

orbital module, the intermediate section of 

the instrumentation/propulsion module 

separates from the descent module after 

the final deorbit maneuver and burns up in 

atmosphere upon re-entry. 

TMA Improvements and Testing 

The Soyuz TMA spacecraft is a 

replacement for the Soyuz TM, which was 

used from 1986 to 2002 to take astronauts 

and cosmonauts to Mir and then to the 

International Space Station. 

The TMA increases safety, especially in 

descent and landing. It has smaller and 

more efficient computers and improved 

displays. In addition, the Soyuz TMA 

accommodates individuals as large as 

1.9 meters (6 feet, 3 inches tall) and 

95 kilograms (209 pounds), compared to 

1.8 meters (6 feet) and 85 kilograms 

(187 pounds) in the earlier TM. Minimum 

16
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

crewmember size for the TMA is 1.5 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 the TM. 

Two new engines reduce landing speed 

and forces felt by crewmembers by 15 to 

30 percent and a new entry control system 

and three-axis accelerometer increase 

landing accuracy. Instrumentation 

improvements include a color "glass 

cockpit," which is easier to use and gives 

the crew more information, with hand 

controllers that can be secured under an 

instrument panel. All the new components 

in the Soyuz TMA can spend up to one year 

in space. 

New components and the entire TMA were 

rigorously tested on the ground, in hangardrop tests, in airdrop tests and in space 

before the spacecraft was declared flightready. For example, the accelerometer and 

associated software, as well as modified 

boosters (incorporated to cope with the 

TMA's additional mass), were tested on 

flights of Progress unpiloted supply 

spacecraft, while the new cooling system 

was tested on two Soyuz TM flights. 

Descent module structural modifications, 

seats and seat shock absorbers were 

tested in hangar drop tests. Landing 

system modifications, including associated 

software upgrades, were tested in a series 

of airdrop tests. Additionally, extensive 

tests of systems and components were 

conducted on the ground. 

Soyuz Launcher 

Throughout history, more than 

1,500 launches have been made with 

Soyuz launchers to orbit satellites for 

telecommunications, Earth observation, 

weather, and scientific missions, as well as 

for human flights. 

17
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

A Soyuz launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. 

18
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

The basic Soyuz vehicle is considered a 

three-stage launcher in Russian terms and 

is composed of: 

• A lower portion consisting of four 

boosters (first stage) and a central core 

(second stage). 

• An upper portion, consisting of the third 

stage, payload adapter and payload 

fairing. 

• Liquid oxygen and kerosene are used 

as propellants in all three Soyuz stages. 

First Stage Boosters 

The first stage’s four boosters are 

assembled around the second stage central 

core. The boosters are identical and 

cylindrical-conic in shape with the oxygen 

tank in the cone-shaped portion and the 

kerosene tank in the cylindrical portion. 

An NPO Energomash RD 107 engine with 

four main chambers and two gimbaled 

vernier thrusters is used in each booster. 

The vernier thrusters provide three-axis 

flight control. 

Ignition of the first stage boosters and the 

second stage central core occur 

simultaneously on the ground. When the 

boosters have completed their powered 

flight during ascent, they are separated and 

the core second stage continues to 

function. 

First stage separation occurs when the predefined velocity is reached, which is about 

118 seconds after liftoff. 

Second Stage 

An NPO Energomash RD 108 engine 

powers the Soyuz second stage. This 

engine has four vernier thrusters, 

necessary for three-axis flight control after 

the first stage boosters have separated. 

An equipment bay located atop the second 

stage operates during the entire flight of the 

first and second stages. 

Third Stage 

The third stage is linked to the Soyuz 

second stage by a latticework structure. 

When the second stage’s powered flight is 

complete, the third stage engine is ignited. 

Separation occurs by the direct ignition 

forces of the third stage engine. 

A single-turbopump RD 0110 engine from 

KB KhA powers the Soyuz third stage. 

The third stage engine is fired for about 

240 seconds. Cutoff occurs at a calculated 

velocity. After cutoff and separation, the 

third stage performs an avoidance 

maneuver by opening an outgassing valve 

in the liquid oxygen tank. 

Launcher Telemetry Tracking & Flight 

Safety Systems 

Soyuz launcher tracking and telemetry is 

provided through systems in the second 

and third stages. These two stages have 

their own radar transponders for ground 

tracking. Individual telemetry transmitters 

are in each stage. Launcher health status 

is downlinked to ground stations along the 

flight path. Telemetry and tracking data are 

transmitted to the mission control center, 

where the incoming data flow is recorded. 

Partial real-time data processing and 

19
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

plotting is performed for flight following and 

initial performance assessment. All flight 

data is analyzed and documented within a 

few hours after launch. 

Baikonur Cosmodrome Launch 

Operations 

Soyuz missions use the Baikonur 

Cosmodrome’s proven infrastructure, and 

launches are performed by trained 

personnel with extensive operational 

experience. 

Baikonur Cosmodrome is in the Republic of 

Kazakhstan in Central Asia between 45 

degrees and 46 degrees north latitude and 

63 degrees east longitude. Two launch 

pads are dedicated to Soyuz missions. 

Final Launch Preparations 

The assembled launch vehicle is moved to 

the launch pad on a railcar. Transfer to the 

launch zone occurs two days before launch. 

The vehicle is erected and a launch 

rehearsal is performed that includes 

activation of all electrical and mechanical 

equipment. 

On launch day, the vehicle is loaded with 

propellant and the final countdown 

sequence is started at three hours before 

the liftoff time. 

Rendezvous to Docking 

A Soyuz spacecraft generally takes two 

days to reach the space station. The 

rendezvous and docking are both 

automated, though once the spacecraft is 

within 150 meters (492 feet) of the station, 

the Russian Mission Control Center just 

outside Moscow monitors the approach and 

docking. The Soyuz crew has the capability 

to manually intervene or execute these 

operations. 

20
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Soyuz Booster Rocket Characteristics 

First Stage Data - Blocks B, V, G, D 

Engine 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-108 

Propellants 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 I 

Engine 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) 309.53 

TOTAL LENGTH (meters) 49.3 

21
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Prelaunch Countdown Timeline 

T- 34 Hours Booster is prepared for fuel loading 

T- 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 vehicle 

T- 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 

instruments activated 

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

T- :40:00 Re-entry vehicle hardware testing complete; leak checks 

performed on suits 

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

activated 

T- :25:00 Service towers withdrawn 

T- :15:00 Suit leak tests complete; crew engages personal escape 

hardware auto mode 

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

recorders 

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 launch 

T- 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 purged 

with nitrogen 

22
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

T- 2:30 Booster propellant tank pressurization starts 

Onboard 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 are 

closed 

Ground filling of oxidizer and nitrogen to the launch vehicle is 

terminated 

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 position 

Central 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 deploy 

Flight control switches to Mission Control, Korolev 

23
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Orbital Insertion to Docking Timeline 

FLIGHT DAY 1 OVERVIEW 

Orbit 1 Post insertion: Deployment of solar panels, antennas and 

docking probe 

- Crew monitors all deployments 

- Crew reports on pressurization of OMS/RCS and ECLSS 

systems and crew health. Entry thermal sensors are manually 

deactivated 

- 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 onboard 

indications 

- 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 yaw 

rotation. MCS is deactivated after rate is established. 

Orbit 3 Terminate +Y solar rotation, reactivate MCS and establish 

LVLH attitude reference (auto maneuver sequence) 

- Crew monitors LVLH attitude reference build up 

- Burn data command upload for DV1 and DV2 (attitude, TIG 

Delta V's) 

- 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) while 

LOS 

- 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) while 

LOS 

- Crew monitor only, no manual action nominally required 

DV2 phasing burn while LOS 

- Crew monitor only, no manual action nominally required 

24
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

FLIGHT DAY 1 OVERVIEW (CONTINUED) 

Orbit 4 Crew report on burn performance upon AOS 

(continued) - 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 yaw 

rotation. 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 establish 

LVLH 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 yaw 

rotation. MCS is deactivated after rate is established. 

25
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

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 tracking 

Orbit 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 tracking 

Orbit 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 

26
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

FLIGHT DAY 3 AUTO RENDEZVOUS SEQUENCE (CONTINUED) 

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 rendezvous 

timeline 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 station 

keeping 

- 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), Display 

TV 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 

27
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Typical Soyuz Ground Track 

28
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Expedition 12/ISS Soyuz 11 (TMA-7) Landing 

For the seventh time, an American 

astronaut will return to Earth from orbit in a 

Russian Soyuz capsule. Expedition 12 

Commander and Science Officer William 

McArthur will be aboard the Soyuz TMA-7 

capsule as he, Soyuz Commander Valery 

Tokarev and Brazilian Space Agency 

astronaut Marcos Pontes touch down in the 

steppes of Kazakhstan to complete their 

mission. McArthur and Tokarev will be 

wrapping up six months in orbit while 

Pontes will return after a brief commerciallysponsored 10-day flight. 

The grounding of the Space Shuttle fleet 

following the Columbia accident on 

Feb. 1, 2003, necessitated the landing of 

expedition crews in Soyuz capsules. The 

Expedition 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 crews rode 

the Soyuz home in May and October 2003, 

April and October 2004 and April 2005 and 

October. The Soyuz also provides a 

lifeboat capability for residents aboard the 

ISS. 

The Expedition 7, 8, 9,10 and 11 crews 

landed on target, but as a precaution 

against any possibility that the Soyuz could 

land off course as did Expedition 6, 

Tokarev, McArthur and Pontes will have a 

satellite phone and Global Positioning 

System locator for instant communications 

with Russian recovery teams. 

About three hours before undocking, 

Tokarev, McArthur and Pontes will bid 

farewell to the new Expedition 13 crew, 

Russian Commander Pavel Vinogradov and 

Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer 

Jeffrey Williams. The departing crew will 

climb into the Soyuz vehicle, closing the 

hatch between Soyuz and Zvezda. 

McArthur will be in the Soyuz’ left seat for 

entry and landing and on-board engineer. 

Tokarev will be in the center commander’s 

seat, and Pontes will occupy the right seat. 

After activating Soyuz systems and getting 

approval from Russian flight controllers at 

the Russian Mission Control Center outside 

Moscow, Tokarev will send commands to 

open hooks and latches between Soyuz 

and Zvezda. 

Tokarev will fire the Soyuz thrusters to back 

away from Zvezda. Five minutes after 

undocking and with the Soyuz about 

20 meters away from the station, he will 

conduct a separation maneuver, firing the 

Soyuz jets for about 15 seconds to move 

away from the complex. 

A little less than 21⁄2 hours later, at a 

distance of about 19 kilometers from the 

station, Soyuz computers will initiate a 

deorbit burn braking maneuver of about 

41⁄2 minutes in duration to slow the 

spacecraft and enable it to drop out of orbit 

to begin its reentry to Earth. 

Less than a half hour later, just above the 

first traces of the Earth’s atmosphere, 

computers will command the separation of 

the three modules of the Soyuz vehicle. 

With the crew strapped in to the descent 

module, the forward orbital module 

containing the docking mechanism and 

rendezvous antennas and the rear 

instrumentation and propulsion module, 

which houses the engines and avionics, will 

pyrotechnically separate and burn up in the 

atmosphere. 

29
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

The descent module’s computers will orient 

the capsule with its ablative heat shield 

pointing forward to repel the buildup of heat 

as it plunges into the atmosphere. The 

crew will feel the first effects of gravity in 

almost six months at the point called entry 

Interface, when the module is about 

400,000 feet above the Earth, about 

3 minutes after module separation. 

About 8 minutes later at an altitude of about 

10 kilometers, traveling at about 220 meters 

per second, the Soyuz’ computers will 

begin a commanded sequence for the 

deployment of the capsule’s parachutes. 

First, two “pilot” parachutes will be 

deployed, extracting a larger drogue 

parachute, which stretches out over an area 

of 24 square meters. Within 16 seconds, 

the Soyuz’s descent will slow to about 80 

meters per second. 

The initiation of the parachute deployment 

will create a gentle spin for the Soyuz as it 

dangles underneath the drogue chute, 

assisting in the capsule’s stability in the 

final minutes prior to touchdown. 

At this point, the drogue chute is jettisoned, 

allowing the main parachute to be 

deployed. Connected to the descent 

module by two harnesses, the main 

parachute covers an area of about 

1,000 meters. Initially, the descent module 

will hang underneath the main parachute at 

a 30 degree angle with respect to the 

horizon for aerodynamic stability, but the 

bottommost harness will be severed a few 

minutes before landing, allowing the 

descent module to hang vertically through 

touchdown. The deployment of the main 

parachute slows down the descent module 

to a velocity of about 7 meters per second. 

Within minutes, at an altitude of a little more 

than 5 kilometers, the crew will monitor the 

jettison of the descent module’s heat shield, 

which is followed by the termination of the 

aerodynamic spin cycle and the dumping of 

any residual propellant from the Soyuz. 

Computers also will arm the module’s seat 

shock absorbers in preparation for landing. 

With the jettisoning of the capsule’s heat 

shield, the Soyuz altimeter is exposed to 

the surface of the Earth. Using a reflector 

system, signals are bounced to the ground 

from the Soyuz and reflected back, 

providing the capsule’s computers updated 

information on altitude and rate of descent. 

At an altitude of about 12 meters, cockpit 

displays will tell Tokarev to prepare for the 

soft-landing engine firing. Just one meter 

above the surface, and just seconds before 

touchdown, the six solid propellant engines 

are fired in a final braking maneuver, 

enabling the Soyuz to land to complete its 

mission, settling down at a velocity of about 

1.5 meters per second. 

A recovery team, including a U.S. flight 

surgeon and astronaut support personnel, 

will be in the landing area in a convoy of 

Russian military helicopters awaiting the 

Soyuz landing. Once the capsule touches 

down, the helicopters will land nearby to 

begin the removal of the crew. 

Within minutes of landing, a portable 

medical tent will be set up nearby in which 

the crew can change out of its launch and 

entry suits. Russian technicians will open 

the module’s hatch and begin to remove the 

crew, one-by-one. They will be seated in 

special reclining chairs near the capsule for 

initial medical tests and to provide an 

30
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

opportunity to begin readapting to Earth’s 

gravity. 

About two hours after landing, the crew will 

be assisted to the helicopters for a flight 

back to a staging site in Kazakhstan, where 

local officials will welcome them. The crew 

will then board a Russian military transport 

plane to be flown back to the Chkalovsky 

Airfield adjacent to the Gagarin Cosmonaut 

Training Center in Star City, Russia, where 

their families will meet them. In all, it will 

take at around eight hours between landing 

and the return to Star City. 

Assisted by a team of flight surgeons, the 

crew will undergo more than two weeks of 

medical tests and physical rehabilitation 

before McArthur and Tokarev return to the 

U.S. for additional debriefings and follow-up 

exams. Pontes’ acclimation to Earth’s 

gravity will be a much shorter. 

31
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Key Times for Expedition 13/12 International Space Station Event

Expedition 13 / Pontes Launch: 

8:30 p.m. CST on March 29, 230:18 GMT 

on March 30, 6:30:18 a.m. Moscow time on 

March 30, 8:30:18 a.m. Baikonur time on 

March 30. 

Expedition 13 / Pontes Docking to the 

ISS: 

10:19 p.m. CST on March 31, 419 GMT on 

April 1, 8:19 a.m. Moscow time on April 1. 

Expedition 13 / Pontes Hatch Opening to 

the ISS: 

11:30 p.m. CST on March 31, 530 GMT on 

April 1, 9:30 a.m. Moscow time on April 1. 

Expedition 12 / Pontes Hatch Closure to 

the ISS: 

12:12 p.m. CST on April 8, 1712 GMT on 

April 8, 9:12 p.m. Moscow time on April 8, 

11:12 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 8. 

Expedition 12 / Pontes Undocking from 

the ISS: 

3:28 p.m. CST on April 8, 2028 GMT on 

April 8, 12:28 a.m. Moscow time on April 9, 

2:28 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 9. 

Expedition 12 / Pontes Deorbit Burn: 

5:55:43 p.m. CST on April 8, 2255:43 GMT 

on April 8, 2:55:43 a.m. Moscow time on 

April 9, 4:55:43 a.m. Kazakhstan time on 

April 9. 

Expedition 12 / Pontes Landing: 

6:46:06 p.m. CST on April 8, 2346 GMT on 

April 8, 3:46:06 a.m. Moscow time on April 

9, 5:46:06 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 9 

(about 1 hour, 4 minutes before sunrise) 

Launch on March 29 / 30 puts Houston 10 

hours behind Moscow, which would be 2 

hours behind Baikonur, with Moscow 

having moved to Daylight Savings Time on 

March 26. Same spread for docking April 

1. For landing on April 8 / 9, Houston would 

again be 9 hours behind Moscow, only 11 

hours behind Kustanai / Arkalyk / 

Karaganda / Dzhezkazgan. 

32
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Soyuz Entry Timeline 

Separation Command to Begin to Open Hooks and Latches:

Undocking Command + 0 mins.

3:25 p.m. CST on April 8 

2025 GMT on April 8 

12:25 a.m. Moscow time on April 9 

2:25 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 9. 

l Separation of Soyuz from Zvezda aft port at .12 meter/sec:

 + 3 mins.

Hooks Opened / Physica

Undocking Command

3:28 p.m. CST on April 8 

2028 GMT on April 8 

12:28 a.m. Moscow time on April 9 

2:28 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 9 

33
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Separation Burn from ISS (8 second burn of the uz 

distance from the ISS is ~20 meters):

Undocking Command + 6 mins.

 Soyuz engines, .29 meters/sec; Soy

3:31 p.m. CST on April 8 

2031 GMT on April 8 

12:31 a.m. Moscow time on April 9 

2:31 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 9 

Deorbit Burn (appx 4:24 in duration, 115.2 m/sec; Soyuz distance from the ISS is ~12 

kilometers):

Undocking Command appx + ~2 hours, 

30 mins.

5:55:43 p.m. CST on April 8 

22:55:43 GMT on April 8 

2:55:43 a.m. Moscow time on April 9 

4:55:43 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 9 

34
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Seperation of Modules (~28 mins. after Deorbit Burn):

Undocking Command + ~2 hours, 

57 mins.

6:19:54 p.m. CST on April 8 

2319:54 GMT on April 8 

3:19:54 a.m. Moscow time on April 9 

5:19:54 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 9 

Entry Interface (400,000 feet in altitude; 3 mins. after Module Seperation; 31 mins. after 

Deorbit Burn):

Undocking Command + ~3 hours

:22:45 a.m. Moscow time on April 9 

:22:45 a.m. Kazakhsatan time on April 9 

6:22:45 p.m. CST on April 8 

2322:45 GMT on April 8 

3

5

35
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Command to Open Chutes (8 mins. after Entry Interface; 39 mins. after Deorbit Burn):

ndocking Command + ~3 hours, 8 mins. 

6:31:06 p.m. CST on April 8 

2331:06 GMT on April 8 

3:31:06 a.m. Moscow time on April 9 

5:31:06 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 9 

The main parachute is then released, 

covering an area of 1,000 square meters; it 

slows the Soyuz to a descent rate 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. 

Two pilot parachutes are first deployed, the 

U

second of which extracts the drogue chute. 

The drogue chute is then released, 

measuring 24 square meters, slowing the 

Soyuz down from a descent rate of 

230 meters/second to 80 meters/second. 

36
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Soft Landing Engine Firing (6 engines fire to slow the Soyuz descent rate to 

1.5 meters/second just .8 meter above the ground)

 appx. 2 seconds 

Landing (~47 mins. after Deorbit Burn): 

Undocking Command + ~3 hours, 

Landing -

24 mins.

6:46:06 p.m. CST on April 8 

2346:06 GMT on April 8 

3:46:06 a.m. Moscow time on April 9 

5:46:06 a.m. Kazakhstan time on April 9 

(1 hour, 4 minutes before sunrise at the 

landing site) 

37
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

International Space Station: Expedition 13 Science Overview 

Many Expedition 13 research activities will 

be carried out using scientific facilities and 

samples already on board the space 

station, along with new research facilities 

transported during the next shuttle mission, 

STS-121. NASA’s second Return to Flight 

test flight, a Space Shuttle Discovery 

mission, is scheduled for launch in 

July 2006. 

During Expedition 13, two Russian 

Progress cargo flights – called ISS 21P 

and 22P for the 21st and 22nd Progress 

vehicles – are scheduled to dock with the 

space station in April and June 2006, 

respectively. The re-supply ships will 

transport scientific equipment and supplies 

to the station. 

The research agenda for the expedition 

remains flexible. The Expedition 13 crew 

has scheduled about 170 hours for U.S. 

payload activities. Space station science 

also will be conducted remotely by the team 

of controllers and scientists on the ground, 

who will continue to plan, monitor and 

operate experiments from control centers 

across the United States. 

A team of controllers for Expedition 13 will 

work in the Payload Operations Center – 

the science command post for the space 

station – at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight 

Center in Huntsville, Ala. Controllers work 

in three shifts around the clock, seven days 

a week in the Payload Operations Center, 

which links researchers around the world 

with their experiments and the station crew. 

Experiments Related to Spacecraft 

Systems

Many experiments are designed to help 

develop technologies, designs and 

materials for future spacecraft and 

exploration missions. These experiments 

include: 

Dust Aerosol Measurement Feasibility 

Test (DAFT) will test the effectiveness of a 

device that counts ultra-fine dust particles in 

a microgravity environment, a precursor to 

the next generation of fire detection 

equipment for exploration vehicles. 

Materials on the International Space 

Station Experiment (MISSE – 3/4 and 5)

are suitcase-sized test beds attached to the 

outside of the space station. The beds 

expose hundreds of potential space 

construction materials and different types of 

solar cells to the harsh environment of 

space. After spending about a year 

mounted to the space station, the 

equipment will be returned to Earth for 

study. Investigators will use the resulting 

data to design stronger, more durable 

spacecraft. 

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, 

Reorient, Experimental Satellites 

(SPHERES) are bowling-ball sized spherical 

satellites. They will be used inside the 

space station to test control algorithms for 

spacecraft by performing autonomous 

rendezvous and docking maneuvers. The 

results are important for designing 

constellation and array spacecraft 

configurations. 

Capillary Flow Experiment (CFE), a suite 

of fluid physics flight experiments, will study 

how fluids behave in space. Because fluids 

38
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

behave differently in low gravity, this 

information will be valuable for engineers 

designing spacecraft cooling systems, life 

support systems and the many other types 

of equipment that use fluids to operate. 

Space Experiment Module (SEM) allows 

students to research the effects of 

microgravity, radiation and space flight on 

various materials. This encourages 

students to probe into the physics of 

radiation, microgravity and space flight 

through planning, performing and analyzing 

materials experiments on board the station. 

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement 

System (MAMS) and Space Acceleration 

Measurement System (SAMS-II) measure 

vibration and quasi-steady accelerations 

that result from vehicle control burns, 

docking and undocking activities. Two 

different equipment packages measure 

vibrations at different frequencies. 

Human Life Science Investigations

Measurements of Expedition 13 

crewmembers will be used to study 

changes in the body caused by exposure to 

the microgravity environment. Continuing 

and new experiments include: 

Behavioral Issues Associated with 

Isolation and Confinement: Review and 

Analysis of Astronaut Journals uses 

journals kept by the crew and surveys to 

study the effect of isolation to obtain 

quantitative data on the importance of 

different behavioral issues in long-duration 

crews. Results will help design equipment 

and procedures to allow astronauts to best 

cope with isolation and long duration 

spaceflight. 

Chromosomal Aberrations in Blood 

Lymphocytes of Astronauts 2 

(Chromosome-2), a European Space 

Agency payload, is a continuation of the 

Chromosome investigation performed on 

earlier expeditions. It will study the 

incidence aberrations in chromosomes 

following long duration spaceflight. By 

improving the knowledge genetic risks 

faced by astronauts in space, the study 

seeks to optimize radiation shielding. 

The Renal Stone experiment tests the 

effectiveness of potassium citrate in 

preventing renal stone formation during 

long-duration spaceflight. Kidney stone 

formation is a significant risk during long 

duration space flight that could impair 

astronaut functionality. 

Space Flight-Induced Reactivation of 

Latent Epstein-Barr Virus (Epstein-Barr)

performs tests to study changes in human 

immune function. Using blood and urine 

samples collected before and after space 

flight, the study will provide insight for 

possible countermeasures to prevent the 

potential development of infectious illness 

in crewmembers during flight. 

Anomalous Long Term Effects in 

Astronauts' Central Nervous System 

(ALTEA) integrates several diagnostic 

technologies to measure the exposure of 

crewmembers to cosmic radiation. It will 

further our understanding of the impact of 

radiation on the human central nervous and 

visual systems. It also will provide an 

assessment of the radiation environment in 

the station. 

Other Biological Experiments 

Studies of the responses of microbes in the 

space environment will also help to 

39
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

evaluate risks to human health. Plant 

growth experiments also give insight into 

the effects of the space environment on 

living organisms. These experiments 

include: 

A Comprehensive Characterization of 

Microorganisms and Allergens in 

Spacecraft (Swab) will use advanced 

molecular techniques to comprehensively 

evaluate microbes on board the space 

station, including pathogens – organisms 

that may cause disease. It also will track 

changes in the microbial community as 

spacecraft visit the station and new station 

modules are added. This study will allow 

an assessment of the risk of microbes to 

the crew and the spacecraft. 

Passive Observatories for Experimental 

Microbial Systems (POEMS) will evaluate 

the effect of stress in the space 

environment on the generation of genetic 

variation in model microbial cells. POEMS 

will provide important information to help 

evaluate risks to humans flying in space to 

further understand bacterial infections that 

may occur during long duration space 

missions. 

Analysis of a Novel Sensory Mechanism 

in Root Phototropism (Tropi) will observe 

the growth and collect samples of plants 

sprouted from seeds. By analyzing the 

samples at a molecular level, researchers 

gain insight on what genes are responsible 

for successful plant growth in microgravity. 

Experiments Using On-board Resources

Many experiments from earlier expeditions 

remain on board the space station and will 

continue to benefit from the long-term 

research platform provided by the orbiting 

laboratory. These experiments include: 

Crew Earth Observations (CEO) takes 

advantage of the crew in space to observe 

and photograph natural and human-made 

changes on Earth. The photographs record 

the Earth’s surface changes over time, 

along with more fleeting events such as 

storms, floods, fires and volcanic eruptions. 

Together, they provide researchers on 

Earth with vital, continuous images to better 

understand the planet. 

Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle 

School Students (EarthKAM), an 

education experiment, allows middle school 

students to program a digital camera on 

board the station to photograph a variety of 

geographical targets for study in the 

classroom. 

Space Shuttle Experiments

Many other experiments are scheduled to 

be performed during the STS-121 mission. 

These experiments include: 

Fungal Pathogenesis, Tumorigenesis, 

and Effects of Host Immunity in Space 

(FIT) studies the susceptibility to fungal 

infection, progression of radiation-induced 

tumors and changes in immune function in 

sensitized Drosophila, or fruit fly lines. 

Incidence of Latent Virus Shielding 

During Spaceflight (Latent Virus) will 

determine the frequencies of reactivation of 

latent viruses -- viruses that are inactive in 

the body and can be reactivated, such as 

cold sores -- and clinical diseases after 

exposure to the physical, physiological, and 

psychological stressors associated with 

space flight. Understanding latent virus 

reactivation may be critical to crew health 

during extended space missions as 

crewmembers live and work in a closed 

environment. 

40
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Bioavailablity and Performance Effects 

Of Promethazine During Spaceflight 

(PMZ) will examine the bioavailability and 

performance impacting side-effects of this 

medication. Promethazine is a medication 

taken by the astronauts to prevent motion 

sickness. 

Effect of Space Flight on Microbial Gene 

Expression and Virulence (Microbe) will 

investigate the effects of the space flight 

environment on the infectiousness of three 

model microbial pathogens identified during 

previous space flight missions as potential 

threats to crew health. 

Maui Analysis of Upper Atmospheric 

Injections (MAUI) observes the exhaust 

plume of the space shuttle from the ground, 

leading to an assessment of spacecraft 

plume interactions with the upper 

atmosphere. 

Ram Burn Observations (RAMBO) is a 

Department of Defense experiment that 

observes Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering 

System engine burns by satellite for the 

purpose of improving plume models. 

Understanding the spacecraft engine plume 

flow could be significant to the safe arrival 

and departure of spacecraft on current and 

future exploration missions.

Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light 

Exposure During Spaceflight - Short 

(Sleep-Short) will examine the effects of 

space flight on the sleep-wake cycles of the 

astronauts during space shuttle missions.

Advancing state-of-the-art technology for 

monitoring, diagnosing and assessing 

treatment is vital to treating insomnia on 

Earth and in space. 

New Space Station Facilities

Two new space station facilities are 

scheduled to be launched on STS-121. 

Minus Eighty-degree Laboratory Freezer 

for ISS (MELFI) is a cold storage unit that 

will maintain experiment samples at 

temperatures of -80° C, -26° C, or +4° C 

throughout a mission. 

European Modular Cultivation System 

(EMCS) is a large incubator that will provide 

control over the atmosphere, lighting and 

humidity of growth chambers used to study 

plant growth. The facility was developed by 

the European Space Agency. 

Destiny Laboratory Facilities

Several research facilities are in place on 

board the station to support Expedition 13 

science investigations. 

The Human Research Facility is designed 

to house and support life sciences 

experiments. It includes equipment for lung 

function tests, ultrasound to image the heart 

and many other types of computers and 

medical equipment. 

Human Research Facility-2 provides an 

on-orbit laboratory that enables human life 

science researchers to study and evaluate 

the physiological, behavioral and chemical 

changes induced by space flight. 

The Microgravity Science Glovebox has 

a large front window and built-in gloves to 

provide a sealed environment for 

conducting science and technology 

experiments. The glovebox is particularly 

suited for handling hazardous materials 

when a crewmember is present. 

The Destiny lab also is outfitted with five 

EXPRESS Racks. EXPRESS, or Expedite 

the Processing of Experiments to the Space 

41
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Station, racks are standard payload racks 

designed to provide experiments with 

utilities such as power, data, cooling, fluids 

and gasses. The racks support payloads in 

disciplines including biology, chemistry, 

physics, ecology and medicines. The racks 

stay in orbit, while experiments are 

changed as needed. EXPRESS Racks 2 

and 3 are equipped with the Active Rack 

Isolation System (ARIS) for countering 

minute vibrations from crew movement or 

operating equipment that could disturb 

delicate experiments. 

On the Internet:

For fact sheets, imagery and more on 

Expedition 13 experiments and payload 

operations, click on http://www.nasa.gov

42
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

The Payload Operations Center 

The Payload Operations Center at Marshall 

Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., is 

NASA’s primary science command post for 

the International Space Station. Space 

Station scientific research plays a vital role 

in implementing the Vision for Space 

Exploration, to return to the moon and 

explore our solar system. 

The International Space Station will 

accommodate dozens of experiments in 

fields as diverse as medicine, human life 

sciences, biotechnology, agriculture, 

manufacturing, Earth observation, and 

more. Managing these science assets -- as 

well as the time and space required to 

accommodate experiments and programs 

from a host of private, commercial, industry 

and government agencies nationwide -- 

makes the job of coordinating space station 

research a critical one. 

The Payload Operations Center continues 

the role Marshall has played in 

management and operation of NASA’s 

on-orbit science research. In the 1970s, 

Marshall managed the science program for 

Skylab, the first American space station. 

Spacelab -- the international science 

laboratory carried to orbit in the '80s and 

‘90s by the space shuttle for more than a 

dozen missions -- was the prototype for 

Marshall’s space station science 

operations. 

43
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Today, the team at the POC is responsible 

for managing all U.S. science research 

experiments aboard the station. The center 

also is home for coordination of the 

mission-planning work of a variety of 

sources, all U.S. science payload deliveries 

and retrieval, and payload training and 

payload safety programs for the Station 

crew and all ground personnel. 

State-of-the-art computers and 

communications equipment deliver roundthe-clock reports from science outposts 

around the United States to systems 

controllers and science experts staffing 

numerous consoles beneath the glow of 

wall-sized video screens. Other computers 

stream information to and from the space 

station itself, linking the orbiting research 

facility with the science command post on 

Earth. 

Once launch schedules are finalized, the 

POC oversees delivery of experiments to 

the space station. These will be constantly 

in cycle: new payloads will be delivered by 

the space shuttle, or aboard launch 

vehicles provided by international partners; 

completed experiments and samples will be 

returned to Earth via the shuttle. This 

dynamic environment provides the true 

excitement and challenge of science 

operations aboard the space station. 

The POC works with support centers 

around country to develop an integrated 

U.S. payload mission plan. Each support 

center is responsible for integrating specific 

disciplines of study with commercial 

payload operations. They are: 

• Marshall Space Flight Center, managing 

microgravity (materials sciences, 

microgravity research experiments, 

space partnership development program 

research) 

• John Glenn Research Center in 

Cleveland, managing microgravity 

(fluids and combustion research) 

• Johnson Space Center in Houston, 

managing human life sciences 

(physiological and behavioral studies, 

crew health and performance) 

The POC combines inputs from all these 

centers into a U.S. payload operations 

master plan, delivered to the Space Station 

Control Center at Johnson Space Center to 

be integrated into a weekly work schedule. 

All necessary resources are then allocated, 

available time and rack space are 

determined, and key personnel are 

assigned to oversee the execution of 

science experiments and operations in 

orbit. 

Housed in a two-story complex at Marshall, 

the POC is staffed around the clock by 

three shifts of systems controllers. During 

space station operations, center personnel 

routinely manage three to four times the 

number of experiments as were conducted 

aboard Spacelab. 

44
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

The POC’s main flight control team, or the 

"cadre," is headed by the payload 

operations director, who approves all 

science plans in coordination with Mission 

Control at Johnson, the Station crew and 

the payload support centers. The payload 

communications manager, the voice of the 

POC, coordinates and manages real-time 

voice responses between the ISS crew 

conducting payload operations and the 

researchers whose science is being 

conducted. The operations controller 

oversees Station science operations 

resources such as tools and supplies, and 

assures support systems and procedures 

are ready to support planned activities. The 

photo and TV operations manager and data 

management coordinator are responsible 

for station video systems and high-rate data 

links to the POC. 

The timeline coordination officer maintains 

the daily calendar of station work 

assignments based on the plan generated 

at Johnson Space Center, as well as daily 

status reports from the station crew. The 

payload rack officer monitors rack integrity, 

power and temperature control, and the 

proper working conditions of station 

experiments. 

Additional support controllers routinely 

coordinate anomaly resolution, procedure 

changes, and maintain configuration 

management of on-board stowed payload 

hardware. 

For updates to this fact sheet, visit the 

Marshall News Center at: 

http://www.msfc.nasa.gov/news

45
Expedition 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

46

Russian Research Objectives (Increment 13) 

Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective 

Commercial KHT-1 GTS Electronics unit; 

Antenna assembly with attachment mechanism 

Global time system test development 

Commercial KHT-20 GCF-JAXA GCF-02 kit Protein crystallization Commercial KHT-29 ROKVISS "Rokviss" equipment 

Universal Working Place УРМ-Д

Hinge joints operation working-off 

Commercial КНТ-34 “Golf” project Golf-clubs (2 items) 

Golf-balls (4 items) 

Imagery activities on ISS RS and in outer space EVA 

Technology & Material Science 

ТХН-7 SVS (СВС) "СВС" researching camera 

"Telescience" hardware from "ПК-3" Nominal hardware: “Klest” (“Crossbill”) TV-system Picture monitor (ВКУ)

Self-propagating high-temperature fusion in space 

Technology & Material Science 

ТХН-9 Kristallizator 

(Crystallizer) 

“Crystallizer” complex Biological macromolecules crystallization and 

obtaining bio-crystal films under microgravity conditions 

Geophysical ГФИ-1 Relaksatsiya “Fialka-MB-Kosmos” - 

Spectrozonal ultraviolet system 

High sensitive images recorder

Study of chemiluminescent chemical reactions and atmospheric light phenomena that occur during highvelocity interaction between the exhaust products from spacecraft propulsion systems and the Earth atmosphere at orbital altitudes and during the entry of space vehicles into the Earth upper atmosphere 

Using O

Geophysical ГФИ-8 Uragan Nominal hardware: 

Kodak 760 camera; Nikon D1 LIV video system 

Experimental verification of the ground and spacebased system for predicting natural and man-made disasters, mitigating the damage caused, and facilitating recovery 

Using O

Biomedical МБИ-5 Kardio-ODNT Nominal Hardware: 

"Gamma-1M" equipment; "Chibis" countermeasures vacuum suit 

Comprehensive study of the cardiac activity and blood circulation primary parameter dynamics 

Will need 

Biomedical МБИ-9 Pulse Pulse set, Pulse kit; 

Nominal Hardware: Computer 

Study of the autonomic regulation of the human cardiorespiratory system in weightlessness 
Expedition 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

47

Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective 

Biomedical МБИ-15 Pilot Right Control Handle 

Left Control Handle Synchronizer Unit (БС) ULTRABUOY-2000 Unit Nominal hardware:Laptop No3 

Researching for individual features of state psychophysiological regulation and crewmembers professional activities during long space flights. 

Biomedical БИО-2 Biorisk "Biorisk-KM" set 

"Biorisk-MSV" containers "Biorisk-MSN" kit 

Study of space flight impact on microorganismssubstrates systems state related to space technique ecological safety and planetary quarantine problem 

EVA 

Biomedical БИО-4 Aquarium “Rasteniya (Plants)” kit (with 

“Aquarium” packs - 2 items) 

Study of stability of model closed ecological system and its parts under microgravity conditions, both as microsystem components and as perspective biological systems of space crews life support 

Crewmeinto acco

Biomedical БИО-5 Rasteniya-2 "Lada" greenhouse 

Module of substratum research Nominal Hardware: Water container; Sony DVCam; Computer 

Study of the space flight effect on the growth and development of higher plants 

Biomedical БИО-11 Statoconia "Ulitka" (Snail) incubating 

container 

"ART" (Autonomous Recorder of Temperature) kit 

Statoconia growing potency research in organ of equilibrium of mollusca gasteropods under microgravity conditions 

Biomedical БИО-12 Regeneratciya 

(Regeneration) 

"Planariya" incubating container "ART" (Autonomous Recorder of Temperature) kit Thermostat

Study of microgravity influence on regeneration processes for biological objects by electrophysiological and morphological indices 

During IS

Biomedical РБО-1 Prognoz Nominal Hardware for the 

radiation monitoring system: P-16 dosimeter; ДБ-8 dosimeters “Pille-ISS” dosimeter “Lyulin-ISS” complex 

Development of a method for real-time prediction of dose loads on the crews of manned spacecraft 

Unattend
Expedition 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

48

Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective 

Biomedical РБО-3 Matryeshka-R Passive detectors unit 

"Phantom" set "MOSFET-dosimeter” scientific equipment “Bubble-dosimeter” hardware 

Study of radiation environment dynamics along the ISS RS flight path and in ISS compartments, and dose accumulation in antroph-amorphous phantom, located inside and outside ISS 

Will need 

Study of Earth natural resources and ecological monitoring 

ДЗЗ-2 Diatomea "Diatomea" kit 

Nominal hardware: Nikon F5 camera; DSR-PD1P video camera; Dictaphone; Laptop No. 3; 

Study of the stability of the geographic position and form of the boundaries of the World Ocean biologically active water areas observed by space station crews 

Study of Earth natural resources and ecological monitoring 

ДЗЗ-11 Volny (Waves) LSO hardware Observation of wave disturbances (of man-caused 

and natural origins) in intermediate atmosphere 

Biotechnology БТХ-1 Glikoproteid Obtaining and study of E1-E2 surface glycoprotein of 

α-virus 

Biotechnology БТХ-2 Mimetik-K Anti-idiotypic antibodies as adjuvant-active 

glycoproteid mimetic 

Biotechnology БТХ-3 KAF Crystallization of Caf1M protein and its complex with 

C-end peptide as a basis for formation of new generation of antimicrobial medicines and vaccine ingredients effective against yersiniosis 

Biotechnology БТХ-4 Vaktsina-K 

(Vaccine) 

Structural analysis of proteins-candidates for vaccine effective against AIDS 

Biotechnology БТХ-20 Interleukin-K 

"Luch-2" biocrystallizer "Kriogem-03M" freezer 

Obtaining of high-quality 1α, 1β interleukins crystals and interleukin receptor antagonist – 1 

Biotechnology БТХ-8 Biotrek "Bioekologiya" kit Studying influence of flows of heavy charged particles 

of space radiation on genetic properties of cellsproducers of biological active substances 

Biotechnology БТХ-10 Kon’yugatsiya 

(Conjugation) 

"Rekomb-K" hardware ТВК "Biocont-Т" Thermovacuum container 

"Kriogem-03M" freezer Nominal hardware: "Kriogem-03" freezer 

Working through the process of genetic material transmission using bacteria conjugation method 

During IS
Expedition 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

49

Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective 

Biotechnology БТХ-11 Biodegradatsiya "Bioproby" kit Assessment of the initial stages of biodegradation 

and biodeterioration of the surfaces of structural materials 

Biotechnology БТХ-12 Bioekologiya 

(Bioecology) 

"Bioekologiya " kit "ART" (Autonomous Recorder of Temperature) kit 

Generation of high-efficiency strains of microorganisms to produce petroleum biodegradation compounds, organophosphorus substances, vegetation protection agents, and exopolysaccharides to be used in the petroleum industry 

Biotechnology БТХ-14 Bioemulsiya 

(Bioemulsion) 

Changeable bioreactor Thermostat with drive control unit with stand and power supply cable in cover ТВК "Biocont-Т" Thermovacuum container 

Study and improvement of closed-type autonomous reactor for obtaining biomass of microorganisms and bioactive substance without additional ingredients input and metabolism products removal 

During IS

Biotechnology БТХ-31 Antigen “Antigen” kit Comparative researching heterologous expression of 

acute viral hepatitis HbsAg in S.cerevisiae yeast under microgravity and Earth conditions and determining synthesis optimization methods 

Technical Studies ТЕХ-5 

(SDTO 

16002-R) 

Meteoroid Nominal micrometeoroid 

monitoring system: 

MMK-2 electronics unit; Stationary electrostatic sensors КД1, КД2, КД3, and 

КД4; 

Removable electrostatic sensor КДС

Recording of meteoroid and man-made particles on the ISS RS Service Module exterior surface 

Unattend

Technical Studies ТЕХ-14 

(SDTO 

12002-R) 

Vektor-T Nominal Hardware: 

ISS RS СУДН sensors; ISS RS orbit radio tracking [PKO] system; Satellite navigation; equipment [ACH] system GPS/GLONASS satellite systems 

Study of a high-precision system for ISS motion prediction 

Unattend
Expedition 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

50

Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective 

Technical Studies ТЕХ-15 

(SDTO 

13002-R) 

Izgib Nominal Hardware: 

ISS RS onboard measurement system (СБИ) accelerometers;

ISS RS motion control and navigation system GIVUS (ГИВУС СУДН) 

Nominal temperature-sensing device for measures inside “Progress” vehicle modules 

Study of the relationship between the onboard systems operating modes and ISS flight conditions 

Unattend

Technical Studies ТЕХ-20 Plazmennyi 

Kristall (Plasma 

Crystal) 

"PC-3 Plus" experimental unit "PC-3 Plus" telescience Nominal hardware “Klest” (“Crossbill”) TV-system БСПН – Payload Server Block

Study of the plasma-dust crystals and fluids under microgravity 

Technical Studies ТЕХ-22 

(SDTO 

13001-R) 

Identifikatsiya Nominal Hardware: 

ISS RS СБИ accelerometers 

Identification of disturbance sources when the microgravity conditions on the ISS are disrupted 

Unattend

Technical Studies ТЕХ-44 Sreda 

(Environment) 

Nominal Hardware: Movement Control System sensors; orientation sensors; magnetometers ; Russian and foreign accelerometers 

Studying ISS characteristics as researching environment 

Unattend

Technical Studies ТЕХ-45 Infotekh Telemetric monoblock with 

transmit-receive antenna from "Rokviss" scientific equipment 

Working-off method of high-speed data transfer from ISS Service Module board to Earth 

Unattend

Complex Analysis. Effectiveness Estimation 

КПТ-3 Econ "Econ" kit 

High Resolution Equipment Set (HRE) Nominal Hardware: Nikon D1 digital camera, Laptop No3 

Experimental researching of ISS RS resources estimating for ecological investigation of areas 

Complex Analysis. Effectiveness Estimation 

КПТ-6 Plazma-MKS 

(Plasma-ISS) 

“Fialka-MB-Kosmos” - Spectrozonal ultraviolet system 

Study of plasma environment on ISS external surface by optical radiation characteristics 
Expedition 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

51

Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective 

Space energy systems 

ПКЭ-1В Kromka Tray with materials to be 

exposed 

Study of the dynamics of contamination from liquidfuel thruster jets during burns, and verification of the efficacy of devices designed to protect the ISS exterior surfaces from contamination 

EVA 

Pre/Post Flight Motor control Electromiograph, control unit, 

tensometric pedal, miotometer «Miotonus», «GAZE» equipment 

Study of hypo-gravitational ataxia syndrome; Pre-fligh

L-30 dayPost-fligTotal tim

Pre/Post Flight MION Impact of microgravity on muscular characteristics. Pre-fligh

L-30 dayPost-flig

Pre/Post Flight Izokinez Isocinetic ergometer «LIDO», 

electromiograph, reflotron-4, cardiac reader, scarifier 

Microgravity impact on voluntary muscular contraction; human motor system re-adaptation to gravitation. 

Pre-flighPost-fligdays. 1.5 hour

Pre/Post Flight Tendometria Universal electrostimulator 

(ЭСУ-1); bio-potential amplifier (УБП-1-02); tensometric amplifier; oscilloscope with memory; oscillograph 

Microgravity impact on induced muscular contraction; long duration space flight impact on muscular and peripheral nervous apparatus 

Pre-flighPost-flig1.5 hour

Pre/Post Flight Ravnovesie "Ravnovesie" ("Equilibrium") 

equipment 

Sensory and motor mechanisms in vertical pose control after long duration exposure to microgravity. 

Pre-flighPost-flignecessaSessions2x45 min

Pre/Post Flight Sensory 

adaptation 

IBM PC, Pentium 11 with 32-bit s/w for Windows API Microsoft. 

Countermeasures and correction of adaptation to space syndrome and of motion sickness. 

Pre-flighPost-flig14 days 45 min fo

Pre/Post Flight Lokomotsii Bi-lateral video filming, 

tensometry, miography, pose metric equipment. 

Kinematic and dynamic locomotion characteristics prior and after space flight. 

Pre-flighPost-flig45 min fo
Expedition 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

52

Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective 

Pre/Post Flight Peregruzki Medical monitoring nominal 

equipment: Alfa-06, Mir 3A7 used during descent phase. 

G-forces on Soyuz and recommendations for anti-g-force countermeasures development 

In-flight: questionPost-fligmin; debmin for e

Pre/Post Flight Polymorphism No hardware is used in-flight Genotype parameters related to human individual 

tolerance to space flight conditions. 

Pre-flighquestionanthropoearly stacould be checkup30 min fo
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Anomalous Long-Term Effects in Astronauts' 

Central Nervous System (ALTEA) 

Principal Investigator: Livio Narici, Ph.D. 

University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' and INFN 

Rome, Italy 

Overview 

Astronauts in orbit are exposed to cosmic 

radiation that is of sufficient frequency and 

intensity to cause effects on the central 

nervous system, such as the perception of 

flashes of light. Anomalous Long-Term 

Effects in Astronauts' Central Nervous 

System (ALTEA) will measure details about 

the cosmic radiation passing through a 

crewmember's head, while measuring the 

brain electrophysiological activity and the 

performance of the visual system. 

Furthermore, ALTEA will measure the 

particle flux in the U.S. lab, discriminating 

the type of particles, to measure their 

trajectories and the delivered energies. 

This data will provide in-depth information 

on the radiation experienced and its impact 

on the nervous system and visual 

perception. ALTEA will also develop new 

risk parameters and possible 

countermeasures aimed at the possible 

functional nervous system risks. Such 

information is needed for long-duration 

exploration crews. 

Research Operations 

The crewmember will wear an instrumented 

helmet that measures radiation exposure 

and brain electrical activity. Each 

crewmember will complete built-in visual 

tests. While not in use, the hardware will 

continue to measure the radiation 

environment of the U.S. lab. 

Flight History/Background 

A predecessor of the ALTEA experiment, 

Alteino, was conducted aboard the space 

station in April 2002 during a Soyuz taxi 

mission. Italian astronaut Roberto Vittori 

donned hardware that measured heavy 

radiation close to his head while 

simultaneously measuring his brain activity. 

An analysis of the results from Alteino is 

providing a baseline for data collected from 

ALTEA. 

Web Site: 

For more information on ALTEA, visit: 

http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/sta

tion/list.html

53
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Capillary Flow Experiment (CFE) 

Overview 

The Capillary Flow Experiments (CFE) are 

a suite of six related fluid physics 

experiments whose purpose is to 

investigate capillary flows and phenomena 

onboard the International Space Station, 

(ISS). Capillary action occurs between 

contacting surfaces of a liquid and a solid 

that distorts the liquid surface from a planar 

shape. An example of capillary flow is the 

ability of a narrow tube to draw a liquid 

upwards against the force of gravity. It 

happens when the adhesive forces 

between the liquid and solid are stronger 

than the cohesive forces within the liquid. 

The effect causes a concave meniscus to 

form where the liquid is in contact with a 

vertical surface. The same effect is what 

causes porous materials to soak up liquids. 

All CFE experimental units use similar fluid 

injection hardware, have simple and 

similarly sized test chambers, and rely 

solely on video for highly quantitative data. 

Differences between experimental units 

involve fluid properties, contact angle, or 

test cell cross section. 

History 

The CFE Contact Line 2 (CL2) experiment 

was conducted in the Saturday Science 

mode by Michael Fincke first on Aug. 28th, 

then again on Sept. 18, 2004. The 

objective was to study the impact of the 

dynamic contact line. The contact line 

controls the interface shape, stability, and 

dynamics of capillary systems in low-g. 

This experiment provided a direct measure 

of the extremes in behavior expected from 

an assumption of either the free or pinned 

contact line condition. There are two 

contact line experimental units that are 

identical except for wetting characteristics. 

The first performance required several 

hours of crew time and successfully 

completed all required science objectives. 

The second performance was used to 

conduct repeat science objectives, as well 

as several new science experiments 

inspired by the results of Fincke’s first 

performance. Fincke also downlinked 

several continuous portions of the video 

data from the flight tapes. 

The CFE Contact Line (CL2) experiment 

was presented an opportunity to run on 

Dec. 20, 2005. The axial and push tests 

were performed by Increment 11 crew 

member, William McArthur. The ‘axial 

mode’ disturbances were imparted to the 

CFE CL2 vessel interfaces by deflecting 

and releasing the MWA like a cantilever 

(diving board), at first very lightly, and 

increasing in amplitude with each 

disturbance until just before the interfaces 

eject fluid drops. The push disturbances 

required a series of simple lateral ‘pushes’ 

to the vessel of increasing amplitude. The 

dampened sloshing motion of the interfaces 

were recorded for comparison with theory 

and numerical analysis on the ground. All 

tests were performed successfully, with 

additional requests to perform the Axial 

tests with the camcorder mounted 

separately from the MWA to gain 

disturbance knowledge of the CFE CL2 test 

units smooth and pinned cylinder test 

chambers. 

54
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Benefits 

The CFE data to be obtained will be crucial 

to the space exploration Initiative, 

particularly pertaining to fluids management 

systems such as fuel and cryogenic storage 

systems, thermal control systems (e.g. 

water recycling), and materials processing 

in the liquid state. Technologies for liquid 

management in space use capillary forces 

to position and transport liquids, since the 

hydrostatic pressure is absent which gives 

the liquid a defined surface and enables 

easy withdrawal from the tank bottom. But 

the effect of capillary forces is limited on 

earth to a few millimeters. In space these 

forces affect free surfaces that extend over 

meters. 

NASA’s plans for exploration missions 

assume the use of larger liquid propellant 

masses than have ever flown on 

interplanetary missions. Under low gravity 

conditions, capillary forces can be exploited 

to control fluid orientation so that such large 

mission-critical systems perform 

predictably. This knowledge will assist 

spacecraft designers to decrease system 

mass, and reduce overall system 

complexity. 

This work is performed as a collaborative 

effort through NASA Glenn Research 

Center, ZIN Technology and Portland State 

University. 

Websites: 

http://www.me.pdx.edu/~mmw/mmwresearc

h.html

NASA

http://microgravity.grc.nasa.gov/expr2/ic

e-mir.htm

NASA 

http://microgravity.grc.nasa.gov/EXPR2/

b-0809i.htm

55
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Sony PD 100 

Camcorder 

Maintenance 

Work Area (MWA) 

CFE Contact Line 

2 CL2 

Mike Fincke during Increment 9, operating Contact Line 2 

with various pieces of ISS equipment. 

56
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Chromosomal Aberrations in Blood Lymphocytes of 

Astronauts -2 (Chromosome-2) 

Principal Investigator: Christian Johannes, Ph.D. 

University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany 

Overview 

This study will assess changes in the 

morphology of chromosomes, particularly 

chromosomal aberrations, by taking into 

account the sensitivity to radiation by each 

crewmember. The frequency and the type 

of chromosomal aberrations depend on 

characteristics and doses of ionizing 

radiation the crewmembers are exposed to 

while in orbit. 

Chromosomes collected from blood 

lymphocytes are analyzed for different 

types of abnormalities before and after a 

stay on the space station. Some of the 

analysis methods are new and will provide 

a new way of visualizing all changes, 

particularly those increasing the risk of 

cancer. 

Research Operations 

Two heparinized blood samples (samples 

are treated with heparin to prevent blood 

clotting) are taken (one preflight and one 

postflight). The blood is shipped to the 

principal investigator's laboratory in Essen, 

Germany, for analysis. 

Flight History/Background 

Chromosome, the precursor to this 

investigation, was operated on 

Expeditions 6-11. 

Web Site: 

For more information on Chromosome-2, 

visit: 

http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/sta

tion/list.html

57
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Crew Earth Observations (CEO) 

Principal Investigator and Payload Developer: Susan Runco, NASA Johnson Space Center, 

Houston 

Co-Principal Investigator: Kim Willis, ESCG, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Overview 

By allowing photographs to be taken from 

space, the Crew Earth Observations (CEO) 

experiment provides people on Earth with 

image data needed to better understand 

our planet. The photographs—taken by 

crewmembers using handheld cameras—

record observable Earth surface changes 

over a period of time, as well as more 

fleeting events such as storms, floods, fires 

and volcanic eruptions. 

Orbiting 220 miles or more above the Earth, 

the International Space Station offers an 

ideal vantage point for crewmembers to 

continue observational efforts that began in 

the early 1960s when space crews first 

photographed the Earth. This experiment 

on the space station began during 

Expedition 1, STS-97 (ISS Assembly Flight 

4A), and is planned to continue throughout 

the life of the space station. 

History/Background 

This experiment has flown on every crewed 

NASA space mission beginning with Gemini 

in 1961. Since that time, astronauts have 

photographed the Earth, observing the 

world’s geography and documenting events 

such as hurricanes and other natural 

phenomena. This database of astronautacquired Earth imagery is a national 

treasure for both the science community 

and general public. As a precursor to this 

space station experiment, crews conducted 

Earth observations on long-duration NASAMir missions and gained experience that is 

useful on board the International Space 

Station.

Over the years, space crews also have 

documented human impacts on Earth—city 

growth, agricultural expansion and reservoir 

construction. The CEO experiment aboard 

the space station will build on that 

knowledge. 

Benefits 

Today, images of the world from 10, 20 or 

30 years ago provide valuable insight into 

Earth processes and the effects of human 

developments. Photographic images taken 

by space crews serve as both primary data 

on the state of the Earth and as secondary 

data to be combined with images from other 

satellites in orbit. Worldwide more than five 

million users log on to the Astronaut Earth 

Photography database each year. Through 

their photography of the Earth, space 

station crewmembers will build on the time 

series of imagery started 35 years ago—

ensuring this record of Earth remains 

unbroken. These images also have 

tremendous educational value. Educators 

use the image database to help make 

future generations of children “Earth-smart.” 

For more information, visit the “Gateway to 

Astronaut Photography” at: 

http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/

58
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Dust and Aerosol Measurement 

Feasibility Test (DAFT) 

Overview 

The Dust and Aerosol measurement 

Feasibility Test (DAFT) was designed to 

ensure that a modified P-Trak®—a key 

component of the forthcoming NASA 

Smoke Aerosol Measurement Experiment 

(SAME)—will perform properly in the 

unique environment of microgravity. If the 

P-Trak® performs as expected, the device 

will be used in SAME to provide data that 

will help scientists design better fire 

detectors for future, long-duration, manned 

missions. 

The P-Trak® is a commercial device that 

counts ultrafine particles (it can recognize 

particles as small as 0.02 micrometers in 

diameter) in an aerosol source. It works by 

passing particulate-laden air through a 

heated chamber of vaporous isopropyl 

alcohol. The individual particles serve as 

“seeds” around which the alcohol 

condenses when cooled, forming droplets 

large enough to be detected and counted 

when they break a laser beam (see the 

included diagram). The P-Trak® must be 

tested in microgravity prior to its use in 

SAME because its alcohol condenser was 

redesigned to work properly in microgravity. 

(The original smooth-walled P-Trak® 

condenser—meant for Earth-based use—

depends on gravity.) NASA scientists 

modified the unit’s condenser by forming 

microgrooves in its wall to increase the 

alcohol flow back to the wick. This 

modification was based on the knowledge 

gained from previous microgravity fluids 

physics experiments conducted by NASA 

GRC researchers. 

History 

Due to limited upmass allocations aboard 

the Russian Progress vehicles, DAFT was 

divided into four separate packages (DAFT1 through -4) which could be delivered to 

the International Space Station (ISS) 

aboard successive flights. Each package 

would add functional capability to the 

previous package(s). DAFT-1 and -2 were 

delivered to the ISS in December 2004 

aboard Russian Progress Flight 16P, and 

the main components of DAFT—the PTrak® and the DustTrak® aerosol 

monitoring devices—were included in this 

delivery. (The DustTrak® uses a sensor to 

determine the percentage of light being 

scattered by particles—like dust in a 

sunbeam—and translates that number into 

the mass of particles per unit volume. It is 

being used to test the accuracy of the PTrak® because it is insensitive to 

gravitational forces. This is accomplished 

by correlating the measurements from the 

two devices after they have simultaneously 

sampled from a characterized particulate 

source.) The first set of tests were 

conducted in February and March 2005 and 

the results were encouraging; the P-Trak 

provided reasonable readings with no 

detectable failure modes observed. The 

tests were conducted in the US laboratory 

module Destiny in front of EXPRESS Rack 

4; in the modules’s aft end and port side; 

and in Node 1. (The EXPRESS Rack is a 

standardized payload rack system that 

59
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

transports, stores, and supports 

experiments aboard the ISS; Node 1 is a 

hub to which various modules are 

attached.) Three of the tests sampled 

undisturbed cabin air; the other test 

validated the instruments at high particulate 

levels by having an astronaut create 

airborne debris at the PTrak® and 

DustTrak® inlets by repeatedly separating 

pieces of Velcro®. 

The three tests that sampled the 

undisturbed environment in the ISS showed 

very low levels of airborne particulates, 

averaging fewer than 0.005 mg/m3 from the 

DustTrak® and fewer than 15 particles/cm3 

from the P-Trak® (these are typical 

readings at the baseline). These numbers 

are dramatically lower than the values 

recorded in the space shuttle in an earlier 

experiment (~.050 mg/m3). Lower levels 

are to be expected because the ISS U.S. 

Lab has HEPA filtration for the cabin air as 

compared to merely a fine screen on the 

shuttle air handler. Furthermore, the typical 

shuttle crew of seven astronauts generates 

more airborne particulate than an ISS crew 

of two astronauts. 

Benefits 

The second set of tests will be conducted 

after the balance of the DAFT components 

(including a calibrated aerosol source and 

an unmodified P-Trak®) are delivered to the 

ISS aboard shuttle flight ULF1.1. These 

tests will be performed with Arizona Road 

Dust (ARD)—a standard aerosol test 

material of known particle size and 

distribution—and nitrogen aerosol inside 

15-liter Mylar® bags. Testing a known 

particulate will allow scientists to establish 

quantitatively how well the P-Trak® works 

in microgravity. The results will build 

assurance that the P-Trak® instrument will 

function properly as a key diagnostic for 

SAME and ultimately lead to the design of 

better fire detectors for future, longduration, manned missions. 

Website: 

http://microgravity.grc.nasa.gov/combustion

/daft/daft_index.htm. 

60
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School 

Students (EarthKAM) 

Experiment Location on ISS: The U.S. Laboratory Window 

Principal Investigator: Sally Ride, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego 

Operations Manager: Sally Ride, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego

Overview 

EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by 

Middle school students) is a NASA 

education payload that enables students to 

photograph and examine Earth from a 

space crew’s perspective. 

Using the Internet, working through the 

EarthKAM Mission Operations Center 

located at the University of California at San 

Diego (UCSD), middle school students can 

actually control a camera mounted at the 

science-grade window in the station’s 

Destiny science module to capture highresolution digital images of features around 

the globe. Students use these images to 

enhance their study of geography, geology, 

botany, history, earth science, and to 

identify changes occurring on the Earth’s 

surface, all from the unique vantage point of 

space. Using the high-speed digital 

communications capabilities of the ISS, the 

images are downlinked in near real-time 

and posted on the EarthKAM web site for 

the public and participating classrooms 

around the world to view. 

Experiment Operations 

Funded by NASA, EarthKAM is operated by 

the University of California, San Diego, and 

NASA field centers. It is an educational 

payload that allows middle school students 

to conduct research from the International 

Space Station as it orbits 220 miles above 

the Earth. Using the tools of modern 

technology – computers, the Internet and a 

digital camera mounted at the space 

station’s laboratory window – EarthKAM 

students are able to take stunning, highquality digital photographs of our planet. 

The EarthKAM camera is periodically setup in the International Space Station, 

typically for a 4-day data gathering session. 

Beginning with the Expedition 2 crew, in 

May 2001, the payload is scheduled for 

operations that coincide with the traditional 

school year. Once the ISS crew mounts 

the camera at the window, the payload 

requires no further crew interaction for 

nominal operations. 

EarthKAM photographs are taken by 

remote operation from the ground. When 

the middle school students target the 

images of terrestrial features they choose to 

acquire, they submit the image request to 

the Mission Operation Center at UCSD. 

Image requests are collected and compiled 

into a “Camera Control File” for each ISS 

orbit that the payload is operational. This 

camera control file is then uplinked to a 

Station Support Computer (laptop) aboard 

the space station that controls when the 

digital camera captures the image. The 

Station Support Computer activates the 

camera at the specified times and 

immediately transfers these images to a file 

61
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

server, storing them until they are 

downlinked to Earth. With all systems 

performing nominally, a picture can be 

requested, captured and posted to the 

EarthKAM website in as little as four hours. 

EarthKAM is monitored from console 

positions in the Tele-Science Support 

Center (Mission Control) at Johnson Space 

Center in Houston. As with all payloads, 

the EarthKAM operations on board the 

space station are coordinated through the 

Payload Operations Integration Center 

(POIC) at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight 

Center in Huntsville, Ala. EarthKAM is a 

long-term payload that will operate on the 

space station for multiple increments. 

Flight History/Background 

In 1994, Sally Ride, a physics professor 

and former NASA astronaut, started what is 

now EarthKAM with the goal of integrating 

education with the space program. 

EarthKAM has flown on five shuttle flights. 

Its first flight was aboard space shuttle 

Atlantis in 1996, with three participating 

schools taking a total of 325 photographs. 

Since 1996, EarthKAM students have taken 

more than 25,407 publicly accessible 

images of the Earth. 

EarthKAM invites schools from all around 

the world to take advantage of this 

educational opportunity. Previous 

participants include schools from the United 

States, Japan, Germany, France, Chile, 

Canada and Mexico. 

Benefits 

EarthKAM brings education out of 

textbooks and into real life. By integrating 

Earth images with inquiry-based learning, 

EarthKAM offers students and educators 

the opportunity to participate in a space 

mission while developing teamwork, 

communication and problem-solving skills. 

No other NASA program gives students 

such direct control of an instrument flying 

on a spacecraft orbiting Earth, and as a 

result of this, students assume an 

unparalleled personal ownership in the 

study and analysis of their Earth 

photographs. 

Long after the photographs are taken, 

students and educators continue to reap 

the benefits of EarthKAM. Educators are 

able to use the images alongside 

suggested curriculum plans for studies in 

physics, computers, geography, math, earth 

science, botany, biology, art, history, 

cultural studies and more. 

More information on EarthKAM and the 

International Space Station can be found at: 

www.earthkam.ucsd.edu

www.spaceflight.nasa.gov

62
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Epstein-Barr: Space Flight Induced Reactivation 

of Latent Epstein-Barr Virus 

Principal Investigator: Raymond Stowe, Ph.D., Microgen Laboratories, La Marque, Texas. 

Payload Developer: Principal Investigator: Raymond Stowe, Ph.D., Microgen 

Laboratories, La Marque, Texas. 

Increment(s) Assigned: 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 and 14 

Operations: Pre- and Post-flight 

Previous Missions 

Earlier studies of the Epstein-Barr virus 

(EBV) began on STS-108. These studies 

paved the way for the current experiment. 

Stowe and his team discovered from their 

Shuttle research that stress hormones 

released before and during flight decreased 

the immune system's ability to keep the 

virus deactivated. That discovery was the 

basis for the research. 

Objective 

This experiment is designed to examine the 

mechanisms of space flight induced 

alterations in human immune function and 

dormant virus reactivation. Specifically, this 

study will determine the magnitude of 

immunosuppression as a result of space 

flight by analyzing stress hormones, 

measuring the amount of EBV activity, and 

measuring white blood cells' virus-specific 

activity. 

Brief Summary 

Decreased immune system response has 

been observed in space flight. This 

experiment determines how space flight 

reactivates EBV (virus that causes 

Mononucleosis) from latency, which results 

in increased viral replication. This 

investigation provides insight into the 

magnitude of human immunosuppression 

as a result of space flight. The effects of 

stress and other acute or chronic events on 

EBV replication are evaluated. 

Space Applications 

In the United States, approximately 90% of 

adults have been infected with EBV, one of 

the most common human viruses. It 

establishes a lifelong dormant infection 

inside the body after primary infection, but 

can be reactivated by illness or stress. 

Once reactivated, it is associated with 

diseases such as posttransplant 

lymphoproliferative disease and Hodgkin’s 

disease. Decreased cellular immune 

function is observed during and after 

human space flight. With longer-duration 

space missions, latent viruses are more 

likely to become reactivated, placing the 

crew at risk of developing and spreading 

infectious illness. If this is the case, drug 

therapies must be created to protect 

crewmembers during long-term and 

interplanetary missions (i.e. trips to Mars). 

This study will help provide information 

related to immune function and virus activity 

63
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

in space to develop such remedies and 

ensure future exploratory space missions. 

Results 

This experiment is still being conducted 

aboard the ISS, but earlier studies aboard 

the shuttle, which were the predecessors to 

this, suggested that virus reactivation 

results from decreased T-cell function. If 

Epstein-Barr yields similar results, it will 

allow for a very specific focus on 

developing drug therapies that will allow for 

more rapid treatment for space travelers 

and those on Earth. 

64
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Fungal Pathogenesis, Tumorigenesis and Effects of 

Host Immunity in Space (FIT) 

Principal Investigator: Sharmila Bhattacharya, Ph.D., Ames Research Center, Moffett 

Field, Calif., and Deborah Kimbrell, Ph.D., University of California 

Davis, Davis, Calif. 

Payload Developer(s): Ames Research Center 

Increment(s) Assigned: 13 

Research Summary 

This study will investigate the susceptibility 

to fungal infection, progression of radiationinduced tumors, and changes in immune 

function in sensitized Drosophila (fruit fly) 

lines. 

• This experiment will study the growth of 

cancerous and benign tumors in 

sensitized genetic lines (breeds) of 

Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) that 

show an increase in the incidence of 

tumor formation. The effect of radiation 

exposure will be coupled to this study. 

• In addition, samples of a fungal 

pathogen that infects flies will be 

exposed to radiation and the space 

environment. Space-flown samples will 

be used post-flight to infect Drosophila

on the ground and assess changes in 

the pathogen. 

• These studies will provide more 

information on the interaction between 

elements of the space environment 

(space radiation, microgravity) and 

immune function and tumor growth. 

Research Operations 

This experiment requires the crew to 

monitor the cassette for temperature 

stability. Researchers will analyze changes 

in blood cell, hematopoietic organ (lymph 

gland) and fat body (liver) morphology from 

postflight samples. 

Flight History/Background 

The STS-121 mission will be the first flight 

for this experiment. 

Web Site

For more information on FIT, visit: 

http://exploration,nasa.gov/prorgams/sta

tion/list.html

65
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Journals 

Behavioral Issues Associated with Isolation and Confinement: 

Review and Analysis of ISS Crew Journals 

Principal Investigator: Jack W. Stuster, Ph.D., Anacapa Sciences, Inc., 

Santa Barbara, Calif. 

Operations: In-flight 

Manifest Status: Ongoing 

Objective 

The purpose of this experiment is to collect 

behavioral and human factors data for 

analysis, with the intention of furthering our 

understanding of life in isolation and 

confinement. The objective of the 

experiment is to identify equipment, habitat 

and procedural features that help humans 

adjust to isolation and confinement and 

remain effective and productive during 

future long-duration space expeditions. 

The method used in the experiment is 

analyzing the content of journals 

maintained by International Space Station 

crews for this purpose. 

Brief Summary 

In-flight journals maintained by 

crewmembers are studied to gain an 

understanding of factors that may play a 

role in the stress felt by crews during longduration spaceflight. Conclusions will be 

used for interplanetary mission planning 

(e.g., Mars missions) and selection and 

training of astronaut crews for these 

missions. 

Description 

A previous content analysis of journals 

maintained during expeditions on Earth 

provided quantitative data on which to base 

a rank-ordering of behavioral issues in 

terms of importance. This experiment will 

test the hypothesis that the analogous 

conditions provide an acceptable model for 

spacecraft (i.e., to validate or refute the 

results of the previous study). The 

objective of the study is to obtain behavioral 

and human factors data relevant to the 

design of equipment and procedures to 

support adjustment and sustained human 

performance during long-duration space 

expeditions. 

Space Applications 

Studies conducted on Earth have shown 

that analyzing the content of journals and 

diaries is an effective method for identifying 

the issues that are most important to a 

person. The method is based on the 

reasonable assumption that the frequency 

that an issue or category of issues is 

mentioned in a journal reflects the 

importance of that issue or category to the 

writer. The tone of each entry (positive, 

negative or neutral) and phase of the 

expedition also are variables of interest. 

Study results will lead to recommendations 

for the design of equipment, facilities, 

procedures and training to help sustain 

behavioral adjustment and performance 

during long-duration space expeditions to 

the ISS, moon, Mars and beyond. 

66
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Latent Virus Incidence of Latent Virus 

Shedding During Space Flight 

Principal Investigator: Duane L. Pierson, Ph.D., Johnson Space Center, 

Houston, and Satish K. Mehta, Ph.D., Enterprise 

Advisory Services, Inc., Houston 

Payload Developer: Johnson Space Center, Flight Research Management Office, 

Houston 

Increment(s) Assigned: 11, 12, 13, 14 

Overview 

The objective of this experiment is to

determine the frequencies of reactivation of 

latent viruses and clinical diseases after 

exposure to the physical, physiological, and 

psychological stressors associated with 

space flight. 

Risks associated with most bacterial, 

fungal, viral, and parasitic pathogens can 

be reduced by a suitable quarantine period 

before the flight and by appropriate medical 

care. However, latent viruses (viruses that 

lie dormant in cells, such as herpes viruses 

that cause cold sores) already inside the 

cells of crewmembers are unaffected by 

such actions and pose an important 

infectious disease risk to crewmembers 

involved in space flight and space 

habitation. 

Weakening of the immune system of 

astronauts that may occur in the space 

environment could allow increased 

reactivation of the latent viruses and 

increase the incidence and duration of viral 

shedding. Such a result may increase the 

concentration of herpes and other viruses in 

the spacecraft. 

Benefits 

Latent virus reactivation may be an 

important threat to crew health during the 

longer duration exploration missions as 

crewmembers live and work in a closed 

environment. This investigation will aid in 

determining the clinical risk of 

asymptomatic reactivation and shedding of 

latent viruses to astronaut health, and the 

need for countermeasures to mitigate the 

risk. Stress-induced viral reactivation may 

also prove useful in monitoring early 

changes in immunity prior to onset of 

clinical disease. 

The viral-specific saliva DNA test currently 

used for space flight investigations may be 

applied to the rapid diagnosis of herpes 

virus disease in clinics. These studies of 

latent virus reactivation in the very healthy, 

superbly conditioned flight crews may 

provide new insight into stress, immunity, 

and viral disease in the general population. 

Web Site 

For more information on this experiment, 

visit: 

http://hrf.jsc.nasa.gov/science.asp

67
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Effects of Spaceflight on Microbial Gene 

Expression and Virulence (Microbe) 

Principal Investigator: Cheryl A. Nickerson, Ph.D., Tulane University Medical Center, 

New Orleans 

Overview 

Harmful microbes carried to spacecraft on 

the human body, or in water or food, could 

cause crewmembers to become sick and 

put a long-duration mission at risk. The 

combination of radiation and microgravity in 

the space environment may impact the 

growth and mutation of microbes and 

increase their virulence. The Microbe 

experiment will study three prevalent 

microbes (Salmonella typhimurium, 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida 

albicans) that have been identified 

previously in the spacecraft environment in 

human flora, water and food. Data on their 

growth and mutation will identify whether 

risks of microbial contamination are 

increased for lunar and Martian missions 

compared to conditions on Earth. 

Research Operations 

The three microbes, Salmonella 

typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 

and Candida albicans, will be activated, 

grown for 24 hours and terminated. Once 

the samples have been recovered, the live 

cells and stabilized cells will be examined. 

Flight History/Background 

Microbe complements the nominal space 

station environmental monitoring payloads 

by providing a comparison of analyses from 

current media-based and advanced 

molecular-based technologies. 

Benefits 

Results from this single-flight experiment 

will provide important information on the 

threat of pathogens in the space 

environment, which will assist with 

development of diagnostic tools to monitor 

the atmosphere, water and surfaces for the 

presence of these microbes. 

Understanding the molecular responses of 

these organisms to spaceflight is a 

necessary step that will significantly 

contribute to development of systems that 

meet requirements for supplying and 

storing potable water that is free of 

microbial contaminants. Furthermore, 

identification of the changes caused by 

spaceflight to genes and proteins will 

provide novel targets for pharmacological 

intervention to prevent and control 

infectious disease, which will ultimately 

facilitate safe and productive long-term 

exploration of the moon and Mars. 

By understanding the unique spectrum of 

microbial genetic and virulence changes 

induced by spaceflight, this experiment will 

yield valuable knowledge leading to 

advances in vaccine development and 

other therapeutics for treatment, prevention 

and control of infectious diseases on Earth 

as well as in space. 

Web Site 

For more information on Microbe, visit: 

http://exploration.nasa.gov/prgrams/stati

on/list.html

68
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Materials on the International Space 

Station Experiment 5 (MISSE 5) 

Overview 

The Materials on the International Space 

Station Experiment (MISSE) Project is a 

NASA/Langley Research Center-managed 

cooperative endeavor to fly materials and 

other types of space exposure experiments 

on the space station. The objective is to 

develop early, low-cost, non-intrusive 

opportunities to conduct critical space 

exposure tests of space materials and 

components planned for use on future 

spacecraft. 

The Boeing Co., the Air Force Research 

Laboratory and Lewis Research Center are 

participants with Langley in the project. 

History/Background 

Flown to the space station in 2001, the 

MISSE experiments were the first externally 

mounted experiments conducted on the 

International Space Station. The 

experiments are in Passive Experiment 

Containers (PECs) that were initially 

developed and used for an experiment on 

Mir in 1996 during the Shuttle-Mir Program. 

The PECs were transported to Mir on STS76. After an 18-month exposure in space, 

they were retrieved on STS-86. 

PECs are suitcase-like containers for 

transporting experiments via the space 

shuttle to and from an orbiting spacecraft. 

Once on orbit and clamped to the host 

spacecraft, the PECs are opened and serve 

as racks to expose experiments to the 

space environment. 

The first two MISSE PECs (MISSE 1 and 2) 

were transported to the space station on 

STS-105 (ISS Assembly Flight 7A.1) in 

August 2001. About 1,500 samples were 

tested on MISSE 1 and 2. The samples 

include ultra-light membranes, composites, 

ceramics, polymers, coatings and radiation 

shielding. In addition, components such as 

switches, solar cells, sensors and mirrors 

will be evaluated for durability and 

survivability. Seeds, plant specimens and 

bacteria, furnished by students at the 

Wright Patterson Air Force Research 

Laboratory, are also being flown in specially 

designed containers. 

During an STS-114 spacewalk, astronauts 

removed the original PECs (1 and 2) from 

the station and installed MISSE PEC 5. 

Like the myriad of samples in MISSE PECs 

1 and 2, MISSE PEC 5 will study the 

degradation of solar cell samples in the 

space environment. PECs 1 and 2 were 

returned to NASA Langley Research Center 

where they were opened in a clean room 

and the contents were distributed to 

researchers for study. 

MISSE PECs 3 and 4 will be launched on 

STS-121 and placed in the same location 

that 1 and 2 previously occupied. PECs 3, 

4 and 5 will all remain on orbit for one year 

to continue to study the effects of space 

exposure on various materials. 

The MISSE PECs are integrated and flown 

under the direction of the Department of 

Defense Space Test Program's Human 

Space Flight Payloads Office at NASA's 

Johnson Space Center. 

69
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Examples of tests to be performed in 

MISSE include: new generations of solar 

cells with longer expected lifetimes to 

power communications satellites; advanced 

optical components planned for future Earth 

observational satellites; new, longer-lasting 

coatings that better control heat absorption 

and emissions and thereby the temperature 

of satellites; new concepts for lightweight 

shields to protect crews from energetic 

cosmic rays found in interplanetary space; 

and the effects of micrometeoroid impacts 

on materials planned for use in the 

development of ultra-light membrane 

structures for solar sails, large inflatable 

mirrors and lenses. 

Benefits 

New affordable materials will enable the 

development of advanced reusable launch 

systems and advanced spacecraft systems. 

70
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Bioavailability and Performance Effects of 

Promethazine During Spaceflight (PMZ) 

Principal Investigator: Lakshmi Putcha, Ph.D., Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Overview 

Promethazine (PMZ) is used to treat space 

motion sickness (SMS) during shuttle 

missions. However, side effects associated 

with PMZ when used on Earth include 

dizziness, drowsiness, sedation and 

impaired psychomotor performance, which 

could impact crew performance or mission 

operations. Early anecdotal reports from 

crewmembers indicate that these central 

nervous system side effects of PMZ are 

absent or greatly attenuated in microgravity. 

Systematic evaluation of PMZ 

bioavailability, effects on performance, side 

effects and efficacy in the treatment of SMS 

are essential for determining optimal 

dosage and route of administration of PMZ 

in flight. 

Research Operations 

All participants don an Actiwatch activity 

monitor as soon as possible on orbit. The 

watches record light levels and 

accelerations from motion. Participants 

also record sleep times throughout the 

mission. 

Before the first PMZ dose, participants 

collect a saliva sample; thereafter, saliva 

samples are collected at 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 36 

and 48 hours post-PMZ. This protocol is 

repeated each time PMZ is taken. 

Participants who do not take PMZ wear the 

Actiwatch and record sleep times 

throughout the mission. 

Flight History/Background 

This experiment began in 2001 and will be 

continued on STS-1212/ULF1.1. 

Benefits 

This study will lead to a better 

understanding of how Promethazine is 

handled by the body in space. This will 

also help determine the side effects of 

Promethazine. By understanding these 

aspects of Promethazine, scientists will be 

able to optimize treatment of motion 

sickness in space and on the ground with 

Promethazine. This study may lead to 

more effective treatment for motion 

sickness. 

Web Site 

For more information on this experiment, 

visit: 

http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/sta

tion/list.html

71
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Passive Observatories for Experimental Microbial 

Systems in Microgravity (POEMS) 

Principal Investigator: Michael Roberts, Ph.D., Dynamac Corp., 

Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 

Overview 

This experiment will evaluate the effect of 

stress in the space environment on the 

generation of genetic variation within model 

microbial cells. 

Research Summary 

This experiment uses a new system for 

microbial cultivation in the spaceflight 

environment to observe the generation and 

maintenance of genetic variation within 

microbial populations in microgravity. 

POEMS will contain experiments studying 

the growth, ecology and performance of 

diverse assemblages of microorganisms in 

space. 

Understanding microbial growth and 

ecology in a space environment is 

important for maintaining human health and 

bioregenerative life support functions in 

support of NASA Exploration Systems 

requiring Advanced Life Support. 

Research Operations 

Replicate cultures are inoculated on the 

ground and launched on the space shuttle. 

Half the cultures are returned with the 

shuttle that they launch on and half are 

transferred to the space station where they 

are preserved (frozen in the MELFI freezer) 

at successive time-points over the course of 

six months. These cultures will then be 

returned to Earth and compared to ground 

controls to determine if the space 

environment affected the rate of generation 

of new mutants. 

Flight History/Background 

POEMS will be launched on ULF1.1 

(STS-121). 

Web Sites 

For more information on POEMS, visit: 

http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/station

/list.html

72
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Renal Stone 

Renal Stone Risk During Spaceflight: 

Assessment and Countermeasure Validation 

Principal Investigator: Peggy A. Whitson, Ph.D., NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Payload Developer: Peggy A. Whitson (Expedition 5 Flight Engineer), NASA Johnson 

Space Center 

Project Manager: Michelle Kamman, NASA Johnson Space Center 

Operations: Inflight 

Objective 

This experiment examines the risk of renal 

(kidney) stone formation in crewmembers 

during the pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight 

timeframes. Potassium citrate (K-cit) is a 

proven ground-based treatment for patients 

suffering from renal stones. In this study, 

K-cit tablets will be administered to 

astronauts and multiple urine samples will 

be taken before, during and after 

spaceflight to evaluate the risk of renal 

stone formation. From the results, K-cit will 

be evaluated as a potential countermeasure 

to alter the urinary biochemistry and lower 

the risk for potential development of renal 

stones in microgravity. This study will also 

examine the influence of dietary factors on 

the urinary biochemistry, investigate the 

effect flight duration on renal stone 

formation and determine how long after 

spaceflight the risk exists. 

Brief Summary 

Kidney stone formation is a significant risk 

during long-duration spaceflight that could 

have serious consequences since it cannot 

be treated as it would on Earth. 

Quantification of the renal stone-forming 

potential that exists during long-duration 

spaceflight and the recovery after 

spaceflight is necessary to reduce the risk 

of renal stone formation. This is a longterm study to test the efficacy of potassium 

citrate as a countermeasure to renal stone 

formation. 

Strategic Objective Mapping 

This is a long-term study to test the efficacy 

of potassium citrate as a countermeasure to 

renal stone formation. Kidney stone 

formation is a significant risk during longduration spaceflight that could impair 

astronaut functionality. 

Space Applications 

Human exposure to microgravity results in 

a number of physiological changes. Among 

these are changes in renal function, fluid 

redistribution, bone loss and muscle 

atrophy, all of which contribute to an altered 

urinary environment and the potential for 

renal stone formation during and 

immediately after flight. In-flight changes 

previously observed include decreased 

urine volume and urinary citrate and 

increased urinary concentrations of calcium 

and sodium. The formation of renal stones 

could have severe health consequences for 

73
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

crewmembers and negatively impact the 

success of the mission. This study will 

provide a better understanding of the risk 

factors associated with renal stone 

development during and after flight, as well 

as test the efficacy of potassium citrate as a 

countermeasure to reduce this risk. 

Earth Applications 

Understanding how the disease may form 

in otherwise healthy crewmembers under 

varying environmental conditions will also 

provide insight into stone forming diseases 

on Earth. 

74
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Acquisition & Analysis of Medical & Environment Data Aboard the 

International Space Station 

Project Manager: William Foster, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland 

Research Leads: Richard DeLombard, NASA Glenn Research Center 

Kenol Jules, NASA Glenn Research Center 

Overview 

Providing a quiescent microgravity, or lowgravity, environment for fundamental 

scientific research is one of the major goals 

of the International Space Station Program. 

However, tiny disturbances aboard the 

Space Station mimic the effects of gravity, 

and scientists need to understand, track 

and measure these potential disruptions. 

Two accelerometer systems developed by 

the Glenn Research Center are being used 

aboard the Station to measure the 

acceleration environment. Operation of 

these systems began with Expedition 2 and 

will continue throughout the life of the 

Station. 

The Space Acceleration Measurement 

System II (SAMS-II) measures 

accelerations caused by vehicle, crew and 

equipment disturbances. To complement 

the SAMS-II measurements, the 

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement 

System (MAMS) records accelerations 

caused by the aerodynamic drag created as 

the Station moves through space. It also 

measures accelerations created as the 

vehicle rotates and vents water. These 

small, quasi-steady accelerations occur in 

the frequency range below 1 Hertz. 

Using data from both accelerometer 

systems, the Principal Investigator 

Microgravity Services team at the Glenn 

Research Center will help investigators 

characterize accelerations that influence 

their ISS experiments. The acceleration 

data will be available to researchers during 

the mission via the World Wide Web. It will 

be updated nominally every two minutes as 

new data is transmitted from the ISS to 

Glenn’s Telescience Support Center. A 

catalog of acceleration sources also will be 

maintained. 

75
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Space Acceleration Measurement System II (SAMS-II) 

Project Manager: William Foster, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland 

The Space Acceleration Measurement 

System II (SAMS-II) began operations on 

International Space Station Mission 6A. It 

measures vibrations that affect nearby 

experiments. SAMS-II uses small remote 

triaxial sensor systems that are placed 

directly next to experiments throughout the 

laboratory module. In EXPRESS (Expedite 

the Processing of Experiments to the Space 

Station) Racks 1 and 4, it will remain on 

board the Station permanently. 

As the sensors measure accelerations 

electronically, they transmit the 

measurements to the interim control unit 

located in an EXPRESS rack drawer. 

SAMS-II is designed to record accelerations 

for the lifetime of the Space Station. As 

larger, facility-size experiments fill entire 

space station racks in the future, the interim 

control unit will be replaced with a more 

sophisticated computer control unit. It will 

allow on-board data analysis and direct 

dissemination of data to the investigators’ 

telescience centers at university 

laboratories and other locations around the 

world. 

76
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS) 

Project Manager: William Foster, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland 

The Microgravity Acceleration 

Measurement System (MAMS) measures 

accelerations that affect the entire Space 

Station, including experiments inside the 

laboratory. It fits in a double middeck 

locker, in the U.S. Laboratory Destiny in 

EXPRESS Rack No.1. It was preinstalled 

in the rack, which was placed in the 

laboratory during Expedition 2, ISS 

Flight 6A. It will remain on board the 

Station permanently. 

Unlike SAMS-II, MAMS measures more 

subtle accelerations that only affect certain 

types of experiments, such as crystal 

growth. Therefore MAMS will not have to 

be on all the time. During early expeditions, 

MAMS will require a minimum operational 

period of 48 or 96 hours to characterize the 

performance of the sensors and collect 

baseline data. During later increments, 

MAMS can be activated for time periods 

sufficient to satisfy payload or Space 

Station requirements for acceleration data. 

MAMS is commanded on and off from the 

Telescience Support Center at Glenn. 

MAMS is activated when the crew switches 

on the power switch for the EXPRESS 

Rack No. 1, and the MAMS computer is 

powered up from the ground control center. 

When MAMS is powered on, data is sent to 

Glenn Research Center’s Telescience 

Support Center where it is processed and 

displayed on the Principal Investigator 

Microgravity Services Space Station Web 

site to be viewed by investigators. 

History/Background 

The Space Acceleration Measurement 

System (SAMS) – on which SAMS-II is 

based -- first flew in June 1991 and has 

flown on nearly every major microgravity 

science mission. SAMS was used for 

almost four years aboard the Russian 

space station Mir where it collected data to 

support science experiments. 

77
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Space Experiment Module (SEM) 

Principal Investigator: Ruthan Lewis, Ph.D., Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. 

Increment(s) Assigned: 10, 11, 13 

Overview 

The Space Experiment Module (SEM) 

provides student opportunity to conduct 

research on the effects of microgravity, 

radiation and spaceflight on various 

materials. Research objectives for each 

experiment are determined by the students, 

but generally include hypothesis on 

changes in the selected materials due to 

the space environment. This is done by 

providing students space capsules to 

contain passive test articles for flight. 

These capsules are clear, sealable 

polycarbonate vials, one inch in diameter 

and three inches in depth. The vials are 

packed in satchels (20 per satchel) which 

contain specially formed foam layers for 

flight. 

Students select the items that will be 

contained inside the vials. Some of the 

items include seeds, such as corn, 

watermelon, cucumber, beans, peas and 

several other vegetable seeds. Additional 

items include materials such as wool, 

Kevlar, silk, ultraviolet beads, chicken 

bones, copper, plastic, dextrose, yeast, 

over-the-counter medications, human hair, 

mineral samples, light bulbs and brine 

shrimp eggs. Many students will test for 

seed growth after microgravity exposure; 

other students test how materials protect 

against radiation exposure and survival 

rates of microscopic life forms. 

Flight History/Background 

SEM has flown on the following shuttle 

missions: STS 80, 85, 88, 91, 95, 101, 102, 

105, 106, 107 and 108. The SEM satchel 

001 was launched during Expedition 10 in 

December 2004. All ISS operations have 

been completed for the first SEM satchel on 

the space station. The satchel was 

returned to Earth on Discovery (STS-114) 

in August 2005. The sample vials will be 

returned to the students for analysis. 

Benefits 

SEM introduces the concept of spacebased scientific experiments to the next 

generation. SEM is educating and inspiring 

the next generation to take the journey. 

Web Site 

For more information on SEM, visit: 

http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/station

/list.html

78
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Exposure During 

Spaceflight-Short (Sleep-Short) 

Principal Investigator: Charles A. Czeisler, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, 

Cambridge, Mass. 

Payload Developer: Johnson Space Center, Flight Research Management Office, 

Houston 

Increment(s) Assigned: Expeditions 11, 13 and 14 

Overview 

The success and effectiveness of manned 

spaceflight depends on the ability of 

crewmembers to maintain a high level of 

cognitive performance and vigilance while 

operating and monitoring sophisticated 

instrumentation. Astronauts during short 

space flights, however, commonly 

experience sleep disruption and may 

experience misalignment of circadian phase 

during spaceflight. Both of these conditions 

are associated with insomnia, and 

impairment of alertness and cognitive 

performance. Relatively little is known of 

the prevalence or cause of spaceflight 

induced insomnia in short duration 

missions. This experiment will use state of 

the art ambulatory technology to monitor 

sleep-wake activity patterns and light 

exposure in crewmembers aboard the 

space shuttle. Subjects will wear a small, 

light-weight activity and light recording 

device (Actiwatch) for the entire duration of 

their mission. The sleep-wake activity and 

light exposure patterns obtained in-flight will 

be compared with baseline data collected 

on Earth before and after spaceflight. 

These data should help us better 

understand the effects of spaceflight on 

sleep as well as aid in the development of 

effective countermeasures for short 

duration spaceflight. 

Benefits 

The information derived from this study will 

help to better understand the effects of 

spaceflight on sleep-wake cycles. The 

countermeasures that will be developed will 

improve sleep cycles during missions which 

in turn will help maintain alertness and 

lessen fatigue of the Space Shuttle 

astronauts. 

A better understanding of insomnia is 

relevant to the millions of people on Earth 

who suffer nightly from insomnia. The 

advancement of state of the art technology 

for monitoring, diagnosing, and assessing 

treatment effectiveness is vital to the 

continued treatment of insomnia on Earth. 

This work could have benefit the health, 

productivity and safety of groups with a high 

prevalence of insomnia, such as shift 

workers and the elderly. 

Web Site 

For more information on this experiment, 

visit: 

http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/station

/list.html

79
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, 

Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) 

Principal Investigator: David Miller, Ph.D., Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. 

Overview 

The Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, 

Reorient, Experimental Satellites 

(SPHERES) experiment will be used to 

develop the software needed to control 

multiple spacecraft flying close together and 

to test formation flying in microgravity. The 

experiment will serve as an International 

Space Station-based test bed for the 

development and testing of formation flying 

and other multi-spacecraft control 

algorithms. 

SPHERES consists of three self-contained, 

bowling ball-sized "satellites" or free-flyers, 

which perform the various algorithms. Each 

satellite is self-contained with power (AA 

batteries), propulsion (CO2 gas), computers 

and navigation equipment. As the satellites 

fly through the station, they will 

communicate with each other and an ISS 

laptop via a low-power, 900 MHz wireless 

link. 

Flight History/Background 

The MIT Space Systems Laboratory is 

developing the SPHERES formation flight 

test bed to provide the Air Force and NASA 

with a long-term, replenishable and 

upgradeable test bed for the validation of 

high-risk metrology, control and autonomy 

technologies. The technologies are critical 

to the operation of distributed satellite and 

docking missions such as TechSat 21, 

Starlight, Terrestrial Planet Finder and 

Orbital Express. 

Expedition 8 and 9 crews worked with this 

experiment. 

Benefits 

Developing autonomous formation flight 

and docking control algorithms is an 

important step in making many future space 

missions possible. The ability to 

autonomously coordinate and synchronize 

multiple spacecraft in tightly controlled 

spatial configurations enables a variety of 

new and innovative mission operations 

concepts. The results are important for 

designing constellation and array 

spacecraft configurations. 

For more information on SPHERES visit: 

http://ssl.mit.edu/spheres/

http://ssl.mit.edu/spheres/library.html

80
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

A Comprehensive Characterization of Microorganisms and 

Allergens in Spacecraft (SWAB) 

Principal Investigator: Duane L. Pierson, Ph.D., NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Overview 

Generic techniques will be used for the first 

time to comprehensively evaluate the 

microbes, including pathogens, on the 

space station, and how the microbial 

community changes as spacecraft visit and 

modules are added. 

Research Summary 

Previous microbial analysis of spacecraft 

only identify microorganisms that will grow 

in culture, omitting more than 90 percent of 

all microorganisms including pathogens 

such as Legionella (the bacterium which 

causes Legionnaires' disease) and 

Cryptosporidium (a parasite common in 

contaminated water). The incidence of 

potent allergens, such as dust mites, has 

never been systematically studied in 

spacecraft environments and microbial 

toxins have not been previously monitored. 

This study will use modern molecular 

techniques to identify microorganisms and 

allergens. Direct sampling of the station 

allows identification of the microbial 

communities present, and determination of 

whether these change over time. 

Research Operations 

Each new station module and visiting 

vehicle is sampled before launch to develop 

a baseline of contamination. A set of 

collections is done each time a new vehicle 

docks, for a total of eight dockings. Each 

set of collections consists of four air 

samples, 12 surface samples and three 

water samples. 

Once returned to Earth, modern molecular 

biology, advanced microscopy and 

immunochemical techniques will be applied 

to these samples to identify bacteria and 

fungi (total composition and specific 

pathogens), pathogenic protozoa, specific 

allergens and microbial toxins. 

Objectives 

The objectives are: 

• A thorough analysis for microbial 

pathogens and allergens that may come 

into contact with the crew of the Station. 

• An evaluation of the environmental 

ecology to assess potential threats to 

the ISS crew, its systems and 

spacecraft integrity. 

Benefits 

The results of this study will provide insight 

into the progression of the microbial 

ecology and potential problems in terrestrial 

systems such as office buildings and 

residential homes. The development of 

specific primers for bacterial enumeration 

and fungal identification will advance the 

ability of ground-based investigators to 

diagnose the causes of microbial volatile 

organic compounds and “sick building 

syndrome.” 

81
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Flight History/Background 

This investigation was conducted for the 

first time during Expedition 11. The 

experiment is to be flown on 

Expeditions 13, 14 and 15. 

More Information 

For more information on SWAB, visit: 

http://hrf.jsc.nasa.gov/science/swab.asp

82
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Tropi 

Analysis of a Novel Sensory Mechanism in Root Phototropism 

Principal Investigator: John Kiss, Ph.D., Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 

Payload Developer: Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. 

Increment(s) Assigned: 13 

Research Summary 

Plants sprouted from seeds will be 

videotaped and samples collected to be 

analyzed at a molecular level to determine 

what genes are responsible for successful 

plant growth in microgravity. Insights 

gained from Tropi can lead to sustainable 

agriculture for future long-term space 

missions. 

The primary objectives of Tropi are: 

• To understand the mechanisms by 

which plant roots respond to varying 

levels of both light and gravity. 

• To determine how plants organize 

multiple sensory inputs, like light and 

gravity. 

• To gain insight into how plants grow in 

space to help create sustainable life 

support systems for long-term space 

travel. 

Research Description 

Tropi consists of dry Arabidopsis thaliana

(thale cress) seeds stored in small seed 

cassettes. Arabidopsis thaliana is a rapidly 

growing, flowering plant in the mustard 

family. The seed cassettes will be flown 

inside the European Modular Cultivation 

System (EMCS). The seeds will remain dry 

and at ambient temperature until hydrated 

by an automated system of the EMCS. At 

specified times during the experiment, the 

plants will be stimulated by different light 

spectrums and by different gravity 

gradients. The only work required by the 

crew is to replace videotapes and harvest 

the plants when they are grown. Once the 

plants are harvested, they will be stored in 

the Minus Eighty-degree Laboratory 

Freezer for ISS (MELFI) until their return to 

Earth. 

Web Site 

For more information on Tropi, visit: 

http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/sta

tion/list.html

83
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

The New Digital NASA Television 

NASA Television can be seen in the 

continental United States on AMC-6, at 

72 degrees west longitude, Transponder 17C, 

4040 MHz, vertical polarization, FEC 3/4, 

Data Rate 36.860 MHz, Symbol 26.665 Ms, 

Transmission DVB. If you live in Alaska or 

Hawaii, NASA TV can now be seen on 

AMC-7, at 137 degrees west longitude, 

Transponder 18C, at 4060 MHz, vertical 

polarization, FEC 3/4, Data Rate 36.860 MHz, 

Symbol 26.665 Ms, Transmission DVB. 

Digital NASA TV system provides higher 

quality images and better use of satellite 

bandwidth, meaning multiple channels from 

multiple NASA program sources at the same 

time. 

Digital NASA TV has four digital channels: 

1. NASA Public Service ("Free to Air"), 

featuring documentaries, archival 

programming, and coverage of NASA 

missions and events; 

2. NASA Education Services ("Free to 

Air/Addressable"), dedicated to providing 

educational programming to schools, 

educational institutions and museums; 

3. NASA Media Services ("Addressable"), 

for broadcast news organizations; and 

4. NASA Mission Operations (Internal Only) 

Note: Digital NASA TV channels may not 

always have programming on every 

channel simultaneously. 

Internet Information 

Information is available through several 

sources on the Internet. The primary source 

for mission information is the NASA Human 

Space Flight Web, part of the World Wide 

Web. This site contains information on the 

crew and its mission and will be updated 

regularly with status reports, photos and video 

clips throughout the flight. The NASA Shuttle 

Web’s address is: 

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov

General information on NASA and its 

programs is available through the NASA 

Home Page and the NASA Public Affairs 

Home Page: 

http://www.nasa.gov

or 

http://www.nasa.gov/newsinfo/index.html

84
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Expedition 13 Media Contacts 

Melissa Mathews 

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, D.C. 

Melissa.Mathews-1@nasa.gov

International Partners 202-358-1272

Allard Beutel 

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, D.C. 

allard.beutel@nasa.gov

Shuttle, Space Station Policy 202-358-0951

Joe Pally 

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, D.C. 

Joseph.R.Pally@nasa.gov

Shuttle, Space Station Policy 202-358-7239

Katherine Trinidad 

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, D.C. 

Katherine.Trinidad@nasa.gov

Shuttle, Space Station Policy 202-358-3749

Dolores Beasley 

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, D.C. 

Dolores.D.Beasley@nasa.gov

Research in Space Policy 202-358-1753

James Hartsfield 

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

Astronauts/Mission Operations 281-483-5111

Rob Navias 

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

Mission Operations 281-483-5111

Kylie Clem 

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

kylie.s.clem@nasa.gov

International Space Station 281-483-5111

85
Expedition 13 Press Kit 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Steve Roy 

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center 

Huntsville, Ala. 

Steven.E.Roy@nasa.gov

Science Operations 256-544-6535

Ed Memi 

The Boeing Company 

Houston, TX 

Edmund.g.memi@boeing.com

International Space Station 281-226-4029

86