i 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Section Page 

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

Expedition 15 Crew ......................................................................................................... 7

Expedition 14 Spacewalks.............................................................................................. 13

Russian Soyuz TMA ........................................................................................................ 17

Soyuz Booster Rocket Characteristics ......................................................................... 23 

Prelaunch Countdown Timeline ................................................................................... 24 

Ascent/Insertion Timeline ............................................................................................. 25 

Orbital Insertion to Docking Timeline............................................................................ 26 

Key Times for Expedition 15/14 International Space Station Events............................ 31

EXPEDITION 14/ISS SOYUZ 13 (TMA-9) LANDING................................................... 33

Soyuz Entry Timeline ................................................................................................... 36

European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle Debuts ................................ 41

International Space Station: Expedition 15 Science Overview.................................... 51

The Payload Operations Center ..................................................................................... 61

ISS 15 Russian Research Objectives............................................................................. 65

U.S. Experiments ............................................................................................................. 73 

The Digital NASA Television........................................................................................... 117

Expedition 15 PAO Contacts .......................................................................................... 119
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1 

Mission Overview 

Expedition 15: Expanding for Science 

On April 7, two Russian cosmonauts 

aboard the Soyuz TMA-10 will launch to the 

International Space Station, joining an 

American astronaut for one of the most 

complex expeditions since permanent human occupancy of the complex began almost seven years ago. 

Making his second flight into space, Fyodor 

Yurchikhin (Fee-OH'-dur YOUR’-cheek-in),

48, will command the Expedition 15 mission. He is an engineer for RSC-Energia

who flew on the STS-112 mission that delivered the starboard one (S1) truss to the 

outpost. 

Cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin of Russia's Federal 

Space Agency, Expedition 15 commander. 
2 

Cosmonaut Oleg Kotov, representing Russia's Federal 

Space Agency, has been assigned as Expedition 15 

flight engineer and Soyuz commander. 

Joining Yurchikhin is fellow Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov (AH’-leg KO’-tuff), 41, 

who will serve as flight engineer and Soyuz 

commander for launch, landing and on-orbit 

operations. This is Kotov’s first flight. He is 

a cosmonaut-researcher and medical doctor for the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training 

Center in Star City, Russia. Their stay 

aboard the station is expected to last approximately six months. 

Yurchikhin and Kotov will join NASA astronaut and Navy Cmdr. Sunita (Suni) Williams, 41, who flew to the station on shuttle 

Discovery’s STS-116 mission in December 

2006. She will return to Earth aboard shuttle Endeavour's mission STS-118. That 

flight will carry Expedition 15 crew member 

and NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson, 48, 

to the complex. He will return home aboard 

Atlantis on mission STS-120. 

The Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft will launch 

from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a two-day flight to link up to the 

Zvezda Service Module on the station. 

Joining them on the Soyuz is U.S. businessman Charles Simonyi, 58, a former executive with Microsoft Corp., who will spend 

10 days on the station under a contract 

signed with the Russian Federal Space 

Agency (Roscosmos). 
3 

Charles Simonyi will fly as a space flight participant 

on the Expedition 15 mission. 

Simonyi will return to Earth on the Soyuz 

TMA-9 capsule with Expedition 14 Commander Mike Lopez-Alegria (Ah-luh-GREE’-

uh), 48, and Flight Engineer and Soyuz 

Commander Mikhail Tyurin (Tee-YOUR’-in), 

47, landing in central Kazakhstan. LopezAlegria and Tyurin have been aboard the 

station since September 2006. 

Once on board, Yurchikhin and Kotov will 

conduct more than a week of handover activities with Lopez-Alegria, Tyurin and Williams, familiarizing themselves with station 

systems and procedures. They also will 

receive proficiency training on the Canadarm2 robotic arm from the resident crew 

and engage in safety briefings as well as 

payload and scientific equipment training. 

The change of command ceremony marks 

the formal control of the station by Yurchikhin and Kotov just days before the Expedition 14 crew members and Simonyi depart the station. Tyurin, at the controls of 

Soyuz, Lopez-Alegria and Simonyi will land 

in the steppes of Kazakhstan to conclude 

their mission. Simonyi’s mission will span 

12 days. 
4 

After landing, the trio will be flown from Kazakhstan to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, for approximately 

two weeks of initial physical rehabilitation. 

Due to the brevity of his fight, Simonyi will 

spend significantly less time acclimating 

himself to Earth’s gravity than Tyurin and 

Lopez-Alegria. 

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, which will help with planning future exploration missions to the 

moon and Mars. The science team at the 

Payload Operations Integration Center at 

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in 

Huntsville, Ala., will operate some experiments without crew input and other experiments are designed to function autonomously.

Backdropped by a sprinkling of small clouds over a blue Earth, an unpiloted 

Progress supply vehicle approaches the International Space Station. 
5 

The station crew is expected to 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. The ISS Progress 25 cargo is targeted to reach the station in May, and ISS Progress 26 is slated 

for August. If all goes as planned, the Expedition 15 crew also will greet two visiting 

shuttles. 

During the STS-117 mission, Atlantis will 

deliver the starboard three and four (S3/S4) 

truss and a new set of solar arrays to the 

station. The mission was scheduled for 

Expedition 14, but was postponed due to 

hail damage to Atlantis’ external fuel tank 

on Feb 26. 

The next shuttle mission, Endeavour’s STS118, will bring the starboard five (S5) truss 

segment to the station and replace a failed 

control moment gyroscope. Additionally, 

the shuttle will fly Anderson to the complex, 

replacing Williams. Further, the mission will 

highlight the first flight of Educator Astronaut and Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan, who will be part of Endeavour’s crew 

and will handle crucial robotics work 

throughout the flight. 

Other mission tasks include using the 

Canadarm2 robotic arm in August to move 

one of the station’s docking ports, the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 (PMA-3), from the 

port side of the Unity module to the nadir 

side, clearing the port side for the temporary installation of Harmony (Node 2) during 

the STS-120 mission targeted for later this 

year.

Astronaut Clayton C. Anderson (left), Expedition 15 flight engineer; 

cosmonauts Fyodor N. Yurchikhin and Oleg V. Kotov, commander 

and flight engineer, respectively, representing Russia's Federal 

Space Agency, participate in a training session in the Neutral 

Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near Johnson Space Center. 
6 

U.S. and Russian specialists are reviewing 

the tasks expected to be included in as 

many as three spacewalks planned for Expedition 15. Yurchikhin and Kotov will do 

the first two spacewalks out of the Pirs airlock on the station's Russian segment. 

They will wear Russian Orlan suits and install micrometeoroid debris shields on the 

Zvezda module that were delivered to the 

complex in December on the STS-116 shuttle mission. Yurchikhin, Kotov and Anderson will conduct their first spacewalks during Expedition 15. 

The third spacewalk will feature Anderson 

and Yurchikhin in U.S. suits exiting from the 

Quest airlock. They will jettison an ammonia reservoir tank, the Early Ammonia Servicer, which was attached to the P6 truss to 

replenish ammonia for cooling lines for the 

early thermal control system for the station. 

That temporary system has been shut down 

in favor of the station’s permanent cooling 

system, and the ammonia reservoir is no 

longer required. 

Anderson and Yurchikhin also will disconnect electrical connections between PMA-3 

and Unity in advance of its relocation and 

install equipment for additional video hardware that will accompany future station assembly missions. 

Also on the crew’s agenda is work with 

Canadarm2 that will support the spacewalks and observe the station’s exterior. 
7 

Expedition 15 Crew 

Fyodor Yurchikhin, Ph.D., Expedition 15 commander

Since graduating from the Sergei 

Ordzhonikidze Moscow Aviation Institute in 

1983, Yurchikhin, 48, has worked at the 

Russian Space Corporation-Energia. He 

began working as a flight controller in the 

Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, 

Russia, eventually becoming a lead engineer for the Shuttle-Mir and NASA-Mir Programs. In August 1997, he began training 

as a cosmonaut and in October 2002, flew 

aboard STS-112 as a mission specialist, 

logging a total of 10 days, 19 hours, and 58 

minutes in space. 
8 

Oleg Kotov, M.D., Lt. Col., Russian Air Force, Expedition 15 

flight engineer and Soyuz commander

After serving as a backup crew member to 

the Mir-26 mission, and backup flight engineer and Soyuz commander on Expedition 

6 and 13, Dr. Kotov is the flight engineer 

and the Soyuz commander for Expedition 

15. A 1988 graduate of the Kirov Military 

Medical Academy, he was selected as a 

cosmonaut candidate in 1996. Since completing his initial training, has served as a 

cosmonaut-researcher and test-cosmonaut 

of the Cosmonaut Office and also worked 

as a CAPCOM (Capsule or Spacecraft 

Communicator) for Expedition 3 and 4 in 

Mission Control Center in Moscow, as well 

as the Moscow Support Group in Houston. 
9 

Sunita Williams, Cmdr., USN, Expedition 15 flight engineer 

Williams, who arrived on the space station 

in December 2006 on shuttle Discovery 

during the STS-116 mission, will remain as 

a flight engineer for part of Expedition 15. 

Although this is her first spaceflight mission, 

Williams holds the spacewalk duration 

world record for females with a total extravehicular activity time of 29 hour, 17 minutes over four spacewalks. Her first spacewalk was with veteran spacewalker Bob 

Curbeam during STS-116. The other three 

spacewalks were conducted with Expedition 14 Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria. 

Williams was selected by NASA in June 

1998. She worked in Moscow with Russian 

space officials on Russian segment systems development for the station and with 

the first Expedition crew to the station. Williams is scheduled to wrap up her longduration spaceflight midway through Expedition 15 and return to Earth via the space 

shuttle Endeavour on the STS-118 mission. 
10 

Clayton Anderson, flight engineer 

Replacing Williams as the Expedition 15 flight 

engineer, Anderson will join the crew during the 

STS-118 shuttle mission. Anderson is a graduate of Hastings College in Nebraska and 

Iowa State University. He joined NASA in 

1983 in the Mission Planning and Analysis 

Division, before moving on to the Mission 

Operations Directorate where he progressed to chief of the Flight Design 

Branch. He was selected to join NASA’s 

astronaut corps in 1998. He most recently 

was back-up flight engineer for Expeditions 

12, 13 and 14 to the station. He is scheduled to return to Earth on shuttle mission 

STS-120. 
11 

Daniel Tani 

A veteran of a prior space shuttle flight, 

Tani will also serve as Flight Engineer for a 

brief time during Expedition 15. Tani is 

slated to arrive to the station on STS-120, 

and stay onboard with Expedition 16. He is 

scheduled to return to Earth on Discovery 

on STS-122. A Massachusetts Institute of 

Technology graduate, Tani joined NASA in 

1996. He served in numerous roles, including the EVA Branch and as a Crew Support 

Astronaut for Expedition-4. Tani flew on 

STS-108 in 2001, and has logged more 11 

days in space, including a space walk to 

wrap thermal blankets around ISS Solar Array Gimbals. He also trained and qualified 

as the backup flight engineer for Expedition 11.
12 

Charles Simonyi, spaceflight participant

Born in Budapest, Hungary but a naturalized American citizen, Charles Simonyi will 

serve as the fifth spaceflight participant to 

visit the International Space Station and the 

third U.S. spaceflight participant. He will 

travel to the orbital outpost with Yurchikhin 

and Kotov and spend 11 days aboard before returning with Expedition 14 crew 

members, Michael Lopez-Alegria and Mikhail Tyurin. Simonyi came to the United 

States in 1968 and is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University. He has an extensive career 

in software development including work at 

Xerox Corp. and Microsoft, Inc. and 

founded Intentional Software Corp., a software engineering firm. Simonyi gained his 

American citizenship in 1982. 
13 

Expedition 15 Spacewalks 

During three planned spacewalks, Expedition 15 crew members will install 17 debris 

panels designed to shield the station's 

Zvezda service module from micrometeorites and remove and jettison the space station’s Early Ammonia Servicer, or EAS. 

The servicer, a reservoir for the initial cooling system used on the complex, is on the 

station’s P6 integrated truss segment. The 

EAS held reserve ammonia for the station’s 

early external thermal control system. It is 

about the size of a large refrigerator weighing 1,400 pounds. 

Cosmonaut Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, Expedition 15 commander, 

dons a training version of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) 

space suit prior to being submerged in the waters of the Neutral 

Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center. 
14 

The early external thermal control system 

was a temporary cooling system for the 

space station and its equipment. That system is no longer used because the station’s 

permanent external thermal control system 

was activated during the STS-116 mission 

in December 2006 and during Expedition 14. 

Two of the Expedition 15 spacewalks are 

designated as Russian spacewalks because the astronauts will exit from the Pirs 

airlock and use Russian Orlan spacesuits. 

The third spacewalk will be a U.S. spacewalk conducted from the station’s Quest 

airlock using U.S. spacesuits. 

The spacewalks will be the first for all three 

crew members. 

The Russian Spacewalks 

The first spacewalk -- also known as an extravehicular activity or EVA -- is slated for 

June 1 and is designated Russian EVA 18. 

The second spacewalk is scheduled for 

June 7 and will be Russian EVA 19. Both 

spacewalks will be conducted by Expedition 

15 Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and 

Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov. 

During the first spacewalk, Yurchikhin and 

Kotov will leave the station, extend the 

manually operated Strela, a 45-foot Russian crane attached to the Pirs airlock, to 

Pressurized Mating Adapter 3 (PMA-3) located on the Unity Node and then move to 

the adapter. Once in place, the spacewalkers will use the Strela to retrieve the three 

bundles of debris panels stowed on the 

pressurized mating adapter during STS116. The panel bundles are mounted on a 

holder called a “Christmas tree." Each bundle includes six or seven shields. 

The spacewalkers will use the Strela to 

grasp the “Christmas tree” adapter and then 

move it to the Zvezda service module to 

again temporarily stow the bundles. 

Next, the two spacewalkers will move the 

Strela back to the Pirs docking compartment and begin to install the debris panels 

on the handrails of the module’s cone 

shaped section. This section is located between the small and large diameters of 

Zvezda. 

Each panel is hollow and about 1 meter tall, 

0.5 meters wide, and 10 centimeters thick. 

The spacewalkers will install one set of 

panels during the first EVA and leave two 

sets for the second spacewalk. Installation 

of the shields will complete the additional 

protection required on that section. Six 

similar shields were installed on an earlier 

Expedition. The debris panels will protect 

the service module against micrometeroid 

impacts. 

During the second Russian spacewalk, 

Yurchikhin and Kotov will again leave the 

Pirs docking compartment, move to where 

the debris panel bundles are stowed and 

complete installation of the panels on the 

service module. After the panels are installed, the crew will photograph the panels. 

These photographs will give the ground 

crew a close-up view of the panel installation. 

If time permits, the crew will also install a 

computer network cable on the Russian 

segment modules which, once attached on 

the U.S. segment, will enable commands to 

be sent from the U.S. modules to the Russian portion of the outpost. 
15 

Cosmonaut Oleg V. Kotov (left), Expedition 15 flight engineer, participates in an EMU 

spacesuit fit check in the Space Station Airlock Test Article (SSATA) in the Crew 

Systems Laboratory at Johnson Space Center. Yurchikhin assisted Kotov. 

The U.S. Spacewalk 

The third Expedition 15 spacewalk, designated U.S. EVA 9, will be performed by 

Flight Engineer Clayton Anderson and Yurchikhin. Kotov will maneuver the station’s 

robotic arm, the Canadarm2. The primary 

task for the crew will be to jettison two items 

that are no longer needed on the station. 

This also will be the first time the station’s 

robotic arm will be controlled by a Russian 

cosmonaut. 

During the spacewalk, operators in the station’s Mission Control Center at the Johnson Space Center in Houston will serve as 

Kotov’s robotic arm assistant, verifying control of the arm and its position. Because 

there will be fewer camera views without 

the shuttle present, Kotov may also call 

upon Yurchikhin to help him judge clearances between structures. 

Kotov’s operation of the robotic arm will 

demonstrate the crew’s ability to perform a 

one-man robotic operation during a spacewalk without a shuttle present, also known 

as a stage spacewalk. This will lay the 

foundation for future undertakings, including 

the possible need to replace orbital replacement units stowed on the station’s exterior. 
16 

The first task for Anderson and Yurchikhin 

will be to jettison a stanchion, a support 

post, for an exterior video camera. It needs 

to be cleared for future additions to the station. 

However, the most important task during 

EVA 9 is the removal and jettison of the 

Early Ammonia Servicer. Originally, a shuttle was expected to return the servicer to 

Earth. But, because it is nearing its structural life expectancy, engineers were concerned an ammonia leak could occur in the 

shuttle’s payload bay during return and 

place the shuttle crew at risk. 

Once the cables have been removed from 

the servicer, Anderson will jettison it by 

simply pushing it away. Valves on the servicer were secured by Expedition 14 

spacewalkers Mike Lopez-Alegria and Suni 

Williams in February during Expedition 14. 

As the servicer moves away from the station, it will begin to sink because trace 

amounts of atmosphere that exist at the 

station’s altitude create drag, or resistance 

to motion. Because the servicer’s relative 

drag is similar to the space station’s relative 

drag, flight controllers plan to fire thrusters 

to boost the station the day after the 

spacewalk to insure the servicer is cleared 

from station’s orbit. 

The spacewalkers will have spent more 

than 100 hours training for the two jettisons, 

including time in NASA’s underwater Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) and Virtual 

Reality (VR) Laboratory, and work in robotics simulators and on an air bearing floor 

that works much like an air-hockey table. 

Other scheduled tasks for the spacewalkers 

are being finalized. 

Astronaut Clayton C. Anderson, Expedition 15 flight engineer and 

Yurchikhin are submerged in the waters of the NBL. 
17 

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 customfitted 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 seat liners 

are brought with them and transferred to 

the existing Soyuz spacecraft as part of 

crew handover activities. 
18 

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 

unsymmetric-dimethylhydrazine. 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 crewmember size for the 

TMA is 1.5 meters (4 feet, 11 inches) and 

50 kilograms (110 pounds), compared to 
19 

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 hangar-drop tests, in airdrop tests and in space 

before the spacecraft was declared 

flight-ready. 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. 
A Soyuz launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. 

20 
21 

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 cylindricalconic 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 

pre-defined 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 plotting is performed for flight following and initial performance assessment. All flight data 

is analyzed and documented within a few 

hours after launch. 
22 

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. 
23 

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 
24 

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 
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 

25 

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 

 
26 

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 
27 

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. 
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 

28 
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 

 

29 
30 

Typical Soyuz Ground Track 
31 

Key Times for Expedition 15/14 International Space Station Events 

Expedition 15/Simonyi Launch

12:31:03 p.m. CT on April 7 

17:31:03 GMT on April 7 

21:31:03 p.m. Moscow time on April 7 

23:31:03 p.m. Baikonur time on April 7. 

Expedition 15/Simonyi Docking to the ISS

2:15 p.m. CT on April 9 

19:15 GMT on April 9 

23:15 p.m. Moscow time on April 9. 

Expedition 15/Simonyi Hatch Opening to the ISS

3:30 p.m. CT on April 9 

20:30 GMT on April 9 

00:30 a.m. Moscow time on April 10. 

Expedition 14/Simonyi Hatch Closure to the ISS

2:05 a.m. CT on April 20 

7:05 GMT on April 20 

11:05 a.m. Moscow time on April 20 

13:05 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20. 
32 

Expedition 14/Simonyi Undocking from the ISS

5:20 a.m. CT on April 20 

10:20 GMT on April 20 

14:20 p.m. Moscow time on April 20 

16:20 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20. 

Expedition 14/Simonyi Deorbit Burn

7:40 a.m. CT on April 20 

12:40 GMT on April 20 

16:40 p.m. Moscow time on April 20 

18:40 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20 

Expedition 14/Simonyi Landing

8:36:36 a.m. CT on April 20 

13:36:36 GMT on April 20 

17:36:36 p.m. Moscow time on April 20 

19:36:36 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20 (57minutes before sunset) 
33 

EXPEDITION 14/ISS SOYUZ 13 (TMA-9) LANDING 

For the ninth time in history, an American 

astronaut will return to Earth from orbit in a 

Russian Soyuz capsule. Expedition 14 

Commander Mike Lopez-Alegria will be 

aboard the International Space Station 

Soyuz 13 (TMA-9) capsule as he, Soyuz 

Commander Mikhail Tyurin and U.S. 

Spaceflight Participant Charles Simonyi 

touch down on the steppes of Kazakhstan 

to complete their mission. Lopez-Alegria 

and Tyurin will be concluding seven months 

in orbit, while Simonyi will return after a 12-

day commercial 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 through 13 crews rode the Soyuz 

home starting in May 2003. Some Americans will continue to return from space in 

Soyuz capsules while others fly home on 

space shuttles, depending on the timing of 

crew rotation activities. The Soyuz provides an assured crew return capability for 

residents aboard the station. 

Lopez-Alegria, Tyurin and Simonyi will be 

equipped with a satellite phone and Global 

Positioning System locator hardware for instant communications with Russian recovery teams. 

Three hours before undocking, LopezAlegria, Tyurin and Simonyi will bid farewell 

to Expedition 15 crew members Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and flight engineers Oleg Kotov and Suni Williams, who 

arrived at the station in December 2006. 

Williams will return to Earth on shuttle Endeavour’s STS-118 mission, targeted for 

launch in summer 2007. 

The departing crew will climb into the 

Soyuz, closing the hatch between Soyuz 

and the station’s Zarya module where the 

vehicle is linked. Lopez-Alegria, the onboard engineer, will sit in the Soyuz’ left 

seat for entry and landing. Tyurin will sit in 

the center commander’s seat with Simonyi 

occupying the right seat. 

After activating Soyuz systems and getting 

approval from Russian flight controllers at 

the Russian Mission Control Center outside 

Moscow, Tyurin will send commands to 

open hooks and latches between the Soyuz 

and Zarya module. 

Tyurin will fire the Soyuz thrusters to back 

away from Zarya. Six minutes after undocking, with the Soyuz about 20 meters 

away from the station, he will conduct a 

separation maneuver, firing the Soyuz jets 

for approximately 15 seconds to begin departure from the vicinity of the station. 

Less than 2.5 hours later, about 19 kilometers from the station, Soyuz computers will 

initiate a deorbit burn braking maneuver. 

The 4.5-minute engine firing will 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 

Earth’s atmosphere, computers will command the separation of the three modules 

of the Soyuz vehicle. The crew will return 

in the descent module. The forward orbital 

module, containing the docking mechanism 

and rendezvous antennas, and the rear instrumentation and propulsion module, 

housing the engines and avionics, will pyrotechnically separate and burn up in the atmosphere. 
34 

The descent module’s computers will orient 

the capsule with its ablative heat shield 

pointing forward to repel heat buildup as the 

craft plunges into the atmosphere. For the 

first time in almost six months, LopezAlegria and Tyurin will feel the effects of 

gravity during entry interface, three minutes 

after module separation when the craft is 

approximately 400,000 feet above the 

Earth. 

Eight minutes later, when the Soyuz is at an 

altitude of approximately 10 kilometers and 

traveling at 220 meters per second, the 

ship's computers will begin a commanded 

sequence to deploy 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. 

Deployment of the parachute will create a 

gentle spin as the Soyuz dangles underneath the drogue chute, increasing the capsule’s stability in the final minutes prior to 

touchdown. 

At this point, the drogue chute is jettisoned, 

and the main parachute is 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 parachute 

at a 30-degree angle with respect to the horizon for aerodynamic stability. The bottom 

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 

the descent module to a velocity of about 

seven meters per second. 

Within minutes, at an altitude of a little more 

than five kilometers, the crew will monitor 

the jettison of the descent module’s heat 

shield. That will be followed by termination 

of the aerodynamic spin cycle and dumping 

of any residual propellant. Computers also 

will arm the module’s seat shock absorbers 

in preparation for landing. 

When the capsule's heat shield is jettisoned, 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 Tyurin and his crewmates 

to prepare for the Soft Landing Engine 

(SLE) firing. Just one meter above the surface and seconds before touchdown, the 

six solid propellant engines of the SLE are 

fired in a final braking maneuver. The 

Soyuz touches 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 flying near the landing area in a convoy 

of Russian military helicopters. Once the 

capsule touches down, the helicopters will 

land nearby to begin removing the crew. 

Within minutes of landing, a portable medical tent will be set up near the capsule so 

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 at a time. The three crew members will sit in special reclining chairs near 

the capsule for initial medical tests and an 

opportunity to begin readapting to Earth’s 

gravity. 
35 

Two hours after landing, the crew, assisted 

to the helicopters, will fly 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, which is 

adjacent to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, where their 

families will meet them. In all, it will take 

approximately eight hours between landing 

and the return to Star City. 

Assisted by a team of flight surgeons, Lopez-Alegria and Tyurin will undergo several 

weeks of medical tests and physical rehabilitation before returning to the United 

States for additional debriefings and followup exams. Simonyi’s acclimation to Earth’s 

gravity will take a much shorter period of 

time due to the brevity of his flight. 
36 

Soyuz Entry Timeline 

Separation Command to Begin to Open Hooks and Latches (Undocking Command + 

0 mins.) 

5:17 a.m. CT on April 20 

10:17 GMT on April 20 

14:17 p.m. Moscow time on April 20 

16:17 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20 

Hooks Opened/Physical Separation of Soyuz from Zarya Module nadir port at 

.12 meter/sec. (Undocking Command + 3 mins.) 

5:20 a.m. CT on April 20 

10:20 a.m. GMT on April 20 

14:20 a.m. Moscow time on April 20 

16:20 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20 
37 

Separation Burn from ISS (8 second burn of the Soyuz engines, .56 meters/sec; Soyuz 

distance from the ISS is ~20 meters) 

5:23 a.m. CT on April 20 

10:23 GMT on April 20 

14:23 p.m. Moscow time on April 20 

16:23 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20 

Deorbit Burn (appx 4:20 in duration, 115.2 m/sec; Soyuz distance from the ISS is ~12 

kilometers; Undocking Command appx + ~2 hours, 30 mins.) 

7:40 a.m. CT on April 20 

12:40 GMT on April 20 

16:40 p.m. Moscow time on April 20 

18:40 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20 
38 

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

57 mins.) 

8:03 a.m. CT on April 20 

13:03 GMT on April 20 

17:03 p.m. Moscow time on April 20 

19:03 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20 

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

Deorbit Burn; Undocking Command + ~3 hours) 

8:06 a.m. CT on April 20 

13:06 GMT on April 20 

17:06 p.m. Moscow time on April 20 

19:06 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20 
39 

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

Undocking Command + ~3 hours, 8 mins.)

8:15 a.m. CT on April 20 

13:15 GMT on April 20 

17:15 p.m. Moscow time on April 20 

19:15 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20 

Two pilot parachutes are first deployed, the 

second of which extracts the drogue chute. 

The drogue chute is then released, measuring 24 square meters, slowing the Soyuz 

from a descent rate of 230 meters/second 

to 80 meters/second. 

The main parachute is then released, covering an area of 1,000 meters. It slows the 

Soyuz to a 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. 
40 

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

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

Landing - appx. 2 seconds 

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

8:36:36 a.m. CT on April 20 

13:36:36 GMT on April 20 

17:36:36 p.m. Moscow time on April 20 

19:36:36 p.m. Kazakhstan time on April 20 

(57 minutes before sunset at the landing 

site) 
41 

European Space Agency's 

Automated Transfer Vehicle Debuts 

The Automated Transfer Vehicle 

The International Space Station depends 

on regular deliveries of food, water, air, experimental equipment and spare parts for 

its crew. Beginning in the second half of 

2007, the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) will join the 

station's fleet of supply craft. 

Equipped with its own propulsion and navigation systems, the maiden ATV is a multifunctional spaceship, combining the automatic capabilities of a robotic vehicle with 

human spacecraft safety requirements. Its 

mission will resemble that of a tug boat resupplying and pushing a river barge—the 

space station. 

Named "Jules Verne" after the visionary 

19th-century science fiction writer, the 

maiden ATV will carry up to nine tons of 

cargo from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, 

French Guiana, to the International Space 

Station. An on-board, high-precision optical 

navigation system will be used during the 

last 250 meters to guide the ATV on a rendezvous trajectory toward the space station 
42 

where it will automatically dock to the station's Russian Zvezda Service Module. 

From launch until the final 250 meters, a 

Global Positioning System-based system is 

used to guide the ATV. 

It will remain there as a pressurized component of the complex for up to six months 

until a controlled re-entry into the Earth's 

atmosphere, where it will burn up and, in 

the process, dispose (for Jules Verne) 6 

340 kg of items no longer needed on the 

space station. 

Externally, the ATV is covered with an insulating foil layer on top of meteorite protection panels. Its X-shaped solar arrays resemble metallic blue wings. 

Although people will not be launched in an 

ATV, crew members on the station will be 

able to access cargo and systems during 

the time it is docked. There is room inside 

for up to eight standard racks designed to 

store equipment and transfer bags. 

The ATV also will carry several tanks containing drinking water, refueling propellant 

for the station's propulsion system and air 

(air, oxygen and nitrogen) for the crew. The 

forward end cone of the cargo section contains the Russian-made docking equipment 

and the rendezvous sensors. 

The ATV uses four main engines and 28 

thrusters for orbit and attitude control. After 

docking, it can perform space station attitude control and debris avoidance maneuvers. It also can desaturate the space station gyroscopic attitude system and boost 

the complex's orbit to overcome the effects 

of residual atmospheric drag. 

The ATV has about three times the payload 

capability of its Russian counterpart, the 

Progress cargo craft. 
43 

Mission Profile 

The ATV launches on an Ariane 5 rocket. 

The Jules Verne ATV mission will begin 

when the craft is launched into orbit by an 

Ariane 5 from the European launch site in 

Kourou, French Guiana, on the northern 

coast of South America. 

After separation from Ariane, the ATV's 

navigation systems are activated and engines are fired to boost it into the transfer 

orbit. These activities will be monitored by 

ESA's ATV Control Center in Toulouse, 

France. 
44 

The cargo craft will come in sight of the International Space Station after more than 

two weeks in orbit during which time onboard systems, rendezvous and collision 

avoidance systems are tested. Its computers will control final approach maneuvers over the final two orbits, closing with 

the space station at a relative speed of a 

few centimeters per second while both vehicles fly at 17,500 mph. 

Docking will be automatic. If there are any 

last-minute problems, either the ATV's 

computers or the space station crew can 

trigger a pre-programmed sequence of anticollision maneuvers, which would be independent of the main navigation system. 

The avoidance maneuvers can be done on 

a main computer or on an independent system. The ESA ATV Control Center also 

can initiate the avoidance maneuvers. 

The ATV remains docked with the ISS for up to six months 
45 

With the ATV securely docked, space station crew members can enter the cargo 

section and remove its payloads. The 

ATV's fuel and water supply tanks will be 

connected to the space station's plumbing 

system and crew members will manually 

release air, oxygen or nitrogen directly into 

the space station. 

ATVs will remain at the space station for 

about six months to allow crew members to 

fill them with unwanted material. 

Once its re-supply mission is complete, the 

ATV hatch will be closed by the crew and 

later separated automatically. Its engines 

will de-orbit the spacecraft on a steep flight 

path to perform a controlled re-entry under 

deliberately high forces of atmospheric 

drag, causing it to break up and burn high 

above the Pacific Ocean. 

ATV Control and Rendezvous 

The maiden ATV flight, tentatively scheduled for the second half of 2007, will mark 

the first rendezvous and docking ever of a 

European spacecraft in orbit. It also will be 

the first European re-supply mission to the 

space station. 

The maiden voyage will take up to 17 days 

to allow engineers to perform a series of 

tests. It must be demonstrated that the 

cargo ship is capable of halting its rendezvous maneuver at any time by stopping and 

flying away from the space station. 

During the highly critical phases of an ATV 

flight—from launch to docking and from departure to re-entry—a 60-person team at 

the new ESA ATV Control Center in Toulouse, France, will work in three adjacent 

control rooms monitoring closely the automatic approach procedures. Working in 

concert with NASA flight controllers in 

Houston and Russian flight controllers in 

Korolev, outside Moscow, the team will use 

European and U.S. relay satellites to control ATV phasing, automatic approach and 

docking, attached phase operations and 

safe re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. 

The French space agency CNES has responsibility for management of the Toulouse center and will coordinate and support all ATV operations on behalf of the 

European Space Agency. 

Star trackers, able to recognize different 

constellations in the sky to calculate its own 

orientation in space, and GPS, able to 

measure angles between orbiting satellites 

to give positional information, are the modern-day equivalents of centuries-old navigation equipment, such as a sextant. 

The ATV uses these instruments to draw 

closer to the space station over a period of 

days before switching to a different system 

for the high-precision docking, using a 

videometer's eye-like sensors combined 

with separate parallel measurements systems. 

The videometer will analyze images of its 

emitted laser beam reflected by passive 

retro-reflectors on the space station next to 

the Russian docking port where the ATV 

will be attached to calculate distance from 

the docking target and rate of closure. 

During the last 250 meters of the final approach, the videometer will automatically 

recognize the retro-reflector's target patterns and then calculate the distance and 

direction to the docking port. 

To add a safety margin, a secondary sensor, called a telegoniometer, will emit laser 

pulses at a different wavelength to the 
46 

retro-reflectors. The travel time of the 

pulses gives the distance and direction as 

given by the orientation of two built-in mirrors. 

The telegoniometer's radar-like pulses provide 10,000 hits per second, whereas the 

camera-like videometer illuminates its objective from once per second to 10 times 

per second as it approaches the target. 

During its final approach, the ATV will set 

up a direct link with the space station, allowing it to initiate relative and accurate 

navigation as well as providing the station 

crew with critical monitoring capabilities. As 

it gets closer to its objective, the ATV 

ground controllers in Toulouse will direct it 

on a step-by-step predefined approach. 

This will require authorization from the Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia (because the ATV docks to the Russian 

Zvezda module) and overall coordination 

with Mission Control, Houston. 

The first ATV flight will take 17 days from 

launch to docking. The second flight, 

planned a year or so later, will take only 

three to five days. 

ATV Statistics 

Length: 10.3 meters 

Maximum Diameter: 4.51 meters 

Launch Mass: up to 20,750 kilograms 

Pressurized Volume: 14 cubic meters 

ATV is capable of carrying: 

• up to 5,500 kg of equipment and food 

• up to 840 kg of water 

• up to 100 kg of air/oxygen/nitrogen 

• up to 860 kg of propellant for refueling 

the Zvezda fuel tanks 

• up to 4,700 kg of propellant for reboosts 

The ATV will automatically dock with the ISS 
47 

Ariane 5 Launch Vehicle 

An Ariane 5 rocket clears the launch tower as it climbs out under the 

power of its Vulcain main engine and its two solid rocket motors. 

Ariane 5 is a European expendable launch 

system designed to deliver satellites into 

geostationary transfer orbit and to send 

payloads to low-Earth orbit. It is manufactured under authority of the European 

Space Agency (ESA) with EADS Astrium 

Space Transportation as the prime contractor, leading a consortium of subcontractors. 

The rocket is operated and marketed by 

Arianespace as part of the Ariane program. 

EADS Astrium Space Transportation builds 

the rockets in Europe and Ariancespace 

launches them from a spaceport at Kourou 

in French Guiana. 

Ariane 5 succeeded Ariane 4, but does not 

derive from it directly. The ESA originally 

designed Ariane 5 to launch the crewed 

mini shuttle Hermes, and thus intended it to 

be human rated from the beginning. After 

the ESA cancelled Hermes, the rocket became a purely commercial launcher. 

Two satellites can be mounted using a 

Sylda carrier. Three main satellites are 

possible depending on size. Up to eight 

secondary payloads, usually small experiment packages or minisatellites, can be 

carried with an ASAP (Ariane Structure for 

Auxiliary Payloads) platform. 
48 

Components 

An Ariane 5 rocket waits on its mobile launch table at the ELA-3 

launch zone of Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana 
49 

Ariane 5’s cryogenic H158 main stage 

(H173 for Ariane 5 ECA) is called the EPC 

(Étage Principal Cryotechnique/Cryogenic 

First Stage). It consists of a large tank 30.5 

meters high with two compartments, one for 

130 tons of liquid oxygen and one for 25 

tons of liquid hydrogen, and a Vulcain engine at the base with thrust of 115 tonsforce (1.13 meganewtons). This part of the 

first stage weighs about 15 tons when 

empty. 

Attached to the sides are two solid propellant boosters, P238 (P241 for Ariane 5 

ECA), each weighing about 277 tons full. 

Each delivers a thrust of about 630 tonsforce (6.2 MN). These boosters can be recovered with parachutes, like the space 

shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters. They may 

have been retrieved for examination on 

early missions, but are not reused. 

The second stage is on top of the main 

stage and below the payload. The Ariane 

5G uses the EPS (Étage à Propergols 

Stockables/Storable Propellant Stage), 

which is fueled by monomethylhydrazine 

(MMH) and nitrogen tetroxide, where the 

Ariane 5 ECA uses the ESC (Étage 

Supérieur Cryotechnique/Cryogenic Upper 

Stage), which is fueled by liquid hydrogen 

and liquid oxygen. The payload and all upper stages are covered at launch by the 

fairing, which splits off once sufficient altitude has been reached. 

Statistics on Ariane 5 ES version to 

launch ATV 

Height: 53 m 

EPC & fairing diameter: 5.4 m 

Overall lift-off weight: 770 tons 

Thrust at lift-off: 1,200 tons 

Cargo carrying ability: up to 21 tons 

Stages: 

Two EAP (solid boosters) side-by-side to 

the EPC central cryotechnical stage) with 

its Vulcain2 engine, topped by the EPS reignitable upper stage using hypergolic propellants) with its Aestus engine, the vehicle 

equipment bay (avionics) & the long fairing 

protecting the ATV. 
50 
51 

International Space Station: 

Expedition 15 Science Overview 

Cosmonaut Fyodor N. Yurchikhin (center), Expedition 15 commander representing Russia's 

Federal Space Agency; cosmonaut Oleg V. Kotov (right), flight engineer representing 

Russia's Federal Space Agency; and astronaut Sunita L. Williams, flight engineer. 

Expedition 15—the 15th science research 

mission on the International Space Station—is scheduled to begin in April 2007, 

when the 15th crew launches to the space 

station aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. 

Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin will 

command the 14S mission, named for the 

14th Soyuz to visit the station. Russian 

cosmonaut Oleg Kotov will serve as flight 

engineer. The crew will join NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been living 

and working at the station since her arrival 
52 

in December 2006 aboard the space shuttle 

Discovery during the STS-116 mission. 

The three-person station crew will work with 

teams on the ground to operate experiments, collect data and maintain the space 

station. 

NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson will join 

Expedition 15 in progress and serve as a 

flight engineer after traveling to the station 

on shuttle mission STS-118, targeted for 

launch in summer 2007. NASA astronaut 

Daniel Tani will join Expedition 15 as flight 

engineer after launching to the station on 

mission STS-120. 

Astronaut Clayton C. Anderson, Expedition 15 flight engineer, 

dons a training version of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) 

space suit prior to being submerged in the waters of the Neutral 

Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center.
53 

Expedition 14 crew members Michael Lopez-Alegria and Mikhail Tyurin are scheduled to return home in April 2007 on another Soyuz spacecraft—13S—now docked 

at the station. 

During Expedition 15, two Russian Progress cargo flights are scheduled to dock 

with the space station, the first in May and 

the second in September. The resupply 

ships will transport scientific equipment and 

supplies to the station. 

The Expedition 15 crew is scheduled for 

approximately 119 hours of U.S. payload 

activities. The team of controllers and scientists on the ground also will conduct 

space station science remotely. They will 

continue to plan, monitor and operate experiments from control centers throughout 

the United States. 

A team of controllers for Expedition 15 will 

staff the Payload Operations Center at 

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in 

Huntsville, Ala. The center is the science 

command post for the space station, which 

links researchers around the world with 

their experiments and the station crew. 

Controllers in the Payload Operations Center work in three shifts around the clock, 

seven days a week. 

Experiments Related to Spacecraft 

Systems 

Many experiments are designed to help develop technologies, designs and materials 

for future spacecraft and exploration missions. These include: 

Analyzing Interferometer for Ambient Air 

(ANITA) will monitor 32 potentially gaseous 

contaminants, including formaldehyde, 

ammonia and carbon monoxide, in the atmosphere on the station. The experiment 

will test the accuracy and reliability of this 

technology as a potential next-generation 

atmosphere trace-gas monitoring system 

for the station. 

Elastic Memory Composite Hinge

(EMCH) will study the performance of a 

new type of composite hinge to determine 

its suitability for use in space. The experiment uses elastic memory hinges to move 

an attached mass at one end. Materials 

tested in this experiment are stronger and 

lighter than current materials used in space 

hinges and could be used in the design of 

future spacecraft. 

Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions - 2 (InSPACE - 2) will obtain data on 

magnetorheological fluids—fluids that 

change properties in response to magnetic 

fields—that can be used to improve or develop new brake systems and robotics. 

Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development 

- Portable Test System (LOCAD-PTS) is a 

handheld device for rapid detection of biological and chemical substances on board 

the space station. Astronauts will swab surfaces within the cabin, add swab material to 

the LOCAD-PTS, and obtain results on a 

display screen within 15 minutes. The 

study's purpose is to provide an effective 

early warning system to enable crew members to take necessary remedial measures 

to protect the health and safety of those on 

the station. 

Materials on the International Space Station Experiment - 3 and 4 (MISSE - 3 and 

4) are the third and fourth in a series of five 

suitcase-sized test beds attached to the 

outside of the space station. The station 
54 

crew deployed the beds during a spacewalk 

in August 2006. They are exposing hundreds of potential space construction materials and different types of solar cells to the 

harsh environment of space. Mounted to 

the space station for approximately a year, 

the equipment then will be returned to Earth 

for study. Investigators will use the resulting data to design stronger, more durable 

spacecraft. MISSE 1, 2 and 5 already have 

been returned to Earth for analysis. 

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement 

System (MAMS) and Space Acceleration 

Measurement System – II (SAMS-II)

measure vibration and quasi-steady accelerations that result from vehicle control 

burns, docking and undocking activities. 

The two different equipment packages 

measure vibrations at different frequencies. 

These measurements help investigators 

characterize the vibrations and accelerations that may influence space station experiments. 

Smoke and Aerosol Measurement Experiment (SAME) will measure the smoke 

properties, or particle size distribution, from 

typical spacecraft fire smokes to identify 

ways to improve smoke detectors on future 

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 a set of well-defined 

instructions for spacecraft performing 

autonomous rendezvous and docking maneuvers. Three free-flying spheres will fly 

within the cabin of the station, performing 

flight formations. Each satellite is selfcontained with power, propulsion, computers and navigation equipment. The results are important for satellite servicing, 

vehicle assembly and formation flying 

spacecraft configurations. 

Human Life Science Investigations 

Physical measurements of Expedition 15 

crew members will be used to study 

changes in the body caused by exposure to 

the microgravity environment. Continuing 

and new experiments include: 

Anomalous Long Term Effects in Astronauts' Central Nervous System (ALTEA)

integrates several diagnostic technologies 

to measure the exposure of crew members 

to cosmic radiation. It will further our understanding of radiation’s impact on the 

human central nervous and visual systems, 

especially the phenomenon of crew members seeing phosphenes, or flashes of light, 

while in orbit. This experiment is a cooperative effort with the Italian Space Agency, 

ASI. 

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular 

Control on Return from ISS (CCISS) will 

study the effects of long-duration spaceflight on crew members' heart functions and 

their blood vessels that supply the brain. 

Learning more about the cardiovascular 

and cerebrovascular systems could lead to 

specific countermeasures that might better 

protect future space travelers. 

ELaboratore Immagini Televisive - Space 

2 (ELITE-S2) studies the connection between brain, visualization and motion in the 

absence of gravity. By recording and analyzing the three-dimensional motion of astronauts, this study will help engineers apply ergonomics into future spacecraft designs and determine the effects of weightlessness on breathing mechanisms for 
55 

long-duration missions. This experiment is 

a cooperative effort with the Italian Space 

Agency, ASI. 

Validation of Procedures for Monitoring 

Crew Member Immune Function (Integrated Immune) will assess the clinical 

risks resulting from the adverse effects of 

spaceflight on the human immune system. 

It will validate a flight-compatible immune 

monitoring strategy by collecting and analyzing blood, urine and saliva samples from 

crew members before, during and after 

spaceflight to monitor changes in the immune system. 

Behavioral Issues Associated with Isolation and Confinement: Review and 

Analysis of Astronaut Journals (Journals), using journals kept by the crew and 

surveys, is studying the effect of isolation. 

By quantifying the importance of different 

behavioral issues in long-duration crews, 

the study will help NASA design equipment 

and procedures to allow astronauts to cope 

effectively with isolation and long-duration 

spaceflight. 

Spaceflight-Induced Reactivation of Latent 

Epstein-Barr virus (Epstein-Barr) performs 

tests to study changes in the human immune function. Using blood and urine samples collected from crew members before 

and after spaceflight, the study will provide 

insight for possible countermeasures to 

prevent the potential development of infectious illness in crew members during flight. 

Test of Midodrine as a Countermeasure 

Against Post-Flight Orthostatic Hypotension (Midodrine) measures the ability of the drug midodrine, as a countermeasure, to reduce the incidence or severity of 

orthostatic hypotension—dizziness caused 

by the blood-pressure decrease that many 

astronauts experience upon returning to the 

Earth's gravity. 

Nutritional Status Assessment (Nutrition) is NASA's most comprehensive inflight study to date of human physiologic 

changes during long-duration spaceflight; 

this includes measures of bone metabolism, 

oxidative damage, nutritional assessments 

and hormonal changes. This study will impact both the definition of nutritional requirements and development of food systems for future space exploration missions 

to the moon and Mars. This experiment 

also will help to understand the impact of 

countermeasures—exercise and pharmaceuticals—on nutritional status and nutrient 

requirements for astronauts.

Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Exposure during Spaceflight-Long (SleepLong) will examine the effects of spaceflight and ambient light exposure on the 

sleep-wake cycles of the crew members 

during long-duration stays on the space station. 

Streptococcus pneumoniae Gene Expression and Virulence Potential in the 

Space Environment (SPEGIS) will examine the behavior and growth of bacteria in 

microgravity. The data collected will give 

insight on what types of bacterial infections 

may occur during long-duration space missions and the risks to crew members. 

Stability of Pharmacotherapeutic and 

Nutritional Compounds (Stability) will 

study the effects of radiation in space on 

complex organic molecules, such as vitamins and other compounds in food and 

medicine. This could help researchers develop more stable and reliable pharmaceu-
56 

tical and nutritional countermeasures suitable for future long-duration missions to the 

moon and Mars. 

Test of Reaction and Adaptation Capabilities (TRAC) will test the theory of brain 

adaptation during spaceflight by testing 

hand-eye coordination before, during and 

after the mission. This experiment is a collaborative effort between NASA and the 

Canadian Space Agency, CSA. 

Other Biological Experiments 

Studies of the responses of microbes in the 

space environment will help evaluate risks 

to human health. Plant growth experiments 

give insight into the effects of the space environment on living organisms. These experiments include: 

Molecular and Plant Physiological 

Analyses of the Microgravity Effects on 

Multigeneration Studies of Arabidopsis 

thaliana (Multigen) will grow arabidopsis 

thaliana—a small flowering plant related to 

cabbage and mustard—in orbit for three 

generations. The results of this investigation will support future plans to grow plants 

on the long-duration transit to Mars. This is 

a cooperative investigation with the European Space Agency, ESA. 

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. 

Education and Earth Observation 

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. 

Crew Earth Observations - International 

Polar Year (CEO-IPY) is an international 

collaboration of scientists for the observation and exploration of Earth’s Polar Regions from 2007 to 2009. Space station 

crew members will photograph polar phenomena, including auroras and mesospheric clouds, in response to a daily message from the scientists on the ground. 

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Science Insert - 02 (CSI-02) is an 

educational payload designed to interest 

middle school students in science, technology, engineering and math by participating 

in near real-time research conducted on 

board the station. Students will observe 

three experiments through data and imagery downlinked and distributed directly 

into the classroom via the Internet. The first 

is a seed germination experiment through 

which students will learn how gravity affects 

plant development. Small seeds will be developed on orbit in a garden habitat. The 

second experiment will examine crystal 
57 

growth formation using specific types of 

proteins and enzymes, and the third experiment will examine crystal formation using silicates—compounds containing silicon, oxygen and one or more metals. For 

the two crystal growth experiments, students will grow crystals in their classrooms 

and analyze growth of those compared to 

the crystals grown in space. 

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. 

Photos are made available on the Web for 

viewing and study by participating schools 

around the world. Educators use the images for projects involving Earth Science, 

geography, physics and technology. 

Education Payload Operations (EPO) includes curriculum-based educational activities that will demonstrate basic principles of 

science, mathematics, technology, engineering and geography. These activities 

are videotaped then used in classroom lectures. EPO is designed to support the 

NASA mission to inspire the next generation of explorers. 

Education Payload Operations - Kit C 

(EPO - Kit C) is an on-orbit plant growth 

investigation using basil seeds. The still 

and video imagery captured will be used as 

part of a national engineering design challenge for students in kindergarten through 

12th grade. On the ground, students will 

grow basil seeds—control and flown 

seeds—in growth chambers to conduct 

their own science experiments on plant 

growth. 

Space Shuttle Experiments 

Many other experiments are scheduled to 

be performed during upcoming space shuttle missions that are part of Expedition 15. 

These experiments include: 

Commercial Biomedical Test Module - 2

(CBTM-2) will use a proven mouse model 

to examine the effectiveness of an investigational therapeutic drug designed to limit 

muscle loss in microgravity. Combined with 

exercise, this drug could form the basis for 

a treatment that will maintain a high level of 

physical fitness in future flight crews. 

Cell Culture Module – Immune Response 

of Human Monocytes in Microgravity 

(CCM – Immune Response) is Department 

of Defense Space Test Program research 

directed at understanding the effects of microgravity on living systems, concentrating 

on compromised immune systems. This 

investigation will examine the human immune response in microgravity and study 

effects of recently discovered natural antibacterials that may improve immune response during spaceflight. 

Cell Culture Module – Effect of Microgravity on Wound Repair: In Vitro Model 

of New Blood Vessel Development (CCM 

– Wound Repair) is Department of Defense Space Test Program research directed at understanding the effects of microgravity on living systems, concentrating 

on wound healing. This investigation is directed at the use of adipose-derived adult 

stem cells for use in injury repair. It will examine how the microgravity alters new 

blood vessel development, which is a key 

component of wound and tissue repair. 
58 

Education Payload Operations - Educator (EPO - Educator) will use video and 

still photography to capture data of experiment activities in space. Students also will 

be designing and completing ground-based 

investigations developed by the NASA 

Education Office, focusing on kindergarten 

through 12th grade students. The activities 

will support educator astronauts in their 

missions. An educator astronaut is a fulltime astronaut who has experience teaching in elementary, middle school, or high 

school classrooms.

Incidence of Latent Virus Shielding during Spaceflight (Latent Virus) will determine the frequencies of reactivation of latent viruses—inactive viruses in the body 

that can be reactivated, such as cold 

sores—and clinical diseases after exposure 

to the physical, physiological, and psychological stressors associated with spaceflight. Understanding latent virus reactivation may be critical to crew health during 

extended space missions when crew members live and work in a closed environment. 

Perceptual Motor Deficits in Space

(PMDIS) will investigate why shuttle astronauts experience difficulty with hand-eye 

coordination while in space. This experiment will measure the decline of astronauts’ 

hand-eye coordination during shuttle missions. These measurements will be used to 

distinguish between three possible explanations: the brain not adapting to the near 

weightlessness of space; the difficulty of 

performing fine movements when floating in 

space; and stress due to factors such as 

space sickness and sleep deprivation. This 

experiment is a cooperative effort with the 

Canadian Space Agency (CSA). 

Bioavailablity and Performance Effects 

of Promethazine during Spaceflight 

(PMZ) will examine the performanceimpacting side-effects of promethazine and 

its bioavailability—the degree to which a 

drug can be absorbed and used by the 

parts of the body on which it is intended to 

have an effect. Promethazine is a medication taken by astronauts to prevent motion 

sickness. 

Ram Burn Observations (RAMBO) is an 

experiment in which the Department of Defense uses a satellite to observe space 

shuttle orbital maneuvering system engine 

burns. The study's purpose is to improve 

plume models, which predict the direction of 

the plume, or rising column of exhaust, as 

the shuttle maneuvers on orbit. Understanding this flow direction could be significant to the safe arrival and departure of 

spacecraft on current and future exploration 

missions.

Maui Analysis of Upper Atmospheric Injections (MAUI) will observe the space 

shuttle engine exhaust plumes from the 

Maui Space Surveillance Site in Hawaii. 

The observations will occur when the shuttle fires its engines at night or twilight. A 

telescope and all-sky imagers will take images and data while the shuttle flies over 

the Maui site. The images will be analyzed 

to understand better the interaction between the spacecraft plume and the upper 

atmosphere. 

Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Exposure during Spaceflight - Short (SleepShort) will examine the effects of spaceflight on the sleep-wake cycles of the astronauts during space shuttle missions. Advancing state-of-the-art technology for 

monitoring, diagnosing and assessing 
59 

treatment of sleep patterns is vital to treating insomnia on Earth and in space. 

Destiny Laboratory Facilities 

Several research facilities are in place on 

the station to support Expedition 15 science 

investigations: 

The Human Research Facility-1 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 in astronauts induced by spaceflight. 

European Modular Cultivation System 

(EMCS) is a large incubator that provides 

control over the atmosphere, lighting and 

humidity of growth chambers used to study 

plant growth. The facility was developed by 

the European Space Agency, ESA. 

Minus Eighty-degree Laboratory Freezer 

for ISS (MELFI) provides refrigerated storage and fast-freezing of biological and life 

science samples. It can hold up to 300 

liters of samples ranging in temperature 

from -80 C, -26 C, or 4 C throughout a mission. 

The Microgravity Science Glovebox 

(MSG) provides a safe environment for research with liquids, combustion and hazardous materials on board the International 

Space Station. Without the glovebox, many 

types of hands-on investigations would be 

impossible or severely limited on the station. 

The Destiny lab also is outfitted with five 

EXPRESS Racks. EXPRESS, or Expedite 

the Processing of Experiments to the Space 

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 15 experiments and payload operations, visit: 

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/

station/science/index.html
60 
61 

The Payload Operations Center 

A team of controllers for Expedition 15 will staff the Payload Operations 

Center at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. 

The Payload Operations Center (POC) 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, NASA's roadmap for 

returning to the moon and exploring our solar system. 

The International Space Station will accommodate dozens of experiments in fields 

as diverse as medicine, human life sciences, biotechnology, agriculture, manufacturing and Earth observation. 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 critical. 

The Payload Operations Center continues 

the role Marshall has played in manage-
62 

ment 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 that the space shuttle carried to orbit in 

the 1980s and 1990s for more than a dozen 

missions—was the prototype for Marshall’s 

space station science operations. 

Today, the POC team 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, 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 around-the-clock 

reports from science outposts around the 

United States to systems controllers and 

science experts. 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. Experiments are in cycle 

constantly as the shuttle or launch vehicles, 

provided by our international partners, deliver new payloads and the shuttle returns 

completed experiments and samples to 

Earth. 

The POC is the science command post for the space station, which links researchers around 

the world with their experiments and the station crew.
63 

The POC works with support centers 

around the country to develop an integrated 

U.S. payload mission plan. Each support 

center is responsible for integrating specific 

disciplines with commercial payload operations: 

• Marshall Space Flight Center, managing 

microgravity (materials sciences, microgravity research experiments, space 

partnership development program research) 

• 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 these centers into a U.S. payload operations master 

plan, which is delivered to Johnson's Space 

Station Control 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 science experiments and operations in orbit. 

Housed in a two-story complex at Marshall, 

three shifts of systems controllers staff the 

POC around the clock. During space station 

operations, center personnel routinely 

manage three to four times the number of 

experiments as were conducted aboard 

Spacelab. 

The payload operations director leads the 

POC’s main flight control team, the "cadre." 

The payload operations director 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 realtime voice responses between the station 

crew conducting payload operations and 

the researchers whose science the crew is 

conducting. 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 

television 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 and 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
64 
65 

ISS 15 Russian Research Objectives 

Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective Unique Payload

Constraints 

Commercial KHT-20 GCF-JAXA GCF-02 kit Protein crystallization 

Commercial КНТ-32 JAXA 3DPC 3DPCU equipment Obtaining 3-dimensional photon 

crystals by means of colloid nanoparticles self-organization and ordering in electrolytic solution with 

the further fixation in elastic gel 

mould 

Commercial GTS GTS-2 Electronics unit-2; 

Antenna assembly with 

attachment mechanism

Global time system test development 

Commercial ALC ALTCRISS AST Spectrometer Taking measurements of radiation 

field onboard the ISS 

Commercial CAR-2 Cardiocog-2 “Cardio science” kit 

Nominal hardware:

Laptop 

Acquisition of new scientific data to 

deepen knowledge about mechanisms of cardiorespiratory system 

adaptation to spaceflight conditions 

Commercial IMM Immuno Kit for blood sampling 

“ М-priemniki" (“MCollectors”) kit ”SalivaImmuno” kit 

Study of human neuroendocrine and 

immunologic changes in and after a 

spaceflight aboard the ISS 

“Zaschita MBI” (“Protection BMI”) kit КВ-03 

returning container 

Crew procedure questionnaire 

Nominal hardware: 

"Kriogem-03" freezer 

"Plazma-03" centrifuge 

Commercial NOA-2 NOA-2 “Platon” analyzer

“Platon” power supply

unit 

Monitoring of nitrogen oxide exhaled 

by a cosmonaut to detect the pulmonary function alterations in a 

long-term spaceflight 

Commercial SAM-LDM Sample-LDM SAMPLE Collection Kit 

KUBIK TOPAZ container 

Taking samples from different surfaces on board the Russian segment of the station 

Technology

&Material Science 

ТХН-7 SVS (СВС) "СВС" researching 

camera 

"Telescience" hardware 

Self-propagating high-temperature

fusion in space 

from "ПК-3" 

Nominal hardware: 

“Klest” (“Crossbill”) TVsystem 

Picture monitor (ВКУ)

Technology

&Material Science 

ТХН-9 Kristallizator

(Crystallizer) 

“Crystallizer” complex Biological macromolecules crystallization and obtaining bio-crystal films 

under microgravity conditions 
66 

Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective Unique Payload

Constraints 

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's upper atmosphere

Using OCA 

Geophysical ГФИ-8 Uragan Nominal hardware: 

Kodak 760 camera; 

Nikon D1Х

LIV video system

Experimental verification of the 

ground and space-based system for 

predicting natural and man-made 

disasters, mitigating the damage 

caused, and facilitating recovery

Using OCA 

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 

Biomedical МБИ-8 Profilaktika TEEM-100M gas analyzer; 

Accusport device;

Nominal Hardware:

"Reflotron-4" kit;

TVIS treadmill; 

ВБ-3 cycle ergometer; 

Set of bungee cords; 

Computer; 

"Tsentr" equipment 

power supply 

Study of the action mechanism and 

efficacy of various countermeasures 

aimed at preventing locomotor system disorders in weightlessness 

Time required for the 

experiment should be 

counted toward physical 

exercise time 

Biomedical МБИ-15 Pilot Right Control Handle 

Left Control Handle 

Synchronizer Unit (БС) 

ULTRABUOY-2000 

Unit 

Nominal hardware:

Laptop RSE-Med

Researching for individual features 

of state psychophysiological regulation and crew members' professional activities during long spaceflights. 

Biomedical МБИ-18 Dykhanie “Dykhanie-1” set

Nominal hardware: 

Laptop RSE-Med

Study of respiration regulation and 

biomechanics under spaceflight 

conditions 

Biomedical МБИ-21 Pneumocard “Pneumocard” set 

“Pneumocard-КРМ” kit 

“Pneumocard-Data” kit 

Study of space flight factors impacts 

on vegetative regulation of blood 

circulation, respiration and contractile heart function during long space 

flights 

Biomedical МБИ-22 BIMS 

(Board Informational Medical 

System)

TBK-1 hardware 

Nominal Hardware:

RSE-Med laptop

Study of dataware processes for 

flight medical support using TBK-1 

telemedicine equipment 
Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective Unique Payload

Constraints 

Biomedical БИО-2 Biorisk "Biorisk-KM" set 

"Biorisk-MSV" containers 

"Biorisk-MSN" kit 

Study of spaceflight impact on microorganisms-substrates systems 

state related to space technique 

ecological safety and planetary 

quarantine problem 

EVA 

Biomedical БИО-5 Rasteniya "Lada" greenhouse 

Module of substratum 

research 

Nominal Hardware:

Water container;

Sony DVCam; 

Computer 

Study of the spaceflight effect on the 

growth and development of higher

plants 

Biomedical БИО-8 Plazmida Thermal container 

Biocont-T, including: 

Hybridizers Recomb-K

Kit with tubes 

"Kriogem-03M" freezer 

"Kubik-Amber" 

Investigation of microgravity effect 

on the rate of transfer and mobilization of bacteria plasmids 

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 

Study of microgravity influence on

regeneration processes for biological objects by electrophysiological 

and morphological indices 

During Expedition 15 and 

16 crews rotation

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 realtime prediction of dose loads on the 

crews of manned spacecraft 

Unattended 

Biomedical РБО-3 Matryeshka-R Passive detectors unit 

"Phantom" set 

"MOSFET-dosimeter” 

scientific equipment 

“Bubble-dosimeter” 

hardware 

Study of radiation environment dynamics along the International 

Space Station Russian segment 

flight path and in ISS compartments 

and dose accumulation in antrophamorphous phantom, located inside 

and outside the ISS 

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 

Biotechnology БТХ-1 Glykoproteid "Luch-2" biocrystallizer Obtaining and study of E1-E2 surface glycoprotein of α-virus

67 
Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective Unique Payload

Constraints 

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 proteinscandidates for vaccine effective 

against AIDS 

Biotechnology БТХ-20 Interleukin-K 

"Kriogem-03M" freezer 

Obtaining of high-quality 1α, 1β

interleukins crystals and interleukin 

receptor antagonist – 1 

Biotechnology БТХ-8 Biotrack "Bioekologiya " kit Study of space radiation heavy

charged particles fluxes influence on 

genetic properties of bioactive substances cells-producers 

Biotechnology БТХ-10 Kon’yugatsiya

(Conjugation) 

"Rekomb-K" hardware 

"Kriogem-03M" freezer 

Working through the process of 

genetic material transmission using 

bacteria conjugation method 

During Expedition 14 and 

15 crews rotation

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 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" 

Thermo-vacuum container 

Study and improvement of closedtype autonomous reactor for obtaining biomass of microorganisms and 

bioactive substance without additional ingredients input and metabolism products removal 

During Expedition 14 and 

15 crews rotation

Biotechnology БТХ-31 Antigen "Bioekologiya " kit 

Autonomous Recorder 

of Temperature 

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-1 

(SDTO 

15001-R)

Infrazvuk-M 

(Infrasound) 

Fan 17КС.53Ю 5009-0 

Nominal hardware: 

Board sound analyzer

2260 

Laptop 

Complex study of electromagnetic 

and acoustic fields of the lowest 

frequency diapason inside International Space Station Russian segment modules 

68 
Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective Unique Payload

Constraints 

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 

Unattended 

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 temperaturesensing device for 

measures inside “Progress” vehicle modules 

“Dakon” hardware

Study of the relationship between

the onboard systems operating 

modes and ISS flight conditions 

Technical Studies ТЕХ-20 Plazmennyi

Kristall (Plasma 

Crystal) 

"PC-3 Plus" 

experimental unit 

"PC-3 Plus" telescience

Nominal hardware

“Klest” (“Crossbill”) TVsystem 

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 

Unattended 

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 

Unattended 

Technical Studies ТЕХ-45 Infotekh 

(TBD) 

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 

Unattended 

Complex Analysis. 

Effectiveness 

Estimation 

КПТ-3 Econ "Econ" kit 

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 

 

69 
Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective Unique Payload

Constraints 

Complex Analysis. 

Effectiveness 

Estimation 

КПТ-14 Ten’ -Mayak 

(Shadow – Beacon) 

Complex of amateur 

packet radio communication set with 145/430 

MHz frequency range: 

- receiver-transmitter; 

- 4 antenna-feeder 

devices; 

- 2 power supply units; 

- controlling computer 

Working-out of the method for radio 

probing of board-ground space for

supporting preparation of “Ten’” 

(“Shadow”) plasma experiment on

ISS RS 

Study of cosmic 

rays

ИКЛ-2В BTN-Neutron Detection Block 

Electronic Equipment 

Block 

Mechanical interface 

Study of fast and thermal neutrons

fluxes 

Pre/Post Flight Motor control Electromiograph, control unit, tensometric 

pedal, miotometer

«Miotonus», «GAZE» 

equipment 

Study of hypo-gravitational ataxia 

syndrome 

Pre-flight data collection 

is on L-60 and L-30 days; 

Post-flight: on 1, 3, 7, 11 

days

Total time for all 4 tests is 

2.5 hours 

Pre/Post Flight MION Impact of microgravity on muscular 

characteristics 

Pre-flight biopsy (60 min) 

on L-60, and L-30 days; 

Post-flight: 3-5 days 

Pre/Post Flight Izokinez Isocinetic ergometer 

«LIDO», electromiograph, reflotron4, cardiac reader, 

scarifier

Microgravity impact on voluntary

muscular contraction; human motor 

system re-adaptation to gravitation 

Pre-flight: L-30; 

Post-flight: 3-5, 7-9, 14-

16, and 70 days.

1.5 hours for one session 

Pre/Post Flight Tendometria Universal electrostimulator (ЭСУ-1); biopotential amplifier 

(УБП-1-02); tensometric amplifier; oscilloscope with memory; 

oscillograph 

Microgravity impact on induced 

muscular contraction; long-duration 

spaceflight impact on muscular and 

peripheral nervous apparatus 

Pre-flight: L-30; 

Post-flight: 3, 11, 21, 70 

days; 

1.5 hours for one session 

Pre/Post Flight Ravnovesie "Ravnovesie" ("”Equilibrium") equipment Sensory and motor mechanisms in 

vertical pose control after longduration exposure to microgravity.

Pre-flight: L-60, L-30 

days; 

Post-flight: 3, 7, 11 days, 

and if necessary on 42 or 

70 days; 

Sessions: pre-flight data 

collection 2x45 min, postflight: 3x45 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-flight: L-30, L-10; 

Post-flight: 1, 4, and 8 

days, then up to 14 days

if necessary; 

45 min for one session. 

Pre/Post Flight Lokomotsii Bi-lateral video filming, 

tensometry, miography, 

pose metric equipment.

Kinematic and dynamic locomotion

characteristics prior to and after 

spaceflight. 

Pre-flight: L-20-30 days; 

Post-flight: 1, 5, and 20 

days; 

45 min for one session. 

70 
71 

Category Experiment 

Code 

Experiment 

Name 

Hardware Description Research Objective Unique Payload

Constraints 

Pre/Post Flight Peregruzki Medical monitoring 

nominal equipment: 

Alfa-06, Mir 3A7 used 

during descent phase. 

G-forces on Soyuz and recommendations for countermeasures development 

In-flight: 60 min; instructions and questionnaire 

familiarization: 15 min; 

Post-flight: cosmonauts 

checkup – 5 min; debrief 

and questionnaire – 30 

min for each cosmonauts.

Pre/Post Flight Polymorphism No hardware is used 

in-flight 

Genotype parameters related to 

human individual tolerance to 

spaceflight conditions. 

Pre-flight: blood samples, 

questionnaire, anthropometrical and anthroposcopic measurements – 

on early stages if possible; blood samples could 

be taken during preflight 

medical checkups on L60, L-30 days. 

30 min for one session. 
72 
73 

U.S Experiments 

Anomalous Long-Term Effects in Astronauts' Central Nervous System 

(ALTEA) 

Principal Investigator: Livio Narici, Ph.D., University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy 

Increments Assigned: 13, 14 and 15. 

Overview 

Astronauts in orbit are exposed to cosmic 

radiation 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 crew member's head 

while measuring the brain electrophysiological activity and the performance of the 

visual system. 

This data will provide in-depth information 

on the radiation astronauts experience and 

its impact on the nervous system and visual 

perception. ALTEA also will develop new 

risk parameters and possible countermeasures aimed at possible functional nervous 

system risks. Such information is needed 

for long-duration exploration crews. 

The crew member will wear an instrumented helmet that measures radiation exposure and brain electrical activity. Each 

crew member will complete built-in visual 

tests. While not in use, the hardware will 

continue to measure the radiation environment of the U.S. lab. 

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. 

Applications 

Space Applications: The tests conducted 

using the ALTEA hardware will help scientists characterize how the heavy ion radiation of space impacts the brain and whether 

or not that radiation causes any temporary 

or permanent abnormalities in the brain 

function and the visual system in particular. 

Earth Applications: Data provided from 

ALTEA can lead to further understanding of 

how radiation may affect brain function on 

Earth as well as in space. While the levels 

of heavy ion radiation are much higher in 

space that on Earth, any understanding into 

the way radiation may alter brain function is 

extremely useful to neuroscientists of these 

studies. Ion therapies to treat brain tumors 

will also benefit from the ALTEA results. 

Web Site 

For more information on ALTEA, visit: 

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

station/ALTEA.html
74 

Analyzing Interferometer for Ambient Air 

(ANITA) 

Principal Investigator: Gijsbert Tan, European Space Research and Technology Center, 

Noordwijk, Netherlands 

Increments Assigned: 15, 16 

Overview 

Analyzing Interferometer for Ambient Air 

(ANITA) will monitor 32 potentially gaseous 

contaminants—including formaldehyde, 

ammonia and carbon monoxide - in the atmosphere on the station. The experiment 

will test a technology novel to spaceflight 

for monitoring the atmosphere on the station. 

The ANITA flight experiment is a trace gas 

monitoring system based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) technology. The initial 

flight of ANITA will test the accuracy and 

reliability of the FTIR technology as a potential next generation atmosphere trace 

gas monitoring system for the space station. 

ANITA will analyze air samples from local 

and remote areas on the space station. 

Data will be down-linked daily to the ground 

team. 

No experiment like ANITA has been flown 

in space before. 

Applications 

This will lead to new atmospheric monitoring systems for future spaceflight. The 

ANITA application of FTIR technology provides an improved multi-component gas 

measurement system for various purposes, 

such as workplace monitoring (including 

airplanes and submarines), environmental 

monitoring, and control of industrial processes. 

Web Site 

For more information on ANITA, visit: 

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

station/ANITA.html
75 

Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-3 

(BCAT-3) 

For Expedition 15, the Binary Colloidal Alloy 

Test-3 (BCAT-3) is in reserve operations, 

awaiting crew time to homogenize and photograph the final samples. There are two 

types of samples. The first is an experiment of the long-duration phase separation 

of two mild solvents. The second category 

is an experiment studying how colloidal networks form when the effect of gravity 

(sedimentation) is eliminated. 

Scientists will use this information to improve models for a wide range of everyday 

products including cosmetics, paints and 

fabric softener. For long-duration spaceflight to the moon or Mars, NASA needs to 

understand the “shelf life” of polymers, solvents and colloids. 

BCAT-3, operated during Expeditions 8, 9, 

10, 12 and 13, is scheduled to run during 

Expeditions 14, 15 and 16. 

A follow-on experiment, the Binary Colloidal 

Alloy Test-4 (BCAT-4), is a small payload to 

be launched in winter 2007. BCAT-4 will 

study 10 colloidal samples to determine 

phase separation rates and properties of a 

model critical fluid system to add needed 

points to the phase diagram. The BCAT-4 

hardware includes a newly fabricated Slow 

Growth Sample Module, Magnet, and Magnet Keeper (identical in design to BCAT-3 

hardware) and will use the Maintenance 

Work Area (MWA) DCS760 Camera and 

EarthKAM software for manual and automated time-lapse photography during six 

sessions of homogenizing and photographing the 10 samples. 

Expedition 12 astronaut Bill McArthur 

photographing BCAT samples

Increment 15 astronaut Dan Tani 

being trained by Cathy Frey of ZIN 

Technologies on the BCAT experiment
76 

Increment 10 astronaut Leroy 

Chiao photographing BCAT 

Increment 18 astronaut Greg 

Chamitoff being trained on 

photographing the BCAT-4 
77 

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Control On Return from ISS 

(CCISS) 

Principal Investigator: Richard Lee Hughson, Ph.D., University of Waterloo, Ontario, 

Canada 

Co-Investigators: Joel Kevin Shoemaker, Ph.D., University of Western Ontario, London, 

Ontario, Canada; Andrew Philip Blaber, Ph.D., Simon Fraser University, 

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; Philippe Arbeille, Ph.D., M.D., 

University of Tours, France; Danielle Kathleen Greaves, M.Sc., University 

of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. 

Increments Assigned: 15, 16 

Overview 

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Control on Return from ISS (CCISS) will study 

the effects of long-duration spaceflight on 

crew members' heart functions and their 

blood vessels that supply the brain. Learning more about the cardiovascular and 

cerebrovascular systems could lead to specific countermeasures that might protect 

future space travelers more effectively. 

For crew members’ health, the need to 

maintain blood pressure immediately after 

returning to Earth is essential. To obtain 

information on the baroreflex stability (blood 

pressure regulation) of space station crews, 

an electrocardiogram and blood pressure 

data will be gathered before flight, in flight 

and after flight. 

The data gathered during this investigation 

will lead to countermeasures to help crew 

members maintain sufficient blood pressure 

after long-duration missions. This study will 

provide a basis for studies of individuals 

who are susceptible to fainting in the upright posture. 

Expedition 15 will be the first mission for 

CCISS. 

Applications 

Space Applications: The information derived from this study will help to better understand the effects of spaceflight on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular functions. 

By gaining increased knowledge of the 

specific components of the cardiovascular 

and cerebrovascular systems that deviate 

from the normal Earth-baseline responses, 

it will be possible to recommend specific 

countermeasures that might better protect 

future space travelers from complications 

that could put them at risk on return to the 

effects of gravity as will occur on re-entry to 

Earth or landing on the moon or Mars. 

Earth Applications: The risk of fainting 

and falling is increased in older adults. 

Falls are very serious because they often 

cause fracture of the hip which is a major 

cause of prolonged disability, loss of independence and unfortunately for a high percentage of individuals the complications 

from the fracture will lead to death. Gaining 

improved knowledge of the mechanisms of 
78 

loss of blood pressure and the warning 

signs that might predict risk will reduce the 

incidence of fainting and falls in the elderly. 

Web Site 

For more information on CCISS, visit: 

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

station/CCISS.html
79 

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 understand our 

planet. The photographs—taken by crew 

members 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 crew members 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. 

During Expeditions 15 through 18, a new 

activity will begin in collaboration with International Polar Year activities. International 

Polar Year is an international collaboration 

of scientists for the observation and exploration of Earth’s Polar Regions from March 

2007 to March 2009. International Space 

Station crew members will photograph polar 

phenomena, including auroras and mesospheric clouds, in response to requests 

made from the scientists on the ground. 

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 NASA-Mir 

missions and gained experience that is useful on the International Space Station.

Throughout 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 
80 

Earth Photography database each year. 

Through their photography of the Earth, 

space station crew members 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 future generations of children become “Earth-smart.” 

Web Site 

For more information on CEO, visit: 

http://exploration.nasa.gov/

programs/station/CEO.html

More information about the station's participation in the International Polar Year can 

be found on “The Gateway to Astronaut 

Photography of Earth” at: 

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

IPY science investigators also can request 

imagery from the station using a form found 

on that Web site. 
81 

International Polar Year (IPY) from the International Space Station 

What is the International Polar Year 

(IPY)? 

The IPY is an international effort to collect 

relevant scientific data of the Earth's polar 

regions from March 2007 to March 2009. 

Scientists will analyze IPY data to answer 

fundamental questions about the Earth's 

changing climate, the effects of space 

weather and Earth processes recorded 

from the far reaches of upper atmosphere 

to deep in polar ice cores. Today’s IPY 

celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1957-

58 International Geophysical Year (IGY), 

the remarkable international collaboration 

that provided many new findings about the 

Earth system. Results from the IGY 

sparked the next 50 years of interdisciplinary studies in Earth science, geophysics, 

atmospheric science and oceanography. 

Building from IGY’s successes, IPY’s focused research of the Earth’s polar regions 

is intended to provide a better understanding of how these hard-to-reach places of 

the Earth affect the global system. 

ISS Involvement in IPY 

Don Pettit, space station crew member on 

Expedition 6 in 2003, realized the vantage 

point astronauts have for repeatedly observing polar features like the moving 

boundaries of sea ice, the glowing aurora 

and the occurrence of Polar Mesospheric 

Clouds. His proposal to the International 

IPY committee was accepted (see 

http://www.ipy.org/development/eoi/prop

osal-details.php?id=78), and NASA's 

Space Operations Mission Directorate endorsed the participation of the station for 

IPY observations. 

The Crew Earth Observations (CEO) Payload will be the venue for supporting International Polar Year activities aboard the 

space station. Expedition crew members 

will photograph polar phenomena including 

auroras and polar mesospheric clouds, sea 

ice, plankton blooms in the arctic and 

southern oceans, and high latitude terrestrial features in response to requests made 

from the scientists on the ground. 

The IPY kick-off occurred during Expedition 

14, but the crews of Expeditions 15 through 

18 will be the prime participants in the ISSIPY activity. 

More information about the station's participation in IPY can be found on “The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth” at: 

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

IPY science investigators can request imagery from the station using a form found 

on the Web site. All IPY-designated imagery acquired by station astronauts will be 

posted on the Web site in a special collection of imagery. 

Benefits 

Imagery of polar phenomena from the International Space Station will support several ground or sea-based IPY experiments. 

Investigators are invited to request observations from the station, and efforts will be 

made to coordinate those observations with 

field experiments or campaigns. At a minimum, the IPY imagery collected from the 

station will provide contextual information 

for regional studies and help researchers 
82 

visualize and communicate their work. We 

anticipate more rigorous applications of the 

imagery data for some IPY investigators. 

Aurora at sunset over the south Indian 

Ocean, Feb 16, 2003. Image ISS006-E-28961 

Web Site 

For more information on CEO-IPY, visit: 

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

station/CEO-IPY.html
83 

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA) Science Insert – 02 

(CSI-02) 

Principal Investigator: Louis Stodieck, Ph.D., BioServe Space Technologies – University 

of Colorado, Boulder, Colo. 

Expedition Assigned: 15 

Overview 

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Science Insert—02 (CSI-02) is an 

educational payload designed to interest 

middle school students in science, technology, engineering and math by participating 

in near real-time research conducted on 

board the station. 

Students will observe three experiments 

through data and imagery downlinked and 

distributed directly into the classroom via 

the internet. The first is a seed germination 

experiment, where students will learn how 

gravity affects plant development. Small 

seeds will be developed on orbit in a garden habitat. The second experiment will 

examine crystal growth formation using 

specific types of proteins and enzymes, and 

the third experiment will examine crystal 

formation using silicates—compounds containing silicon, oxygen and one or more 

metals. 

For the two crystal growth experiments, 

students will grow crystals in their classrooms and analyze growth of those compared to the crystals grown in space. 

A similar investigation, Space Technology 

and Research Students (STARSTM), flew on 

STS-93 and STS-107. CSI-01 began during Expedition 14. 

Applications 

Space Applications: Influences children 

to continue their education in the science, 

technology, engineering and math areas 

and pursue related careers. This will promote education of the next generation of 

scientists, engineers and astronauts for the 

space program. In addition, scientific research with the three experiments is expected to provide a greater understanding 

of the effects of spaceflight on different biological systems, which could support future 

plans for the human exploration of the solar 

system. 

Earth Applications: Provides a unique 

educational opportunity to encourage students to pursue careers in the scientific and 

technical fields. Approximately 15,000 students will conduct ground controls and observe these experiments while on board the 

space station, influencing these students to 

further their education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. 

Web Site 

For more information on CSI-02, visit: 

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

station/list.html
84 

Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students 

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

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

Operations Manager: Brion J. Au, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston 

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 

control a camera mounted at the sciencegrade window in the station’s Destiny science module to capture high-resolution digital images of features around the globe. 

Students use these images to enhance 

their study of geography, geology, botany, 

history and earth science and to identify 

changes occurring on the Earth’s surface, 

all from the unique vantage point of space. 

Using the station's high-speed digital communications capabilities 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, high-quality digital photographs of our planet. 

The EarthKAM camera periodically is setup in the International Space Station, typically for a four-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 station crew mounts 

the camera at the window, the payload requires no further crew interaction for nominal operations. 

EarthKAM photographs are taken via 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 station 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 server, storing 
85 

them until they are downlinked to Earth. 

With all systems performing nominally, a 

picture can be requested, captured and 

posted to the EarthKAM Web site 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, and three participating schools 

took a total of 325 photographs. Since 

1996, EarthKAM students have taken more 

than 29,305 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. As a result, 

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 can use 

the images alongside suggested curriculum 

plans for studies in physics, computers, geography, math, earth science, botany, biology, art, history, cultural studies and more. 

Web Site 

More information on EarthKAM and the International Space Station can be found at: 

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

station/EarthKAM.html

www.earthkam.ucsd.edu

www.spaceflight.nasa.gov
86 

ELaboratore Immagini Televisive - Space 2 

(ELITE-S2) 

Principal Investigator: Francesco Lacquaniti, M.D., Università of Roma Tor Vergata, Italy 

Overview 

ELaboratore Immagini Televisive - Space 2 

(ELITE-S2) studies the connection among 

the brain, visualization and motion in the 

absence of gravity. By recording and analyzing the three-dimensional motion of astronauts, this study will help engineers apply ergonomics into future spacecraft designs and determine the effects of weightlessness on breathing mechanisms for 

long-duration missions. This experiment is 

a cooperative effort with the Italian Space 

Agency, ASI. 

On Earth, our ability to catch a ball depends 

on a mental model of the physical behavior 

of that object, a model that includes gravity. 

In a microgravity environment, astronauts 

adjust their motor control strategies to respond to new rules but still show evidence 

that the old gravity-based rules are hardwired into their brains through neural networks. 

This experiment will evaluate differences in 

the way the brain controls conscious and 

unconscious motions such as breathing, 

sitting and standing in environments with 

and without gravity. 

The predecessor to this investigation, 

ELITE-S, was flown on EUROMIR in 1995. 

A similar experiment, KINELITE, flew on 

STS-90. 

Applications 

This study will allow the application of ergonomics in the design of future spacecraft 

and determine the effects of weightlessness 

on breathing mechanisms for long-duration 

missions. This study has important implications not only for understanding basic 

mechanisms of motor control but also for 

rehabilitative training of neurological patients with impaired motor control. New rehabilitation techniques are based on virtual 

reality and mental rehearsal of motor actions. 

Web Site 

For more information on ELITE-S2, visit: 

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

station/ELITE-S2.html
87 

Elastic Memory Composite Hinge 

(EMCH) 

Principal Investigator: Lt. Corey Duncan, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air 

Force Base, N.M. 

Increments Assigned: 14, 15, 16 

Overview 

The Elastic Memory Composite Hinge 

(EMCH) experiment will study the performance of a new type of composite hinge and 

see if it is suitable for use in space. The 

EMCH investigations conducted aboard the 

space station are the first ever performed in 

space. 

Building new spacecraft structures in space 

necessitates deploying or "unfolding" items 

that have been launched from Earth. This 

experiment will use Elastic Memory Composite Hinges (EMCH) to move an attached 

mass at one end. The Air Force Research 

Laboratory developed the hinge from a 

resin and carbon fiber laminate. 

The study will measure the force and torque 

on the hinge and the accuracy of the deployment. New materials that are reliable, 

light and strong will be important building

blocks of future exploration spacecraft. 

Applications 

Space Applications: EMC materials tested 

in this experiment are stronger and lighter

than current material used in space hinges 

and could be used in the design of future

spacecraft. 

Earth Applications: Since composite materials are valued for being lightweight and 

strong, the hinges may have spin-off applications on Earth. 

Web Site 

For more information about EMCH, visit: 

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

station/list.html
88 

Educational Payload Operations 

(EPO) 

Principal Investigator: Jonathan Neubauer, Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Co-Investigator: Matthew Keil, Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Overview 

Education Payload Operations (EPO) refers 

to an education payload or activity designed 

to support the NASA mission to inspire the 

next generation of explorers. Generally, 

these payloads and activities focus on 

demonstrating science, mathematics, technology, engineering or geography principles. Video recording of the demonstrations and/or still photographic documentation of a crew member operating EPO 

hardware while on orbit will achieve EPO 

goals and objectives. The overall goal for 

every expedition is to facilitate education 

opportunities that use the unique environment of human spaceflight. 

EPO - Kit C 

EPO Kit C is an education payload consisting of two small collapsible plant growth 

chambers and the associated hardware to 

conduct a 20-day plant germination investigation. During the investigation, crew 

members will maintain the plants and will 

capture still images of plant growth. All images will be incorporated into a comprehensive set of education activities planned 

in association with STS-118 and Expedition15. 

EPO - Education Demonstration 

Activities (EDAs) 

EPO Education Demonstration Activities 

(EDAs) may be scheduled during Expedition 15. An EDA is an educational demonstration designed to use only hardware already on board the International Space Station (ISS). No educational payloads are 

associated with these activities. These 

demonstrations can be scheduled anytime 

during the increment via payload schedule, 

task list or Saturday Science as crew time 

becomes available. Demonstrations will be 

videotaped for use in educational resources. 

EDAs are planned for K –12th grade audiences and support national education standards. They are designed to enhance existing NASA education products. 

Applications 

Space Applications: EPO introduces the 

next generation of explorers to the environment of space. 

Earth Applications: EPO is part of NASA's 

continuing effort to use space as a unique 

educational tool for K-12 students. Everyday items, such as toys and tools, are given 

a new twist by combining them with the allure of space flight and the unusual weightless environment to produce educational 

materials that inspire interest in science and 

technology and encourage curiosity and 

creativity. 
89 

Web Sites 

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

station/EPO.html

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

station/EPO-Educator.html

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

station/EPO-Kit-C.html
90 

Epstein-Barr 

Space Flight Induced Reactivation of Latent Epstein-Barr Virus 

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

La Marque, Texas. 

Increments Assigned: 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 

Overview 

Earlier studies of the Epstein-Barr virus 

(EBV), the virus that causes mononucleosis, 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 continuing research. EpsteinBarr was performed during Expeditions 5, 6 

and 11-14. 

This experiment is designed to examine the 

mechanisms of spaceflight- induced alterations in human immune function and dormant virus reactivation. Specifically, this 

study will determine the magnitude of immunosuppression as a result of spaceflight 

by analyzing stress hormones, measuring 

the amount of EBV activity, and measuring 

white blood cells' virus-specific activity. 

Decreased immune system response has 

been observed in spaceflight. This experiment determines how spaceflight reactivates EBV from latency, which results in 

increased viral replication. This investigation provides insight into the magnitude of 

human immunosuppression as a result of 

spaceflight. The effects of stress and other 

acute or chronic events on EBV replication 

are evaluated. 

Applications 

Space Applications: Decreased cellular 

immune function is observed during and 

after human spaceflight. With longerduration 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 

crew members during long-term and interplanetary missions (e.g., trips to Mars). 

This study provides information related to 

immune function and virus activity in space 

to develop such remedies and ensure future exploratory space missions. 

Web Site 

For more information on the Epstein-Barr 

experiment, visit: 

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

station/Epstein-Barr.html
91 

Integrated Immune: 

Validation of Procedures for MonitoringCrew Member Immune Function 

Principal Investigator: Clarence Sams, Ph.D, Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Increments Assigned: 15, 16 

Overview 

Validation of Procedures for Monitoring 

Crew Member Immune Function (Integrated 

Immune) will assess the clinical risks resulting from the adverse effects of spaceflight 

on the human immune system. It will validate a flight-compatible immune monitoring 

strategy by monitoring changes in the immune system through analysis of blood, 

urine and saliva samples collected from 

crew members before, during and after 

spaceflight. 

Evidence suggests spaceflight has a negative effect on the immune system. Scientists have identified several possible causes 

ranging from microgravity to stress to radiation. Complications arising from an immune 

system deficiency have the potential to 

negatively impact long-duration space missions. To develop a countermeasure to 

prevent immune dysfunction, a valid monitoring technique must be developed. 

The objective of this study is to validate a 

monitoring technique that will allow future 

countermeasures to be developed. Expedition 15 will be the first mission for Integrated Immune. 

Applications 

Space Applications: The study will result 

in the validation of a monitoring strategy 

that will allow the development of effective 

countermeasures, which, when implemented, will safeguard the health of the 

crew during long duration space missions. 

Earth Applications: The data collected 

during this investigation may lead to a 

greater understanding of how different factors—from stress to the environment—

affect the immune system. These data potentially could be used to develop new 

treatments and preventative measures for 

immune dysfunctions. 

Web Site 

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

station/Integrated-Immune.html
92 

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. 

Increments Assigned: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 

Overview 

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 long-duration 

space expeditions. The method used in the 

experiment is analyzing the content of journals the International Space Station crews 

maintain for this purpose. 

Crew members' in-flight journals are studied 

to gain an understanding of factors that 

may play a role in the stress crews experience during long- duration spaceflight. 

Conclusions will be used for interplanetary 

mission planning (e.g., Mars missions) and 

selection and training of astronaut crews for 

these missions. 

Studies conducted on Earth have shown 

that analyzing the content of journals and 

diaries is an effective method for identifying 

the issues 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. The content analysis of the studies 

conducted 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 longduration space expeditions. 

Applications 

Space Applications: 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 International 

Space Station, moon, Mars and beyond. 

Web Site 

For more information on Journals, visit: 

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

station/Journals.html
93 

Latent Virus: 

Incidence of Latent Virus Shedding during Spaceflight 

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

Co-Investigator: Satish K. Mehta, Ph.D., Enterprise Advisory Services, Inc., Houston 

Increments Assigned: 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 13, 14, 15 

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 

spaceflight. 

Risks associated with most bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic pathogens can be 

reduced by appropriate medical care and a 

suitable quarantine period before the flight. 

However, latent viruses (viruses that lie 

dormant in cells, such as herpes viruses 

that cause cold sores) are unaffected by 

such actions and pose an important infectious disease risk to crew members involved in spaceflight 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. 

Applications 

Latent virus reactivation may be a significant threat to crew health during the longer 

duration exploration missions as crew 

members 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. Stressinduced viral reactivation also may prove 

useful in monitoring early changes in immunity before onset of clinical disease. 

Web Site 

For more information on Latent Virus, visit: 

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

station/Latent-Virus.html
94 

Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development – Portable Tests System 

(LOCAD-PTS) 

Principal Investigator: Norman R. Wainwright, Ph.D., Charles River Endosafe, Charleston 

S.C. 

Co-Investigator: Jake Maule, Ph.D., Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, D.C. 

Increments Assigned: 14, 15, 16 

Overview 

Shuttle mission STS-116 in December 2006 

transported a unique, state-of-the-art science instrument to the International Space 

Station. It will help astronauts perform biological studies necessary for an extended 

human presence in space, from crew health 

and spacecraft environmental studies to the 

search for life on other worlds. 

The Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development Portable Test System, or LOCADPTS, is a handheld diagnostic reader and 

set of instruments small enough to fit into a 

compact ice cooler. On the space station, 

crew members will test the hand-portable 

detection unit. They will conduct experiments, taking samples from their own environment, to determine the system’s effectiveness at acquiring samples in a weightless environment and to quantify levels of 

bacterial contamination. The results will 

help researchers refine the technology for 

future moon and Mars missions. 

Lab-on-a-chip technology allows chemical 

and biological processes – previously requiring large pieces of laboratory equipment 

– to be performed on small plates etched 

with fluid channels called capillaries. Using 

these channels, chemicals and fluid samples can be mixed, diluted, separated and 

controlled for study. 

The compact system, which incorporates 

interchangeable cartridges, is driven by 

technology that Charles River Laboratories 

of Wilmington, Mass., developed and Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., 

modified for space applications. Designed 

to use minimal resources, the handheld unit 

is a self-contained mobile laboratory that 

weighs a mere six pounds. 

This unique tool is small, lightweight and 

portable, allowing it to be placed directly in 

astronauts’ hands, reducing the speed at 

which they can receive data from days to 

minutes. Crew members on the space station, for example, will be able to rapidly assess microorganisms found on the orbiting 

science facility, helping to maintain a clean 

research environment and monitor the quality of air and water supplies. 

Applications 

Lab-on-a-chip technology is important for 

future exploration missions. The Portable 

Clinical Blood Analyzer is used to examine 

crew members’ blood on orbit. A crew 

member draws blood and places the sample in the analyzer, which returns results on 

potassium, sodium and glucose levels in 
95 

the blood. The size of the test units make 

them key technologies for a variety of tests 

that crew members may need to conduct on 

a long-duration lunar or Mars mission. 

The LOCAD technology also is being tested 

at analog sites for planetary surface operations. In future missions, a rapid scan for 

the presence of microbes can be used to 

ensure that planetary surfaces are protected from the microbes humans carry. 

Web Site 

For more information about NASA’s 

LOCAD project, visit: 

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

station/LOCAD-PTS.html
96 

Midodrine: 

Test of Midodrine as a Countermeasure 

Against Post-flight Orthostatic Hypotension 

Principal Investigator: Janice Meck, Ph.D., Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Increments Assigned: 5, 14, 15, 16 

Overview 

Many astronauts experience orthostatic hypotension (dizziness caused by a decrease 

in blood pressure) upon return to the 

Earth's gravity. This could be a problem for 

landing on other planets as well. This experiment measures the ability of the drug 

midodrine, when used as a countermeasure, to reduce the incidence and/or severity of orthostatic hypotension. 

On Earth, and in studies that simulate 

weightlessness, the drug midodrine has 

been used extensively to treat low blood 

pressure. This experiment was flown as a 

Detailed Supplementary Objective on STS108 and aboard the space station during 

Expedition 5. 

Applications

Space Applications: Orthostatic hypotension is a significant problem to astronauts 

returning from even short-term spaceflight, 

and the symptoms only increase with 

longer-term flights. When returning to 

Earth, an astronaut's body often is unable 

to maintain blood pressure above the heart, 

which leads to decreased blood flow in the 

brain, resulting in lightheadedness and 

even fainting. Currently used countermeasures to the problem, such as increasing 

blood volume with saline, have not proven 

effective. If effective, post-flight midodrine 

administration may provide a relatively simple method for preventing a significant obstacle to long-term spaceflight, especially 

exploratory trips to the moon and Mars. 

Earth Applications: In addition to benefits 

for astronauts, millions of people on Earth 

suffer from orthostatic hypotension and may 

benefit from information gained from this 

experiment. 

Web Site 

For more information on Midodrine, visit: 

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

station/Midodrine.html
97 

Materials on the International Space Station Experiment 3 and 4 

(MISSE-3 and 4) 

Principal Investigator: William H. Kinard, Ph.D., Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va. 

Increments Assigned: 13, 14, 15 

Overview 

The Materials on the International Space 

Station Experiment (MISSE) Project is a 

cooperative endeavor to fly materials and 

other types of space exposure experiments 

on the station and is managed by NASA 

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va. 

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. 

Flown to the space station in 2001, the 

MISSE experiments were the first externally 

mounted experiments conducted on the 

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 STS-76. After an 18-month exposure in space, they were retrieved on STS86. 

PECs are suitcase-like containers for transporting experiments via the space shuttle to 

and from an orbiting spacecraft. Once in 

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 included ultra-light membranes, composites, 

ceramics, polymers, coatings and radiation 

shielding. Seeds, plant specimens and 

bacteria, furnished by students at the 

Wright Patterson Air Force Research Laboratory, Ohio, also were 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. 

MISSE 1 and 2 passive experiment carrier 

trays were retrieved by astronauts on July 

30, 2005, during STS-114. Like the myriad 

of samples in MISSE PECs 1 and 2, MISSE 

PEC 5 studied 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 were launched on 

STS-121 in July 2006. MISSE 5 was retrieved, and MISSE PECs 3 and 4 were 

placed outside during a spacewalk conducted during the STS-115 space shuttle 

mission in September 2006. 

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 
98 

Johnson Space Center, Houston. This 

work, relevant to the environmental durability of the Crew Exploration Vehicle and 

other exploration mission systems, is supported through the Exploration Systems 

Research and Technology Program and 

other programs. 

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. 

Applications 

New affordable materials will enable the 

development of advanced reusable launch 

systems and advanced spacecraft systems. 

Web Site 

For more information on MISSE, visit: 

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

station/MISSE-3-and-4.html
99 

Myofibers - Cell Culture Module (M-CCM) 

Principal Investigator: Herman Vandenburgh, Ph.D., Brown University, Providence, R.I. 

Increment Assigned: 15 

Overview 

Exposure to microgravity has adverse effects on living systems. Muscle loss in astronauts is a major concern for future 

spaceflights to the moon and Mars. Myofibers - Cell Culture Module (M-CCM) investigates the effects of microgravity on muscle 

deterioration to develop a successful countermeasure for astronauts on long-duration 

missions. 

Myofibers are the primary cells in skeletal 

muscle mass. Studies have shown that astronauts experience significant loss of muscle mass during space exploration due to 

the stresses of microgravity on the physiology of living systems. 

Bio-Artificial Muscles (BAMs), collagen 

scaffolds seeded with myofiber cells, derived from avian myoblasts (bird) and 

C2C12 cells (mouse) will be used in the MCCM investigation to test the efficacy of insulin growth factor - I (IGF-I) in vitro to prevent muscle atrophy caused by longduration space exploration. The cells will 

be split into two groups, control and experimental. The control group will not be 

treated, whereas the experimental group of 

BAMs will be treated either with perfused 

rhIGF-1 or with cell-based delivery of IGF-1 

through genetically-modified C2C12 cells. 

IGF-I promotes growth and proliferation of 

muscle mass. At the right concentrations, it 

is suspected that these hormones will be 

beneficial in maintaining muscle mass for 

space explorers. 

BAMs have previously flown in the CCM on 

STS-66, STS-72 and STS-77. 

Applications 

Space Applications: Astronauts traveling 

to the moon or Mars will experience muscle 

atrophy as a result of weightlessness. The 

results of this experiment will help determine a potential treatment to minimize the 

progression of muscle atrophy in microgravity. 

Earth Applications: Investigation of the 

effects of muscle loss may help improve the 

treatments for similar conditions suffered by 

patients on Earth, especially in the elderly 

population. 

Web Site 

For more information on M-CCM, visit: 

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

station/list.html
100 

Nutrition: 

Nutritional Status Assessment 

Principal Investigator: Scott M. Smith, Ph.D., Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Increments Assigned: 14, 15, 16 

Overview 

The Nutrition protocol will help the Human 

Research Program gain a better understanding of the time course of nutritionrelated changes during flight and will help 

define the nutritional requirements for 

space travelers. This likely will impact food 

system development for future space exploration programs to the moon and Mars. 

This experiment also will help us understand the impact of countermeasures (for 

example, exercise or pharmaceuticals) on 

nutritional status. Ensuring that we send 

the right nutrient balance for long-duration 

missions is critical for crew health and mission success. 

Although this experiment was initiated on 

Expedition 14, a similar protocol, Clinical 

Nutritional Status Assessment Medical Requirement, has been performed on two Mir 

missions and all International Space Station 

increments to date. 

Applications 

Space Applications: Pre- and post-flight 

assessment of nutritional status is part of 

the routine medical testing for station 

crews. The inclusion of in-flight blood and 

urine collections and inclusion of additional 

parameters to monitor nutritional status is 

required to understand better the role of nutrition in bone health, changes in body 

composition, oxidative damage and, ultimately, in defining nutritional requirements 

for space crews. Maintaining and monitoring nutritional status are important for ensuring crew health during spaceflight and 

will be critical as we begin to embark on the 

longer-duration missions. 

Earth Applications: Increased understanding of the connections between nutrition 

and disease (for example, bone loss) has 

potential value for patients on Earth. 

Web Site 

For more information on Nutrition, visit: 

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

station/Nutrition.html
101 

The Optimization of Root Zone Substrates (ORZS) 

for Reduced Gravity Experiments Program 

Principal Investigator: Gail Bingham, Ph.D., Utah State University, Space Dynamics

Laboratory, North Logan, Utah 

Increments Assigned: 14, 15 

Overview 

Optimization of Root Zone Substrates 

(ORZS) was developed to provide direct 

measurements and models for plant rooting 

media that will be used in future Advanced 

Life Support (ALS) plant growth experiments. The goal of this investigation is to 

develop and optimize hardware and procedures to allow optimal plant growth to occur 

in microgravity. 

Many long-term spaceflight life-support 

scenarios assume the use of regenerating 

green plants to provide food supplies for 

crew members, as well as to recycle waste 

products. To date, Brassica Rapa and Apogee wheat and four species of salad plants 

have grown in microgravity throughout their 

useful life cycles, with wheat and Brassica 

producing viable seeds in nearly normal 

amounts and quality. These successes 

came at the end of nearly a decade of repeated efforts using the same equipment to 

arrive at the best settings for substrate 

moisture and oxygen. 

ORZS for Reduced Gravity Experiments is 

managed at the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) as part of SDL’s Space Plant 

Technology program and was developed to 

provide direct measurements and models 

for plant rooting media that will be used in 

future ALS plant growth experiments. The 

goal of this program is to develop hardware 

and procedures to allow optimum plant 

growth to occur in microgravity. 

Key to this effort is validating wet substrate 

oxygen diffusion calculations. While the 

measurements appear simple and well 

studied in agricultural soils on Earth, collecting repeatable results at high water contents in the coarse-textured growth media 

necessary for microgravity requires a modified approach. Collecting accurate data 

under both 1g and microgravity conditions 

and correctly interpreting these data at reasonable cost requires careful management 

and organization and expert technical microgravity experience. Only a few microgravity substrate water management experiments have been conducted. ORZS 

will be the first experiment to directly measure oxygenation parameters in wet substrates. 

ORZS is a new investigation for microgravity research. 

Applications 

Space Applications: The experiment will 

develop hardware and procedures to allow 

optimum plant growth to occur in microgravity (μg). This growth will support long-term 

spaceflight life-support scenarios, assuming 

the use of regenerating green plants to provide food supplies for crew members and to 

recycle waste products. 
102 

Earth Applications: As less fertile land becomes available to grow food, alternative 

agricultural systems that efficiently produce 

greater quantities of high-quality crops will 

be increasingly important. Data from the 

operation of the ORZS will advance greenhouse and controlled-environment agricultural systems and will help farmers produce 

better, healthier crops in a small space using the optimum amount of nutrients. 

Web Site 

For more information on ORZS, visit: 

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

station/ORZS.html
103 

Periodic Fitness Evaluation with Oxygen Uptake Measurement 

(PFE-OUM) 

Principal Investigators: Sean K. Roden, M.D., Johnson Space Center, Houston, and Simon 

Evetts, Ph.D., European Astronaut Centre, Cologne, Germany 

Increments Assigned: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 

Overview 

The Periodic Fitness Evaluation with Oxygen Uptake Measurement (PFE-OUM) will 

demonstrate the capability of crew members to perform periodic fitness evaluations 

(PFE) with continuous oxygen consumption 

measurements. The evaluation will take 

place within 14 days after arrival on the International Space Station and once a month 

during routine PFEs. When the capability 

of the pulmonary function system (PFS) to 

perform PFEs is verified, crew members will 

be able to integrate their monthly PFE with 

oxygen consumption measurements to fulfill 

the requirement for cardiovascular fitness 

evaluations during long-duration spaceflight. 

The PFE-OUM is a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) 

and NASA. NASA Medical Operations require an evaluation of crew aerobic capacity. Currently, the crew aerobic capacity on 

board is calculated using heart rates while 

the crew goes through a set exercise protocol. 

The PFS upgrade hardware that ESA developed for the Human Research Facility-2 

provides the necessary hardware to measure oxygen consumption directly when the 

crew member breathes through a mouthpiece during the performance of the routine 

evaluation. 

The project is designed to be completed in 

three phases. Phase I, proof of concept, 

was demonstrated during Expedition 13/14. 

Phase II, initial implementation for crew 

members and hardware check-out, will start 

as soon as additional interface hardware is 

available on orbit, and Phase III will be the 

migration to PFE-OUM for crew fitness 

evaluation. 

Expedition 13 was the first mission for the 

PFE-OUM. 

Applications 

Space Applications: The PFE-OUM 

measurements will help flight surgeons to 

understand better the decline in cardiovascular function that occurs during longduration stays in microgravity. 

Earth Applications: Little information is 

currently available on the effects of longterm exposure to a closed life control system microgravity environment on aerobic 

capacity of humans. This information is important to maintain crew health during longduration exploration. The data also will provide valuable insight into the aerobic capacity of teams in closed environments on 

Earth, such as arctic bases and submarines. 
104 

Web Site 

For more information on PFE-OUM, visit: 

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

station/PFE-OUM.html
105 

Perceptual Motor Deficits in Space 

(PMDIS) 

Principal Investigator: Barry Fowler, Ph.D., York University, North York, Ontario, Canada

Increments Assigned: 14, 15 

Overview 

This experiment will measure the decline in 

hand-eye coordination of shuttle astronauts 

while on orbit. These measurements will be 

used to make distinctions between three 

possible explanations for the decline.

Perceptual-Motor Deficits in Space 

(PMDIS) monitors the hand-eye coordination of astronauts in microgravity. PMDIS 

will measure the shuttle astronaut's handeye coordination before docking with the 

International Space Station (transition from 

1-g to zero-g). Measurements will be taken 

while the astronaut's arm is securely supported or floating free in three conditions: 

• Tapping targets on a computer 

screen with a stylus. 

• Moving a cursor between the targets 

with a joystick. 

• Performing these tasks while responding to tones with a button 

press. 

This experiment will test the theory that the 

loss of eye-hand coordination during spaceflight is due to the disruption of certain neural circuits in the human brain, arising from 

a disruption in the vestibular system. 

Applications 

Space Applications: A mini-centrifuge with 

daily sessions has been suggested as a 

means for countering the physiological effects of long-term spaceflight, e.g., a Mars 

mission. This raises the possibility of continual changes in eye-hand coordination as 

the gravity signal changes on a daily basis. 

Understanding the cause of coordination 

loss, therefore, is critical to developing 

countermeasures. 

Earth Applications: Understanding how 

the brain adapts to physiological changes 

that the space station crew members undergo will be applicable on Earth as well as 

space. The results from this experiment will 

give insight to how the brain overcomes 

stresses that are not normally part of the 

day-to-day life. This new information can 

be applied in many areas of research for 

neurological diseases, providing improved 

treatments. 

Web Site 

For more information on PMDIS, visit: 

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

station/PMDIS.html
106 

Bioavailability and Performance Effects 

of Promethazine During Spaceflight 

(PMZ) 

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

Increments Assigned: 11, 13, 15 and 16 

Overview 

Promethazine (PMZ) is used to treat space 

motion sickness 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 crew members 

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 space motion sickness are 

essential for determining optimal dosage 

and route of administration of PMZ in flight. 

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. 

This experiment began in 2001 and has 

flown on five shuttle missions. 

Applications 

This study will lead to a better understanding of how Promethazine is handled by the 

body in space. This also will help determine the side effects of Promethazine. By 

understanding these aspects of Promethazine, scientists can 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/

station/PMZ.html
107 

Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) and the 

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS) 

The International Space Station microgravity acceleration environment consists of two 

regimes: the quasi-steady environment and 

the vibratory/transient environment; therefore, the measurement of the microgravity 

acceleration environment is best accomplished by two accelerometer systems. In 

the U.S. Laboratory Module, the measurement of these two regimes is accomplished 

by the Space Acceleration Measurement 

System (SAMS) and the Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS). 

It is necessary to measure the microgravity 

environment on board the station to provide 

this data to the scientists and researchers 

of the payload experiments. SAMS and 

MAMS provide acceleration data to fluid 

physics, material science and combustion 

experiments on board the station that study 

phenomena that are isolated by the microgravity environment. Acceleration data 

would be requested by the researcher of 

any experiment where the effects of gravity 

are important to the results of the research 

and affect the outcome of the scientific 

data. 

The vibratory/transient environment, consisting of vehicle, crew and equipment disturbances and covering the frequency 

range of 0.01 to 400 Hz, will be measured 

by SAMS. Due to the localized nature of 

these vibrations, this frequency requires 

measurement of the environment near the 

experiment hardware of interest. SAMS 

provides this distributed measurement system through the use of Remote Triaxial 

Sensor systems (RTS). An individual RTS 

consists of an Electronics Enclosure (EE) 

and two Sensor Enclosures (SE). A SAMS 

Interim Control Unit (ICU) housed in an International Subrack Interface Standard 

(ISIS) drawer collects data from all active 

EE’s and prepares the data for downlink. 

SAMS was launched on shuttle mission 

STS-100 and installed on board the station 

during Expedition 1 in April 2001. 

During Expedition 15, SAMS will be in 

stand by mode until Glenn Research Center 

(GRC) payloads Boiling Experiment Facility 

(BXF) and Fluids and Combustion Facility 

(FCF) arrive on the station on board a shuttle mission scheduled for October 2008. If 

SAMS is requested to support station vehicle test at the .01 to 400 Hz frequency 

range, SAMS could be activated to support 

a vehicle test before the GRC payloads fly 

in Increment 18. 

The MAMS will record the quasi-steady microgravity environment (f< 0.01 Hz), including the influences of aerodynamic drag, vehicle rotation and venting effects. The 

MAMS unit is located in the U.S. Laboratory 

Module in a double middeck locker enclosure in EXPRESS Rack 1. MAMS was 

launched on shuttle mission STS-100 and 

installed on board the International Space 

Station during Expedition 1 in April 2001. 

During Expedition 15, MAMS will support 

data collection for station reboost and docking and undocking of shuttle and progress 

flights. 

MAMS is used by the station vehicle structures and dynamics group to collect accel-
108 

eration data during reboost. The reboost of 

the International Space Station is used to 

maintain the in the station’s orbit. After the 

reboost the MAMS data is sent to the vehicle structures and dynamics group for 

analysis.

MAMS front panel 

SAMS Interim Control Unit to left, 

SAMS ICU with laptop on right 

SAMS data spectrograph – showing 

the vibratory environment on board 

the International Space Station 
109 

Streptococcus Pneumoniae Expression of Genes in Space 

(SPEGIS) 

Ames Research Center 

Payload Overview 

During the flight of STS-118/13A.1, the 

SPEGIS payload will carry a microbiological 

experiment. The payload is supporting the 

research of Dr. David Niesel. His experiment will investigate the effects of the 

space environment on the gene expression, 

protein production and virulence of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae).

Vials containing bacterial cultures will be 

loaded into the SPEGIS Canister Assembly. 

A total of three canisters will be flown on 

the space shuttle. Each Canister contains 

three 8 ml polypropylene vials. The vials 

are inserted into vial jackets that will aid in 

the temperature transition of the bacteria. 

While on-orbit, the bacteria will be incubated in the Microgravity Environment Research Locker/INcubator (MERLIN). After 

incubation the canisters will be transferred 

to the Minus Eighty Laboratory Freezer for 

ISS (MELFI) for sample preservation. The 

samples will be returned to Earth in the 

Double Coldbag, which will maintain the 

frozen sample integrity for later analysis by 

the investigator. 

Experiment Relevance 

S. pneumoniae is a respiratory microbe that 

is normally found in the upper respiratory 

tract of approximately 40% of the healthy 

human population. This experiment will 

lead to an increased understanding of S. 

pneumoniae, which is an opportunistic human pathogen. It is anticipated that the results from this study will advance our understanding of the virulence mechanism of 

this bacteria and how it adapts to different 

environments. The identification of specific 

S. pneumoniae virulence factors and cellular and molecular processes may aid scientists in furthering the understanding of how 

this bacteria causes infection. This data 

may aid in the design and development of 

new antimicrobial drugs. 
Vials

Vial 

Jackets 

Canister

Lid

Compression Pad

SPEGIS Canister 

110 

Streptococcus 

(N Engl J Med. 1993 Aug 12; 329(7): 477) 

SPEGIS Canister 
111 

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites 

(SPHERES) 

Principal Investigator: David Miller, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 

Cambridge, Mass. 

Expeditions Assigned: 8, 13, 14, 15 and 16. 

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 International 

Space Station laptop via a low-power, 900 

MHz wireless link. 

Preliminary signal testing to support 

SPHERES operations was performed during Expedition 8. Testing with one satellite 

was performed early during Expedition 13. 

The second satellite was delivered to the 

space station on STS-121, enabling testing 

of the two-satellite configuration beginning 

in August 2006. The third satellite was 

flown on STS-116. 

Applications 

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. 

Web Sites

For more information on SPHERES, visit: 

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

station/list.html

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

http://ssl.mit.edu/spheres/library.html
112 

Surface, Water and Air Biocharacterization: 

A Comprehensive Characterization of Microorganisms 

and Allergens in Spacecraft Environment 

(SWAB) 

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

Expeditions Assigned: 13, 14, 15 and 16 

Overview 

A Comprehensive Characterization of Microorganisms and Allergens in Spacecraft 

(SWAB) will use advanced molecular techniques to 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. 

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 space station allows identification of the microbial 

communities present and determination of 

whether these change over time. 

Applications 

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.” 

Web Site 

For more information on SWAB, visit: 

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

station/list.html
113 

Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light ExposureDuring Spaceflight-Long 

(Sleep-Long) 

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

Cambridge, Mass. 

Expeditions Assigned: 14, 15, 16 

Overview 

Sleep-Long will examine the effects of 

spaceflight on the sleep-wake cycles of the 

crew during long-duration stays on the International Space Station. 

Previous research on space shuttle crewmembers has shown that sleep-wake patterns are disrupted on orbit. This experiment will examine whether sleep-wake activity patterns are disrupted during long duration stays on the International Space Station. A wrist-worn Actiwatch will record the 

activity of the crewmembers when they 

sleep and the ambient light they experience. Results will be used to evaluate the 

crewmembers' subjective evaluation of the 

amount and quality of their sleep. This 

work will help in defining light requirements, 

sleep-shifting protocols and workload plans 

for future exploration missions and determine if further countermeasures to sleep 

disruption will need to be tested. 

Space Applications 

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 that, 

in turn, will help maintain alertness and 

lessen fatigue of the crew during longduration spaceflights. 

Earth Applications 

A better understanding of insomnia is relevant to the millions of people on Earth who 

suffer nightly with sleep difficulties. 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. 

Web Site 

For more information on Sleep-Long, visit: 

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

station/list.html
114 

Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light ExposureDuring Spaceflight-Short 

(Sleep-Short) 

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

Cambridge, Mass. 

Expeditions Assigned: 11, 13, 14, 15 

Overview 

Sleep-Short will examine the effects of 

spaceflight on the sleep-wake cycles of the 

astronauts during space shuttle missions. 

Advancing state-of-the-art technology for 

monitoring, diagnosing and assessing 

treatment of sleep patterns is vital to treating insomnia on Earth and in space. 

Previous research on space shuttle crewmembers has shown that sleep-wake patterns are disrupted on orbit. A wrist-worn 

Actiwatch will record the activity of the 

crewmembers when they sleep and the 

ambient light they experience. Results will 

be used to evaluate the crewmembers’ subjective evaluation of the amount and quality 

of their sleep. 

Applications 

Space Applications: The information derived from this study will help to better understand the effects of spaceflight on sleepwake cycles. The countermeasures that 

will be developed will improve sleep cycles 

during missions that, in turn, will help maintain alertness and lessen fatigue of the 

space shuttle astronauts. 

Earth Applications: A better understanding of insomnia is relevant to the millions of 

people on Earth who suffer nightly with 

sleep difficulties. 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 

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 Sleep-Short, visit: 

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

station/list.html
115 

Stability of Pharmacotherapeutic and Nutritional Compounds 

(Stability) 

Principal Investigators: Scott M. Smith, Ph.D., and Lakshmi Putcha, Ph.D., Johnson Space 

Center, Houston 

Expeditions Assigned: 13, 14, 15, 16 

Overview 

The radiation environment in space can 

have negative effects on many systems, not 

only the human body. Complex organic 

molecules could be affected by radiation, 

including vitamins and other compounds in 

food and pharmaceuticals (medications). 

Exposure to radiation may render these 

compounds ineffective. Determining the 

magnitude of these effects on the stability 

of medicines and food will help better plan 

for exploration missions, and may facilitate 

development of stable and reliable pharmaceutical and nutritional countermeasures 

suitable for future long-duration expeditions 

to the moon and Mars. 

This study will document the changes in 

pharmaceuticals and foods after these 

items are stored for long durations in space. 

Knowledge gained from this research project will direct future efforts for potent formulation development, packaging and/or 

shielding for medicines and foods to ensure 

efficacy (effectiveness) of medicines and 

quality nutritional value of food products 

used by crew throughout exploration missions. 

Applications 

Space Applications: Results of this investigation will provide important information 

on the susceptibility of select pharmaceuticals and foods to adverse environmental 

factors encountered during space missions. 

Earth Applications: The results of this investigation will help researchers understand 

the effects of adverse environments on food 

and medicines. 

Web Site 

For more information on Stability, visit: 

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

station/list.html
116 

Test of Reaction and Adaptation Capabilities 

(TRAC) 

Principal Investigator: Otmar Bock, Ph.D., German Sport University, Cologne, Germany 

Expeditions Assigned: 14, 15 

Overview 

The Test of Reaction and Adaptation Capabilities (TRAC) investigation will test the 

theory of brain adaptation during spaceflight 

by testing hand-eye coordination before, 

during and after the mission. 

TRAC will investigate the theory that the 

decrease in motor skills, for example, handeye coordination, is a result of the brain’s 

adaptation to being in space. By testing 

hand-eye coordination of the space station 

crew, scientists hope to confirm that while 

the brain is adapting to microgravity, it is 

unable to provide the resources necessary 

to perform normal motor skills. 

Applications 

Space Applications: Understanding how 

the brain adapts from zero-g to 1-g will lead 

to improvement in procedures that require 

precise motor skills. 

Earth Applications: The finds of this investigation may lead to improved medical 

treatments for patients who suffer from coordination deficits and neurological disorders on Earth. 

Web Site 

For more information on TRAC, visit: 

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

station/list.html
117 

The 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
118 
119 

Expedition 15 Public Affairs Officers (PAO) Contacts 

Michael Braukus International Partners 202-358-1979

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, D.C. 

michael.j.braukus@nasa.gov

Allard Beutel Shuttle, Space Station Policy 202-358-4769

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, D.C. 

allard.beutel@nasa.gov

Katherine Trinidad Shuttle, Space Station Policy 202-358-3749

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, D.C. 

Katherine.Trinidad@nasa.gov

John Yembrick Shuttle, Space Station Policy 202-358-0602

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, D.C. 

john.yembrick-1@nasa.gov

Beth Dickey Research in Space 202-358-2087

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, D.C. 

beth.dickey-1@nasa.gov

James Hartsfield Astronauts/Mission Operations 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

james.a.hartsfield@nasa.gov

Rob Navias Mission Operations 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

rob.navias-1@nasa.gov

Lynnette Madison International Space Station 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

lynnette.b.madison@nasa.gov
120 

Kylie Clem

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

kylie.s.clem@nasa.gov

Mission Operations Directorate 281-483-5111

Nicole Cloutier-Lemasters 

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

nicole.cloutier-1@nasa.gov

Space Station Crew 281-483-5111

Kim Newton

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center 

Huntsville, Ala. 

Kim.Newton@nasa.gov

Science Operations 256-544-0371

Ed Memi 

The Boeing Company 

Houston, TX 

Edmund.g.memi@boeing.com

International Space Station 281-226-4029