The International Space Station continues to operate in excellent shape on orbit with no systems problems of any significance. A target launch date for Zvezda is expected following the signing of the official protocols and the notification of all International Partners next Friday. Following the meetings in Moscow, NASA will determine if an early maintenance mission by the shuttle to the ISS is required as currently scheduled in mid April. On orbit, the Station's power system remains in good shape with four batteries operating normally providing more than enough power for the systems onboard. Battery number 2 remains disconnected from the electrical bus with battery number 1 available for short periods when necessary.
Analysis is underway to determine if three are any impacts to operations.
The OTD is a small crane used to assist astronauts conducting spacewalks in moving large pieces of equipment around the station. The International Space Station is in an orbit of 244 by 229 statute miles. Since the launch of Zarya in 1998, the ISS has completed more than 6,885 orbits. Next Launch A Lockheed Martin Athena 1 will launch the Kodiak Star mission for NASA and the Air Force no sooner than Saturday from Kodiak Island, Alaska. Visit the Tracking Station for a full listing of upcoming launches.