The RCRS is installed under the middeck floor and uses two beds of compounds known as amines to absorb CO2 out of the cabin's air. For possible malfunctions of Shuttle equipment and major payloads, NASA flies a repair kit containing necessary tools and spare parts for simple repairs. In most cases, it is the job of the Commander and Pilot to be familiar with all malfunction scenarios and perform the necessary repair procedures. Other daily routines Other housekeeping activities include the reading mail that arrives in the beginning of each work shift. Each work shift starts with a 15 minute planning session, during which the astronauts read the messages and implement the changes to their work schedule accordingly.
Some messages request a different time schedule while others affect the procedures to be performed.
This mechanism allows ground controller and scientists to react to the current status of the orbiter and its payload. For video and data downlink from the Space Shuttle to Mission Control, NASA uses the KU-band antenna, which is positioned outside the flight deck window. The KU-band antenna is deployed immediately after launch and during each orbit it is pointed towards the two TDRS satellites NASA uses for communications between the Shuttle and the ground. After 24 hours of operation, the KU-band antenna is twisted 16 times around its own axis.