Tag: ISS
-
University of Essex propose training pool larger than the NBL
ESA astronaut Tim Peake has provided his backing for a University of Essex proposal to build the world’s deepest and largest pool for space and deep-sea research and training. Such a pool would provide the UK with its own “rival” to the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston. Astro Pool:…
-
Soyuz TMA-17M successfully docks to ISS
A Russian Soyuz FG rocket successfully launched the Soyuz TMA-17M spacecraft on a six-hour launch-to-docking mission on Wednesday. Launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome occurred at 21:02 UTC, followed by a successful docking with NASA’s Kjell Lindgren of NASA, Oleg Kononenko of Roscosmos and Kimiya Yui of JAXA – despite the Plane 4 (Port) array failing…
-
Debris from old Russian satellite forced ISS crew into contingency ops
Life aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has returned to normal after a late conjunction threat forced the Station’s crew into contingency operations. The implementation of Flight Rule B4-101 – resulting in the crew taking up the “safe haven” of a docked Russian Soyuz vehicle – was required during a close pass of debris from…
-
Captain Cassidy – From Navy SEAL to Chief of the Astronaut Office
US Navy Captain Chris Cassidy, once described as “Chuck Norris, minus the restrictions of gravity”, has become the new Chief of the Astronaut Office. Capt. Cassidy amassed 182 days in space, conducted six EVAs and flew on both Shuttle Endeavour and the Russian Soyuz – the latter transporting him during his a long-duration ISS mission…
-
Russian Progress M-28M completes critical ISS cargo run
The Russian Progress M-28M cargo ship has successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) following its launch on a Soyuz-U rocket. The mission returned the Progress to flight following a previous failure that exacerbated the Station’s logistical constraints, further impacted by the recent CRS-7 failure. Progress M-28M – Its Importance: This mission is likely…
-
SpaceX conducts Falcon 9 Static Fire ahead of key ISS mission
SpaceX has conducted a Static Fire of its Falcon 9 v1.1 on Friday, a key milestone ahead of Sunday’s planned launch of the CRS-7/SpX-7 Dragon to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission will help restock the orbital outpost with vital supplies, highlighted by an investigation into high Total Organic Carbon (TOC) levels in the…
-
Station trio return home on Soyuz TMA-15M
NASA’s Terry Virts, Samantha Cristoforetti of ESA and Anton Shkaplerov of Roscosmos have returned home on their Soyuz TMA-15M spacecraft following undocking from the International Space Station on Thursday. After what proved to be a smooth entry, their extended mission finally came to a conclusion when their Soyuz safely touched down under parachutes on the steppe…
-
ISS dodges Minotaur debris via PDAM
The International Space Station (ISS) conducted a Pre-Determined Debris Avoidance Maneuver (PDAM) on Monday, dodging part of a spent Minotaur rocket body. The space shove was provided by the engines on the docked Progress M-26M spacecraft, with the burn lasting over five minutes – in turn providing some light entertainment to the Station’s crew. PDAM: The…
-
NASA evaluating CCP Loss Of Crew and Mishap procedures
NASA’s transition from the Space Shuttle to the commercial crew vehicles will dramatically improve crew safety parameters relating to the transportation of astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). However, preparing for the worst is a necessary requirement that is currently being evaluated by NASA, per presentations to the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP). Loss Of…
-
ISS relocates PMM in reconfiguration for future crew vehicles
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and their supporting ground teams have begun the process of reconfiguring the station from its current Space Shuttle-optimised configuration, to a new configuration optimised for future visiting commercial crew and cargo vehicles. The long-planned effort involved the relocation of the PMM storage module on Wednesday. Station reconfiguration purpose:…