ISS
Gnome de PPRuNe
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ISS
Just popped outside to see the majestic passage of the ISS for the first time in several months - sailed right past the moon.
Curious thing, I often get the impression I can see the occasional flashing light, like a strobe close to it - I assume this is just some kind of optical illusion, something to do with my vision or whatever. There was also an interesting comet tail of light opposite the moon tonight as it passed by, but I'm pretty sure that was caused by reflections or smears on me specs!
Curious thing, I often get the impression I can see the occasional flashing light, like a strobe close to it - I assume this is just some kind of optical illusion, something to do with my vision or whatever. There was also an interesting comet tail of light opposite the moon tonight as it passed by, but I'm pretty sure that was caused by reflections or smears on me specs!
Some great montage images and video here of the lunar transit.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Russia Launches new useless ISS docking module…..
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/11/prichal-launch/
Russia launches new docking node to space station
Rgoscosmos launched a new docking node module to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, November 24 at 13:06 UTC / 8:06 am EST.
Launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the module will add additional docking ports to the Russian Segment of the station to provide options for future expansion but is the final Russian model planned for the outpost.
The original design for the Russian Segment of the ISS called for a Universal Docking Module (UDM) to expand the Russian Segment’s available docking ports for the addition of future modules. This module was canceled early in the ISS program due to budget issues.
However, out of the UDM concept grew a new proposal for a Nodal Module (NM), which would provide the Russian Segment with expansion options since all of its docking ports were either in use or reserved for visiting spacecraft.
The node, named Prichal (“pier”), marks a departure from the previous concept of Russian station design, which typically included a core module (which, in the case of ISS, is Zvezda) with an attached spherical docking compartment to which all other modules are docked.
The problem with this design is that it makes the core module an irreplaceable part of the station, as all the other modules would have to be undocked from the core module for the core to be replaced — something which is not technically feasible once all modules have been integrated.
This means that as the core module ages and its systems begin to fail, there is no option but to build a brand-new station, even though the other modules may be newer and perfectly functioning.
The Node Module concept essentially separates the spherical docking compartment from the core module and makes it into a standalone element. All station modules would then dock to the Node Module, the idea being that each module is then replaceable without having to undock them all.
In this sense, Prichal is essentially the Russian equivalent of the Node modules found on the US segment of the station.
It was originally planned that two Science & Power Modules (NEMs) would be docked to Prichal as part of an expansion of the Russian Segment, with a view to then one day separate from the ISS into a free-flying station.
However, in April 2021, Roscosmos announced that the NEMs are no longer planned for the ISS and will instead form part of a new independent Russian space station for which a new Node Module would be built.
Therefore, while Prichal is an interesting module in many ways, it is already essentially a module without a purpose as it does not, in itself, add any additional capabilities to the ISS over what the station already has…..
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/11/prichal-launch/
Russia launches new docking node to space station
Rgoscosmos launched a new docking node module to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, November 24 at 13:06 UTC / 8:06 am EST.
Launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the module will add additional docking ports to the Russian Segment of the station to provide options for future expansion but is the final Russian model planned for the outpost.
The original design for the Russian Segment of the ISS called for a Universal Docking Module (UDM) to expand the Russian Segment’s available docking ports for the addition of future modules. This module was canceled early in the ISS program due to budget issues.
However, out of the UDM concept grew a new proposal for a Nodal Module (NM), which would provide the Russian Segment with expansion options since all of its docking ports were either in use or reserved for visiting spacecraft.
The node, named Prichal (“pier”), marks a departure from the previous concept of Russian station design, which typically included a core module (which, in the case of ISS, is Zvezda) with an attached spherical docking compartment to which all other modules are docked.
The problem with this design is that it makes the core module an irreplaceable part of the station, as all the other modules would have to be undocked from the core module for the core to be replaced — something which is not technically feasible once all modules have been integrated.
This means that as the core module ages and its systems begin to fail, there is no option but to build a brand-new station, even though the other modules may be newer and perfectly functioning.
The Node Module concept essentially separates the spherical docking compartment from the core module and makes it into a standalone element. All station modules would then dock to the Node Module, the idea being that each module is then replaceable without having to undock them all.
In this sense, Prichal is essentially the Russian equivalent of the Node modules found on the US segment of the station.
It was originally planned that two Science & Power Modules (NEMs) would be docked to Prichal as part of an expansion of the Russian Segment, with a view to then one day separate from the ISS into a free-flying station.
However, in April 2021, Roscosmos announced that the NEMs are no longer planned for the ISS and will instead form part of a new independent Russian space station for which a new Node Module would be built.
Therefore, while Prichal is an interesting module in many ways, it is already essentially a module without a purpose as it does not, in itself, add any additional capabilities to the ISS over what the station already has…..
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
An uncontrolled leak on docked Soyuz means 3 astronauts have no emergency escape vehicle. A manned replacement will have to be sent - unless SpaceX can fill the gap.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2022...-monday-night/
https://arstechnica.com/science/2022...-monday-night/
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023...-ms-22-return/
Damaged Soyuz MS-22 craft returns home uncrewed
The Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, which launched Expedition 68 crewmembers Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitry Petelin, and NASA’s Frank Rubio on Sept. 21, 2022, returned to Earth in automated mode after suffering a leak in a coolant loop last December.…
The coolant loop aboard the Soyuz spacecraft had lost all of its fluid, and a 0.8 mm hole was found in the vehicle’s service module. As a result, the ISS program had to make some important decisions quickly while the spacecraft’s damage was being analyzed. The Soyuz MS-23 flight would now launch to the Station in an automated mode, without crew, as the MS-22 crew’s stay would be extended from this spring to September.…
Before Soyuz MS-23 docked at the Station, Progress MS-21 also suffered a coolant leak of its own from its service module.The leaks on both spacecraft had occurred after approximately three months in orbit, and both the uncrewed Progress and crewed Soyuz vehicles use the same service module architecture…..
After the MS-22 coolant leak in December, it was thought that it was caused by a micrometeoroid impact. However, the Progress MS-21 leak caused speculation regarding a systemic fault in current Soyuz-based vehicles…..
Damaged Soyuz MS-22 craft returns home uncrewed
The Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, which launched Expedition 68 crewmembers Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitry Petelin, and NASA’s Frank Rubio on Sept. 21, 2022, returned to Earth in automated mode after suffering a leak in a coolant loop last December.…
The coolant loop aboard the Soyuz spacecraft had lost all of its fluid, and a 0.8 mm hole was found in the vehicle’s service module. As a result, the ISS program had to make some important decisions quickly while the spacecraft’s damage was being analyzed. The Soyuz MS-23 flight would now launch to the Station in an automated mode, without crew, as the MS-22 crew’s stay would be extended from this spring to September.…
Before Soyuz MS-23 docked at the Station, Progress MS-21 also suffered a coolant leak of its own from its service module.The leaks on both spacecraft had occurred after approximately three months in orbit, and both the uncrewed Progress and crewed Soyuz vehicles use the same service module architecture…..
After the MS-22 coolant leak in December, it was thought that it was caused by a micrometeoroid impact. However, the Progress MS-21 leak caused speculation regarding a systemic fault in current Soyuz-based vehicles…..
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Incredible picture of the ISS by Maxar. Shows 6 different spacecraft docked for the first time ever: SpaceX Dragon, Boeing Starliner, Cygnus, Soyuz, 2x Progress.
They did it by taking one of their Legion satellites —which normally do Earth observation— and pointing it up towards LEO.
They did it by taking one of their Legion satellites —which normally do Earth observation— and pointing it up towards LEO.
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Gnome de PPRuNe
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Age: 60
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Absolutely wonderful pic but I have to admit I have absolutely no idea which bits are docked and which bits are yer actual space station! 
It reminds me of the modern interpretation of Nick Mason's original cover illustration for Relics when Pink Floyd released it on CD...
It reminds me of the modern interpretation of Nick Mason's original cover illustration for Relics when Pink Floyd released it on CD...
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Does this help?
From:
The Maxar photo shows the Starliner at the bottom right with the Crew-8 Dragon just above it pointing towards the camera. The two Progress ships at the top left are also visible, the rest is hidden on the other side of the station.
From:
The Maxar photo shows the Starliner at the bottom right with the Crew-8 Dragon just above it pointing towards the camera. The two Progress ships at the top left are also visible, the rest is hidden on the other side of the station.
The following 2 users liked this post by Jhieminga:
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Mind you, the Starship has the same internal volume, so they can replace it at the same time…..
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/na...orbit-vehicle/
NASA Selects International Space Station US Deorbit Vehicle
…..NASA announced SpaceX has been selected to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle that will provide the capability to deorbit the space station and ensure avoidance of risk to populated areas.
“Selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the International Space Station will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit at the end of station operations. This decision also supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth,” said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
“The orbital laboratory remains a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all.”
While the company will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership after development and operate it throughout its mission. Along with the space station, it is expected to destructively breakup as part of the re-entry process……
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/na...orbit-vehicle/
NASA Selects International Space Station US Deorbit Vehicle
…..NASA announced SpaceX has been selected to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle that will provide the capability to deorbit the space station and ensure avoidance of risk to populated areas.
“Selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the International Space Station will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit at the end of station operations. This decision also supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth,” said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
“The orbital laboratory remains a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all.”
While the company will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership after development and operate it throughout its mission. Along with the space station, it is expected to destructively breakup as part of the re-entry process……
