At the ISS, hatches were closed at 1:45pm EDT and tunnel leak checks performed at 2:05pm.  With that, the return to Earth of Soyuz TMA-3/7S with Michael Foale, Alexander Kaleri & André Kuipers is ready to proceed along the following event sequence (all times EDT):

• ISS free drift & DC1 port hooks open ---3:15pm (ISS returns to attitude control);
• ISS maneuvers to 7S undocking attitude ---4:19pm;
• ISS in free drift ---4:48pm;
• Hooks Open command ---4:49pm;
• Separation springs action (delta-V ~0.12 m/sec) ---4:52pm;
• Separation burn (15 sec, ~0.55 m/sec) ---4:55pm;
• ISS maneuvers to LVLH/MinProp attitude ---4:57pm;
• ISS maneuvers to Burn Observation ("Relaksatsiya") attitude ---6:45pm;
• Deorbit Burn (4min 17s; delta-V 115.2 m/sec) ---7:20pm;
• ISS maneuvers to Soyuz comm attitude ---7:25pm
• Tri-Module separation ---7:45pm;
• Atmospheric entry ---7:48pm;
• ISS maneuvers to LVLH/TEA  ---7:56pm (remaining thru 5/5);
• Parachute deploy command ---7:57pm;
• 7S Landing (nominally) ---8:11pm;
• ISS attitude control handed back to US ---8:20pm.

After an extended sleep period (12 hrs.), crew wake-up was at 07:30 GMT ( 3:30am EDT), followed by breakfast, work prep and DPC (daily planning conference).  The crews then had a busy day with final packing, transfers, last handovers from Expedition 8 to Expedition 9 and preparations for the undocking.  Sleep period will begin later than usual (8:25pm), in consonance with TMA-3 departure and post-departure activities.

Total handover times for both crews during the docked period were as follows:

CDR-9 (Padalka):

• Functional --- 10 hrs 50 mins   
• Dedicated --- 11 hrs 25 mins 

FE-9/SO (Fincke):

• Functional --- 12 hrs 10 mins   
• Dedicated --- 17 hrs 45 mins

CDR-8 (Foale):

• Functional --- 17 hrs 25 mins   
• Dedicated --- 12 hrs 25 mins  

FE-8 (Kaleri):

• Functional --- 7 hrs 35 mins    
• Dedicated --- 8 hrs 40 mins     

Alex Kaleri, assisted by Gennady Padalka, completed the scheduled Russian MedOps (SZM-MO-22) sanitary-epidemiological status experiment, taking samples from cabin surfaces in the Service Module/SM (6 locations), FGB (5 locs.), and Node (1 loc.), for return to the ground on 7S, along with samples from crewmembers, for sanitation and disease studies.

Other Russian and ESA/Delta experiments deactivated, closed out, transferred and stowed aboard the TMA-3 Descent Module (BO) today were

• BIO-8 Plasmida  (influence of micro-G on plasmid DNA transmission frequency);
• BIO-10 Intercellular Interaction samples, from the SM's Kriogem-03 freezer;
• BTKh-2 MIMETIK-K technology samples (protein crystal growth);
• SIMPATHO-3 (changes in sympathoadrenal activity);
• PROMISS-3  (protein crystal growth monitored by digital holographic microscope);
• SAMPLE  (microbial sampling of the VC6 FE and various interior surfaces);
• CGBA  (commercial generic bioprocessing apparatus): removal of JAXA/GCF (Granada Crystallization Facility) samples for return on 7S.  CGBA then powered on again.

Kuipers transferred the KUBIK TOPAZ incubator from the Soyuz-213 to the SM, not far from the KUBIK AMBER incubator.   [On both KUBIKs, Padalka reset temperature and centrifuge to Standby and switched power (28V) off.]

With Soyuz TMA-3 no longer available as emergency CRV (crew return vehicle) for the coming Increment, Alex Kaleri ensured correct transfer of its three Emergency Procedures ODF (DAS EhP) books to the new CRV, Soyuz TMA-4, at the FGB nadir port.

At ~11:55am, after all loading operations were completed, Sasha called down via S-band to report on the readiness of Soyuz-213 for activation.  The 7S Orbital Module (OM), to be jettisoned before atmospheric interface, is only lightly loaded with trash, to lighten the vehicle for more flexibility in responding to its propulsion system.   [Russian specialists recommended this precautionary measure in light of the two helium pressurization line leaks, just in case there are additional propulsion system failures.  The foam from 13P/Progress, originally intended for packing on the 7S OM, is now planned for disposal on 13P.]

Then Sasha and Gennady set up and tested the communications configuration (STTS) for Soyuz undocking and descent, followed by Mike Foale and André activating the TMA-3 spacecraft at ~12:25pm.    The returning Expedition 8 crew entered the Soyuz spacecraft via the DC1 "Pirs" docking module at 1:43pm, with the Goodbye handshakes downlinked on TV/Ku-band at ~1:44pm, marking the official end of Increment 8.  After hatch closure (1:45pm) followed leak check ops of about 50 min, with a period of 30 min of no pressure change in the docking vestibule (transfer tunnel between DC1 and Soyuz) required to ascertain seal pressure tightness.

After hatch closure, TsUP had the option to shut down the Russian SKV-1 air conditioner and switch the Elektron O2 generator to the lower 16 amps setting, if conditions permitted.

As 7S is getting ready for departure later today, life aboard the station goes on.  The new station CDR, Gennady Padalka, downlinked the Matryoshka parameter tables stored previously (4/15) on the Matryoshka server (BSPN).   [Matryoshka takes measurements in the SM and DC-1 docking compartment for studies of on-orbit radiation and long-term dose accumulation, using six SPD dosimeters deployed throughout the RS as well as in a spherical body-simulating Matryoshka-R "phantom" and a human torso model outside on the SM hull, mounted there during EVA-9.]

The new Flight Engineer & Science Officer, Mike Fincke, performed the daily routine maintenance of the SOZh environmental control & life support systems in the SM, while Gennady prepared the daily "delta" file for updating the IMS (inventory management system) databases.

Fincke also performed the daily leak check of the Lab window's inter-pane volume, using the "Aeolus" scopemeter with pressure probe.  The pressure this morning had risen to 175.8 Torr (mmHg).   [This is consistent with the steady leak rate of ~27 Torr/day (from the cabin into the interstitial volume) noted in March.]

The U.S. CDRA (CO2 removal assembly), which has been running smoothly during the docked period, has been shut down.  CO2 removal is again handled solely by the Russian Vozdukh system.

Gennady had another session for "Uragan" earth observations on his discretionary task list, using the LIV video camera at SM windows #6-8 to take video footage of selected targets.   [Uplinked target designations included the Mountains of Ethiopia and the Kenya volcano.]

After physical spacecraft separation from DC1 and departure, scheduled for 4:52pm, Gennady Padalka will be conducting photo imaging of the Soyuz-213 docking assembly (StA), starting immediately upon separation and extending through several minutes, using the Nikon D1 with 80-400 mm focal length settings for documenting the StA to permit assessment of the presence and integrity of the rubber seals at the docking interface.

For observing the Soyuz thruster plumes during the deorbit maneuvers and the Earth's limb, at ~4:55pm Padalka will install the geo-physical GFI-1 Relaksatsiya ("relaxation") experiment, reconfiguring the Russian payload laptop 3 for the experiment and mounting the ultraviolet (UV) camera with spectrometer unit at SM window #9, with its cover open.  [Purpose of the current experiment is spectrometric recording of the TMA-3 propulsion plumes (by UV-video) during the 4-min. retrograde burn at 7:20pm and of the emission layer of the atmosphere at the Earth's limb at 7:25-7:27pm.  Tomorrow, Padalka is to tear down the experiment and stow it again.]

Because atmospheric entry interface (7:48pm) occurs prior to Soyuz sunrise (7:52pm) and Soyuz terminator crossing (7:55pm), the spacecraft's plasma trail in its wake may be visible over the dark Earth.

For the reentry, all crewmembers are wearing the Russian Kentavr anti-G suit.   [The Kentavr garment is a protective anti-g suit ensemble to facilitate the return of a long-duration crewmember into the Earth gravity.  Consisting of shorts, gaiters, underpants, jersey and socks, it acts as countermeasure for circulatory disturbance, prevents crewmember from overloading during descent and increases orthostatic tolerance during post-flight adaptation.  Kaleri was also advised to ingest fluid-electrolyte additives, viz., three sodium chloride tablets during breakfast and after the midday meal, each time with 300 ml of fluid, and two pills during the meal aboard Soyuz 7S before deorbit, with 200 ml.]

At Astana/Kazakhstan, the U.S. C17 Medivac aircraft arrived yesterday morning and is standing by to support the landing tonight.  Helicopter assignments for NASA personnel have been made by NASA Landing Coordinator Mike Baker.

ISS Orbit  (as of this morning, 9:42am EDT [= epoch]):

• Mean altitude -- 361.8 km
• Apogee -- 369.4 km
• Perigee -- 354.3 km
• Period -- 91.78 min.
• Inclination (to Equator) --  51.63 deg
• Eccentricity -- 0.0011211
• Solar Beta Angle -- 11.5 deg (magnitude increasing)
• Orbits per 24-hr. day -- 15.69
• Mean altitude loss last 24 hours -- 100 m
• Revolutions since FGB/Zarya launch (Nov. '98)  -- 31068

For more on ISS orbit and worldwide ISS naked-eye visibility dates/times, see  http://www.hq.nasa.gov/osf/station/viewing/issvis.html

What will the Soyuz TMA-3/7S crew (Exp. 8 + André Kuipers) encounter during today's reentry/descent?

Before descent:

Special attention will be paid to the need for careful donning of the medical belt with sensors and securing tight contact between sensors and body.

During preparation for descent, before atmosphere reentry, crewmembers settle down comfortably in the "Kazbek" couches, fasten the belts, securing tight contact between body and the seat liner in the couch.

During de-orbit:

Dust particles starting to sink in the Descent Module (DM) cabin is the first indication of atmosphere reentry and beginning of G-load effect.  From that time on, special attention is required as the loads increase rapidly.

Under G-load effect during atmosphere reentry the crew expects the following experience: Sensation of G-load pressure on the body, "burden in the body", labored breathing and speech. These are normal sensations, and the advice is to "take them coolly".  In case of the feeling of a "lump in the throat", this is no cause to "be nervous".  This is frequent and should not be fought.  Best is to "try not to swallow and talk at this moment".  Crew should check vision and, if any disturbances occur, create additional tension of abdominal pressure and leg muscles (strain abdomen by pulling in), in addition to the "Kentavr" anti-G suit .

During deployment of drogue and prime parachutes the impact accelerations will be perceived as a "strong snatch".  No reason to become concerned about this but one should be prepared that during the parachutes deployment and change of prime parachute to symmetrical suspension swinging and spinning motion of the DM occurs, which involves vestibular (middle ear) irritations.

It is important to tighten restrain system to fasten pelvis and pectoral arch. Vestibular irritation can occur in the form of different referred sensations such as vertigo, hyperhidrosis, postural illusions, general discomfort and nausea.  To prevent vestibular irritation the crew should "limit head movement and eyes movement", as well as fix their sight on motionless objects.

Just before the landing (softened by six small rocket engines behind the heat shield):  Crew will be prepared for the vehicle impact with the ground, with their bodies fixed along the surface of the seat liner in advance.  "Special attention should be paid to arm fixation to avoid the elbow and hand squat" (instruction).

After landing:

Crew should not get up quickly from their seats to leave the DM. They were advised to stay in the couch for several minutes and only then stand up.  In doing that, they should limit head and eyes movement and avoid excessive motions, proceeding slowly.  They and their body should not take up earth gravity in the upright position too quickly.

News from Commercial Space Watch