ISS: What happens if those computers can't be restarted?

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earth_bound_misfit

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I suspect they were damaged by a power spike, and hopefully can be brought back online.<br />But what's the options if they can't be booted up?<br />I believe evacuation is on the cards? So would the station be de-orbited and in a controlled fashion if so? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------- </p><p>Wanna see this site looking like the old SDC uplink?</p><p>Go here to see how: <strong>SDC Eye saver </strong>  </p> </div>
 
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erioladastra

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No, they were not damaged by a power spike. We saw problems before the array deploy as I noted awhile back. But extremely serious. We are working frantically to bring them up. One theory is the new power system is causing line noise. The FGB is slowly running out of power right now because you need the computers on to activate some US to RS power converters. The FGB cannot be restarted once dead. Soyuz is now on its own power.<br /><br />No, long way to go before evacuation but we might extend the orbiter's stay. Do to an unrelated problem with attitude control compounded with no Russian thruster control some activities are likely going to be deferred or deleted. EVAs are not affected.
 
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earth_bound_misfit

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Thanks Eriol!<br />Another forum is talking about EMI (Chinese radar?) events maybe being a cause, though that would be doubtful as these computer as rad hardened aren't they? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------- </p><p>Wanna see this site looking like the old SDC uplink?</p><p>Go here to see how: <strong>SDC Eye saver </strong>  </p> </div>
 
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erioladastra

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We are talking about EMI too (not from China, it would be from ISS) but that does not seem likely. It might be due to electrical line noise with the new modules. But the events sequence and signatures are still being investigated. Software doesn't seem likely either. But they are going to try and isolate the Russian segment from the powe rof the US and try a restart.
 
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thereiwas

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I was amazed reading the ISS technical manual (a briefing book for astronauts) that the Russian and American segments use different power voltages, and the solar panels put out yet a third voltage. Hence the need for all those converters.
 
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earth_bound_misfit

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Sounds promising! NasaTV is reporting some functions are now working and ground control is getting some telemetery down. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------- </p><p>Wanna see this site looking like the old SDC uplink?</p><p>Go here to see how: <strong>SDC Eye saver </strong>  </p> </div>
 
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MeteorWayne

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FGB? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>
 
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MeteorWayne

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Thanx, sorry for not recognizing the acronym <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>
 
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heyscottie

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Assuming it IS a problem with noisy power, what steps can the crew take to get everything running? I don't imagine they have any handy regulators they can snap on the power busses... Again, assuming the power noise is due at least in part to the new arrays, could the new solar arrays be used at all until a solution is provided?
 
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MeteorWayne

Guest
who? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>
 
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radarredux

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How difficult will it be for future spacecraft to dock to the ISS if they cannot get attitude controllers working? For example, if they determine a spare part is needed for the computers and actually have one in hand on the ground, will a Soyuz, Progress, or Shuttle be able to dock to ISS if the ISS does not have attitude control?
 
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erioladastra

Guest
<br />No, DMS is for columbus.<br /><br />If it really is power from the new segment we should be able to isolate the Russian segment from it. However, then they would not have enough power (ironic eh). But with drag through cables we might be able to cobble something together. As to what happens if we can't get the started at all? Not good - the US CMGs rely on the RS for attitude data. Manual destauration of the CMGs by progress is tricky at best and perhaps not doable (se my notes in the 13A thread). But we are working on options.
 
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radarredux

Guest
> <i><font color="yellow">If it really is power from the new segment we should be able to isolate the Russian segment from it.</font>/i><br /><br />And then hope that the computers haven't been damaged. Dirty power can be hell on computer systems.</i>
 
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scottb50

Guest
When in doubt, re-boot. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>
 
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qso1

Guest
Phase one is completed:<br />Press puts out the word in ways that make it appear an evacuation and ISS deorbiting are imminent.<br /><br />Phase two:<br />Press finds out and subsequently reports the more likely scenario. A solution to the problem will be found.<br /><br />Phase three:<br />The press will report the subsequent implementation of the solution.<br /><br />I only say this because its hard to imagine a computer problem bringing ISS to an end, even if some of the public and politicians are hoping for that. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><strong>My borrowed quote for the time being:</strong></p><p><em>There are three kinds of people in life. Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen...and those who do not know what happened.</em></p> </div>
 
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a_lost_packet_

Guest
I just heard a "This Just In" newsflash on the radio. Russian space agency officials are going to announce that there is a "fatal flaw" in the onboard computers. "The ISS will have to be abandoned." That is a quote directly from the newsflash.<br /><br />Any corroboration available? I haven't heard anything else since 8:30am EST. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>
 
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erioladastra

Guest
"When in doubt, re-boot."<br /><br />About 20 times so far.
 
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a_lost_packet_

Guest
Yeah, I don't know that rebooting is going to solve the problem. The whole "fundamental flaw" line in the newsflash makes me think it's something a heck of a lot more problematic. I wonder if they got an "On Site" service contract with those four boxes? If so, it's time to make a phone call.. long distance even... collect. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>
 
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erioladastra

Guest
No, evacuation is not imminent. We are a long way from that and I think that media quote is hype or a misquote but not true. <br /><br />Latest status:<br /><br />- 1 central computer up, 3 terminals are powered but can't come up<br />- Taken measurements with the scopemeter and everything looks as expected<br />- Talking about bringing home one computer of each set for analysis<br />- Still trying to isolate the SM from new US power.
 
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a_lost_packet_

Guest
Thanks for that news. The "newsflash" was as quoted though. Perhaps yet another overly enthusiastic reporter looking to dramatize some headline coverage. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>
 
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a_lost_packet_

Guest
Can the Shuttle leave the ISS as it stands now without endangering the ISS's attitude/orbit if the computers are not up? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>
 
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earth_bound_misfit

Guest
Yeah, the reports coming in scared the pants off me. I'm going to ask a Mod to rename the thread as the current title is a bit over the top.<br />(now just to get the timing right with a Mod being online when I am).<br /><br />I have full confinance that between all parties this will be resolved. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------- </p><p>Wanna see this site looking like the old SDC uplink?</p><p>Go here to see how: <strong>SDC Eye saver </strong>  </p> </div>
 
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MeteorWayne

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I think the title is OK, myself. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>
 
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