PROGRESS М-53

Progress M-53 was launched from Baikonur at 19:09, June 16, 2005. Ten minutes later the Expedition-11 crew were informed of its successful launch. Following a routine 2-day rendezvous the KURS automatic system failed when a Russian ground station malfunctioned and prevented data being up-linked to the Progress. Krikalev had to use the TORU flight station in Zvezda to manually dock the new Progress to Zarya’s wake, at 20:42, June 18. The crew equalised the pressure between the two vehicles and opened the connecting hatches just hours after the docking, but did not begin unloading until the following day.

In the week following the new arrival, Krikalev and Phillips spent much of their time unloading the new supplies and preparing for the launch of STS-114 in July. Krikalev installed the newly delivered electrolyte and filters in the Elektron and powered the oxygen generator on. It failed almost immediately. After a second activation the Elektron operated for almost 30 minutes before shutting down. PMA-3 was pressurised and opened for the first time in four years before being utilised as storage space. The crew also cycled the docking system on Destiny’s nadir, in preparation for the docking of the MPLM that STS-114 would carry to ISS. The system had not been cycled in 2.5 years.

On June 30, NASA Shuttle programme managers set an official launch date of July 13, for the STS-114 Return to Flight mission. Discovery’s lift-off was set for 15: 51, with docking to ISS at 12: 27, July 15. For the first time in the Shuttle programme, Atlantis would be ready to launch a rescue mission if required during the duration of the STS-114 flight. This was one result of the “if it is damaged there’s nothing we can do to help the crew’’ attitude shown by some programme managers during STS-107, which had been heavily criticised by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

In preparation for that launch, Phillips installed a camera used to align the MPLM correctly for docking with Destiny. The ISS crew also trained with the SSRMS, which would be used for the first time to lift an MPLM out of the payload bay. During the session they commanded the SSRMS to “walk” from Destiny’s operating base and install itself on the MBS mounted on the ITS on June 29, and back to Destiny’s operating base on June 30. The manoeuvre would be used to allow the SSRMS’ camera to observe heatshield tiles on Discovery one day after docking. The MPLM transfer manoeuvres would all be carried out with the SSRMS on Destiny’s operating base. Krikalev also tested radio guidance equipment intended for use with the European ATV. On June 30 the engines on Progress M-53 were used to adjust the station’s orbit in preparation for Discovery’s arrival. Oxygen in the Progress tanks was used to repressurise ISS, allowing the crew to stop burning SFOG candles. Both men continued to operate experiments from their respective countries.

The following week both men collected items to be returned to Earth in Dis­covery’s MPLM once the new stores had been removed from it. Phillips conducted the routine charging and discharging cycle on the batteries in the American EMUs held in Quest, in preparation for the three EVAs planned during the visit of STS-114. On June 5, Progress M-53 was employed in another orbit-raising manoeuvre, while

Krikalev continued to oversee the use of oxygen and the transfer of water from the tanks in Progress M-53. Both men also continued their experiment programmes, including their second of three sessions with the Renal Stone Experiment. Through­out the week they photographed Tropical Storm Denis. In the second week of July they continued to prepare items for return to Earth with Discovery, while continuing their experiment and personal exercise programmes.