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Astronaut Wakata's training report (7)
Participation to a technical evaluation meeting
Active CBM
With the STS-92 launch next months, Astronaut Koichi Wakata is training hard everyday. In general, an astronaut not only trains hard but must also participate as an engineer in software technical evaluation meetings, support preparing orbital task procedures, and so forth. These are also very important tasks for an astronaut.
Utilizing time found in his busy training schedule, astronaut Wakata also participates in the many meetings stated above. The other day, he participated in a technical evaluation meeting for Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) operation together with other STS-92 crew members.

In the STS-92 mission, CBMs will be used when the Z1 truss and PMA-3 are mated to the Unity. The CBM is used to connect pressurized modules other than Russian modules. Since the CBM will be used for the first time in the ISS assembly, everybody is paying special attention to it. First, two modules are brought near each other with the robot arm. The two modules will then be connected tightly by utilizing electric motor mechanisms. When the connection is completed, the CBM will serve as a path for electric power, communication, fluid and crew transit. A CBM is planned to be used to connect the Japanese Experiment Module's Pressurized Module and the Experiment Logistics Module-Pressurized Section.

Talking with engineers
SVS Target
The connection task to be performed in the STS-92 mission is considered to be one of the more difficult of the numerous ISS assembly tasks. The robot arm operator cannot view the connecting activity directly from where he works. The position and attitude envelope tolerances are very small, requiring very precise robot arm operation and cooperation among the crew members. The connection will thus be made using the Space Vision System (SVS) developed to support connection activities.
A technical meeting was held to discuss connecting the CBM. In this meeting, astronaut Wakata made presentations to the engineers. He represented all sections related to the CBM, including operations, analysis, training, and safety management, with regard to practical procedures such as how to utilize the SVS, how to connect the CBM, and how he is trying to operate the robot arm effectively and safely. Attending engineers asked astronaut Wakata many questions from the view point of supporting personnel. In this way, astronauts and supporting engineers deepen their understanding about hardware and practical operation and to improve the performance of mutual tasks.


Last Update : September 7, 2000
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