>
>This last week we finished the KIS (Russian acronym for Control
>Test Station) Standalone test at Energia.  This was to ensure that
>we could command from the Service Module Central Computer
>to the Node MDMs (another set of computers on the US side).
>We also sent commands from the U.S. laptop (crew will have
>Thinkpad 760s onboard), which, as expected, propagated through
>the Node to the SM and to the FGB.
>
>More testing follows next week with the SM end-to-end
>test.  Essentially, this is more extensive commanding and data
>handling between US segment and Russian segment.  Right now,
>our last testing is slated for October in which we'll checkout the caution
>and warning system on the SM.  (As a flight controller -- it'll be good
>to hear the various tones, see the messages on our computers, respond
>to emergency events, etc.  Crew will also be a part of this testing.)
>
>Energia is pushing toward a mid-November launch.  Launch may
>slip a few days; but, we are marching to a 12 November launch.
>
>The weather has cooled off considerably in Moscow.  Highs are in
>the 50s; lows at night in the 40s.  We'll have our first frosts soon.  So
>different from Houston.  It already feels like a crisp New England
>autumn day -- except, New England's autumn colors are so much
>more pleasant!
>
>Some have asked what I miss from the States.  I miss Maryland
>crabs and beer (good micro-brew!).  I miss good Tex-Mex food.  I want
>a good sirloin steak, medium well.  I want to go trout fishing in northern
>Michigan streams.  I miss the Colorado Front Range.  I miss flying (just
>not convenient to do it here -- Moscow).  There is so much freedom and
>enjoyment to flying.  I miss a good clear dark sky.
>
>As work schedule permits, will continue to post updates.
>
>Rob Landis
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>


Bobby Thompson
Labs and Observatory
Physics, Geology, and Astronomy Dept.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
http://www.utc.edu/~jonesobs