ISSCOM 28 April 2002 (027)

Soyuz-TM34: Docking at ISS.
The docking (in fact ":kasaniye'' , soft mate) took place on 27.04.02 at 07.55.45UTC.
During the first pass of both objects for the Netherlands in orbit ISS number 19609, 0741-0748UTC voice communications related to the approach operation could be monitored.
Approach and docking were executed in the automatic mode. During this operation Gidzenko could be heard for a while via the S-TM channel 121.750 mc. The telemetry and beacon transmitters in the 165 and 166 bands and on 922.755 mc were still transmitting. Gidzenko had not much to report: he spoke about the transfer to an other antenna and that he mainly observed the approach through his VSK (orientation visor).
The docking was performed a few minutes after LOS for the Netherlands.
Communications after the docking: Voice in orbit ISS 19610 between 09.20.40 and 09.23.30UTC: Before Onufrienko discusses with TsUP-M the ceremony of the entry, Shuttleworth can be heard for a while in English.
The estimated time for the opening of the hatches between S-TM34 and the ISS was approx. 0920UTC. This time was within the window for the pass over the Netherlands of the whole complex between 0914 and 0924UTC.
On the ISS channel 143.625 mc the voices of the new-comers could be heard from the S-TM34. Onufrienko told TsUP-M that as soon as the TV link was ready he would knock at the hatch to warn the S-TM34 crew.
Possibly the hatches had already been slightly opened. Both crews waited until the TV transmission to transmit images of the meeting between the 2 commanders.
The entry of the visitors took place outside range of the Netherlands.
Communications on 28.04.02: During the pass for the Netherlands in ISS orbit 19626, 0954-1004UTC, the voice communications started with an overview by Shuttleworth about their activities after the arrival. For instance the transfer of the personal seat liners to and from the old S-TM33 and the new 34. For the return flight to earth on Sunday 5.05.02 Gidzenko uand his crew members must use their own seat liners.
Shuttleworth also spoke about experiments, those which they already worked on on board of the S-TM34 during their flight to the ISS and that what they are doing now to execute their programme during their stay on board of the ISS.
After a while Onufrienko discusses with TsUP-M the work of the ISS crew. They did all what they had to do. E.g. they found a unit inclusive the cables. It was in a packing in the FGB. And he mentioned measures to decrease the condensation in the ISS-atmosphere.

Chris van den Berg, NL9165/A-UK3202