MIRNEWS.414    27 MARCH 1998

MIR-routine:

Progress-M38 has been regularly used to support the attitude control of
the MIR-complex. The crew had to cope with problems with the a.c. (BKV-3)
and a cooling loop. The Elektron oxygen generator in the Kvant-1 module
could not be used continuously due to a power supply problem. The crew
accomplished the repair of the BMP (trace contaminants removal unit). The
crew asked TsUP to reduce the number of communication sessions via VHF
channels, for instance those via the trackingstations in the USA. They
regularly had to interrupt their activities in other modules and had to
go to the Central Post. They preferred to have not more than 1 session
every 3 hours. The head of TsUP, Solovyov, who was about to go on leave,
had another opinion. Possibly there is a compromise: the facilities in
the USA (Wallops, Whtie Sands and Dryden) might mainly be used by Andy
Thomas.

During a lot of long TV-sessions via Altair-2 much attention was
dedicated to the 2nd anniversary of the permanent presence of an American
astronaut on board MIR. There also was a session with Spain in which the
crew congratulated BMW. Musabayev said that he would be very pleased to
take a seat behind the steering wheel of one of their new models.

There have been a lot of extensive medical checks, for instance E.C.G.-s
during physical exercises. Musabayev told TsUP where he and Budarin use
to sleep: Budarin near the porthole at the end of module Priroda, which
also was the sleeping place of Vinogradov. M. himself sleeps in his cabin
in the Base Block, but when it is too hot over there he moves to the SO
(docking compartment) of module Kristall.

Musabayev now and then presses TsUP to review the work planning. In a
conversation with TsUP Budarin said the the complex is used below its
value. This is irritating for the crew: things have not been completed in
time.

Forthcoming spacewalks (EVA's):

The first EVA will take place on 1.04.1998 between 1320 and 1910UTC. To
be sure that the hatch can be opened without problems Musabayev and
Budarin will have to accomplish repairworks on the locks of the hatch. If
all went according to plan they did this today (Friday, 27.03.1998). The
2nd and 3rd EVA are provisionally planned for 6 and 11.04.1998.

Some remarks:

1. The present bad health of my wife might have a negative effect on my
monitoring and reporting of MIR-operations in the near future.
2. A number of my E-mail relations still use my old E-mail address.
Thusfar E-mails with the old address seem to reach me, but this will not
last for ever. So please, if you still use that old address correct this
in: cmvdberg@wxs.nl

Chris v.d. Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202.