Mirex News

MESSAGE FROM - CHRIS V.D. BERG - (MIRNEWS AUTHOR)

Good Morning Dr Larsen

Some extra inside info after the 1st EVA

The air pressure on board still gets much attention from the crew and experts on earth.
This pressure seems not be stable. On 13.05 the pressure was 683 MM Mercury. Later that day 682 MM.
 
Also on 13.05,  at 1953UTC, the reported about the experiment Bar used to look for leaks of air stream into the direction of possible leaks. The did this in the air lock of Module-D (Sh.S.O.), along the portholes annd a KSD (an airpressure equalisation valve). They used sensors to measure temperatures  and accoustic indications of airstreams.
They reported that all was normal. 
 
On 14.05, 1542UTC, the pressure was 677 MM, at 1720UTC, 676.5 MM,  at 1850UTC 676 MM.
 
In a  conversation with TsUP on 13.05 about the eventual execution of the experiment Optovert Zalyotin said that this had to take place before June. Here he referred to the date when they would (or possibly might) return as 2.06.2000.
 
TsUP said that is was not sure (used the word 'phantasy'). (In fact a French magazine had published the date of return about 28.5)
 
I tried to get more info.  My spokesman asked people in the background and I heard one of them say: 2.06.   But the offical answer I got was: This question is still under consideration.  I have to try again later in the week.
 
Zalyotin also had mentioned the possibility of a 2nd EVA to go on with the Germatizator experiment and to do something with the damaged cable of the Kvant-1 solarpanel.
 
TsUP told me that there are no concrete plans, but such an EVA is not planned for this week.
 
Kindest regards,
 
Chris.