NASA is currently assessing a coolant leak from a backup radiator on the International Space Station’s (ISS) Nauka multipurpose laboratory module. As a result, two planned spacewalks, initially scheduled for earlier dates, have been rescheduled for no earlier than Thursday, October 19, and Monday, October 30. This delay allows engineers the necessary time to thoroughly analyze the coolant leak that occurred on October 9.
The first spacewalk, slated for October 19, will involve NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen exiting the station’s Quest airlock. Their primary objective is to collect samples from the exterior of the orbital complex to investigate the presence of microorganisms. Additionally, they will replace a high-definition camera on the station’s port truss and perform maintenance tasks in preparation for future spacewalks.
During the second spacewalk, scheduled for October 30, NASA astronauts Loral O’Hara and Jasmin Moghbeli will address a faulty electronics box known as a Radio Frequency Group, which is located on a communications antenna bracket. They will also replace one of twelve Trundle Bearing Assemblies on the port truss Solar Alpha Rotary Joint, a crucial component for ensuring the station’s solar arrays accurately track the sun during orbit. Moghbeli will serve as extravehicular crew member 1 during this spacewalk, while O’Hara will be extravehicular crew member 2. This marks the first spacewalk for Moghbeli and the second for O’Hara.
Details regarding the specific timing of these spacewalks and live coverage information on NASA Television and its platforms will be provided as soon as they are available.
In addition to spacewalk preparations, Expedition 70 crew members are engaged in various activities aboard the ISS. Astronauts Loral O’Hara and Satoshi Furukawa have been busy with cargo operations, unpacking cargo from the Cygnus space freighter and preparing discarded items for disposal. O’Hara has also been working on the Cold Atom Lab, a scientific device used for quantum physics research, while Furukawa collected drinking water samples for analysis in the Destiny laboratory module.
Commander Andreas Mogensen and NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli conducted routine checks on spacesuit components, safety jetpacks, and other gear. Mogensen documented the condition of the Columbus laboratory module and engaged in educational science activities, while Moghbeli carried out maintenance tasks related to hatch seals and ventilation systems within the U.S. segment of the station.
Meanwhile, cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub have been preparing for their upcoming spacewalk scheduled for October 25. Their tasks include organizing spacewalking tools and conducting fitness evaluations. Kononenko also used the treadmill for physical fitness in the Zvezda service module, while Chub tested laptop computers in the Nauka module.
Roscosmos Flight Engineer Konstantin Borisov focused on various maintenance tasks, including servicing life support equipment and panels within the Nauka module. He also transferred water from the Progress 85 cargo craft into the station and participated in a fitness test on the treadmill, following Kononenko’s example.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Spacewalk Rescheduling
Why were the ISS spacewalks rescheduled?
The spacewalks outside the International Space Station (ISS) were rescheduled due to a coolant leak from a backup radiator on the station’s Nauka multipurpose laboratory module. This leak required additional analysis by NASA engineers.
When will the rescheduled spacewalks take place?
The rescheduled spacewalks are planned for no earlier than Thursday, October 19, and Monday, October 30. These dates are subject to change depending on the ongoing analysis of the coolant leak.
What will happen during the first spacewalk on October 19?
During the first spacewalk, NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen will exit the station’s Quest airlock. Their primary tasks include collecting samples from the exterior of the station to investigate the presence of microorganisms. They will also replace a high-definition camera on the station’s port truss and perform maintenance work.
What are the objectives of the second spacewalk on October 30?
The second spacewalk, scheduled for October 30, will involve NASA astronauts Loral O’Hara and Jasmin Moghbeli. They will address a faulty electronics box known as a Radio Frequency Group and replace one of the Trundle Bearing Assemblies on the port truss Solar Alpha Rotary Joint. These tasks are essential for the proper functioning of the station’s solar arrays.
Who are the astronauts participating in these spacewalks?
For the October 19 spacewalk, Loral O’Hara will serve as extravehicular crew member 1, wearing a suit with red stripes, and Andreas Mogensen will be extravehicular crew member 2. On October 30, Jasmin Moghbeli will serve as extravehicular crew member 1, and Loral O’Hara will be extravehicular crew member 2. This marks the first spacewalk for Moghbeli and the second for O’Hara.
Where can I find live coverage of these spacewalks?
Details regarding the specific timing of the spacewalks and live coverage information on NASA Television and its platforms will be provided once they are available. You can check NASA’s official website and the NASA app for updates.
What other activities are the ISS crew members engaged in?
In addition to spacewalk preparations, the Expedition 70 crew members are involved in various activities such as cargo operations, maintenance, and scientific research. These tasks contribute to the overall functioning and research goals of the ISS.
More about Spacewalk Rescheduling
- NASA’s Official Website: For updates on spacewalk schedules and live coverage.
- International Space Station (ISS): For more information on the ISS and its activities.
- Expedition 70: Details about the current ISS expedition.
- NASA Television: To watch live coverage of spacewalks and other NASA events.
6 comments
When’s da new spacewalk? Oct 19 & 30, maybe change.
Why they rescheduled? Coolant leak, more analysis.
Live coverage? Check NASA site or app for updates.
ISS crew doin’ what? Cargo, maintenance, sci stuff. Cool!
Astronauts check microorganisms? Yep, on the station’s outside!
Who go out dere? O’Hara, Mogensen, Moghbeli. Newbies too.