How is the current station hardware being replaced?
What’s Happening:
On Friday, September 3, two cosmonauts working outside the International Space Station (ISS) will begin a spacewalk to replace aging hardware on the Russian segment of the orbiting laboratory.
Who:
Cosmonauts Oleg Novitskiy and Pyotr Dubrov are scheduled to leave the Poisk module of the ISS at 12:53 p.m. EDT and spend about six and a half hours working on the spacewalk.
What Will They Do:
The cosmonauts will replace a fluid flow regulator on the Zarya module and replace the materials science experiment panel on the Poisk module. Additionally, they’ll install a telescoping boom to take video and images of the Russian segment of the ISS.
Why It Matters:
The spacewalk helps to ensure the station’s Russian systems continue to function properly, and demonstrates the ongoing collaboration taking place aboard the ISS. Spacewalks are critical for maintaining and upgrading the ISS, which has been continuously occupied by humans since November 2000.
The Risks:
Spacewalks are inherently dangerous, with astronauts and cosmonauts exposed to the vacuum of space. They must rely on their spacesuits to provide oxygen, maintain a comfortable temperature, and protect them from the harsh radiation environment. Despite the risks, spacewalking is a necessary and routine activity for maintaining the ISS.
Conclusion:
As the ISS continues to age, maintenance and upgrades become increasingly important for the safety and effectiveness of the orbiting laboratory. This spacewalk by Novitskiy and Dubrov is just one of many necessary activities to keep the ISS functioning properly, and demonstrates the ongoing collaboration and dedication of the international crew. rnrn