Impact of Cosmonaut Spacewalk on Dragon Crew’s Off-Duty Day
Dragon Crew Takes a Break
On Wednesday, March 24, 2021, the Dragon crew enjoyed their off-duty day, taking a well-deserved rest from their ongoing mission on the International Space Station (ISS). The crew is currently on their second six-month mission, working tirelessly to carry out scientific experiments, conduct maintenance tasks, and oversee the docking of several cargo spacecraft.
Cosmonauts Preparation for Spacewalk
While the Dragon crew took a break, two Russian cosmonauts, Oleg Novitskiy and Pyotr Dubrov, were preparing for their first spacewalk. The duo will exit the ISS and spend around six hours outside the orbiting laboratory, carrying out various maintenance tasks.
This will be the first spacewalk for Pyotr Dubrov, while Oleg Novitskiy has already logged six spacewalks during his career as an astronaut. The cosmonauts will be wearing the Russian Orlan spacesuits, which provide protection and oxygen while working in the vacuum of space.
Tasks for the Spacewalk
During the spacewalk, the cosmonauts will carry out several tasks, including the installation of handrails on the exterior of the ISS. The handrails will provide additional support for future spacewalks and help to facilitate the deployment of new equipment.
Additionally, the cosmonauts will replace a fluid valve module to maintain the cooling system of the ISS. They will also inspect the exterior of the ISS for any damage and retrieve several scientific experiments from the exterior of the space station.
Conclusion
The off-duty day for the Dragon crew and the preparation of the cosmonauts for their upcoming spacewalk highlight the busy and exciting nature of life aboard the ISS. The dedicated astronauts continue to push the boundaries of scientific research and space exploration, inspiring future generations of space enthusiasts.