What safety protocols do cosmonauts use to prepare for a spacewalk mission?
On Thursday, September 9, two Russian cosmonauts will exit the International Space Station for a spacewalk, and NASA TV will be broadcasting the event live.
The Objective
The cosmonauts, Oleg Novitskiy and Pyotr Dubrov, will spend approximately 7 hours outside the station to prepare for the arrival of a new Russian laboratory module, Nauka. The spacewalk will include tasks such as installing handrails and repositioning an antenna.
The Importance of the Task
The successful completion of these tasks is crucial for the arrival and proper functioning of the Nauka module. It will serve as a new research facility, a docking port for future Russian spacecraft, and additional living space for the crew aboard the station.
Watching the Spacewalk
NASA TV will begin coverage of the spacewalk at 10:30 am EDT on September 9. Viewers can watch the live event on the NASA TV channel or online through the NASA website.
The Risks of a Spacewalk
Spacewalks are high-risk events, and the cosmonauts will be continuously monitored by the Mission Control Center in Moscow. They will be equipped with a spacesuit that provides oxygen, temperature control, and communication with the station.
The success of this spacewalk is not only important for the crew aboard the International Space Station but for the entire scientific community. These tasks highlight the level of cooperation between international space programs and demonstrate the progress made in space exploration.
Conclusion
Watching the live spacewalk on NASA TV is a unique opportunity to witness the preparation for the arrival of the Nauka module. The risks and challenges associated with a spacewalk highlight the importance of interagency cooperation and the dedication of scientists, engineers, and astronauts who make space exploration possible.