What Will the Astronauts Do During the Spacewalk?
The Mission
On Friday, November 5th, NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei and Randy Bresnik will embark on a spacewalk outside of the International Space Station (ISS). The spacewalk, which will last approximately six hours, is aimed at upgrading the station’s solar power system.
The Team
Vande Hei and Bresnik are both experienced spacewalkers, having completed multiple missions outside of the ISS. Vande Hei is a veteran astronaut who has spent nearly 200 days in space, while Bresnik has logged over 150 days in space.
The Task
During the spacewalk, Vande Hei and Bresnik will install new solar array modification kits, which will add more power to the ISS’s current solar panels. The kits will expand the number of power channels on the station and help to keep it operational as NASA plans for more habitable modules.
The Challenges
Spacewalks are incredibly challenging tasks, as astronauts must wear bulky spacesuits and work in an environment with no gravity. Any issues during the spacewalk can be life-threatening, so the astronauts must be extremely careful and have extensive training.
The Preparation
Vande Hei and Bresnik have spent months preparing for the spacewalk, undergoing rigorous training to ensure they are ready for any possible scenarios. They will communicate with ground control throughout the spacewalk, which will give them updates on the station’s condition and any changes to the task.
The Future
NASA plans to continue upgrading the ISS in the coming years, with a focus on making it more sustainable for future missions. The spacewalk on Friday is just one of many tasks that will be necessary to keep the station operational and ensure it remains a valuable asset for scientific research.
Conclusion:
The upcoming spacewalk by Vande Hei and Bresnik is an exciting step forward in space exploration. As the astronauts work to upgrade the ISS’s solar power system, they will be pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space. With careful preparation and execution, the mission is sure to be a success, bringing us one step closer to a more sustainable future in space.