Has a radiator deployment spacewalk been attempted before on the International Space Station?
Introduction
Two Russian cosmonauts recently completed a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) on October 20, 2021. The primary objective of the spacewalk was to deploy a radiator panel and perform routine maintenance tasks.
The Spacewalk
The spacewalk lasted for 7 hours and 19 minutes, during which cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Oleg Novitskiy successfully accomplished their objectives. The deployment of the radiator panel was a crucial task as it helps regulate the temperature of the Russian segment of the ISS. The cosmonauts also installed hardware for a future data transmission system and replaced a faulty camera.
The Importance of Spacewalks
Spacewalks are critical for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the ISS. These missions allow astronauts and cosmonauts to repair and replace equipment, as well as to perform experiments and conduct research in the vacuum of space.
The deployment of the radiator panel during this most recent spacewalk was particularly important, as it will help to ensure that the Russian segment of the ISS does not overheat or become too cold as it orbits Earth.
Conclusion
The successful completion of this recent spacewalk is yet another example of the importance of the ongoing work being done by the international team of astronauts and cosmonauts on board the ISS. As humanity continues to explore the frontiers of space, these men and women are paving the way for the future of space exploration and discovery.