A robotic arm was used to transport a solar panel outside the ISS, around 420 km above Earth
Two astronauts have ventured outside the International Space Station (ISS) to complete a major solar power upgrade, with NASA broadcasting live footage of the operation.
NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk began their roughly seven-hour spacewalk at 13:36 GMT on Thursday to install the station’s eighth and final roll-out solar array.
The operation involves transporting a tightly packed solar panel across the station’s exterior, around 420 km above Earth. Menon is expected to ride the station’s robotic arm while carrying the equipment before joining Kutryk to secure it in place.
Once the astronauts release the bolts holding the panel in its rolled-up position, it can unfurl on its own in around ten minutes.
The astronauts must also contend with the station’s rapid transitions between daylight and darkness, which occur roughly every 45 minutes. Some electrical connections must be completed during orbital night, when the existing arrays are not generating power.
Last week’s spacewalk to install the station’s seventh solar array lasted 7 hours and 11 minutes.
According to NASA, the upgrade will increase the ISS’ available electrical power by around 30%, from 160 to 215 kilowatts.
READ MORE: WATCH Russian-US space crew return to Earth
Thursday’s mission marks the final stage of a modernization program launched in 2021. The additional power will support scientific research and essential systems until the station’s planned retirement around 2030, followed by a controlled descent into Earth’s atmosphere.
Hence then, the article about astronauts venture outside space station for major power upgrade video was published today ( ) and is available on Russia Today ( News ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Astronauts venture outside space station for major power upgrade (VIDEO) )
Also on site :
- What ‘Legend of Zelda’ Superfan Jon Batiste Thinks of ‘Ocarina of Time’ Remake and the Game’s Iconic Score
- Panera’s New Limited-Edition Holiday Collectible Cup Is Guaranteed To Fly Off Shelves—How To Secure Yours
- Run, Don’t Walk: These 11 Trader Joe’s November Freezer Drops Are Already Flying Off Shelves