Countdown to Historic Spacewalk: Astronauts Gear Up for Groundbreaking Science at ISS
2025-01-15
Author: Li
Preparation for the Spacewalk
As preparations ramp up for an exciting milestone, two NASA astronauts are fine-tuning their equipment and conducting vital health checks ahead of an ambitious spacewalk scheduled for Thursday, marking the first of the year 2025.
In a flurry of activity aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Flight Engineer Nick Hague and Commander Suni Williams kicked off their day with essential health examinations, ensuring they are fit for the rigors of space. These standard tests, which include measuring heart rates, breathing, and other vital signs, were meticulously administered alongside a hearing assessment.
Suit and Equipment Checks
But the preparations didn't stop there. The duo spent significant time installing cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries and testing electrical systems on their advanced spacesuits. Joining them in this critical endeavor was Flight Engineer Butch Wilmore, who also prepared cameras the astronauts will take along on their journey through the cosmos.
The Spacewalk Event
The spacewalk is set to commence at approximately 8 a.m. EST on Thursday when Hague and Williams will switch their suits to battery power—a green light for their mission. With over six hours on the clock, the skilled astronauts will venture out to service vital astrophysics instruments such as the NICER X-ray telescope and the renowned Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. Tasks will also include replacing a rate gyro assembly vital for maintaining the station's orientation and updating a planar reflector for improved navigation data. Space enthusiasts won't want to miss this: NASA+ will begin live coverage of the event at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday!
Additional Activities on the ISS
Earlier in the day, Wilmore played a pivotal role by setting up genetic sequencing hardware to analyze water samples onboard, searching for signs of bacterial and fungal life—essential for maintaining healthy conditions in space. Meanwhile, NASA Flight Engineer Don Pettit delved into orbital plumbing work before focusing his attention on processing research samples collected from the Gradient Heating Furnace, which is integral for studying semiconductor crystal growth.
Research by Russian Cosmonauts
In another corner of the ISS, cosmonauts from Russia, including Flight Engineers Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner, and Aleksandr Gorbunov, embarked on studies exploring how microgravity impacts blood flow through the minute vessels in human circulation. Their day was packed with replacing crucial electronic gear and performing maintenance on the orbital plumbing systems.
Significance of the Spacewalk
As the countdown continues to Thursday's spacewalk, the work being performed is not only vital for the ISS but is also paving the way for groundbreaking research that could have far-reaching implications for science and technology on Earth. Stay tuned as we bring you all the updates and behind-the-scenes action from this extraordinary event in human exploration!