Stepping Out for a Spacewalk at the Space Station on This Week NASA
- 6 months ago
Stepping out for a spacewalk at the space station is a complex and highly choreographed activity. Spacewalks, also known as extravehicular activities (EVAs), are conducted by astronauts to perform various tasks outside the International Space Station (ISS) or other spacecraft. Here's an overview of what's involved in a spacewalk:
1. Suiting Up: Astronauts wear specially designed Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) for spacewalks. These suits provide life support, protection from the vacuum of space, temperature control, and shielding from micrometeoroids. It takes several hours to don the suit, including a series of checks and tests to ensure it's functioning correctly.
2. Preparations: Before the actual spacewalk, astronauts undergo extensive training and preparation, including reviewing procedures, discussing objectives, and practicing the tasks they will perform during the EVA.
3. Airlock: Spacewalks typically begin and end in the airlock of the space station. The astronaut inside the airlock depressurizes it to create a vacuum and then opens the outer hatch to expose the astronaut to the space environment.
4. Tethering: Astronauts are always tethered to the space station to prevent them from floating away. They use a combination of safety tethers, adjustable tethers, and foot restraints to secure themselves in place while working.
5. Tasks: During a spacewalk, astronauts can perform a wide range of tasks, including:
- Repairs and maintenance of the space station.
- Installation or replacement of equipment and experiments.
- Assembly and construction of new components.
- Scientific experiments and data collection.
- Inspections of the spacecraft's exterior for damage.
6. Communication: Astronauts communicate with mission control and other crew members during the EVA to receive instructions and updates. They use a designated frequency on their spacesuit radios.
7. Limited Duration: Spacewalks are physically demanding, and astronauts can typically spend about 6-7 hours outside the space station during a single EVA. The length of a spacewalk is limited by the amount of consumables (oxygen and cooling water) available in their suits.
8. Return to the Airlock: Once the assigned tasks are complete, astronauts return to the airlock, close the outer hatch, and repressurize the airlock to return to the safety of the space station's interior.
9. Post-Spacewalk Procedures: After a spacewalk, astronauts must go through a series of post-EVA procedures, such as removing their suits, cleaning equipment, and documenting their activities and findings.
Spacewalks are challenging and high-risk operations that require careful planning and coordination. Astronauts train extensively to ensure their safety and the success of the mission. Each spacewalk is a significant accomplishment in the ongoing exploration and maintenance of the International Space Station and other spacecraft.
1. Suiting Up: Astronauts wear specially designed Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) for spacewalks. These suits provide life support, protection from the vacuum of space, temperature control, and shielding from micrometeoroids. It takes several hours to don the suit, including a series of checks and tests to ensure it's functioning correctly.
2. Preparations: Before the actual spacewalk, astronauts undergo extensive training and preparation, including reviewing procedures, discussing objectives, and practicing the tasks they will perform during the EVA.
3. Airlock: Spacewalks typically begin and end in the airlock of the space station. The astronaut inside the airlock depressurizes it to create a vacuum and then opens the outer hatch to expose the astronaut to the space environment.
4. Tethering: Astronauts are always tethered to the space station to prevent them from floating away. They use a combination of safety tethers, adjustable tethers, and foot restraints to secure themselves in place while working.
5. Tasks: During a spacewalk, astronauts can perform a wide range of tasks, including:
- Repairs and maintenance of the space station.
- Installation or replacement of equipment and experiments.
- Assembly and construction of new components.
- Scientific experiments and data collection.
- Inspections of the spacecraft's exterior for damage.
6. Communication: Astronauts communicate with mission control and other crew members during the EVA to receive instructions and updates. They use a designated frequency on their spacesuit radios.
7. Limited Duration: Spacewalks are physically demanding, and astronauts can typically spend about 6-7 hours outside the space station during a single EVA. The length of a spacewalk is limited by the amount of consumables (oxygen and cooling water) available in their suits.
8. Return to the Airlock: Once the assigned tasks are complete, astronauts return to the airlock, close the outer hatch, and repressurize the airlock to return to the safety of the space station's interior.
9. Post-Spacewalk Procedures: After a spacewalk, astronauts must go through a series of post-EVA procedures, such as removing their suits, cleaning equipment, and documenting their activities and findings.
Spacewalks are challenging and high-risk operations that require careful planning and coordination. Astronauts train extensively to ensure their safety and the success of the mission. Each spacewalk is a significant accomplishment in the ongoing exploration and maintenance of the International Space Station and other spacecraft.