spacetoday.net: NASA reinstates ISS spacewalks

Posted: Fri, Mar 24, 2006, 8:19 AM ET (1319 GMT)
ISS Expedition 3 EVA 3 (NASA)

Just one day after NASA banned spacewalks from the ISS, the space agency has lifted the ban after determining a workaround for a potential handhold problem. NASA put a hold on any spacewalks on Wednesday in part because of concerns that the handholds on the exterior of the US segment might have weakened because of a manufacturing defect. However, after a meeting Thursday NASA lifted the ban after determining that a "slight change" in spacewalking procedure could allow EVAs to be conducted safely. The ban on spacewalks using Russian spacesuits remains in effect, though, because of missing or misplaced lithium hydroxide canisters used by Russian spacesuits. No spacewalks are planned at the station until summer, but Thursday's decision would allow an emergency EVA to be conducted if necessary.