spacetoday.net: Spacewalks complete truss work despite bolt problem

Posted: Wed, Sep 13, 2006, 8:58 PM ET (0058 GMT)
STS-115: EVA #2 (NASA)

Two astronauts completed work on a new truss segment on the International Space Station on Tuesday despite a problem with a stuck bolt. Astronauts Dan Burbank and Steve MacLean spent seven hours and 11 minutes outside the ISS on the second of three EVAs planned for the STS-115 mission. The primary purpose of the spacewalk was to remove bolts and restraints that held a rotary joint in place on the truss during launch. The two were able to remove all the bolts, although one stuck in place and required both astronauts to work to remove it. The spacewalkers were able to perform some get-ahead tasks planned for the final spacewalk of the mission later this week. After the EVA ground controllers successfully commanded the joint to move a full 180 degrees. That maneuver will allow the solar panels mounted on the truss to be deployed on Thursday.