Extra ISS spacewalk planned
Posted: Fri, Dec 14, 2007, 7:08 AM ET (1208 GMT)
NASA announced Thursday that two members of the ISS crew will perform an additional spacewalk next week to inspect a solar panel joint that appears to be damaged. Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani will perform the EVA on Tuesday to inspect the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint on the starboard side of the station. Checks of the joint on previous spacewalks have turned up evidence of metal debris in the joint, a sign that the joint is damaged in some way that could ultimately prevent the joint from allowing the solar panels on that side of the station from tracking the Sun. Engineers now believe that the joint may have been struck by orbital debris or a micrometeorite, causing the damage. There are no plans to attempt to repair the joint during that spacewalk. The spacewalk, added after the STS-122 mission to the station was delayed until next month, is the 100th EVA devoted to ISS assembly and maintenance.
NASA announced Thursday that two members of the ISS crew will perform an additional spacewalk next week to inspect a solar panel joint that appears to be damaged. Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani will perform the EVA on Tuesday to inspect the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint on the starboard side of the station. Checks of the joint on previous spacewalks have turned up evidence of metal debris in the joint, a sign that the joint is damaged in some way that could ultimately prevent the joint from allowing the solar panels on that side of the station from tracking the Sun. Engineers now believe that the joint may have been struck by orbital debris or a micrometeorite, causing the damage. There are no plans to attempt to repair the joint during that spacewalk. The spacewalk, added after the STS-122 mission to the station was delayed until next month, is the 100th EVA devoted to ISS assembly and maintenance.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, February 19
More than 150 employees made redundant as rocket manufacturer officially enters administration
Inverness (UK) Courier — 6:40 am ET (1140 GMT) Orbex appoints FRP as administrators, advisory firm says
Global Banking and Finance Review — 6:39 am ET (1139 GMT) More than 150 staff facing axe as Scots manufacturing firm plunges into administration
The Sun — 6:39 am ET (1139 GMT) Scots space rocket company enters administration
STV — 6:38 am ET (1138 GMT) FRP Advisory administrators appointed to Scottish space launch company Orbex
Scottish Financial News — 6:38 am ET (1138 GMT) |
