Historical Spacewalks Anticipated at the International Space Station
The world's gaze is set on the cosmos once again as two astronauts prepare to venture outside the International Space Station (ISS) for the first spacewalk of the year. However, there's been a pause in plans due to a health concern with an unnamed member of the team. While the new date for the spacewalk is yet to be determined, the anticipation continues to build.
It's a momentous occasion for the two astronauts involved. One of them is on the verge of making history by matching the record for the most spacewalks by an astronaut, while the other is set to experience her first-ever spacewalk.
Additionally, this won't be the only spacewalk this month. Another is planned later on, and both events will be broadcast live for all to see.
Getting to Know the International Space Station
The ISS has been a constant presence in low-Earth orbit for over 25 years. At about 260 miles above Earth, it's been home to astronauts from across the globe. Throughout its existence, the ISS has been a hub for scientific research, particularly related to microgravity. It's also played host to private commercial missions.
Managing the ISS is a collaborative effort involving several international space agencies. Over the years, more than 280 astronauts from 26 different countries have visited the ISS, with 170 hailing from the United States alone.
The ISS is no small structure. It's longer than a six-bedroom house, featuring six sleeping quarters, two bathrooms, a gym, and a window offering a 360-degree view. Additionally, it has docking capacity for up to eight spacecraft at a time.
The Intricacies of a Spacewalk
Also known as an extra-vehicular activity, a spacewalk is any task an astronaut performs outside a spacecraft or space station. It involves wearing a specialized suit and stepping into the void of outer space.
The upcoming spacewalk will be the 278th in the history of the ISS. The two astronauts, one in a red-striped suit and the other in an unmarked suit, will work outside the station, laying the groundwork for the future installation of solar arrays.
Yet another spacewalk is scheduled later this month. Two astronauts, yet to be named, will replace a high-definition camera and complete other tasks outside the outpost's Harmony module.
How to Catch the Spacewalks Live
Once the new dates are set, each spacewalk is expected to last for about 6 1/2 hours. Coverage will be available on a popular streaming app, another streaming giant with a plus sign in its name, as well as a well-known e-commerce company's streaming service. Another major streaming service, known for showcasing live rocket launches, is not promoting the event.
Who's Currently at the International Space Station?
At present, seven people are living and working on the ISS. The newest members, two Russians and one American, arrived at the end of the previous year via a Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft.
Four other astronauts are part of a joint mission known as Crew-11. This group includes the two astronauts preparing for the upcoming spacewalks, another astronaut from Japan, and a cosmonaut from Russia.
Crew-11 set off on their journey from a renowned space center near Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a Dragon capsule propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket. However, their time on the ISS is nearing its end. As early as next month, a new team, Crew-12, is set to take their place.