Новости МКС

[tnt22]

William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews 1 мин. назад

EVA40: EV2 has lubricated the central ball screw inside the SPDM grapple mechanism; now will apply grease to four latches

Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 2 мин. назад

Thomas' grease gun. Grease applied to a rod, which applies lube to Dextre's latch ball screws.

[tnt22]

 

Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 2 мин. назад

And Dextre is watching Thomas! This is the view from the robot!

[tnt22]

William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews 1 мин. назад

EVA40: EV1 has completed the camera R&R; will now carry removed cameras back to airlock; MCC considers what get-aheads to assign

[tnt22]

William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews сейчас6 секунд назад

EVA40: Elapsed time: 5:00; EV1 is on the way to replace a CETA cart light; EV2 is wrapping up SPDM lubrication work

[tnt22]

Kam B.‏ @Kam_Bahrami 19 мин назад

DEXTRE being serviced by @Thom_astro during spacewalk! Labelled them since it's a bit tricky to spot! Regular maintenance. @csa_asc #askNASA

[tnt22]

Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 29 сек. назад

Shane removing a failed light on the CETA Cart.

[tnt22]

William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews 2 мин. назад

EVA40: EV2 has now completed the SPDM lubrication operation; elapsed time: 5:15

[tnt22]

Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 2 мин. назад

All EVA-40 tasks complete. Crew to carry out clean up tasks and end the EVA. Way ahead of the timeline and will finish ahead of schedule.


William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews 2 мин. назад

EVA40: Mission control has opted to end EVA-40 now rather than add additional get-ahead tasks; all objectives accomplished

[tnt22]

Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 14 сек. назад

Shane taking some pictures of Thomas. They'll be on http://NASA.gov  at some point.

[tnt22]

NASA‏Подлинная учетная запись @NASA 6 мин. назад

All scheduled tasks for today's #spacewalk have been completed. @Space_Station astronauts begin cleaning up.

[tnt22]

William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews 7 мин. назад

EVA40: Kimbrough is in the Quest crew lock; Pesquet is nearly there after securing tools and tethers

[tnt22]

William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews 3 мин. назад

EVA40: Pesquet is finally back in the crew lock; standing by for repressurization and conclusion of successful EVA-40

[tnt22]

NASA‏Подлинная учетная запись @NASA 5 мин. назад

Today's #spacewalk officially ends at 1:58pm ET after all scheduled tasks, plus one 'get-ahead' task was completed: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/

William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews 7 мин. назад

EVA40: Repress underway at 1:58pm; duration 6 hours and 34 minutes; ISS total through 198 EVAs: 1,236 hours and 38 minutes, or 51.5 days

[tnt22]

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/03/eva-astronauts-prepare-iss-crew-vehicles/

EVA-40: Astronauts complete EVA to prepare ISS for future crew vehicles
March 24, 2017 by Pete Harding

 

Two astronauts stepped outside the International Space Station (ISS), conducting a six and a half hour spacewalk to upgrade the station, perform routine maintenance, and prepare the station for the arrival of future commercial crew vehicles. The EVA got underway at 11:24 PM GMT, completed all the assigned tasks and was completed ahead of schedule.

US EVA-40:

US EVA-40 was performed by NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough as EV-1, and ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet as EV-2.

Спойлер

The first order of business upon egressing the Quest airlock was for Kimbrough to proceed to the S0 Truss to swap out an External Multiplexer/Demultiplexer (EXT MDM) box with an upgraded unit known as an Enhanced Processor & Integrated Communications (EPIC) unit.



MDMs perform multiplexing and demultiplexing functions, which essentially means that they send and receive multiple signals and data streams between the ground and the ISS, or ISS laptops and ISS systems, or ISS systems and other systems.

This essentially allows all the ISS systems to talk to each other and be commanded by both the ground and the ISS crew.

While its commonly referred to that the ISS crew use laptops to control the station, in fact the laptops control the MDMs, which in turn control the station.
 
There are two types of MDMs on ISS – internal (INT) and External (EXT). EPIC upgrades have previously been performed on INT MDMs, where the units themselves were opened up and new, upgraded circuit cards were installed to upgrade the MDMs to EPIC standard.

For the EXT MDMs however, this would be too fiddly to perform by EVA crewmembers, thus the entire MDM itself was swapped out for an upgraded unit. The EPIC upgrades equip the MDMs with faster processors, increased memory, and an Ethernet port for data output, which gives the ISS greater communications capability, allowing for the operation of more simultaneous experiments.



The MDM swap-out procedure itself was fairly simple, with bolts first driven to remove the old unit, and the new unit then being bolted in its place, with a pre-positioned ethernet cable then being connected to the new MDM to take advantage of its upgraded capabilities.

The removal and installation went to plan, via the use of Shane's Pistol Grip Tool (PGT).

Following completion of the MDM task, Kimbrough then headed to Pressurised Mating Adapter-3 (PMA-3) on the Port side of the Node 3 module, whereupon he disconnected four heater cables between PMA-3 and Node 3.

This is to prepare PMA-3 for its long-awaited relocation from Node 3 Port to Node 2 Zenith, so that it can serve as a docking port for future commercial crew vehicles.

In its current location on Node 3 Port, PMA-3 is unusable as a docking port due to clearance issues with the station structure. The last time that PMA-3 was actually used for a docking was during the STS-98 shuttle mission in February 2001, and since that time it has been shuffled around different ports on the ISS and used for storage.



However, with commercial crew vehicles soon coming online, which will use the "direct handover" model for crew transfers, PMA-3 has now found a use once again as a second docking port for commercial crew vehicles.

At one time a plan was under consideration to return PMA-3 to Earth on the final Space Shuttle flight, STS-135, in July 2011, as it was not envisaged at that time that PMA-3 would ever be used again, since the plan then was to build two Common Docking Adapters (CDAs), which were flat devices to convert ISS Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) ports to commercial crew docking ports.

However, it was subsequently decided to retain the PMAs as docking ports for commercial crew vehicles, rather than build a brand-new docking adapter, as the PMA's tunnel-like design provides a good amount of spacing between visiting vehicles and the ISS, thus avoiding any clearance issues between vehicles and the station structure.



Once PMA-3 has been relocated to Node 2 Zenith by robotic means, current planned to occur on 26th March, it will need to have an International Docking Adapter (IDA) installed onto its end, in order to convert its Androgynous Peripheral Attachment System (APAS) compatible docking port to a Soft Impact Mating Attenuation Concept (SIMAC) compatible port for future crew vehicles.

Once complete with the PMA-3 task, Kimbrough headed to the Japanese Exposed Facility (JEF) in order to remove & replace two failed camera/light units – once of which was located on the Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System (JEM RMS), and one of which was located on the JEF itself.

Due to being ahead of the timeline, Shane then went to replace a light on a CETA (Crew Equipment and Translation Aid) Cart.

Meanwhile, Pesquet headed to the External Stowage Platform-2 (ESP-2) in order to retrieve an Articulating Portable Foot Restraint (APFR) and extender, which he then installed on the P1 Truss as an anchor for himself while he performed his task – a visual inspection of the Radiator Beam Valve Module (RBVM) on the P1 Truss radiators.



An RBVM is used to isolate and provide emergency venting of the radiator ammonia supply and return lines, and monitor temperatures and pressures in those lines. There are six RBVMs per each set of three radiators on the P1 and S1 Trusses.

Over recent months, a small leak in the Loop B cooling system on the P1 Truss has increased in rate, although relatively speaking it is only by a tiny amount. To this end, NASA teams recently utilized a new piece of station hardware, known as the Robotic External Leak Locator (RELL), to try and find the source of the leak.

As detailed in L2 notes from the time: "Ground teams performed a series of surveys using the RELL. These surveys were focused around RBVM P1-3-2 in an effort to help pin-point the location of a leak in External Active Thermal Control System (EATCS) Loop B".

"Preliminary data reviews appear to have increased confidence that the leak may be on the radiator side of the RBVM, however some uncertainty still remains."



As such, ground teams wanted Pesquet to conduct a visual inspection of the RBVM, and associated supply and return lines, in order to determine if any ammonia leak is visible, and if so, the precise source of the leak, although no action is planned to be taken at this time if a leak is found.

Thomas was told to "pat and rub" the tubes, while filming the exercise on a GoPro camera, which will allow for detailed examination of the footage to see if any leaks can be observed.

No obvious leaks were seen during the inspection.



Following the RBVM inspection task, Pesquet then proceeded to lubricate the Latching End Effector (LEE) on the Special Purpose Dextrous Manipulator (SPDM) "Dextre", which is a routine maintenance task for all LEEs on station, and involves applying grease to a ball screw inside the LEE itself in order to prevent any future metallic abrasion.

On the end of a foot restraint, Thomas used a grease gun to apply lubricate to a rod, which he then ins erted in to Dextre's ball screw joints, allowing for the lubrication of the hardware that had showed signs of wear and tear over recent months.

Following completion of the tasks, both Kimbrough and Pesquet headed back inside the airlock to conclude the EVA.

(Images via NASA and L2 artist Nathan Koga – The full gallery of Nathan's (SpaceX Dragon to MCT, SLS, Commercial Crew and more) L2 images can be *found here*)

[свернуть]

[tnt22]

ISS Updates‏ @ISS101 6 мин назад

Internal Quest hatch is open. @AstroPeggy & Oleg Novitsky wearing protective masks until EV-1's gloves can be bagged.

[tnt22]

Jonathan McDowell‏Подлинная учетная запись @planet4589 3 мин. назад

Spacewalk EVA-40 successfully completed; hatch closed at 1753 UTC and airlock repressurized starting at 1758 UTC

[tnt22]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2017/03/24/two-astronauts-set-to-begin-spacewalk-on-nasa-tv/

Two Astronauts Set to Begin Spacewalk on NASA TV
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 5:51 am by Mark Garcia.


Astronauts Thomas Pesquet and Shane Kimbrough are seen during a pre-breathe exercise before starting a spacewalk on Jan. 13, 2017.

Expedition 50 Commander Shane Kimbrough of NASA and Flight Engineer Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency) will venture outside the International Space Station for a six-and-a-half hour spacewalk Friday, March 24. The spacewalk will begin at 8 a.m. EDT, with complete coverage on NASA TV and the agency's website starting at 6:30 a.m.

The two astronauts will prepare the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 (PMA-3) for installation of the second International Docking Adapter, which will accommodate commercial crew vehicle dockings.

Kimbrough and Pesquet will disconnect cables and electrical connections on PMA-3 to prepare for its robotic move Sunday, March 26. The PMA-3 provides the pressurized interface between the station modules and the docking adapter. PMA-3 will be moved fr om the port side of the Tranquility module to the space-facing side of the Harmony module, wh ere it will become home for the docking adapter, which will be delivered on a future flight of a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft. The spacewalkers also will install on the starboard zero truss a new computer relay box equipped with advanced software for the adapter.

The two astronauts will lubricate the latching end effector on the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator "extension" for the Canadarm2 robotic arm, inspect a radiator valve suspected of a small ammonia leak and replace cameras on the Japanese segment of the outpost. Radiators are used to shed excess heat that builds up through normal space station operation.

This will be the 198th spacewalk in support of space station assembly and maintenance. Kimbrough, who will embark on the fifth spacewalk of his career, will be wearing helmet camera #18. This will be the second spacewalk of Pesquet's career, and he will be wearing helmet camera #20.

Follow @space_station on Twitter for updates. For more information about the International Space Station, visit www.nasa.gov/station.

This entry was posted in Expedition 50 and tagged Commercial Crew, Expedition 50, NASA, Roscosmos, spacewalk on March 24, 2017 by Mark Garcia.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2017/03/24/spacewalkers-successfully-complete-primary-tasks/

Spacewalkers Successfully Complete Primary Tasks
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 2:27 pm by Mark Garcia.

Spacewalkers Thomas Pesquet (left) and Shane Kimbrough meet at the Quest airlock to begin wrapping up their successful spacewalk. Credit: NASA TV

 Expedition 50 Commander Shane Kimbrough of NASA and Flight Engineer Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency concluded their spacewalk at 1:58 p.m. EDT. During the spacewalk, which lasted just over six-and-a-half hours, the two astronauts successfully disconnected cables and electrical connections on the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 to prepare for its robotic move Sunday, March 26.

The PMA-3 provides the pressurized interface between the station modules and the International Docking Adapter, which will accommodate commercial crew vehicle dockings.

The astronauts also lubricated the latching end effector on the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator "extension" for the Canadarm2 robotic arm, inspected a radiator valve and replaced cameras on the Japanese segment of the outpost.

A second spacewalk has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 30, and a third spacewalk now is targeted for Thursday, April 6.

The second spacewalk will feature Kimbrough and Flight Engineer Peggy Whitson of NASA reconnecting cables and electrical connections on PMA-3 at its new home on top Harmony. They also will install the second of the two upgraded computer relay boxes on the station's truss and install shields and covers on PMA-3 and the now-vacant common berthing mechanism port on Tranquility.

The plan for the final spacewalk is for Whitson and Pesquet to replace an avionics box on the starboard truss called an ExPRESS Logistics Carrier, a storage platform. The box houses electrical and command and data routing equipment for the science experiments and replacement hardware stored outside of the station. The new avionics box is scheduled to launch on the upcoming Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo spacecraft mission.

Spacewalkers have now spent a total of 1,236 hours and 38 minutes working outside the station during 198 spacewalks in support of assembly and maintenance of the orbiting laboratory.

For more information about the International Space Station, visit www.nasa.gov/station.

 This entry was posted in Expedition 50 and tagged Commercial Crew, Expedition 50, International Space Station, NASA, Roscosmos, spacewalk on March 24, 2017 by Mark Garcia.

[tnt22]

Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 1 мин. назад

Shane suffering from "The Wrong Trousers" syndrome with his EMU suit. They won't come off. Peggy to the rescue....

[tnt22]

http://spaceflight101.com/iss-expedition-50/us-eva-40-successfully-completed-outside-iss/

French-American Spacewalking Duo aces busy EVA, ISS Docking Module ready for Robotic Relocation
March 24, 2017
 

Astronaut Thomas Pesquet pictured during Friday's spacewalk fr om the Dextre robot of ISS – Photo: NASA TV

Two Astronauts aboard the International Space Station ventured outside the hatches of the orbiting complex on Friday, spending six and a half hours spacewalking to complete a number of tasks including preparations for the relocation of one of the Station's docking modules on Sunday.

Veteran spacewalker Shane Kimbrough and ESA Astronaut Thomas Pesquet blazed through a busy EVA timeline, checking off all of the spacewalk's objectives that included the installation of an upgraded computer box on the Station's truss segment, inspecting an ammonia valve module for leaks, maintaining the Dextre robot and replacing a pair of cameras that had lost their lighting fixtures. U.S. EVA-40 had a duration of six hours and 34 minutes and set the stage for Sunday's relocation of the PMA-3 module that will be followed by another excursion next week to outfit the module in its new location and complete more work outfitting the Station.

Спойлер

Photo: NASA/ESA

Friday's EVA, the 198th ISS spacewalk, was the fifth for Shane Kimbrough and the second for Thomas Pesquet – both had worked together on a spacewalk back in January supporting the replacement of batteries on the Station's truss. Operations picked up after the crew's early morning wake-up with Peggy Whitson and Russian crew member Oleg Novitsky helping the two spacewalkers into their suits for a 100-minute long pre-breathe operation ahead of final checks and reconfigurations of the two Extravehicular Mobility Units.

As has been the usual case with this particular crew, they remained well ahead of the day's timeline, pressing into depressurization of the airlock to head outside with over half an hour to spare. Once the airlock was at vacuum, Thomas Pesquet opened the outer hatch and the two space suits were switched to battery power at 11:24 UTC, marking the formal start of the day's planned 6.5-hour spacewalk.


EVA-40 Worksites – Image: NASA


S0 MDM Installation – Photo: NASA TV


External MDM Structure – Image: NASA

[свернуть]

Спойлер

Thomas Pesquet was first to climb out of the airlock, venturing into an orbital night with Shane Kimbrough following a short time later for a series of tether and suit checks before the two Astronauts parted ways. EVA-40 was set up such that the two EV crew members would work separately for the entirety of the EVA dealing with a total of five major objectives at five different worksites on the U.S. Segment of the Station.

Shane Kimbrough's first task was to move up to the S0 truss segment for the replacement of the External Control Zone 2 (EXT-2) Multiplexer-Demultiplexer (MDM) with an upgraded 'EPIC MDM' that uses enhanced processing and communications systems to provide more computing power and enable high-rate communications through Ethernet – essentially transitioning the Station's Command and Control System fr om 1990s technology into the current millennium.

ISS has close to 50 MDMs, found inside and outside the complex to route commands to all systems of ISS and return telemetry and science data for downlink to the ground, essentially serving as the brains and nervous system of the Station, interconnecting all systems. The MDMs come in different sizes and basically consist of a stack of avionics cards including data processing cards, memory units and a series of input/output cards to connect to various systems and payloads.


MDM EPIC Card – Photo: NASA TV


S0 MDM Locations – Image: NASA

The Station's MDMs operate on three levels – three enhanced MDMs are used as the main controllers of all of the Station's functions, a dozen local-level MDMs are responsible for routing commands and data from the user-level MDMs that each have specialized tasks and interface with the firmware controllers, sensors and effectors of the Station's various systems. Over recent years, some of the internal MDMs were switched over to the new EPIC standard to enhance the Station's computing power, Friday's EVA marked the first EPIC MDM to move outside ISS.

The focus of EVA-40 was on the EXT-2 MDM, a local-level MDM installed on the S0 truss and responsible for the Mobile Transporter, Thermal Control System, Secondary Power System and Solar Alpha Rotary Joint as well as a series of external payloads. A new task to be handled by the S0 MDMs will be the Common Communications for Visiting Vehicle space-to-space communications system – requiring the MDM to be upgraded from the old design to the EPIC architecture since Ethernet capability is required for the new visiting vehicle communications system.

At S0, Kimbrough made quick work with his Pistol Grip Tool, releasing a pair of secondary bolts and a center jacking screw to structurally demate the computer box. The MDM was then removed from its docked position and Kimbrough inspected the blind-mate connectors on its back as well as the ChoTherm thermal material that couples the box to its coldplate. Next, he soft-docked the new box – automatically connecting the various electrical and data interfaces.

[свернуть]

Спойлер

PMA-3 Cable Panel – Photo: NASA TV

Kimbrough then drove three bolts to secure the MDM and routed a pre-staged Ethernet cable for connection via a Zero-G Lever Lock Connector to hook up the new communications system. Later in the EVA, Mission Control powered up the new EXT-2 MDM and handed some duties from EXT-1 over to the new unit to put it through its paces before all tasks will be transferred ahead of EXT-1 replacement on EVA-41 next Thursday.

Kimbrough's next task was to drop the removed MDM off at the airlock and head over to the port side of the Node 3 module to prepare Pressurized Mating Adapter 3 for its robotic relocation on Sunday. For PMA-3 to be removed from Node 3, Kimbrough had to disconnect four umbilicals connecting the PMA to ISS power and data circuitry. Working on the A2 patch panel, Kimbrough was facing a number of stubborn connectors he eventually levered open with an EVA hook to secure the cable bundle on Node 3 and free up PMA-3 for its robotic ride.


PMA-3 Pre-Launch – Photo: NASA Kennedy

PMA-3, delivered to ISS as one of three PMAs back in 2000, supported only a pair of Space Shuttle flights and was relocated several times over the course of its first decade in space. After taking its current spot on Node 3 port, the module was kept closed most of the time, serving as a long-term storage closet for some of the rarely used hardware items on ISS. However, with the start of Commercial Crew traffic, PMA-3 will take up residence on the Zenith Common Berthing Mechanism of the Harmony module, joining PMA-2 that resides on the forward side of Node 2.

The cone-shaped PMAs are nearly two meters long and host a passive Common Berthing Mechanism on the wide end and an APAS docking adapter on the narrow end, compatible with the Space Shuttle's docking system. For future operations, the PMAs are outfitted with International Docking Adapters that convert the APAS end to comply with the International Docking Standard used by SpaceX's crewed Dragon, Boeing's Starliner and NASA's Orion spacecraft, although Orion is currently not envisioned to fly to ISS. PMA-2 already received its adapter and is ready for operations while PMA-3 will be fitted with its IDA early next year to give ISS a pair of docking ports for commercial crew.

[свернуть]

Спойлер

RBVM Inspection Task – Image: NASA

For Thomas Pesquet, the EVA began with the retrieval of a foot restraint from External Stowage Platform 2 and the translation to the P1 truss segment wh ere he set up shop and ingressed the foot restraint to get a close-up look at a piece of equipment known as the Radiator Beam Valve Module (RBVM).

The P1-3-2 RBVM routes ammonia within Loop B of the Station's External Thermal Control System that hosts large radiators, pumps and heat exchangers to remove excess heat from the Station's cabin and radiate it overboard. Signatures from the ammonia accumulator of Loop B have shown a decreasing ammonia quantity over a period of several months and an inspection carried out with the Robotic External Leak Locator in February zeroed-in on this particular RBVM as the source of the leak.



Photo: NASA TV

To get human eyes on the RBVM, Mission Control dispatched Thomas Pesquet to the location for a lengthy visual inspection, also collecting still and video imagery to spot any flakes of frozen ammonia that could help pin point the leak. Pesquet carefully patted the flex hoses interfacing with the RBVM to liberate any flakes if present, then checking all the fluid quick disconnects to ensure they were seated properly and also examining the rigid fluid lines of the assembly. No flakes were seen at any point during the 2.5-hour inspection, but ground teams will comb through the HD video collected at the site to see if they can find the leak.

Given the low rate of the leak, it is not a pressing issue, however, previous instances have shown that leaks can suddenly accelerate therefore it would be beneficial to know its exact location to prepare for the eventuality of an equipment replacement.

[свернуть]

Спойлер

LEE Lubrication Locations – Image: NASA

After the inspection on P1 dragged on somewhat, Mission Control directed Shane Kimbrough who was ahead of his timeline to assist Pesquet and deliver a tool bag from the airlock to the S0 truss so that EV-2 could get right to work on his second task of lubricating one of Dextre's Latching End Effectors. Climbing into his foot restraint once again, Pesquet readied his tools before Peggy Whitson maneuvered the Dextre robot to a position from wh ere Pesquet could reach the areas to be lubricated.

Lubrication of the Latching End Effectors of Canadarm2 was completed in two EVAs in 2015 and 16 and Friday's task on Dextre was identical, budgeted for over three hours of EVA time given its tedious nature. The Station's robots were not expected to require maintenance of their end effectors, however, to prolong their operational lives, NASA decided to lubricate their moving parts as ISS heavily relies on its robotic arm and the Dextre handyman and could not function in its current form without them.


Photo: NASA TV


Pesquet's view of the SPDM LEE – Photo: NASA TV

Armed with a grease gun and a makeshift tool known as the BLT, Ballscrew Lubrication Tool, Pesquet was set for a series of blind tasks, going purely by feel and using a depth finder on the BLT for help. He transferred some grease onto the BLT and started with the Center Ballscrew which is the easiest to lubricate, allowing Pesquet to get a feel for the situation. This process was then repeated for the four Latch Ballscrews with Peggy Whitson rotating the LEE after each latch was lubed.

The latches of the end effector were retracted to reveal the Linear Bearing Tracks on which the latches glide when retracted and deployed. Two tracks are part of each latch and lubrication was to be done to the inside and outside of each latch, giving Pesquet plenty of work while having to keep up his concentration not to touch or lubricate the microswitches residing in between the bearing tracks.

To wrap up, Pesquet lubricated the Equalization Brackets and Rollers that are in motion when the effector grapples onto a fixture. He then headed into clean up procedures to close out his second EVA.

[свернуть]

Спойлер

While Pesquet had both hands full, Kimbrough towed a large ORU Bag over to the Exposed Facility of the Kibo module to replace a pair of cameras that had lost their light fixtures. The individual lights can not be replaced during a spacewalk, requiring cameras to be replaced and taken inside the Station for repairs.


JEM Camera Replacement – Photo: NASA TV


CETA Light Replacement – Photo: NASA TV


JEM Camera Replacement – Photo: NASA TV


CETA Light Replacement – Photo: NASA TV

The first camera to be replaced was located on the base of the Japanese Remote Manipulator System (JRMS) – Kimbrough had to remove a single connector and release one bolt to detach the camera, then going through the reverse process to put the spare unit in place. He then translated around the Station's porch to access the second camera on the outboard side of the Exposed Facility. Both new cameras were powered up without issue, returning night vision to the Japanese experiment module.

With well over 90 minutes of regular EVA time left, Kimbrough managed to check off a get ahead task from the Station's lower-priority to-do list. He climbed over to the S1 truss segment to replace a failed light on one of the Station's CETA carts by removing a single power connector and releasing one bolt to detach the failed unit before bolting the new one into place and hooking it up to the power line.

[свернуть]

Спойлер

With all tasks done plus bonus work, the two crew members met up back at the airlock to go through the usual inventory before climbing back inside Quest to hook their suits up to ISS power and cooling. Thomas Pesquet locked the external hatch and re-pressurization of Quest started at 17:58 UTC after an EVA time of six hours and 34 minutes.


PMA-3 Relocation – Image: NASA

Friday's EVA marked the 198th EVA in support of ISS Assembly and Maintenance for a cumulative time of 1,238 hours; it was the third excursion of Expedition 50 and also the third to occur in 2017. Shane Kimbrough now has five career EVAs under his belt for a total of 31 hours and 56 minutes while Thomas Pesquet stands at two EVAs for 12 hours and 32 minutes.

Friday's very successful spacewalk set the stage for the relocation of the PMA-3 module that will be completed on Sunday under the control of robotics specialists at Mission Control. Pending successful installation of PMA-3 in its new home, the next ISS EVA is on the books for next Thursday, March 30 and will be performed by Kimbrough along with Peggy Whitson to re-connect the PMA in its new location, outfit it with debris shields and put in place protective covers on PMA's former slot on Node 3 port. Additional tasks of EVA-41 are the installation of the second EPIC MDM on the S0 truss and the lubrication of the other end effector of the Dextre robot.

A little further down the road, another EVA is scheduled for April 6 to be undertaken by Whitson and Pesquet, however, that date is not yet set in stone as the EVA depends on the Cygnus OA-7 mission that was recently delayed and currently has not yet been re-aligned for a firm launch date.

[свернуть]

[tnt22]

Запись трансляции выхода EVA40 ( 8:08:47)