In a significant endeavor today, Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner are slated to carry out a meticulous spacewalk from the International Space Station (ISS).
The two cosmonauts will embark on an extra-vehicular activity (EVA) starting at 10:10 ET (1310 GMT). The planned six-and-a-half-hour mission involves the installation of a new instrument designed to measure cosmic X-ray sources alongside new electrical equipment. This effort is critical as it enhances the scientific capabilities of the ISS, according to NASA’s mission brief.
During the spacewalk, Ovchinin and Vagner will also dismantle outdated scientific experiments from the station’s exterior. This venture marks the second EVA for Ovchinin, who previously participated in a spacewalk in 2019. He is easily identifiable by the red stripes on his Orlan spacesuit. Remarkably, during his first spacewalk, Ovchinin extended birthday wishes to Alexei Leonov, the pioneering Soviet cosmonaut known for the first-ever spacewalk in 1965.
Vagner, who will don blue stripes, is making his debut spacewalk, adding an element of novelty to today’s operations. Their activities will be supported by Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexsandr Gorbunov, who will manage the European Robotic Arm (ERA) from within the ISS. This involves not only assisting with the installation but also relocating the control panel for the robotic arm.
Today’s EVA is the 272nd conducted on the ISS, a testament to the ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading the orbital laboratory. Such missions are vital, considering the ISS is nearing the conclusion of its operational life, with deorbit plans set to occur by 2031, facilitated by a specially-designed SpaceX Dragon deorbit vehicle.
This operation underscores the enduring international efforts to maximize the capabilities of the ISS, contributing to a greater understanding of space phenomena.
