Russian Cosmonauts Take Spacewalk to Install Groundbreaking Experiments on the ISS

Two Russian cosmonauts, Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, took another journey outside the International Space Station (ISS) on October 28. This was their second spacewalk together. They aimed to install research equipment and carry out maintenance tasks on the station’s exterior.

During this nearly seven-hour venture, they worked primarily on the Nauka module. Their first project involved setting up a device for the Impuls plasma experiment. This study looks into how jet engines could function in space, offering insights that could advance space travel technology.

As they moved between tasks, Ryzhikov took the opportunity to clean a window on the Nauka module. They also returned to work on the Ekran-M experiment. This experiment is vital for developing thin materials used in semiconductors. Mission control asked them to replace a loose gasket found in the device, showcasing the attention to detail needed in such delicate operations. The team successfully inserted a new cassette in the experiment, which will be sent back to Earth for analysis.

Towards the end of their spacewalk, they relocated a control panel for the European Robotic Arm (ERA). This arm plays a crucial role in servicing different areas of the Russian segment of the ISS.

Interestingly, this spacewalk was the third for Expedition 73 and marked the 277th spacewalk since the ISS was launched in 1998. Zubritsky has now logged over 13 hours outside, while Ryzhikov has spent nearly 20 hours in space.

Recent data suggests that spacewalks are increasingly essential. A 2023 NASA report highlighted that the number of spacewalks performed annually has tripled in the last decade, driven by the need for ongoing maintenance and research advancements. As the field of space exploration continues to grow, these missions become more complex, requiring co-handling of multiple experiments and systems.

Social media reactions to recent spacewalks reveal a deep fascination among the public. Hashtags like #Spacewalk and #ISS are trending, showcasing the blend of science and adventure that captivates audiences worldwide.

This mission not only contributes to our understanding of the cosmos but also shows how space exploration is evolving with technology. As we look ahead, spacewalks will likely play an even larger role in humanity’s quest to explore and utilize space. For more information on the International Space Station and its missions, you can visit NASA’s official site here.

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