ISS Astronauts Complete 250th Spacewalk to Upgrade Space Station

In a historic milestone for space exploration, two astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) successfully completed a five-hour spacewalk on June 20, 2024. This spacewalk, the 11th of Expedition 68 and the 250th overall since the ISS was built, marked a crucial step in ensuring the continued operation and upgrade of this orbiting laboratory in Earth orbit.

Raja Chari and Matthias Maurer: A Spacewalking Duo

NASA astronaut Raja Chari and ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer were the chosen duo for this momentous spacewalk. Chari, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, has been on the ISS since March 2023. Maurer, an experienced mountaineer and cave explorer, joined the ISS crew in April 2023. Both astronauts are highly trained and skilled in spacewalking, making them well-suited for this challenging task.

Raja Chari: A Pilot with a Passion for Space

Raja Chari was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He also has a doctorate in philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Prior to joining NASA, Chari served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, flying the F-16 and F-35 jets. He has also flown over 2,000 hours in combat. Chari was selected to be an astronaut in 2017 and is currently serving as a flight engineer on Expedition 68.

Matthias Maurer: A Mountaineer with a Head for Heights

Matthias Maurer was born in Saint Wendel, Germany, and holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Freiburg and a doctorate in materials science from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. He is also a certified mountaineer and cave explorer. Prior to joining ESA, Maurer worked as a research scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Materials Research and Testing. He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and is currently serving as an astronaut on Expedition 68.

Upgrading the ISS: A Never-Ending Endeavor

The primary objective of the spacewalk was to upgrade the ISS’s power systems and computers. This included replacing two old nickel-hydrogen batteries with new lithium-ion batteries, which will improve the station’s energy storage capacity and increase its power efficiency. Additionally, the astronauts updated a computer system outside the space station, ensuring that critical control and navigation systems continue to function smoothly.

Replacing Aging Batteries: A Vital Upgrade

The two nickel-hydrogen batteries that were replaced were part of the station’s original power system. They have been in operation since the ISS was first assembled in 1998. Over time, these batteries have degraded and become less efficient. The new lithium-ion batteries are a more modern and efficient technology that will provide the ISS with a more reliable and sustainable power supply.

Updating Computers: Keeping the ISS Smart

The computer system that was updated is responsible for controlling the station’s attitude and orientation. It is also used to collect data from the station’s sensors and to send commands to the station’s systems. Updating this computer system was essential to ensure that the ISS continues to operate safely and efficiently.

Paving the Way for the Future

Beyond the immediate tasks of replacing batteries and upgrading computers, the spacewalk also laid the groundwork for future power upgrades. The astronauts prepared the station’s exterior for the installation of new solar panels, which will allow the ISS to generate more power as the station’s demands increase. This forward-thinking approach will ensure that the ISS remains a hub of scientific research for years to come.

Preparing for New Solar Panels: Powering the ISS into the Future

The ISS currently generates power using four sets of solar panels. These solar panels are nearing the end of their design life and will need to be replaced in the coming years. The spacewalk prepared the station’s exterior for the installation of new, more powerful solar panels. These new solar panels will allow the ISS to generate more power, which will be needed to support future science experiments and other activities on the station.

A Legacy of Spacewalking: Ensuring the ISS’s Future

The 250th spacewalk on the ISS is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the astronauts who have lived and worked on the station over the past two decades. Spacewalks are essential for maintaining and upgrading the ISS, and they have played a vital role in ensuring the station’s continued success. As

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