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Astronauts make 100th station spacewalk
Dan Tani (top) and Peggy Whitson (bottom) spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Dec. 18, 2007. (NASA TV) |
December 18, 2007 — Two astronauts stepped outside the International Space Station this morning, making the 100th spacewalk dedicated to the ongoing assembly of the orbiting outpost. The 6 hour and 56 minute extravehicular activity (EVA) performed by astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani came 9 years and 11 days after the first station spacewalk in December 1998.
Today's excursion was devoted to inspecting two devices related to the station's power generating solar arrays, both of which have malfunctioned. Tani and Whitson were sent on the "fact-finding mission" to the solar alpha rotary joint (SARJ) and beta gimbal assembly (BGA) on the station's starboard-side in an attempt to diagnose what has caused the earlier to shed metal filings and the latter to trip circuit breakers.
The decision by mission managers to have Whitson and Tani conduct the EVA came after space shuttle Atlantis was delayed from launching earlier this month by a faulty low level fuel sensor system. NASA engineers began a tanking test at Kennedy Space Center while Whitson and Tani were outside in order to clear Atlantis for a January liftoff.
As the spacewalk was quickly scheduled, the Expedition 16 astronauts were surprised to learn it was the 100th in station history when collectSPACE.com spoke with them last week.
"That's actually news to us about the 100th EVA," said Tani in response to a question from collectSPACE.com. "It is kind of mind boggling. I remember pre-ISS talking about the hundreds — or more than one hundred — EVAs that are going to be required for assembly and thinking that was a huge mountain to climb."
"We're proud to be part of those hundred EVAs. It's very nice to know that we're going to make that 100 mark," he concluded.
Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson is seen during the 100th spacewalk outside the International Space Station. (NASA) |
In addition to making the 100th spacewalk, Whitson also set a record today for female total EVA time, surpassing Sunita Williams who had set the bar at 29 hours and 17 minutes last February. Whitson became the first woman to command the ISS when she arrived at the station three months ago.
Including today's pair of spacewalkers, 73 astronauts and cosmonauts have worked on the ISS's exterior, including three representatives from the European Space Agency (France, Germany and Sweden), three from the Canadian Space Agency and an astronaut from Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency.
More than 624 hours — over 26 days — were logged by those 73 explorers while performing spacewalks. Almost a third of the EVAs began out the space shuttle's airlock; the remaining exited from the station, either from the US Quest or Russian Pirs airlocks. Two-thirds of the EVAs took place while a shuttle was docked at the station; the others, like today's, during the stages between missions.
The first ISS spacewalk was made on December 7, 1998, on the same flight that saw the docking of the first two station modules. STS-88 mission specialists Jerry Ross and Jim Newman completed the 7 hour, 21 minute EVA outside of Endeavour, connecting umbilicals on the Unity node.
The longest duration station EVA was performed by Jim Voss and Susan Helms during the 17th ISS spacewalk on March 11, 2001. For 8 hours and 56 minutes, the two astronauts worked to configure a docking port to receive a resupply module. The briefest EVA came three years later, after a loss of pressure in Mike Fincke's oxygen tank cut short the 53rd spacewalk to just 13 minutes.
The 100th station spacewalk was also the 289th in space history. The 100th American and Russian EVAs also took place outside the ISS: the U.S. in February 2001 on the 15th ISS spacewalk; Russia, just 8 months later, on the 27th ISS EVA.
"That's an amazing record of resounding success," Tani radioed as he made his way back inside near the end of today's spacewalk. "A hundred space EVAs is fantastic and even though we lose a piece of tape here and there, I think we've done incredible work and I know we couldn't have built the space station without it."
"Of course we want to thank everyone involved in this EVA," Tani continued, "but also everybody who has worked on all hundred EVAs. Everybody who makes the suits, the gloves and the procedures and the tools... we thank them all. It's fantastic and fortunate to be the people out here doing the spacewalk but we know that all the hard work happens on the ground."
"Oh! Thank you to whoever makes Kapton tape, too!" he was quick to add.
No. |
Spacewalkers |
Date/Duration |
Tasks |
1. |
J. Ross J. Newman |
Dec 7, 1998 7 hr, 21 min |
Connect Unity node cables. |
2. |
J. Ross J. Newman |
Dec 9, 1998 7 hr, 2 min |
Install Unity antennas. |
3. |
J. Ross J. Newman |
Dec 12, 1998 6 hr, 59 min |
Install Unity EVA equipment. |
4. |
T. Jernigan D. Barry |
May 30, 1999 7 hr, 55 min |
Install cranes. |
5. |
J.S. Voss J. Williams |
May 22, 2000 6 hr, 44 min |
Crane repair. |
6. |
E. Lu Y. Malenchenko |
Sep 11, 2000 6 hr, 14 min |
Install magnetometer and boom. |
7. |
L. Chiao W. McArthur |
Oct 15, 2000 6 hr, 28 min |
Connect cables and install antennas. |
8. |
M. Lopez-Alegria P. Wisoff |
Oct 16, 2000 7 hr, 07 min |
Install PMA-3 docking port |
9. |
L. Chiao W. McArthur |
Oct 17, 2000 6 hr, 48 min |
Install Z1 truss on Unity. |
10. |
M. Lopez-Alegria P. Wisoff |
Oct 18, 2000 6 hr, 56 min |
Install Z1 truss. |
11. |
J. Tanner C. Noriega |
Dec 3, 2000 7 hr, 33 min |
Install P6 solar array to Z1 truss. |
12. |
J. Tanner C. Noriega |
Dec 5, 2000 6 hr, 37 min |
Install P6 solar array. |
13. |
J. Tanner C. Noriega |
Dec 7, 2000 5 hr, 10 min |
Install electrical probes. |
14. |
T. Jones R. Curbeam |
Feb 10, 2001 7 hr, 34 min |
Install Destiny lab to Unity. |
15. |
T. Jones R. Curbeam |
Feb 12, 2001 6 hr, 50 min |
Install docking module to Destiny. |
16. |
T. Jones R. Curbeam |
Feb 14, 2001 5 hr, 25 min |
Install antenna, radiator release. |
17. |
J.S. Voss S. Helms |
Mar 11, 2001 8 hr, 56 min |
Prepare docking port for MPLM Leonardo. |
18. |
A. Thomas P. Richards |
Mar 13, 2001 6 hr, 21 min |
Install spare ammonia coolant pump. |
19. |
C. Hadfield S. Parazynski |
Apr 22, 2001 7 hr, 10 min |
Install UHF antenna and Canadarm2. |
20. |
C. Hadfield S. Parazynski |
Apr 24, 2001 7 hr, 40 min |
Inspect Canadarm2. |
21. |
Y. Usachev J.S. Voss |
Jun 8, 2001 0 hr, 19 min |
Transfer docking cone. |
22. |
M. Gernhardt J. Reilly |
Jul 15, 2001 5 hr, 59 min |
Install Quest Joint Airlock to Unity. |
23. |
M. Gernhardt J. Reilly |
July 18, 2001 6 hr, 29 min |
Install two gas tanks to Quest airlock. |
24. |
M. Gernhardt J. Reilly |
Jul 21, 2001 4 hr, 02 min |
Install two gas tanks to Quest airlock. |
25. |
D. Barry P. Forrester |
Aug 16, 2001 6 hr, 16 min |
Install ammonia servicer unit. |
26. |
D. Barry P. Forrester |
Aug 18, 2001 5 hr, 29 min |
Install handrails on Destiny. |
27. |
V. Dezhurov M. Tyurin |
Oct 8, 2001 4 hr, 58 min |
Install cables between Pirs and Zvezda. |
28. |
V. Dezhurov M. Tyurin |
Oct 15, 2001 5 hr, 51 min |
Install Russian commercial experiments. |
29. |
V. Dezhurov F. Culbertson |
Nov 12, 2001 5 hr, 5 min |
Install Kurs automated docking system cables. |
30. |
V. Dezhurov M. Tyurin |
Dec 3, 2001 2 hr, 46 min |
Progress docking ring repair. |
31. |
L. Godwin D. Tani |
Dec 10, 2001 4 hr, 12 min |
Install thermal insulating blankets. |
32. |
Y. Onufrienko C. Walz |
Jan 14, 2002 6 hr, 3 min |
Install ham radio antenna on Zvezda. |
33. |
Y. Onufrienko D. Bursch |
Jan 25, 2002 5 hr, 59 min |
Install ham radio antenna on Zvezda. |
34. |
C. Walz D. Bursch |
Feb 20, 2002 5 hr, 47 min |
Install cables, tighten tank clamps. |
35. |
S. Smith R. Walheim |
Apr 11, 2002 7 hr, 48 min |
Install S0 Truss on Destiny. |
36. |
J. Ross L. Morin |
Apr 13, 2002 7 hr, 30 min |
Install S0 Truss. |
37. |
S. Smith R. Walheim |
Apr 14, 2002 6 hr, 27 min |
Reconfigure Canadarm2 for S0 truss. |
38. |
J. Ross L. Morin |
Apr 16, 2002 6 hr, 37 min |
Install future EVA hardware. |
39. |
F. Chang-Diaz P. Perrin |
Jun 9, 2002 7 hr, 14 min |
Attach Power and Data Grapple Fixture to P6. |
40. |
F. Chang-Diaz P. Perrin |
Jun 11, 2002 5 hr, 0 min |
Attach Mobile Base System to Mobile Transporter. |
41. |
F. Chang-Diaz P. Perrin |
Jun 13, 2002 7 hr, 17 min |
Replace Canadarm2 wrist joint. |
42. |
V. Korzun P. Whitson |
Aug 16, 2002 4 hr, 23 min |
Install Strela boom on Pirs. |
43. |
V. Korzun S. Treschev |
Aug 26, 2002 5 hr, 21 min |
Install EVA hardware on Zarya. |
44. |
D. Wolf P. Sellers |
Oct 10, 2002 7 hr, 1 min |
Install lines between S0 and S1. |
45. |
D. Wolf P. Sellers |
Oct 12, 2002 6 hr, 4 min |
Install future EVA hardware. |
46. |
D. Wolf P. Sellers |
Oct 14, 2002 6 hr, 36 min |
Complete S1 install. |
47. |
M. Lopez-Alegria J. Herrington |
Nov 26, 2002 6 hr, 45 min |
Install P1 truss. |
48. |
M. Lopez-Alegria J. Herrington |
Nov 28, 2002 6 hr, 10 min |
Install TV cameras, move CETA. |
49. |
M. Lopez-Alegria J. Herrington |
Nov 30, 2002 7 hr, 0 min |
Inspect Mobile Transporter. |
50. |
K. Bowersox D. Pettit |
Jan 15, 2003 6 hr, 51 min |
Release P1 truss radiator system. |
51. |
K. Bowersox D. Pettit |
Apr 8, 2003 6 hr, 26 min |
Move cables between S0, S1 and P1. |
52. |
M. Foale A. Kaleri |
Feb 26, 2004 3 hr, 55 min |
Install and remove experiments. |
53. |
G. Padalka M. Fincke |
Jun 24, 2004 0 hr, 13 min |
Cut short due to loss of pressure in Fincke's oxygen tank. |
54. |
G. Padalka M. Fincke |
Jun 30, 2004 5 hr, 40 min |
Service ISS gyroscope. |
55. |
G. Padalka M. Fincke |
Aug 3, 2004 4 hr, 30 min |
Install antennas, replace laser reflectors. |
56. |
G. Padalka M. Fincke |
Sep 3, 2004 5 hr, 20 min |
Install ATV docking antennas. |
57. |
L. Chiao S. Sharipov |
Jan 26, 2005 5 hr, 28 min |
External outfitting of Zvezda. |
58. |
L. Chiao S. Sharipov |
Mar 28, 2005 5 hr, 6 min |
Prepare ISS for ATV, launch of a small Russian satellite. |
59. |
S. Noguchi S. Robinson |
Jul 30, 2005 6 hr, 50 min |
Repair CMG 2. |
60. |
S. Noguchi S. Robinson |
Aug 1, 2005 6 hr, 30 min |
Replace CMG 1. |
61. |
S. Noguchi S. Robinson |
Aug 3, 2005 6 hr, 1 min |
Install amateur radio satellite PCSAT2. |
62. |
S. Krikalev J. Phillips |
Aug 18, 2005 4 hr, 58 min |
Remove Russian materials experiments; install camera. |
63. |
W. McArthur V. Tokarev |
Nov 7, 2005 5 hr, 22 min |
Install P1 camera, Floating Potential Probe jettison, replace remote power controller module on MT. |
64. |
W. McArthur V. Tokarev |
Feb 3, 2006 5 hr, 43 min |
Release SuitSat-1, retrieve experiment, tie off MT umbilical. |
65. |
P. Vinogradov J. Williams |
Jun 1, 2006 6 hr, 31 min |
Repair vent for Elektron, replace camera, retrieve experiment. |
66. |
P. Sellers M. Fossum |
Jul 8, 2006 7 hr, 32 min |
Block MT cutter blade. |
67. |
P. Sellers M. Fossum |
Jul 10, 2006 6 hr, 47 min |
Restore MT rail car to operation, deliver spare pump module. |
68. |
P. Sellers M. Fossum |
Jul 12, 2006 6 hr, 20 min |
Test shuttle repair methods. |
69. |
J. Williams T. Reiter |
Aug 3, 2006 5 hr, 54 min |
Install thermal rotary joint motor controller, replace STR MDM. |
70. |
J. Tanner Stefanyshyn-Piper |
Sep 12, 2006 5 hr, 26 min |
Install P3/4 truss. |
71. |
D. Burbank S. MacLean |
Sep 13, 2006 7 hr, 11 min |
Install P3/4 truss. |
72. |
J. Tanner Stefanyshyn-Piper |
Sep 15, 2006 6 hr, 42 min |
Install radiator on P3/4. |
73. |
M. Tyurin M. Lopez-Alegria |
Nov 22, 2006 5 hr, 38 min |
Install BTN neutron experiment, relocate WAL antenna, inspect Kurs antenna, golf shot. |
74. |
R. Curbeam C. Fuglesang |
Dec 12, 2006 6 hr, 36 min |
Install P5, replace S1 camera. |
75. |
R. Curbeam C. Fuglesang |
Dec 14, 2006 5 hr, 0 min |
Rewire ISS electrical system, circuits 2/3. |
76. |
R. Curbeam S. Williams |
Dec 16, 2006 7 hr, 31 min |
Rewire ISS electrical system, circuits 1/4, retract solar array wing. |
77. |
R. Curbeam C. Fuglesang |
Dec 18, 2006 6 hr, 38 min |
Retract solar array wing. |
78. |
M. Lopez-Alegria S. Williams |
Jan 31, 2007 7 hr, 55 min |
Cooling loop reconfiguration. |
79. |
M. Lopez-Alegria S. Williams |
Feb 4, 2007 7 hr, 11 min |
Cooling loop reconfiguration, connect SSPTS cable; retract P6 starboard radiator; remove EAS connections. |
80. |
M. Lopez-Alegria S. Williams |
Feb 8, 2007 6 hr, 40 min |
Remove thermal shrouds, deploy UCCAS, remove P5 launch locks, connect SSPTS cable. |
81. |
M. Tyurin M. Lopez-Alegria |
Feb 22, 2007 6 hr, 18 min |
Retract Progress antenna; inspection and photography. |
82. |
F. Yurchkhin O. Kotov |
May 30, 2007 5 hr, 25 min |
Install SMDP panel, reroute GPS antenna cable. |
83. |
F. Yurchkhin O. Kotov |
Jun 06, 2007 5 hr, 37 min |
Install Zarya cable, SMDP panel, deploy experiment. |
84. |
J. Reilly D. Olivas |
Jun 11, 2007 6 hr, 15 min |
Install S3/S4 Truss. |
85. |
P. Forrester S. Swanson |
Jun 13, 2007 7 hr, 16 min |
Retract P6 solar array wings, install S3/S4 truss. |
86. |
J. Reilly D. Olivas |
Jun 15, 2007 7 hr, 58 min |
Retract P6 solar array wing, install Destiny hydrogen valve. |
87. |
P. Forrester S. Swanson |
Jun 17, 2007 6 hr, 29 min |
Install solar alpha rotary joint, camera stanchion and network cable, secure debris shield. |
88. |
C. Anderson F. Yurchkhin |
Jul 23, 2007 7 hr, 41 min |
Replace MT power component, jettison ammonia tank and camera stanchion. |
89. |
R. Mastracchio D. Williams |
Aug 11, 2007 6 hr, 17 min |
Install P5 truss, retract P6 radiator. |
90. |
R. Mastracchio D. Williams |
Aug 13, 2007 6 hr, 28 min |
Remove and replace CMG. |
91. |
R. Mastracchio C. Anderson |
Aug 15, 2007 5 hr, 28 min |
Install P1 XPDR, relocate P6 SASA, CETA cart, S-band antenna. |
92. |
D. Williams C. Anderson |
Aug 18, 2007 5 hr, 2 min |
Install OBSS stand, retrieve MISSE, install EWIS antenna, secure Z1 gimbal locks |
93. |
S. Parazynski D. Wheelock |
Oct 26, 2007 6 hr, 14 min |
Install Harmony Node 2, retrieve SASA, disconnect P6/Z1 fluid line. |
94. |
S. Parazynski D. Tani |
Oct 28, 2007 6 hr, 33 min |
Disconnect Z1 umbilical, detach P6, configure S1 radiator, install Node 2 handrails, inspect SARJ. |
95. |
S. Parazynski D. Wheelock |
Oct 30, 2007 7 hr, 8 min |
Relocate P6 to P5, connect P6/P5 umbilicals, inspect SARJ. |
96. |
S. Parazynski D. Wheelock |
Nov 3, 2007 7 hr, 19 min |
Inspect and repair P6 solar array. |
97. |
P. Whitson Y. Malenchenko |
Nov 9, 2007 6 hr, 55 min |
Disconnect SSPTS cable, stow PMA-2, Node 2 avionics umbilicals. |
98. |
P. Whitson D. Tani |
Nov 20, 2007 7 hr, 16 min |
Connect PMA-2/Harmony fluid, electrical, and data lines. |
99. |
P. Whitson D. Tani |
Nov 24, 2007 7 hr, 4 min |
Connect PMA-2/Harmony fluid, electrical, and data lines, inspect SARJ. |
100. |
P. Whitson D. Tani |
Dec 18, 2007 6 hr, 56 min |
Inspect starboard SARJ and BGA. |
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