NASA Suspends ISS Spacewalk Due To ‘Medical Issue’ Faced By Astronaut
Image via NASA / Roscosmos
This week, on August 24, a spacewalk was scheduled to take place in partnership with Japan’s space agency, JAXA, as astronauts onboard the International Space Station (ISS) prepare for its new solar array installation.
However, due to a medical issue with one of the astronauts, NASA had to suspend the spacewalk. The goal in this instance was to prepare astronauts for the arrival of the third Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA), which the space agency is using to upgrade the station’s power source.
According to SlashGear, the first pair of solar arrays was deployed to the ISS back in 2000, and has been operating continuously for 21 years, despite its initial 15-year lifespan.
While it’s still functioning, the panels have shown signs of degradation due to age. The new ROSA-based panels will be smaller than the originals, and will deliver 20% to 30% more power to those onboard the ISS.
Each solar array needs two spacewalks to be installed. On the first one, astronauts have to prepare the worksite for installation. The panels are then fully installed on the second. The first set of solar arrays had been installed in June, with the third set expected to arrive soon.
In a statement, NASA said this week’s walk was paused due to astronaut Mark Vande Hei experiencing “a minor medical issue,” though it was “not a medical emergency.”
“Teams are assessing the next available opportunity to conduct the spacewalk following the SpaceX CRS-23 cargo resupply launch planned for August 28, and upcoming Russian spacewalks,” NASA said.
[via SlashGear, cover image via NASA / Roscosmos]
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