LIVE: NASA astronauts conduct a planned spacewalk
TL;DR
NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams conducted the 278th ISS spacewalk, spending over four hours installing structural struts and thermal insulation on the 2A power channel modification kit to prepare for future rollout solar array upgrades.
🛰️ Primary Mission Objectives 3 insights
Modification Kit Assembly
Astronauts constructed and installed right mid, left lower, and left mid struts on the 2A power channel to prepare for future ISS Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) installation.
Precision Torque Operations
Jessica Meir used a Pistol Grip Tool to drive bolts M25 and M26 to 25.4 ft-lbs with specific turn counts (6.2 and 11.55), securing the right mid-strut collar.
Spacewalk Milestones
This marked the 278th spacewalk in ISS history, representing Chris Williams' first extravehicular activity and Jessica Meir's fourth.
🌡️ Thermal Protection Systems 3 insights
Extreme Temperature Shielding
Crew installed Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) to protect hardware from orbital temperatures ranging from +250°F in sunlight to -250°F in shade.
Coverage Gap Remediation
Astronauts addressed insulation gaps at bolt canister locations by installing supplemental wire ties and compressing blankets around mounting brackets to eliminate exposed metal.
Collaborative Quality Control
Williams and Meir conducted real-time cross-checks using helmet cameras to verify complete MLI coverage around strut collars and clevises.
🎧 Safety Protocols & Coordination 3 insights
Structural Load Management
Ground Control enforced a 40-pound maximum lateral load into the Beta Gimbal Assembly and mandated translation rates slower than 3 seconds per foot.
Sequential Movement Rules
Crew maintained strict protocols preventing simultaneous translation on the modification kit to avoid excessive structural stress during the 4+ hour operation.
Real-Time Mission Guidance
Mission Control provided continuous step-by-step instructions for tool configurations, tether management, and pit pin installations throughout the EVA.
Bottom Line
Successful preparation for ISS solar array upgrades requires precise mechanical installation combined with meticulous thermal protection and strict adherence to load-bearing safety protocols during coordinated spacewalks.
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