NASA delays spacewalk over astronaut medical issue
▼ Summary
– A spacewalk outside the International Space Station has been postponed due to a medical concern with a crew member.
– The astronauts were scheduled to work for over six hours to prepare for the installation of new solar arrays.
– The new solar arrays represent the final major electrical upgrade before the station’s planned decommissioning in 2030.
– NASA has not shared details about the medical issue, citing crew privacy, but states the situation is stable.
– This postponement affects the first of two planned spacewalks this month, with the second intended for station maintenance.
A scheduled spacewalk from the International Space Station has been postponed after a crew member experienced a medical issue, according to a NASA announcement. The agency emphasized that the situation is stable and that the health and privacy of the astronaut are the top priorities. The delay impacts a series of planned extravehicular activities designed to upgrade the station’s power systems ahead of its planned retirement.
The spacewalk, which was set for Thursday morning, involved astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman. Their primary objective was a six-and-a-half-hour mission to prepare the station’s exterior for the installation of new roll-out solar arrays. These new solar arrays are a critical final upgrade to the laboratory’s electrical infrastructure before the orbiting outpost is decommissioned in 2030. The hardware for this upgrade is scheduled to arrive at the station later this year.
NASA officials stated the medical concern arose on Wednesday afternoon. Out of respect for the individual’s privacy, the agency declined to provide specific details about the nature of the issue or identify the affected crew member. In an official statement, NASA confirmed, “The situation is stable. NASA will share additional details, including a new date for the upcoming spacewalk, later.”
This postponement affects the first of two spacewalks planned for this month. A second excursion, scheduled for next week, was intended to complete a series of external maintenance tasks. NASA will now need to reschedule both operations. The agency maintains that the station crew is safe and that operations aboard the complex continue as normal while new plans are formulated.
(Source: Ars Technica)
