NASA Launches 2025 with Spacewalk to Repair X-Ray Telescope and Upgrade the ISS

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Nick Hague completed a 6-hour spacewalk on January 16, concluding their mission at 2:01 p.m. EST. This mission, which marked Hague’s fourth spacewalk and Williams’ eighth, was the 273rd in support of the International Space Station’s (ISS) assembly, maintenance, and upgrades.

The astronauts tackled several critical tasks during the spacewalk. They replaced a faulty rate gyro assembly, applied protective patches to repair damaged light filters on the NICER (Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer) x-ray telescope, and installed a new reflector device on one of the station’s international docking adapters. Additionally, they inspected key access areas and connector tools to prepare for future maintenance of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

Beginning their spacewalk at 8:01 a.m. EST, Hague and Williams each took on specific roles. Hague, designated as spacewalk crew member 1, wore a suit with red stripes, while Williams, as crew member 2, wore an unmarked suit. Their efforts not only launched 2025’s first spacewalk but also advanced the ISS’s ongoing operations and capabilities.

Read Original Article: Scitechdaily

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