A Record-Tying Spacewalk to Upgrade the Space Station on This Week @NASA – July 24, 2020

TL;DR

NASA astronauts conducted a record-tying spacewalk, a supply spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station, and preparations are underway for the Mars 2020 mission, including the first flight attempt on Mars.

Transcript

A record-tying spacewalk to upgrade the space station … The station crew receives a new shipment of supplies … And looking forward to seeing Ingenuity take flight on Mars … a few of the stories to tell you about – This Week at NASA! On July 21, NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Chris Cassidy conducted a nearly five-and-a-half hour spacewalk outside t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🚀 Astronauts completed a spacewalk to upgrade the International Space Station and prepare for future experiments.
• 😋 The arrival of the Russian Progress spacecraft ensured the supply of food, fuel, and other necessities for the crew.
• 🇲🇭 The Mars 2020 mission includes the Perseverance rover and a historic attempt at the first powered flight on Mars.
• 🇲🇭 NASA's Artemis program and the Mars Perseverance rover mission are paving the way for human exploration of Mars.
• ✋ The development of advanced technologies, such as powerful propulsion systems and high-tech spacesuits, is underway for future crewed Mars missions.
• 🎟️ NASA's Planetary Protection Office focuses on preventing contamination of Mars or other celestial bodies with Earthly bacteria during sample collection missions.
• 👾 The Gravity Assist podcast explores topics related to planetary protection and NASA's efforts to prevent contamination in space.

Questions & Answers

Q: What did NASA astronauts accomplish during the spacewalk?

During the spacewalk, astronauts upgraded station systems and prepared for future experiments by deploying equipment.

Q: How many spacewalks have Bob Behnken and Chris Cassidy completed?

Bob Behnken and Chris Cassidy have joined Michael Lopez-Alegria and Peggy Whitson as the only other U.S. astronauts to complete 10 spacewalks.

Q: What did the Russian Progress spacecraft deliver to the International Space Station?

The Russian Progress spacecraft delivered almost three tons of food, fuel, and supplies for the crew at the International Space Station.

Q: What is the Mars 2020 mission's purpose, and what makes it historic?

The Mars 2020 mission aims to carry the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter to Mars. The Ingenuity helicopter will attempt the first powered flight on another planet.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Astronauts Bob Behnken and Chris Cassidy completed a nearly five-and-a-half-hour spacewalk, upgrading station systems and preparing for future experiments.

• An uncrewed Russian Progress spacecraft delivered three tons of supplies to the International Space Station.

• The Mars 2020 mission, carrying the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter, is scheduled for launch on July 30.