NASA Previews Spacewalks to Upgrade ISS Power System

TL;DR

Two spacewalks are scheduled for the Expedition 50 crew to upgrade the International Space Station's electrical power system.

Transcript

good afternoon from the johnson space center i'm dan hewitt and welcome to today's eva briefing we're here to learn about two spacewalks that are on the horizon for the expedition 50 crew making some important upgrades to the station's electrical power system here to tell us more today i'm joined by my panelists to my left starting off with kenny t... Read More

Key Insights

• 😒 The use of robotics, specifically the Dexter manipulator and Canadarm2, helps improve efficiency and safety during spacewalks.
• 🔋 Lithium-ion batteries offer advantages in weight, size, lifespan, and cost over nickel-hydrogen batteries.
• 😤 The spacewalks mark the 196th and 197th assembly and maintenance EVAs for the U.S. team.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main goal of the upcoming spacewalks?

The main objective is to replace the current nickel-hydrogen batteries with more efficient lithium-ion batteries on the ISS power channel.

Q: How many batteries will be installed during the spacewalks?

Six lithium-ion batteries and six adapter plates will be installed during the spacewalks.

Q: What are the advantages of using lithium-ion batteries over nickel-hydrogen batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are lighter, more compact, and have a longer lifespan than nickel-hydrogen batteries. They also provide better battery parameter insights and reduce power downs.

Q: Will there be any other tasks performed during the spacewalks?

If there is time, the astronauts may perform additional tasks such as cable routing, retrieving equipment, and taking photos for future repairs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The International Space Station (ISS) crew has been busy with cargo operations, scientific research, and preparations for upcoming spacewalks.

• The primary objective of the spacewalks is to replace the nickel-hydrogen batteries with lithium-ion batteries on the station's power channel.

• The ground teams have been working diligently to install the batteries, and the robotics team has played a crucial role in these operations.