A Very Complex Spacewalk Outside the Space Station on This Week @NASA – November 15, 2019 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Astronauts perform complex spacewalks to repair the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, and progress is made in the Artemis program for a moon landing by 2024.

Key Insights

• 💦 The repair work on the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer during the spacewalks is considered the most complex since the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions.
• 🖐️ Ames Research Center plays a critical role in developing lunar landers and other technologies for the Artemis program.
• 💯 The RS-25 engines being attached to the SLS core stage signifies progress in the launch preparations for Artemis I.
• 💋 The Orion spacecraft's transfer to Plum Brook Station marks the next phase of testing before its flight certification.
• 🇳🇨 The naming of the Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69 as Arrokoth honors its historic flyby by the New Horizons spacecraft.
• 🐕‍🦺 Marshall Space Flight Center acknowledges and appreciates the service of veterans in the Armed Forces.
• 🛄 The Artemis program aims to establish sustainable lunar living for extended periods, enabling resource utilization on the Moon.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the spacewalks conducted by Andrew Morgan and Luca Parmitano?

The spacewalks are aimed at repairing the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a cosmic ray detector, on the International Space Station. The repairs involve complex tasks such as cutting and reconnecting fluid lines, coolant leak fixes, and upgrading the cooling system.

Q: What is the significance of Vice President Mike Pence and Jim Bridenstine's visit to Ames Research Center?

The visit emphasized the crucial role of Ames Research Center in supporting the Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon. Ames will contribute to developing technologies for sustainable lunar living.

Q: What progress has been made in the Artemis program at the Michoud Assembly Facility?

All four RS-25 engines have been attached to the core stage of the Space Launch System, marking a significant step towards Artemis I, the first uncrewed flight test of SLS and the Orion spacecraft.

Q: Where is the Orion crew and service module stack being transported for further testing?

The Orion stack is being transported to Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, where it will undergo testing to certify the entire vehicle for flight.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Astronauts Andrew Morgan and Luca Parmitano conduct intricate spacewalks to repair the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station.

• Vice President Mike Pence and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine visit Ames Research Center to highlight its support for the Artemis program.

• The RS-25 engines are attached to the core stage of the Space Launch System at Michoud Assembly Facility, and the Orion spacecraft for Artemis I undergoes closeout processing.