Preparing the Space Station for a Future Power Boost on This Week @NASA – September 17, 2021 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Astronauts conducted a spacewalk to attach a support bracket for the installation of the space station's third new solar array. Two astronauts have extended their stay on the International Space Station, providing valuable insights for future space missions. SpaceX launched its first orbital spaceflight with a crew of private astronauts. NASA completed welding the pressure vessel for the Orion spacecraft's crew module. NASA partnered with Joby Aviation to test an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

Key Insights

• 👨‍🚀 The spacewalk conducted by international partner astronauts aimed to augment the space station's power channels with new solar arrays.
• 🧑‍🚀 Extended stays of astronauts on the International Space Station provide valuable insights into the human body's adaptation to long-duration spaceflight.
• 💗 SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission demonstrates the growing involvement of private companies in orbital spaceflight.
• 🎟️ Completion of the welding for the Orion spacecraft's pressure vessel signifies progress in NASA's shift to the production phase for the Artemis III mission.

Transcript

Preparing the space station   for a future power boost …

A mission extension for a   couple of station crew members …

And a spaceflight first for one of our   commercial partners … a few of the stories  to tell you about – This Week at NASA!   On Sept. 12, astronauts Akihiko Hoshide of the  Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Thomas   Pesqu... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the purpose of the spacewalk conducted by astronauts Akihiko Hoshide and Thomas Pesquet?

The astronauts conducted the spacewalk to attach a support bracket needed for the future installation of the International Space Station's third new solar array.

Q: Which astronauts have extended their stay onboard the International Space Station?

NASA's Mark Vande Hei and Pyotr Dubrov of Roscosmos have had their stay on the International Space Station extended to March 2022.

Q: What is notable about SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission?

Inspiration4 is SpaceX's first orbital spaceflight featuring an entire crew of private astronauts, marking a significant milestone for the company.

Q: What is the purpose of completing the welding of the Orion spacecraft's pressure vessel?

The welding of the pressure vessel is a significant step in the production phase of the Orion spacecraft, which is part of NASA's Artemis III mission to the Moon.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Astronauts completed a spacewalk to attach a support bracket for the installation of the space station's third new solar array.

• Two astronauts have extended their stay on the International Space Station, providing valuable insights for future space missions.

• SpaceX launched its first orbital spaceflight with a crew of private astronauts.

• NASA completed welding the pressure vessel for the Orion spacecraft's crew module.

• NASA partnered with Joby Aviation to test an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.