NASA has announced two spacewalks set for January 16 and January 23, aimed at maintaining astrophysics research equipment, replacing advanced communications gear, and investigating potential microbial life on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS).
The first spacewalk will feature NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Suni Williams, who will spend approximately six-and-a-half hours addressing a light leak on the NICER X-ray telescope, preparing the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer for future upgrades, and replacing station orientation and navigation equipment. They were joined by NASA Flight Engineers Don Pettit and Butch Wilmore on January 13 to review the procedures for the upcoming spacewalk and consult with ground engineers.
The second spacewalk will involve two yet-to-be-named astronauts exiting the station's Quest airlock to replace an antenna assembly, search for external microbes, and test the Canadarm2 robotic arm. Both spacewalks are scheduled to commence around 7 a.m., with NASA's coverage beginning at 5:30 a.m.
On the ground, Hague has been processing samples of micro-algae, which may provide food and oxygen for future crewed missions. He also collected health data after jogging on the COLBERT treadmill and using an advanced resistive exercise device.
Meanwhile, Commander Williams and Flight Engineers Pettit and Wilmore engaged in various orbital maintenance tasks, including examining components on a fluorescence biology microscope and servicing electronics, plumbing, and life support systems.
In the Roscosmos segment of the ISS, cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner explored how crew members adapt their vision for balance and orientation in microgravity. Flight Engineer Aleksandr Gorbunov conducted inspections of piloting and navigation gear during his shift.