NASA has adjusted its plans for the International Space Station’s (ISS) extravehicular activities (EVAs) after a recent “spacesuit discomfort” incident. Astronauts Tracy Dyson and Matt Dominick were initially set to perform the 90th EVA (EVA 90) on June 13. However, shortly before the scheduled spacewalk, Dominick encountered discomfort in his spacesuit, prompting NASA to postpone the mission.
The Suit Dilemma
During a press call, NASA’s ISS program manager, Dana Weigel, explained that resolving the issue on the same day was impossible. Cancelling the EVA mid-mission could have left external work unfinished and posed risks to astronaut safety. As a result, the agency rescheduled EVA 90 for June 24, with Tracy Dyson now partnering with NASA astronaut Mike Barratt.
Oxygen Allocation and Adjusted Plans
Originally, this summer’s EVA series included three spacewalks. However, due to last week’s delay, the crew will now complete the necessary tasks in just two EVAs. Weigel clarified that the station’s oxygen supply had been allocated for three missions, but significant oxygen consumption occurred during pre-breath activities before the aborted EVA.
What’s Next?
Dyson and Barratt’s upcoming EVA will address the tasks initially planned for the postponed spacewalk. These tasks include retrieving a failed S-band RF group communications box and collecting exterior station samples for a microorganism study in extreme microgravity. Additionally, the second EVA of the summer series, scheduled for July 2, will focus on replacing the station’s gyroscope assembly, relocating an antenna, and preparing for enhancements to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS).
Live Coverage
Mark your calendars! EVA 90, featuring Dyson and Barratt, will take place at 8:00 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT) on June 24. You can follow the action live on the Space.com homepage and NASA’s official website, with coverage starting at 6:30 a.m. EDT (1030 GMT). Crew selection for the subsequent EVA will occur after the first one, with coverage beginning at 7:30 a.m. EDT (1130 GMT) on July 2.
NASA will provide live coverage as astronauts conduct two spacewalks outside the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday, June 24, and Tuesday, July 2. Here are the details:
Spacewalk 90 (June 24):
Start Time: 8:00 a.m. EDT
Duration: Approximately six and a half hours
Astronauts: Tracy C. Dyson (spacewalk crew member 1, wearing a suit with red stripes) and Mike Barratt (spacewalk crew member 2, wearing an unmarked suit)
Objective:
Removal of a faulty electronics box (radio frequency group) from a communications antenna on the starboard truss of the ISS.
Collection of samples for analysis to understand microorganisms’ ability to survive and reproduce on the exterior of the orbiting laboratory.
Coverage: Live coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. EDT and will be streamed on NASA+, NASA Television’s public channel, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website.
Spacewalk 91 (July 2):
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. EDT
Duration: Approximately six and a half hours
Objective:
Removal and replacement of a gyroscope assembly.
Relocation of an antenna.
Preparation for future Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer upgrades.
Coverage: Live coverage begins at 7:30 a.m. EDT and will be streamed on the same platforms as Spacewalk 90.
These spacewalks contribute to space station assembly, maintenance, and upgrades. Spacewalk 90 was rescheduled from June 13 due to a spacesuit discomfort issue. Following Spacewalk 90, NASA will provide an update on participating crew members for Spacewalk 91, which marks the 272nd spacewalk in support of the ISS
