NASA Astronauts Steve Swanson and Rick Mastracchio (wearing the suit with the red stripes) successfully completed a 1.5 hour spacewalk to replace a failed back up computer (MDM) this morning. The MDM is one of two computers that provide telemetry and command for various external systems, including the Mobile Transporter that carries Dextre and Canadarm2. CSA Astronaut Jeremy Hansen did a great job as Ground IV, guiding the spacewalkers through procedures from NASAs Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas. It was the first time that a Canadian played this important role from the ground. Jeremy can be seen top left on the second picture. An all-Canadian robotics team (ROBO) was also on console at CSA to configure Dextres cameras to watch part of the spacewalk. The spacewalk went quickly and smoothly and Swanson was even able to perform a get-ahead task by cutting a dangling lanyard that prevented Dextre from finishing a demo task last June. This 179th spacewalk in support of the assembly and maintenance of the ISS was Mastracchios 9th spacewalk and Swansons 5th. NASA press release: nasa.gov/content/astronauts-complete-short-spacewalk-to-replace-backup-computer/
Posted on: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 00:50:39 +0000
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