Russian astronauts successfully deploy a radiator on the Nauka science module during spacewalk
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- 18 May 2023
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Russian cosmonauts successfully deployed a radiator on the Nauka science module during a spacewalk, as reported in a live broadcast on the Roscosmos website. Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitry Petelin, who is also a TASS special reporter in space, carried out the extravehicular activity outside the International Space Station (ISS).
Their task involved releasing the radiator's locks, unfolding its panels, and connecting its hydraulic lines to the Nauka science lab. While the hydraulic circuits were being filled with the heat carrier, the cosmonauts secured two tethers on the ERA robotic arm and integrated the radiator's circuits on the Nauka module. Surprisingly, they completed the job in less time than expected and are anticipated to return to the ISS ahead of schedule.
This marks the third spacewalk of the year for the Russian crew members aboard the ISS, with the objective of integrating the thermal regulation radiator with the Nauka multipurpose laboratory module.
Sergey Prokopyev, wearing Orlan-ISS spacesuit No. 5 with red stripes, has now conducted six spacewalks throughout his career, while Dmitry Petelin, working in Orlan-ISS spacesuit No. 4 with blue stripes, has participated in four. The extravehicular activity commenced when the exit hatch of the Poisk module was opened at 6:47 p.m. Moscow time and is estimated to last approximately six hours and 18 minutes.
The previous two spacewalks conducted by the Russian crew occurred on April 19 in the morning and overnight on May 4. During the first spacewalk, the cosmonauts relocated and installed the radiator on the Nauka science module. In the second spacewalk, they installed an airlock on the Nauka research lab, facilitating experiments without the need to exit the orbital outpost.
According to Petelin, once the radiator is fully deployed, the Nauka science module will be "practically ready for its functional work."
