Title: Cosmonauts Conduct Spacewalk to Investigate Leaky Radiator on International Space Station
Subtitle: Challenges arise as cosmonauts clean up coolant and encounter deployment issues with nanosatellite
Date: [Date]
In an exciting and eventful spacewalk on the International Space Station (ISS), two cosmonauts undertook a mission to investigate a leaky radiator on the Nauka module. The spacewalk, which was streamed live on NASA TV, involved various tasks, including inspecting and isolating the coolant leak.
Initially, the spacewalkers did not find any signs of the leak on the connecting line. However, they later identified traces where the radiator panels were connected. The investigation took a challenging turn when a substantial blob of coolant was observed on a line at a radiator joint, causing difficulties for the cosmonauts.
Determined to rectify the situation, the cosmonauts used towels to clean up the coolant. However, it soon became apparent that they did not have enough towels to fully address the issue. Adding to the complexity of the situation, one end of a tether became soaked in coolant and seemed to touch the visor of one of the cosmonauts.
Despite these challenges, the spacewalk went on with other tasks, including the release of a nanosatellite to test solar sail technology. Unfortunately, the satellite’s solar sail failed to deploy, and a synthetic radar communications system also experienced deployment issues. As a result, managers have decided to postpone these tasks to a future date while they determine the next steps for repairing the leaky radiator.
To ensure the safety of the crew and prevent any possible contamination, thorough contamination checks were performed on the cosmonauts’ spacesuits after the spacewalk. Additionally, plans are underway to implement additional filtration within the ISS, specifically aimed at removing any remaining traces of coolant.
The leak in question was initially detected by cameras on the ISS, and the crew was able to confirm it by peering out of the windows. It was determined that the backup radiator on the Nauka module, which was delivered by a Space Shuttle mission in 2010, is the source of the leak. Fortunately, the primary coolant loop remains unaffected, and the safety of the crew is not compromised.
Repairing the leaky radiator presents a separate challenge that ISS managers will need to address. As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on the cosmonauts’ remarkable efforts and dedication to resolving this issue, ensuring the seamless functioning of the International Space Station.
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