On Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, Expedition 70 crew members and NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara made history when they embarked on the fourth all-female spacewalk outside of the International Space Station (ISS). During their ambitious near seven-hour extravehicular activity (EVA), Moghbeli and O’Hara conducted vital maintenance on the orbiting laboratory to ensure its smooth operation. The trailblazing mission cemented their status as the second all-female team to complete a spacewalk together, showcasing the instrumental role of women in advancing human space exploration.
Diligently Replacing Degraded Bearing on Massive Solar Arrays
After exiting the Quest airlock and configuring their suits, Moghbeli and O’Hara efficiently worked on separate assignments to maximize productivity. Moghbeli began by meticulously removing a handling fixture to prepare the port-side truss for the installation of a new roll-out solar array in the future. This addition will increase the station’s power supply to support expanding commercial activities on the ISS. She also thoroughly photo documented the work site for reference. At the same time, O’Hara started the extremely delicate process of replacing one of the twelve trundle bearings responsible for allowing the station’s sprawling solar arrays to rotate properly. After closely inspecting the bearing’s toothed race ring, she reported no damage, debris or metal shavings. However, removing the degraded bearing proved more difficult than predicted. With perseverance and teamwork, the astronauts eventually succeeded in the finicky bearing replacement after over an hour of work. O’Hara then painstakingly lubricated the race ring and securely fastened the bolts on the new bearing. In addition, you can also read an article on- NASA Moon Home Project: Plans to Build Homes on the Moon by 2040
Meticulously Preparing Electronics Box for Future Removal
With the bearing replacement complete, the astronauts moved on to prep an electronics box known as the Radio Frequency Group (RFG) for removal during a later spacewalk. A previous attempt at this task in April 2023 experienced complications. As per the original plan, Moghbeli was going to use the Canadarm2 robotic arm and a foot restraint to access the RFG on the starboard truss. But because the bearing work caused delays, Mission Control advised her to translate over manually instead. After reinstalling insulation over the SARJ race ring and tidying up tools, O’Hara joined Moghbeli. The pair then diligently worked to free adhesives securing the RFG, carefully preparing it for the eventual removal. Additionally, you can also read about- How Mars Mapping Help Us? Could Reveal Resources for Human Settlement
Historic EVA Advances Critical Upgrades for Cutting-Edge ISS
This momentous EVA marked the second spacewalk performed completely by female astronauts, after pioneers Christina Koch and Jessica Meir in 2019-2020. It was the 269th spacewalk overall supporting essential ISS assembly, maintenance and upgrades. Though Moghbeli and O’Hara ran out of time to fully remove the RFG, their work helps ensure the station’s smooth functioning. This trailblazing mission highlights the invaluable contributions of women astronauts in advancing human space exploration through skill, teamwork and perseverance.Women in Space
You May Find Interest: Ancient Human Fossils Sent to Space