In Space: Astronauts Begin First Of 3 Space Walks To Connect Power Cables Between Russian And Us Space Station Modules

Record ID: 4043

  • Title: In Space: Astronauts Begin First Of 3 Space Walks To Connect Power Cables Between Russian And Us Space Station Modules
  • Date: 7th December 1998
  • Summary: Astronauts from the space shuttle Endeavour took part in the first of three space walks to connect power cable between the Russian and US modules that form the start of the international space station. Mission specialists Jerry Ross and Jim Newman left Endeavour on December 7 1998, for a six-and-a-half hour tour, connecting cables which would carry electrical power and avionics between the Russian-built Zarya station and the US-built Unity. NASA considered the first EVA (extra vehicular activity) to be the most critical one, since it required astronauts to hook together the elements of the station, allowing mission control to start activating the parts of the US-built station. Altogether, some 75 planned spacewalks are planned over the next five years to complete the space station. Most of the cables on the International Space Station will run along the outside of the structure, avoiding the chaotic tangle that ran through the corridors of the Russian Mir station and hindered hatch closings in emergencies. More than 1,100 hours of spacewalks will be required during the construction phase of the station's 10-to-15 year life - more than in the entire history of human space flight. In time, more than 100 space station components will be assembled in orbit in one of the most ambitious and expensive engineering feats ever undertaken. Sixteen nations are involved in the 60 billion US dollar project, which will require more than 40 manned missions and hundreds of hours of high-risk space walks during the construction phase. When finished, the 361-foot (110-meter) orbiting outpost will be the most expensive scientific undertaking ever.
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  • Location: IN SPACE
  • Reuters ID: LDL00129S4A3Z
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
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  • Copyright Holder: Reuters Archive
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