Two Russian cosmonauts have ventured for more than seven hours outside the International Space Station to prepare for the arrival of a new Russian module. It was the first spacewalk for both Oleg Novitsky and Pyotr Dubrov, who arrived at the space station in April, and it lasted seven hours and 19 minutes. The two focused on getting the space station ready for the undocking and disposal of the Pirs docking compartment, which is set to be replaced next month by the new Nauka (Science) multipurpose laboratory module. Expand Close Oleg Novitsky, top, and Pyotr Dubrov (Roscosmos via AP) / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Oleg Novitsky, top, and Pyotr Dubrov (Roscosmos via AP)They disconnected an antenna and other equipment from the Pirs and stowed them on the outside of the station for future use in preparation for the module’s disposal. Russian space officials have said it will finally be launched in July.

Source: Irish Independent June 02, 2021 13:41 UTC