Lots of cancellations lately coming from NASA.
On Thursday, a planned spacewalk by two U.S. astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) was abruptly canceled due to a spacesuit discomfort issue, just an hour before the mission was set to commence. Astronauts Tracy C. Dyson and Matt Dominick were preparing for a routine six-hour spacewalk, which included repairs and scientific tasks, when the issue arose.
The cancellation unfolded live on NASA’s broadcast, as astronauts suited up early in the morning with the assistance of other U.S. crew members inside the ISS’s Quest airlock. Concerns were first hinted at when astronaut Mike Barratt requested a private communication line with flight controllers in Houston to discuss a medical issue. Shortly after, a NASA spokeswoman announced on the live stream that the spacewalk would not be proceeding as planned.
Due to a spacesuit discomfort issue, today’s spacewalk with @NASA_Astronauts Tracy C. Dyson and Matt Dominick at the @Space_Station will not be proceeding as scheduled. Visit our blog for updates as they become available: https://t.co/FRrjhINIvY pic.twitter.com/PyS2Q3JTgw
— NASA (@NASA) June 13, 2024
This mission was meant to be a significant milestone, marking NASA’s 90th spacewalk in the 23-year history of the ISS and the second spacewalk of the year. It would have been the fourth spacewalk for Dyson, a seasoned astronaut who first flew to space in 2007, and the debut spacewalk for Dominick.
Details on the specific nature of the spacesuit discomfort have not been disclosed, leaving it unclear whether the issue was linked to an independent medical condition of the astronauts or solely to the equipment. This is not the first time spacewalks have been interrupted by issues with the aging spacesuits, which were originally designed nearly 50 years ago. Despite minor redesigns and refurbishments over the years, NASA’s inspector general has expressed that the spacesuits are overdue for an upgrade. NASA has contracted Raytheon’s Collins Aerospace for the task of updating these critical pieces of astronaut gear.
https://t.co/ElQft8rymd
NASA called off today’s spacewalk outside the International Space Station due to a spacesuit discomfort issue.#NASA #InternationalSpaceStation #Spacewalk— Space & Telescope (@SpaceandScope) June 13, 2024
The cancellation came in the wake of another incident that stirred public concern. On the preceding evening, NASA inadvertently broadcast audio from a simulation on its live YouTube channel, which depicted astronauts being treated for decompression sickness. This mishap led to confusion and alarm among viewers, who were initially unaware that the broadcast was a drill. NASA clarified later that there was no real emergency and that the audio was mistakenly routed from a training simulation designed to prepare crew members and ground teams for various space scenarios.
NASA spacewalk postponed due to ‘spacesuit discomfort issue’ https://t.co/cHcuEz6zfA
— News 6 WKMG (@news6wkmg) June 13, 2024
These incidents highlight the complexities and challenges of space missions, emphasizing the importance of astronaut safety and the need for modern equipment. As NASA continues to plan for future missions, the reliability and safety of spacewalk equipment remain a priority, ensuring that astronauts can conduct their tasks without undue risk. The cancellation of the spacewalk is a reminder of the rigorous checks and balances that govern space travel, where even minor issues can lead to significant operational decisions.
Key Points:
i. Two U.S. astronauts, Tracy C. Dyson and Matt Dominick, were scheduled for a six-hour spacewalk at the International Space Station (ISS) for routine repairs and scientific missions, which was abruptly canceled due to spacesuit discomfort.
ii. The issue was identified shortly before the mission was to commence, following a private discussion about a medical issue between an astronaut and flight controllers, which was partially broadcast during NASA’s live stream.
iii. This would have been NASA’s 90th spacewalk in the station’s 23-year history and the first spacewalk for Dominick, with Dyson having completed three prior spacewalks.
iv. The cancellation follows a recent incident where NASA mistakenly broadcast simulation audio of an emergency treatment for decompression sickness, causing brief public concern.
v. NASA has acknowledged the need for upgrades to their aging spacesuits, originally designed nearly 50 years ago, and has contracted Raytheon’s Collins Aerospace to undertake this task.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
