Planned spacewalk to replace a joint on Canadarm2
Update: Canadarm2 has now resumed normal duties following the spacewalk on June 30.
Tomorrow, NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir will perform a spacewalk to replace a failed joint on Canadarm2, an issue that was reported during routine operations on May 27. Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jenni Gibbons will be responsible for all communications with the astronauts throughout the spacewalk.
Our iconic space robotic system (Canadarm2, Dextre and the Mobile Base System) ensures smooth and flawless operations on the International Space Station. Our space robots lend a helping hand to perform maintenance, move supplies, equipment and even astronauts, as well as support science activities and perform cosmic catches by capturing visiting vehicles and docking them to the Station.
Canadarm2 played a key role in the assembly of the Station more than 25 years ago and continues to carry out essential tasks 10 years beyond its original design life. Following the spacewalk, Canadarm2 is expected to resume normal duties.
Preparations will begin around 2:00 am ET on Tuesday morning. Planned to last roughly six and half hours, the operations will be livestreamed starting at 7:00 am ET on NASA's platforms.
During a spacewalk, the spacesuit acts as a personal spacecraft that keeps the astronaut safe while they perform tasks in space. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)