Astronauts on board the International Space Station are preparing for a historic spacewalk, scheduled to take place on Thursday. The primary objective of this extravehicular activity is to investigate the presence of microbes on the outside of the space station. This mission is a crucial step towards understanding the viability of life beyond Earth and the potential risks associated with microbial contamination in space exploration.
The crew members have been busy with preparations for the spacewalk, which includes a thorough inspection of their spacesuits and the equipment they will be using during the excursion. In addition to the spacewalk, the astronauts have also been tending to the space garden on board the station, where they are cultivating a variety of plants in a controlled environment. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to develop sustainable food systems for future long-duration space missions.
One of the astronauts, Sunita Williams, has been sharing her experiences and challenges of living in space for an extended period. In a recent interview, she expressed difficulty in remembering what it is like to walk on Earth after spending seven months in microgravity. This phenomenon is a common issue faced by astronauts who spend prolonged periods in space, as their bodies adapt to the weightless environment and undergo significant physiological changes.
The upcoming spacewalk marks the resumption of extravehicular activities from the US segment of the International Space Station, following a six-month hiatus. The astronauts will be conducting a series of tasks, including the deployment of new equipment and the performance of routine maintenance tasks. The success of this mission will pave the way for future spacewalks and contribute to the ongoing advancement of space exploration.
The delayed return of one of the astronauts to Earth has also been making headlines, with the astronaut expressing her frustration and difficulty in adjusting to the prolonged period in space. As she struggles to recall the sensation of walking on Earth, she and her crew members remain focused on the tasks at hand, driven by their passion for discovery and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.