NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore held a 5-hour and 26-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) on January 30, 2025 to remove a faulty radio frequency group (RFG). A compulsory part of the station’s primary communication system was opposed by the unit attempts to remove previous removal. Astronauts launched riders in Boeing’s Starlineer and are currently part of the campaign 72 crew. After configuring his devices, Williams was posted on the Canadarm2 robotic arm, while Wilmore worked directly in the S-band antenna. The operation was completed despite the earlier failures in 2023 and 2024.
Constant efforts brings success
As ReportsIn April 2023 and October 2023, the previous attempts were unsuccessful, refusing to release latening bolts. In June 2024, two scheduled spacewalks were also canceled due to spacesuit issues. Williams and Wilmore eventually used various techniques including mechanical adjustment and manual force to separate the unit. NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen, who participated in earlier attempts, was under mission control to provide guidance. After removal, the component was carefully shifted to the Quest Airlock for future renewal on Earth.
Record-breaking spacewalk by Williams
According to reports, Williams’ ninth Extravicular Activity (Eva) has set a new record for the most time spent by a female astronaut in the spacewalk, with a total of 62 hours and 6 minutes. The 60 -hour and 21 -minute previous record was conducted by NASA’s former NASA astronaut Paigi Whitson, who still maintains a record for the most EVA conducted by a 10 -year -old woman. The total Eva time of Wilmore has now reached 31 hours and 2 minutes.
Scientific samples
In addition to the primary function, Wilmore collected potential microbial samples from the outer surface of the airlock. Since 2014, Russian cosmonots have conducted similar studies, but this is the first time NASA astronauts have gathered such figures. Due to the lack of time in Williams suit and the issue of a minor battery, a planned work that covers the Canadarm2 robotic arm was postponed to the future spacewalk. This Eva mark the 274th spacewalk dedicated to ISS maintenance, upgrade and assembly since 1998.
