The crew of the International Space Station conducts regular spacewalks to perform various tasks such as installation, upgrading and repairing equipment. During the spacewalk on May 1, astronauts installed hardware to support plans to add a seventh solar array outside the space station. Each of these arrays produces 20 kW of power, and together they will increase power production by 30%, enabling more scientific operations on Orbiting Lab.
Some spacewalks include operations of scientific research. On January 20, 2025, crew collected samples for microorganisms outside the ISS, and a survey examined whether microorganisms exited through station vents and could survive in space. The results can help determine changes required for spacecraft design (including space suits) to prevent human-related microorganisms from contaminating Mars and other exploration destinations.
The CSA (Canada Space Agency) investigates EVA radiation monitoring, using a miniature, high-power wireless radiation measurement system or dosimeter worn by crew members during spacewalks. This type of device can help identify a portion of the human body exposed to the highest radiation levels during a space walk. The results show that this type of device is a feasible method to monitor a single dose during a space walk. The device also has potential uses on Earth, such as monitoring radiation exposure during cancer treatment.
The spacesuit is essentially a one-person spacecraft that protects its wearer from space hazards, including radiation and extreme temperatures. Research on the space station is helping to improve suits and tools for walking and moving outside spacecraft, and explore the moon and Mars.
The SpaceSin survey on Exham by Jaxa (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) evaluates the durability of fabrics with embedded sensors to detect damage. Sensors integrated into the outermost layer of the spacesuit can detect damage, such as causing the impact of micrometrics. Researchers documented the factors to consider when designing textiles with induction functions and their ability to withstand space hazards. Such fabrics can be integrated into spacesuits and habitats to help protect astronauts on spacewalk and future exploration missions.
The researchers used the International Space Station Experiment or Misse facilities outside the space station to experiment with exposing various materials and components to the harsh environment of the space. In addition to solar cells, electronics and coatings, the Misse-7 also tested raw fibers from the Apollo mission cab kit, as well as other raw fibers scratched by moon dust to check for the combined effects of wear and radiation damage. The researchers report that the fabrics are greatly degraded, indicating the need for methods to prevent or mitigate radiation damage to the lunar expansion mission.
There are 9 Test spacesuit material treated with shear-thick liquid. These suspensions of tiny particles in the fluid react stress by rapidly changing from liquid to solid. Research shows The material retains its mechanical properties and puncture resistance after extended exposure.
It is also important to keep cool during spacewalks, with temperatures up to 250 degrees. SERFE or space suit evaporation rejects flight experiments, using evaporation to test a technique to remove heat from the space suit, so crews and equipment maintain appropriate temperatures during spacewalks. A current cooling method called sublimation can expose a small amount of water in space, freezing it and then turning into vapor to disperse, thereby eliminating heat. SERFE technology may be less susceptible to water pollution rather than sublimation.
The crew used a special air lock to exit the station for space walks. The airlock also makes it possible to deploy satellites and other external devices. The Nanoracks Bishop Airlock is the first commercially owned and operated airlock installed on the space station. Its size, design and automation make materials enter and exit from stations and stations faster and more efficient, reducing the time for occupants and robots. In addition to promoting spacewalk, the facility could also support increasing commercial use of space stations and expanding research capabilities.
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