International Space Station: Astronauts Anil Menon and Sophie Adenot successfully removed a faulty space-to-ground antenna from the International Space Station (ISS) during a six-hour-23-minute spacewalk, but ran out of time to install its replacement.
Antenna removal takes longer than planned
The astronauts faced delays while disconnecting tight power and data connectors, fitting locking pins and removing bolts securing the antenna to its boom.
With the operation taking longer than expected, mission control decided there was not enough time to move the failed antenna to permanent storage, retrieve the spare and complete the installation.
NASA said the replacement work is expected to be completed during a future spacewalk, currently planned for August 25.
Historic spacewalk for Sophie Adenot
The August 18 spacewalk marked Menon’s second outing outside the ISS and the first for European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot. She became the first French woman to conduct a spacewalk.
Menon, who traces his origins to Kerala, had earlier spent six hours and 27 minutes outside the station with NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, working on preparations for a future solar-array installation.
Despite the delays, both astronauts completed additional clean-up and maintenance work near the Quest airlock before returning inside the station.
ISS remains fully operational
The faulty antenna is an important communications link used for transmitting data between the ISS and ground control. However, another space-to-ground antenna remains fully functional, allowing high-speed communication with NASA’s tracking and relay satellites.
The latest outing was the 282nd spacewalk supporting ISS assembly, maintenance and upgrades. Mission planners will determine the next steps for completing the remaining antenna work.