SPACE.com -- ISS Expedition 16 Mission Updates: Part 1

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Expedition 16 flight engineer Dan Tani (left) and commander Peggy Whitson discuss their planned Jan. 30, 2008 spacewalk to replace a broken solar array joint motor outside the International Space Station. Credit: NASA TV.

Complete Space Station Expedition Coverage

Complete Coverage: ISS Expedition 16

	VIDEO: Space Station's First Female Commander
Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and former flight engineer Clay Anderson discuss life aboard the ISS with SPACE.com. Credit: NASA TV


	ISS Expedition 16 Mission Updates: Part 1 posted: 30 January 2008 2:57 pm ET

Space Station's First Female Commander Takes Charge

ISS Crew Prepares for Fifth Spacewalk
29 January 2008 2:29 p.m. EST

International Space Station (ISS) commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are gearing up for the fifth spacewalk outside the orbiting laboratory in an effort to bring the outpost one step closer to full power.

Whitson and Tani will replace a broken joint motor for one of the station's two starboard solar wings during the planned six-hour spacewalk, which is slated to begin no later than 5:30 a.m. EST (1030 GMT) on Jan. 30.

Click here for SPACE.com's preview of the spacewalk.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 16's fifth spacewalk on NASA TV beginning at 4:00 a.m. EST (0900 GMT). Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Russian Space Freighter Takes Firm Hold of ISS
26 December 2007 3:28 a.m. EST

After a successful docking, the unmanned Russian cargo ship Progress 27 has taken a firm hold of the International Space Station (ISS).

A series of hooks and latches were driven into place to secure the automated supply ship to its berth at the station's Earth-facing Pirs docking port. The cargo ship docked at 3:14 a.m. EST (0814 GMT) bringing about 2.5 tons of fresh supplies and some gifts to the outpost's three-person crew.

A wrap up of today's ISS docking will be posted to the SPACE.com homepage.

Russian Cargo Ship Docks at ISS
26 December 2007 3:18 a.m. EST

The unmanned Russian cargo ship Progress 27 has successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS), bringing about 2.5 tons of fresh supplies and some gifts to the outpost's three-person crew.

Docking occurred earlier than planned at 3:14 a.m. EST (0814 GMT) as both spacecraft flew high over southern Europe.

"Everything is nominal," said Expedition 16 cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, who watched over the cargo ship's docking. "Okay, we feel the contact."

A series of hooks and latches will secure the spacecraft to the ISS. Hatches between Progress 27 and the ISS are slated to be open at about 6:30 a.m. EST (1130 GMT).

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's Progress 27 docking on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Russian Cargo Ship on Final ISS Approach
26 December 2007 3:13 a.m. EST

The unmanned Russian cargo ship Progress 27 is on final approach to the International Space Station, where it is less than 50 meters and closing slowly toward a berth at the Pirs docking compartment.

Docking is set for 3:25 a.m. EST (0825 GMT). All is going well with today's planned docking.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's Progress 27 docking on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Unmanned Cargo Ship to Dock at ISS
26 December 2007 3:00 a.m. EST

The unmanned Russian cargo ship Progress 27 is bearing down on the International Space Station (ISS) for a planned 3:25 a.m. EST (0825 GMT) docking later today.

Packed with about 2.5 tons of supplies, the resupply ship launched spaceward early Sunday on a three-day trek toward the ISS. The cargo ship is ferrying fresh fruit, vegetables, equipment and other much-needed items to the station's Expedition 16 crew.

It also carries Christmas and birthday gifts for station astronauts. Expedition 16 flight engineer and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko is expected to be ready to take remote control of the Progress 27 spacecraft should its automatic docking systems fail.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's Progress 27 docking on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers

Spacewalk Ends Outside Space Station
18 December 2007 12:08 p.m. EST

Expedition 16 flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko radioed the official stop time for his crewmates' spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The spacewalk, the 100th outside the ISS, concluded at 11:46 a.m. EST (1646 GMT) as Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani repressurized the station's Quest airlock.

Total spacewalking time: 6 hours, 56 minutes.

Whitson and Tani inspected a beta gimbal joint at the base of a starboard solar wing for signs of damage, then conducted the most in-depth inspection to date of a large, 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear that turns the station's starboard solar arrays like a paddlewheel to track the sun.

A wrap up of today's spacewalk will be posted to the SPACE.com homepage shortly.

NASA will hold a press briefing to discuss today's spacewalk at about 1:30 p.m. EST (1830 GMT).

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk wrap up briefing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Repressurize ISS Airlock
18 December 2007 11:59 a.m. EST

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are back inside the International Space Station's Quest airlock and repressurizing the compartment, marking the end of today's spacewalk inspection of two solar array-turning joints.

Repressurization began while the station was outside of communications range for flight controllers on Earth. An official spacewalk end time and duration is expected shortly.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronauts to Wrap up Spacewalk at ISS
18 December 2007 11:31 a.m. EST

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are wrapping up today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) after successful inspections of two separate joints servicing the outpost's starboard solar arrays.

The astronauts are now well into their sixth hour of today's spacewalk, which began at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT).

Whitson and Tani inspected a beta gimbal joint at the base of one of the station's two starboard solar wings, then conducted an comprehensive survey of the metal particle contamination of the station's starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint.

They are now returning to the station's Quest airlock.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Reconnect ISS Solar Wing Joint Cables
18 December 2007 11:08 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have returned to a beta gimbal joint at the base of a starboard solar wing outside the International Space Station (ISS) to reconnect a pair of power cables.

Whitson disconnected the cables earlier in today's spacewalk as part of a troubleshooting effort as she and Tani inspected the joint for signs of damage and debris. The joint suffered triple electrical failures on Dec. 8, prompting concerns that it was struck by a micrometeorite.

Tani and Whitson found no signs of damage during their inspection.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Collect Suspect ISS Joint Bearing
18 December 2007 10:47 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have successfully pried a bearing known as Trundle Bearing 5 from the International Space Station's (ISS) Solar Alpha Rotary Joint, completing the last major task of today's excursion.

They are due to reconnect a pair of electrical cables for a beta gimbal joint at the base of one of the station's two starboard solar wings before wrapping up today's spacewalk.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers to Retrieve ISS Joint Bearing
18 December 2007 10:19 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are retrieving a suspect trundle bearing that engineers believe may be the culprit behind the metallic grit contaminating the starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint outside the International Space Station (ISS).

Known as Trundle Bearing 5, the bearing has exhibited some signs via telemetry that it may be a potential source of the station's SARJ joint woes.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalking Astronauts Continue ISS Joint Inspection
18 December 2007 9:40 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are continuing through their hours-long inspection of the starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ) outside the International Space Station (ISS).

As they near the five-hour mark of today's spacewalk outside the ISS, the astronauts have found metallic particles contaminating parts of the 10-foot (3-meter) wide joint everywhere they looked. The grit, however, appeared to be most concentrated near one of the SARJ gear's drive lock assembly motors and two trundle bearings inspected earlier in the spacewalk.

Whitson and Tani have used orange Kapton tape to collect samples and clean portions of the SARJ's metal rings. They have also used tools to measure the extent of damage to one of the SARJ's two race rings and tried scraping some of the debris free as well.

Engineers are closely watching the spacewalk to help determine how best to repair the large ISS gear.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalk Passes Four-Hour Mark at ISS
18 December 2007 9:01 a.m. EST

Today's inspection spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) has passed the four-hour mark as Expedition 16 astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani continue their in-depth look at the outpost's starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint.

The spacewalk began at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT).

After looking under several of the joint's 22 thermal protective covers, the astronauts have found consistent evidence of contamination, but none as extensive as that which they saw near a pair of trundle bearings and a large motor early in their spacewalk.

Like Whitson, Tani has lost some strips of orange Kapton tape, which the spacewalkers are using to collect samples of the metallic contamination.

"It looks like I'm catching up to you Peggy," he said as the tape drifted away.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station Commander Breaks Spacewalking Record
18 December 2007 8:37 a.m. EST

International Space Station (ISS) commander Peggy Whitson has broken the record for the most cumulative spacewalking time for a female astronaut.

At 8:27 a.m. EST (1327 GMT), she surpassed the 29-hour and 17-minute benchmark set earlier this year by NASA astronaut Sunita Williams.

"Congratulations, there is no pressure now because you are now queen of EVA," Mission Control told Whitson, using NASA's abbreviation for extravehicular activities, or spacewalks.

"It's just being in the right place at the right time," Whitson replied.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Inspect ISS Joint, Sample Contamination
18 December 2007 8:12 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani continue their in-depth inspection of the International Space Station's (ISS) starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ).

In addition to removing a series of thermal covers and peering at the 10-foot (2-meter) wide gear's intricate internal mechanism, the spacewalkers have also collected samples of metallic grit that has contaminated the joint. So far, the contamination seems to be widespread, with concentration varying at each location.

Whitson lost two strips of the orange Kapton tape during the collection process, but the tape seems to be somewhat effective to retrieve samples and clean the joint.

"I am getting almost all of the debris off," Whitson said as she dabbed one of the joint's metal rings that is mottled with damage. "It seems less splotchy."

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Continue Joint Inspection at ISS
18 December 2007 7:28 a.m. EST

NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are continuing their inspection of the large Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ) outside the International Space Station.

The spacewalkers have removed a second thermal cover to peer into different portions of the 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear, finding additional contamination of metallic grit and metal ring damage.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

ISS Spacewalkers Taking Samples of Metallic Grit
18 December 2007 6:56 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are now taking samples of the metallic grit inside the International Space Station's (ISS) large Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ) as they continue their inspection.

Earlier, the astronauts gave a detailed account of the metallic contamination in the SARJ, which appeared to vary by location. One of the joints 12 trundle bearings, Trundle Bearing 5, was initially thought to be the source of the damage, but contained less contamination that the nearby Trundle Bearing 6, they said.

Tani also spotted an odd "dance" of the metallic particles while inspecting one of the joint's motors at work.

"You can see the motion of the gear because the debris is kind of walking across the housing," said Tani, adding that the metal shavings appeared to walk end over end on the motor housing. "It's hilarious. It's animated, like they're alive. They're like ants."

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Inspect Large Solar Truss Joint
18 December 2007 6:33 a.m. EST

NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are well into their planned hours-long inspection of a 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear on the starboard side of the International Space Station (ISS).

The spacewalkers are working at the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ), which is afflicted by metallic grit, where they are currently inspecting one of two so-called Drive Lock Assemblies that serve as motors to turn the massive joint.

Whitson and Tani are nearing the two-hour mark of today's spacewalk, which began at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT).

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Begin Second Joint ISS Inspection
18 December 2007 6:00 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have completed their first joint inspection at the base of one of two solar arrays on the starboard side of the International Space Station (ISS) and are now moving ahead with an in-depth look at the outpost's Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ).

They found no apparent signs of damage to a joint at the base of the station's 1A solar wing during their first inspection. Whitson and Tani are now at the station's starboard SARJ joint, a massive, 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear that rotates the outpost's right solar arrays to track the sun.

Tani found the joint to be contaminated with metallic grit during a late October spacewalk. He and Whitson confirmed the contamination during a November excursion.

During today's spacewalk, the astronauts to better gauge the extent of the damage and retrieve a suspect trundle bearing.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Examine ISS Solar Wing Joint
18 December 2007 5:39 a.m. EST

As spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani continue their joint inspection at the base of one of two solar arrays on the starboard side of the International Space Station (ISS), Whitson will climb inside a nearby truss section to take a closer look at some hardware.

"This is going to be a tight fit, Peg," said astronaut Joe Tanner, NASA's spacecraft communicator in Mission Control. "It's been done before on the ground, but you're going to be the first to do it in space."

"Does this suit make me look fat?" joked Whitson, who like Tani is clad in a bulky NASA spacesuit.

Whitson will surpass the current record for total spacewalking time by a female astronaut during today's spacewalk. NASA astronaut Sunita Williams set the benchmark – 29 hours and 17 minutes – earlier this year.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Begin Inspection of First ISS Joint
18 December 2007 5:29 a.m. EST

NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are inspecting the first of two joints that help keep the starboard solar arrays of the International Space Station (ISS) pointed to face the sun.

The spacewalkers are on the station's Starboard 4 truss, where they are inspecting cables and other equipment for a so-called beta gimbal joint. The joint supports the station's 1A solar wing and suffered an electrical failure on Dec. 8. While power has been restored to the wing, engineers hope to learn if its critical joint has suffered any damage.

"Everything that I can see is nominal," Tani said as he inspected the joint's cables. "I don't see anything."

Whitson noticed a slight yellow discoloration on one of the cables, but no outright signs of damage.

"It looks pristine," she said.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronauts Begin 100th Spacewalk Outside ISS
18 December 2007 5:00 a.m. EST

NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are preparing to step outside the International Space Station (ISS) today for up to seven hours of spacewalking work to inspect two joints on the outpost's starboard side.

The spacewalkers are about an hour ahead of schedule for their planned spacewalk, beginning today's spacewalk at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT). They are about one hour and 10 minutes ahead of schedule.

Tani will lead the spacewalk clad in a NASA spacesuit bearing broken stripes, with Whitson's suit bearing solid red stripes. During today's spacewalk, the astronauts will inspect a contaminated starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint and a beta gimbal joint, both of which help orient the station's solar arrays toward the sun.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station Crew to Perform Extra Spacewalk
12 December 2007 1:25 p.m. EST

NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will stage an unplanned spacewalk next week to inspect a balky solar array joint contaminated with metallic grit.

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and fight engineer Dan Tani will step outside the orbital laboratory at about 4:30 a.m. EST (0930 GMT) on Dec. 18 to inspect the station's starboard Solar Array Rotary Joint (SARJ). The 10-foot (3-meter) wide joint is designed to turn the station's starboard solar arrays to continuously track the sun, but has been contaminated by metallic particles.

"During the spacewalk, the participants Whitson and Tani will do an inspection of the solar array rotary joint," said NASA commentator John Ira Petty, adding that mission managers officially added the spacewalk to the Expedition 16 mission earlier today.

The astronauts and NASA space station managers will discuss the details of the spacewalk during a series of briefings on Thursday to air live on NASA TV. The crew will discuss their mission at 10:10 a.m. EST (1510 GMT), with ISS managers to follow at 2:00 p.m. EST (1900 GMT).

The spacewalk was originally scheduled as an add-on chore for STS-122 astronauts aboard the shuttle Atlantis, but their mission's has been delayed until Jan. 2, 2008.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fourth spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronauts Complete Third Spacewalk at ISS
24 November 2007 12:05 p.m. EST

Astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are repressurizing the Quest airlock of the International Space Station (ISS), marking the end of today's spacewalk outside the orbital laboratory.

Total spacewalking time: 7 hours, 4 minutes.

The spacewalk ended at 11:54 a.m. EST (1654 GMT), after a successful orbital work session to wire up the station's new Harmony module. Whitson and Tani also inspected a balky solar array joint, routed cables for a station to shuttle power system and installed a floodlight outside the ISS.

A wrap up of today's spacewalk activities will be posted to the SPACE.com homepage.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Return to ISS Airlock
24 November 2007 11:45 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have returned to the Quest airlock aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as they near the end of today's work outside the orbital laboratory.

The astronauts are nearing the end of almost seven hours of orbital work to wire up the station's new Harmony node and inspect a balky starboard solar array joint.

Today's spacewalk began at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT).

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalker Installs ISS Flood Light
24 November 2007 11:33 a.m. EST

Spacewalker Peggy Whitson is finishing up work to install a flood light outside the International Space Station (ISS), the final task planned for today's spacewalk.

She and crewmate Dan Tani are preparing to wrap up their work outside the station after beginning today's spacewalk at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT).

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Extra Tasks on Tap for ISS Spacewalkers
24 November 2007 10:50 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani may have some extra chores on their orbital to-do list as they continue to work outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The astronauts will reinstall an exterior light to the outer hull of the ISS and relocate an ISS tool bag.

Tani installed an astronaut personal foot restraint (APFR) for a future spacewalker.

"If you stand in this APFR, you'll be like the hood ornament on the front of the station," Tani said.

Today's spacewalk has passed the six-hour mark. It began at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT) and was slated to run about 6.5 hours.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Prepare to Wrap up ISS Work
24 November 2007 10:31 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are preparing to wrap up today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The two NASA astronauts began their orbital work at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT) and completed all of their major tasks. They installed cooling, heater and power lines for the station's new Harmony node, completed wiring for the station's power transfer system to U.S. space shuttles and inspected a balky solar wing joint on the station's starboard side.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Describe Damaged ISS Gear
24 November 2007 9:57 a.m. EST

Spacewalker Peggy Whitson has joined her crewmate Dan Tani at the starboard solar array gear, where they continue their inspection of the massive, 10-foot wide joint.

Tani has described what appears to be damage from metallic shavings, which he first discovered during a spacewalk late last month.

"There are shavings on the gear, but it doesn't look like the gearing itself is damaged," Tani said.

He reported that a race ring making up part of the gear appeared to look as if its surface coating had been abraded.

"I don't see anything raised but it does look sand papery," Tani said. "It looks more like abraded damage."

Whitson said the actual gear teeth of the joint appear undamaged.

"They all look great to me," she said.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalker Reports on Gritty Gear, Tray Install a Success
24 November 2007 9:28 a.m. EST

Spacewalker Dan Tani has unfastened a thermal cover on bay 7 of a starboard set of gears that helps orient the International Space Station's (ISS) solar wings.

Just as he discovered on Oct. 28, Tani reported identical blotches of metallic filings stuck to the Starboard Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ).

"I see the same damage I saw on the other panel ... that I saw before," Tani said, comparing the appearance of metallic shavings to the bay 12 portion of the SARJ he previously inspected. "In fact I would say there are more shavings here. Again, it looks exactly like ... there's this obvious magnetic attraction that is attracting most of the shavings."

Tani is now photographing the joint for NASA engineers to review.

Meanwhile, mission controllers at Johnson Space Center confirmed that Tani and ISS Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson's handiwork with the installation of a large ammonia coolant tray was a complete success.

"Yay!" Whitson exclaimed at the news.

"I bet lots of people are smiling," Tani said, referring to engineers and mission planners on Earth. "We're definitely smiling."

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Astronaut Begins to Inspect Grit-Covered Gear
24 November 2007 9:14 a.m. EST

Spacewalker and Expedition 16 flight engineer Dan Tani has crawled toward the starboard end of the International Space Station (ISS) and is beginning to remove two thermal covers of the starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint—or SARJ—that helps starboard solar arrays to orient toward the sun.

During an Oct. 28 spacewalk, Tani discovered blotchy metallic grit clinging to the insides of the paddle-like joint, which is comprised of two large toothed gears held in place by 12 bearing-outfitted clamps.

Once the thermal covers are removed, Tani will snap off digital photographs of the bay 7 portion of the SARJ and transmit the images to Earth for engineer's to review.

Meanwhile, Whitson is releasing launch locks on the Harmony connecting node that will clear the way for the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis on Dec. 8—it's anticipated docking date with the orbital laboratory following a scheduled Dec. 6 launch.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Spacewalkers Splitting Up to Perform Solo Orbital Work
24 November 2007 8:47 a.m. EST

With the Loop B fluid tray fully connected and full of ammonia coolant, spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are preparing to split up.

Whitson, International Space Station commander for the Expedition 16 crew, will work to release launch locks on the freshly relocated Harmony connecting module, configure a heating element for the Loop B tray and finish hooking up a space station-to-shuttle power transfer system (SSPTS) to Harmony, formally known as Node 2.

Flight engineer Tani said hello to his family as he worked in the vacuum of space.

"I know my mom's watching on the Internet in Chicago, so hi mom!" Tani said. "It's always fun to have your folks watching you at work."

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Ammonia Coolant Pumped into Relocated Fluid Tray
24 November 2007 8:20 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers have finished connecting a heavy coolant tray to the port side of the Destiny laboratory, and felt the rush of completing their work.

"I can feel the ammonia rushing into the valve," said flight engineer Dan Tani, who worked with his Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson to relocate the device to the U.S.-built Destiny laboratory.

Once protective thermal covers are reattached to the 300-pound (136-kilogram), 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) Loop B fluid tray, the spacewalkers will split up to perform other tasks—including the inspection of a grit-covered starboard solar rotary joint.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Coolant Tray Installation Wraps Up, Spacewalkers to Split Up
24 November 2007 8:02 a.m. EST

Continuing to work more than an hour ahead of a busy space station construction schedule, two astronauts are finishing the installation of a 300-pound (136-kilogram), 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) fluid coolant tray.

Spacewalker Peggy Whitson, also the International Space Station's Expedition 16 commander, has purged inert nitrogen from the Loop B fluid tray.

Whitson teamed up with flight engineer Dan Tani to relocate the heavy device to the U.S. Destiny laboratory, where it will complete a crucial cooling loop to the freshly relocated Harmony connecting module.

Once the task is finished, the spacewalking team will split up; Whitson will tackle connecting various cables between Harmony and Destiny while Tani returns to further inspect a worrisome Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ) he peeked at in late October.

Fine metallic grit coating the set of gears has NASA mission managers anticipating a failing component in the SARJ, which they would like to look at in more detail before organizing spacewalks to clean or repair the device.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Spacewalkers Hook Up Coolant Tray, Work Ahead of Schedule
24 November 2007 7:41 a.m. EST

Working nearly one hour ahead of schedule, spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are linking up connections to a heavy ammonia coolant tray, which the two astronauts recently shuffled to the U.S. Destiny laboratory.

Whitson, International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 16 commander, and flight engineer Tani are currently configuring quick-disconnect valves on the Loop B fluid tray.

Once securely attached and configured, mission controllers on Earth will pump ammonia coolant into the 300-pound (136-kilogram), 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) fluid tray—pushing inert nitrogen gas out of the valves and completing a coolant loop to the Harmony module.

Meanwhile, Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center reports that the spacewalking duo is more than an hour ahead of their busy schedule.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Big Coolant Tray Wrangled Toward the Destiny Module
24 November 2007 7:19 a.m. EST

Several hand-offs of a massive ammonia coolant tray by spacewalkers outside of the International Space Station (ISS) has brought the massive device to the Destiny laboratory, where the astronauts are preparing to "soft dock" it.

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani will then permanently fasten the 300-pound (136-kilogram), 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) Loop B fluid tray to the module.

Once umbilical and other cables are reattached, it will help pipe vital coolant to the Harmony module that will serve as a future expansion point for the orbital laboratory.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Spacewalkers Shuffle Around Massive Coolant Tray
24 November 2007 6:59 a.m. EST

Now that spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have detached a 300-pound (136-kilogram) ammonia coolant tray, they are beginning to hand it off to one another.

Flight engineer Tani is currently wrestling with the 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) Loop B fluid tray toward Whitson, ISS Expedition 16 commander. The spacewalkers will continue the slow and steady hand-offs until the tray reaches its final resting place on the Destiny laboratory module, completing a coolant circuit to the Harmony module.

As Tani maneuvers the fluid tray toward Whitson, he noted the difficulty of the task.

"This is harder than last time," Tani said of his previous encounter with an identical tray on Tuesday's spacewalk.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Astronauts Unbolting Heavy Coolant Tray
24 November 2007 6:31 a.m. EST

International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani have unhooked umbilical connections to an coolant tray and are now unbolting the device from the Starboard-0 (S0) truss.

Once physically disconnected, the spacewalking duo will hand off the 300-pound (136-kilogram), 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) Loop B fluid tray to the Destiny module.

Three heavy stanchion bolts secure the fluid tray—which helps circulate toxic ammonia coolant—in place on the S0 truss segment.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Spacewalkers Wrangle Stubborn Connections, See Ammonia Crystals
24 November 2007 6:04 a.m. EST

Flight engineer Dan Tani is wrangling with disconnecting stubborn umbilical connections to the International Space Station's (ISS) Loop B fluid tray, which Tani and Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson intend to move later in today's spacewalk.

Tani is grabbing a tool to assist him with the connections, which guide ammonia coolant from orbital laboratory equipment to radiator units that dissipate heat.

During the disconnecting process, some not-so-unexpected flakes of ammonia crystals have been seen floating through space. Should the toxic chemical land on the spacewalkers' spacesuits, they will allow the sun to heat up and evaporate it.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Astronauts Continue Unhooking Tray, Check for Leaking Ammonia
24 November 2007 5:45 a.m. EST

Astronauts spacewalking outside of the International Space Station (ISS) continue to disconnect umbilical-like lines attached to a large tray that once held ammonia coolant.

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani make up the spacewalking duo, and are occasionally checking their External Mobility Units (EMUs) for toxic ammonia coolant that may have leaked out. None has been seen so far.

As they work, both astronauts are also checking for damage to their bulky gloves—now covered with a mitten-like over glove for extra protection due to recent and unexpected damage to the gloves.

"I am invincible with the over gloves!" Tani joked after delivering a good glove check report to Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Spacewalkers Disconnecting Fluid Tray Jumpers
24 November 2007 5:15 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson, Expedition 16 commander at the International Space Station (ISS), and Dan Tani, flight engineer, have pulled themselves to the Starboard-0 (S0) truss and are disconnecting a series of shunt jumpers.

The circuit-connecting mechanisms are attached to the Loop B fluid tray, a 300-pound (136-kilogram), 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) connection which guides ammonia coolant to ISS modules. When the spacewalk is complete, Whitson and Tani expect to have relocated the cooling loop—by hand—and attached it to the Harmony module.

During their recent exit from the airlock into the vacuum of space, the two spacewalkers admired their view of the moon.

"Wow it's almost a full moon," said Whitson, whose spacesuit is tagged with a rid stripe on the legs.

"Yeah, I've been watching the past couple nights and it's very close," Tani said of the waxing moon.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Third ISS Spacewalk Begins
24 November 2007 4:51 a.m. EST

Following two previous spacewalks this month, astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) have begun the third spacewalk to prepare for the arrival of the European Columbus laboratory in December.

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are conducting today's extravehicular activity to continue relocating ammonia cooling trays, reconfigure cabling and perform a new task: inspection of the starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ).

The solar-array-rotating mechanism revealed some unusual metallic grit in late October, during the STS-120 space shuttle mission to the orbital laboratory. Mission managers added the duty following several days of discussion, which wrapped up on Thanksgiving morning.

Whitson and Tani have opened the airlock, turned on their spacesuits to battery power and officially began the spacewalk at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT). They are now pulling tools outside of the Quest airlock to transgress to their worksites.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's third spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

— Dave Mosher

Space Station Crew Completes Second Spacewalk
20 November 2007 12:35 p.m. EST

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are repressurizing the Quest airlock aboard the International Space Station (ISS), officially concluding today's spacewalk outside the orbital laboratory.

The spacewalk began at 5:10 a.m. EST (1010 GMT) and ended at 12:26 p.m. EST (1726 GMT).

Total spacewalking time: 7 hours, 16 minutes.

The spacewalkers successfully wired up one of two loops for the station's Harmony node cooling, power, heater and data system. They also managed to squeeze in some extra chores, routing cables for the Station-Shuttle Power Transfer System (SSPTS), which allows NASA shuttles to feed of the station's power grid while docked at the orbital lab.

A wrap up of today's spacewalk outside the ISS will be posted to the SPACE.com homepage.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronauts Decontaminate Spacesuit After Spacewalk
20 November 2007 12:28 p.m. EST

Now past the seven-hour mark of today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are back inside the Quest airlock where they are undergoing decontamination procedures before reentering the outpost.

"Some phenomenal views today," Whitson said as they waited.

The decontamination work is largely a precaution. Earlier in the spacewalk, Whitson noted that several frozen crystals of toxic ammonia coolant brushed into her spacesuit while she worked with the station's cooling system.

The astronauts brushed her spacesuit clean, then sat in sunlight in the airlock to ensure they do not bring any ammonia into the ISS interior.

"My hands are tired," Tani said after performing a tedious series of cooling and power system connections.

"Yeah, mine too," Whitson said. "They got a nice throb going on now."

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Return to ISS Airlock
20 November 2007 11:51 a.m. EST

As they near the seven-hour mark of today's work outside the International Space Station (ISS), spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have returned to the orbital laboratory's Quest airlock.

They are wrapping up today's spacewalk, which began at 5:10 a.m. EST (10110 GMT). They wired up one of two loops for the station's Harmony node cooling, power, heater and data system.

"It's been a first-class operation the entire way," Tani told Mission Control, thanking the engineers and instructors who helped prepare them. "Thanks very much everybody and have a great Thanksgiving."

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronauts to Wrap up ISS Spacewalk
20 November 2007 11:23 a.m. EST

With their primary goals complete, spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani will wrap up their work outside International Space Station (ISS) after more than six hours working outside the orbital laboratory.

The spacewalkers successfully wired up one of two loops for the station's Harmony node cooling, power, heater and data system. They also managed to squeeze in some extra chores, routing cables for the Station-Shuttle Power Transfer System (SSPTS), which allows NASA shuttles to feed of the station's power grid while docked at the orbital lab.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Tackle Extra Tasks Outside ISS
20 November 2007 10:50 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have completed all of their primary goals outside the International Space Station (ISS) and are now tackling get-ahead tasks for today's activities.

The spacewalk began at 5:10 a.m. EST (1010 GMT). So far, the astronauts completed their primary tasks of wiring up half of the cooling, heater and power lines required for the station's new Harmony node.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalk Passes Five-Hour Mark at ISS
20 November 2007 10:11 a.m. EST

Today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) by astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani has passed the five-hour mark.

Tani is wrapping the recently installed fluid tray with thermal blankets, bundled into what he and Whitson have affectionately nicknamed "burritos."

"All this burrito talk makes me hungry," Tani joked, adding that it was tough securing the thick blankets in place. "I was going to say this is like putting a queen size sheet on a king size bed, but it's more like putting a queen size sheet on a chair."

Whitson, meanwhile, is continuing work to install heater lines on the Harmony node.

Today's spacewalk began at 5:10 a.m. EST (1010 GMT).

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Attach Avionics, Heater Lines at ISS
20 November 2007 9:45 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are charging forward with their work outside the International Space Station (ISS) as they connect heater avionics lines to the station's new Harmony node.

Tani is closing out work route 11 avionics system cables to Harmony, while Whitson wrangles stiff heater system cables. Earlier, they installed a 300-pound, 18.5-foot fluid cable tray that serves as half of Harmony's ammonia-based cooling system.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalk Passes Four-Hour Mark at ISS
20 November 2007 9:22 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have passed the four-hour mark as they work outside the International Space Station (ISS).

They are about an hour ahead of today's planned 6.5-hour plan to route cooling and power lines between the ISS and Harmony node. Tani is about halfway through mating 11 avionics system connectors. Whitson is wrapping up work to connect cooling system cables.

Meanwhile, NASA's STS-122 shuttle crew are rehearsing launch day activities aboard their Atlantis shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Known as a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the dress rehearsal is part of a three-day training session for the crew's planned Dec. 6 launch.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Continue ISS Fluid Line Work
20 November 2007 8:53 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are continuing with work to mate tough connectors as they hook up six flight lines between an 18.5-foot, 300-pound fluid tray, the International Space Station (ISS) and its Harmony module.

The two spacewalkers first tackled a pair of connections on hinge on the tray. Tani has just completed hooking up his own pair of connections on the station's Harmony node. Whitson, meanwhile, is attaching lines to the station's main truss, completing what is designated Loop A for Harmony's fluid systems.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Hook Up ISS Fluid Lines
20 November 2007 8:00 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are wrestling with tough connectors as they hook up six flight lines between an 18.5-foot, 300-pound fluid tray, the International Space Station (ISS) and its Harmony module.

Of the six connections, two are on Harmony, two are on an ISS truss and two are at a hinge along the tray itself.

Whitson and Tani are about one hour ahead of their planned schedule for today's planned 6-hour, 40-minute spacewalk. They first stepped outside the ISS at 5:10 a.m. EST (1021 GMT).

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Attach ISS Fluid Tray to Harmony Node
20 November 2007 7:39 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have attached an 18.5-foot, 300-pound fluid tray to the Harmony module outside the International Space Station (ISS).

They are now heading out to a swing a hinge-like extension in place that will connect the tray to coolant lines on the station's main truss.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Move ISS Fluid Tray to Harmony Node
20 November 2007 7:13 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have freed an 18.5-foot, 300-pound fluid tray outside the International Space Station (ISS) and are handing it off like an orbital baton to move it toward the outpost's Harmony module.

The fluid tray is one of two loops to be installed outside Harmony during two spacewalks this week.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Work to Free ISS Fluid Tray
20 November 2007 6:55 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are steadily loosening a series of bolts attaching an 18.5-foot, 300-pound fluid tray to the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS).

They will reinstall the fluid tray, which forms Loop A of the station's fluid system for the Harmony node, to the side of the new module later today. A tray supporting Harmony's Loop B will be installed in a planned Saturday spacewalk.

"Hey, it's the first time I got to look back. The Node 2's out there, Dan," Whitson said of Harmony. The new node was moved to its current perch on the front of the station's U.S. Destiny lab by Whitson and Tani last week.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers to Move ISS Fluid Lines
20 November 2007 6:33 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are gearing up for one of their major tasks outside the International Space Station (ISS), installing a 300-pound fluid line tray to the side of the outpost's new Harmony node.

The tray is about 18.5 long and will have to be handed off several times between the two spacewalkers to maneuver it into its final position.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalker Spots Ammonia Crystals Outside ISS
20 November 2007 6:20 a.m. EST

Spacewalker Peggy Whitson spotted a bit of leaking ammonia from a vent tool as she and crewmate Dan Tan I work outside the International Space Station (ISS).

"I've got ammonia coming out of the vent tool," Whitson said. "Two crystals, quite small ones. I have had some of them bounce off of me."

NASA typically requires a set of decontamination steps for astronauts who have spotted loose ammonia near their spacesuits during spacewalks. The measures, which include a bake out procedure in the sun, help prevent bringing toxic ammonia inside the station's pressurized living quarters.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Tackle Cooling System Chores
20 November 2007 6:07 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have met with success as they work with cooling system hardware outside the International Space Station (ISS).

Whitson removed and vented an ammonia cooling system jumper line and reported seeing no crystals of toxic ammonia leaking out of the temporary cooling system setup. Tani, who removed cooling line caps elsewhere on the ISS, also noted no signs of leaking toxic ammonia.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Tackle First Tasks Outside ISS
20 November 2007 5:45 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are tackling their first tasks outside the International Space Station (ISS) to outfit the new Harmony node with cooling and power lines.

Whitson is removing and venting an ammonia cooling jumper used as part of a temporary cooling loop for the module. Tani retrieved a tool bag and will remove a set of cooling line caps.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Second Spacewalk Begins at ISS
20 November 2007 5:20 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have officially begun today's excursion outside the International Space Station (ISS) to outfit the outpost's Harmony node with cooling, power and data lines.

Official start time: 5:10 a.m. EST (1010 GMT).

The spacewalkers will now exit the station's Quest airlock and begin their first tasks.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Open ISS Airlock Hatch
20 November 2007 5:15 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have opened the outer hatch of the International Space Station's (ISS) Quest airlock as they prepare to begin today's excursion outside the orbital lab.

"Alright, it's dark out," Whitson said as the hatch opened at about 5:12 a.m. EST (1012 GMT). "There's a big city right underneath us."

The two astronauts will soon switch their spacesuits to battery mode, officially beginning today's spacewalk.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station Crew Prepares for Second Spacewalk
20 November 2007 4:52 a.m. EST

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are poised to begin the second spacewalk of their six month mission. They are depressurizing the station's airlock for today's planned 6.5-hour excursion.

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are inside the station's U.S. Quest airlock, clad in their NASA spacesuits, as flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko looks on form inside the ISS.

The spacewalkers will primarily focus on routing power and cooling system lines between the ISS and its new Harmony node, which Expedition 16 astronauts moved to the front of the station's U.S. Destiny module last week.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's second spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station's Harmony Node Firmly Attached to Destiny
14 November 2007 5:56 a.m. EST

The International Space Station's (ISS) Harmony module is now firmly attached to the forward end of the U.S. Destiny laboratory after a set of 16 bolts secured the 16-ton node in place.

"Harmony has found its Destiny, its new home at the forward end of the International Space Station (ISS)," said NASA commentator John Ira Petty.

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani used the station's robotic arm to move the Harmony module, which will serve as the anchor for future international laboratories at the ISS. They were two hours ahead of schedule with their work, which began at about 4:21 a.m. EST (0921 GMT).

"This, I think, officially ends all of my planned robotics operations for my mission here," said Tani, who is set to return to Earth next month. "I have really enjoyed running the arm and hopefully I didn't scare too many people down there."

It all looked beautiful from the ground," NASA astronaut Kevin Ford replied from Mission Control.

A wrap up story of today's Harmony move outside the ISS will be posted to the SPACE.com homepage.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station's Harmony Node Attached to Destiny Lab
14 November 2007 5:44 a.m. EST

The International Space Station's (ISS) Harmony module is attached to the tip of the U.S. Destiny laboratory after just over an hour-long move from the side of the outpost's Unity module.

"Strong work," NASA astronaut Kevin Ford told the station's Expedition 16 crew from Mission Control.

ISS Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani moved the nearly 16-ton module and its 1.5-ton shuttle docking port using the station's robotic arm. Whitson then commanded a set of petals to attach Harmony to the Destiny node.

She will also drive a set of 16 bolts to take a permanent hold of the school bus-sized Harmony node.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

ISS Crew Moves Harmony Node Toward Destiny Lab
14 November 2007 5:30 a.m. EST

Astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are moving the International Space Station's (ISS) Harmony module to its final perch at the end the U.S. Destiny laboratory.

"Houston, Dan's going to drive it and I'm going to backseat drive," Whitson said.

"Roger, we're going to backseat-backseat drive," NASA astronaut Kevin Ford replied from Mission Control.

Harmony is inching ever closer to the Destiny lab.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station's Harmony Node Reaches Pre-Install Position
14 November 2007 5:19 a.m. EST

Astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have moved the International Space Station's (ISS) Harmony module to its pre-installation point near the U.S. Destiny laboratory.

The astronauts are about two hours ahead of schedule, prompting some changes for tasks aboard the ISS. Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, an ISS flight engineer, will have to hold off on his planned exercise to avoid causing vibrations while Harmony hangs off the robotic arm.

"We'll tie him down," joked Tani.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

ISS Astronauts Inspect Harmony Node's Docking Ring
14 November 2007 5:00 a.m. EST

Astronauts Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani aboard the International Space Station (ISS) conducted a brief inspection of the docking ring attached to the Harmony node to ensure it is clear of any debris before it is reattached to the front of the outpost's U.S. Destiny node.

"We do not see any problems with the [Common Berthing Mechanism] interface, so it looks good," Whitson said.

The nearly 16-ton Harmony node and its 1.5-ton shuttle docking port are hanging off the end of the station's robotic arm and backlit by the Earth. Whitson and Tani have repeatedly commented on the stunning view.

"It is amazing," Whitson said. "I love my job."

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station Crew Begin Move of Harmony Node
14 November 2007 4:30 a.m. EST

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have begun the move of the nearly 16-ton Harmony module outside their orbital laboratory.

ISS Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are relocating the Harmony connecting node and its shuttle docking port to the tip of the station's U.S. Destiny laboratory. Tani has plucked the node free from its temporary perch on the station's Unity module using the station's robotic arm.

Earlier, Whitson commanded a set of 16 bolts to retract, loosing Unity's grip on the Harmony node. Work began at about 4:20 a.m. EST (0920 GMT).

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

ISS Crew Completes Shuttle Docking Port Move
12 November 2007 6:29 a.m. EST

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have completed the relocation of the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2) shuttle docking port to its permanent home at the tip of the Harmony connecting node.

A set of 16 bolts aboard Harmony firmly secured PMA-2 to the connecting node at 6:29 a.m. EST (1129 GMT) as the ISS passed 214 miles above the Pacific Ocean.

The successful move sets the stage for Wednesday's planned move of PMA-2 and the nearly 16-ton Harmony to the front of the station's U.S. Destiny laboratory.

A wrap up story of today's docking port move will be posted to the SPACE.com home page.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

ISS Crew Attaches Shuttle Docking Port to Harmony Node
12 November 2007 6:28 a.m. EST

The Expedition 16 astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have successfully attached the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2) shuttle docking port to its new home at the tip of the Harmony node.

A series of 16 bolts are now being driven between the two modules to ensure a secure connection.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

ISS Crew Align Shuttle Docking Port to Harmony Node
12 November 2007 6:24 a.m. EST

The Expedition 16 astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are slowly bringing the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2) shuttle docking port to its new perch at the tip of the Harmony node.

Flight engineer Dan Tani has aligned the docking port with Harmony's outer Common Berthing Mechanism docking port. Commander Peggy Whitson ordered Harmony's CBM to latch onto the docking port.

A series of 16 bolts will secure the two modules shortly.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronauts Move Shuttle Docking Port Into Position
12 November 2007 6:00 a.m. EST

The Expedition 16 astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have positioned the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 shuttle docking port into its pre-installation position outside the Harmony connecting node.

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson is preparing the Harmony node's 16-bolt connection system to receive the shuttle docking port.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Shuttle Docking Port Backlit by Blue Earth
12 November 2007 5:39 a.m. EST

As Expedition 16 flight engineer Dan Tani moves the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2) shuttle docking port outside the International Space Station (ISS), the nearly 3,033-pound (1,376-kilogram) connector is backlit by a bright blue Earth.

"What a beautiful view," Tani told Mission Control.

Tani and Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson used cameras to remotely inspect the connecting points that will secure PMA-2 to the end of the station's recently added Harmon node.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station Crew Begins Shuttle Docking Port Move
12 November 2007 5:13 a.m. EST

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are set to move a shuttle docking port from the front of the U.S. Destiny lab to the tip of the newly installed Harmony node.

ISS Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson retracted a set of 16 bolts securing the docking port, known as Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2). At 5:12 a.m. EST (1012 GMT), Expedition 16 flight engineer Dan Tani plucked the docking port free of Destiny using the station's robotic arm.

The trip to the end of Harmony should take about three hours, and marks the first move for PMA-2 in more than six years.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's PMA-2 relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station Crew Completes First Spacewalk
9 November 2007 11:59 a.m. EST

Astronauts Peggy Whitson and Yuri Malenchenko have completed the first spacewalk of their Expedition 16 mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The two spacesuit-clad astronauts are repressurizing the station's U.S. Quest airlock after spending six hours and 55 minutes working outside the ISS. The spacewalk began at 4:54 a.m. EST (0954 GMT) and ended at 11:49 a.m. EST (1649 GMT).

Whitson and Malenchenko primed the station's shuttle docking port and Harmony node for their respective moves early next week. They also reconfigured electrical connections, retrieved an exterior light, replaced a faulty circuit breaker box and retrieved an antenna signal processor for return to Earth.

One minor task, the installation of a new handrail on the station's Harmony node, was foiled by a sticky bolt.

NASA will hold a press conference to discuss today's spacewalk at 2:00 p.m. EST (1900 GMT).

A wrap up of today's spacewalk will be posted to the SPACE.com homepage.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Reenter ISS Airlock
9 November 2007 11:33 a.m. EST

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko are back inside the Quest airlock aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as they wind down today's spacewalk outside the orbital laboratory.

"Okay Yuri, I'm comin' in," Whitson said as she followed Malenchenko into the airlock.

"Do you guys have any drink requests?" Expeditoin 16 flight engineer Dani Tani asked from inside the ISS.

Today's spacewalk began at 4:54 a.m. EST (0954 GMT). Whitson and Malenchenko primed the station's shuttle docking port and Harmony node for their planned relocations next week among their other tasks.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Head Back to ISS Airlock
9 November 2007 11:15 a.m. EST

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko have completed their primary tasks for today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS).

Malenchenko is already back at the station's U.S. Quest airlock, while Whitson is cleaning up her final worksite. She will also head back to the airlock once that is complete.

Today's spacewalk began at 4:54 a.m. EST (0954 GMT), an hour earlier than planned.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalker Finds Odd Spot Outside ISS
9 November 2007 11:04 a.m. EST

Spacewalker Peggy Whitson reported an odd, reddish discoloration inside the housing for the base-band signal processor box she just retrieved outside the International Space Station (ISS) as she and crewmate Yuri Malenchenko toil outside the orbital lab.

"It looks like blood," she said of the spot when describing it to Mission Control.

After a bit of discussion, Mission Control gave Whitson the go-ahead to install a dummy boxy in the housing, which will protect the electronics there now that the original signal processor has been removed.

Malenchenko encountered difficulties earlier while installing a handrail on the new Harmony node. He had to remove the handrail after a sticky bolt appeared to be unstable.

Today's spacewalk has surpassed the six-hour mark.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Install ISS Handrail, Retrieve Electronics Box
9 November 2007 10:44 a.m. EST

Spacewalker Peggy Whitson is retrieving a base-band signal processor box outside the International Space Station (ISS) as her spacewalking partner Yuri Malenchenko installs a handrail to the exterior of the outpost's Harmony connecting node.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Reconfigure ISS Electrical Cables
9 November 2007 10:10 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Yuri Malenchenko have reconfigured a set of electrical cables at two different sites as they work outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The astronauts have surpassed the five-hour mark of today's planned 6.5-hour spacewalk, which began at 4:54 a.m. EST (0954 GMT). Malenchenko is currently at the station's U.S. Quest airlock to stow tools while Whitson works at an area known as the "rat's nest" – because of its myriad cables – on the station's Z1 truss.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Remove Harmony Node Cover
9 November 2007 9:42 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Yuri Malenchenko have removed the protective cover from the end of the Harmony node outside the International Space Station (ISS) are now proceeding with work to reconfigure power systems.

Malenchenko will reconfigure a cable known as an H-jumper on the station's Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1), which joins the U.S. and Russian station segments.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers to Remove Harmony Node's 'Shower Cap'
9 November 2007 9:12 a.m. EST

Now five hours into their spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Yuri Malenchenko are set to remove a protective cover from the end of the station's new Harmony connecting node.

The cover, affectionately known as the "shower cap," protects a docking port at the end of Harmony. The berth will be used on Monday, when Expedition 16 flight engineer Daniel Tani uses the station's robotic arm to attach a shuttle docking port to the end of Harmony.

Earlier, Tani told Whitson to take a look at Earth as the station flew over the U.S. East Coast and Nova Scotia.

"There's a pretty nice golf course down there that I played on once," said Tani, prompting a laugh from Whitson.

"I can't see which one it is though," she replied.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalker Replaces Failed ISS Circuit Breaker
9 November 2007 8:45 a.m. EST

As International Space Station (ISS) commander Peggy Whitson attaches power and data lines to a grapple point on the outpost's Harmony module, her spacewalking partner Yuri Malenchenko is replacing a failed circuit breaker on the orbital laboratory.

The circuit breaker, a boxy device known as a Remote Power Control Module (RPCM), is being replaced with a new version.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Continue Work Outside ISS
9 November 2007 8:23 a.m. EST

International Space Station (ISS) commander Peggy Whitson has reached the new Harmony node, where she will work on its Earth-facing side to attach a power and data cable to a robotic arm attachment point.

Malenchenko, meanwhile, is expected to head to a connecting module dubbed the Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 to reconfigure a series of electrical cables.

"Hey, there's a P6 missing," said Whitson as she moved to the worksite. She was referring to the station's old Port 6 solar array, which was moved from its mast-like position rising above the station's center to the outpost's left end last week.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalk Passes Three-Hour Mark Outside ISS
9 November 2007 8:02 a.m. EST

Today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) has passed the three-hour mark as Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko work on their orbital home.

Malenchenko has completed efforts to disconnect a series of electrical connections on the port side of the station's U.S. Destiny lab. Whitson is continuing work to do the same on Destiny's starboard side.

Today's spacewalk, slated to run 6.5 hours, began at 4:54 a.m. EST.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Tackle Tough Cables
9 November 2007 7:35 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Yuri Malenchenko are tackling a series of tough electrical cables on either side of the U.S. Destiny lab outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The electrical umbilical cables are extremely stiff, prompting the spacewalkers to push, pull and tug to free their connectors.

"Looks like for the next EVA we'll need one of those hydraulic jaws of life machines," Expedition 16 astronaut Dan Tani said from inside the ISS.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Disconnect ISS Electrical Lines
9 November 2007 7:08 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Yuri Malenchenko are working to disconnect a series of electrical connections on the U.S. Destiny laboratory outside the International Space Station (ISS).

Malenchenko is wrestling with connectors on the port side of the lab, while Whitson is making her way over to the starboard side.

Earlier, the two spacewalkers defeated a stubborn bolt and successfully removed an old light outside the ISS. Whitson stowed it in the station's airlock.

Today's spacewalk has officially passed the two-hour mark,

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Retrieve ISS Light, Cap Connectors
9 November 2007 6:35 a.m. EST

As they continue work outside the International Space Station (ISS), spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Yuri Malenchenko are moving ahead with their planned tasks.

Whitson is wrestling with tough bolts as she works to remove an external light from its perch on an avionics tray outside the station's U.S. Destiny lab. Malenchenko has capped off a series of eight power connectors that he and Whitson disconnected earlier.

He will help Whitson with the tough bolts.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Stow Disconnected Cables
9 November 2007 6:10 a.m. EST

As they work outside the International Space Station (ISS), spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Yuri Malenchenko are lashing down a set of eight power and data cables to a shuttle docking port known as Pressurized Mating Adapter 2.

Earlier, the astronauts disconnected the eight cables, which linked the docking port to the station's U.S. Destiny lab.

Whitson and Malenchenko are working a bit faster than initially scheduled after beginning today's spacewalk an hour early at 4:54 a.m. EST (0954 GMT). The spacewalk is slated to run about 6.5 hours.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalkers Disconnect ISS Power Transfer System
9 November 2007 5:40 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Yuri Malenchenko are hard at work disconnecting a series of power and data cables linking a shuttle docking port to the end of the U.S. Destiny lab outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The are demating a pair of power connections that allow the ISS to supply power to visiting NASA space shuttles. They will also disconnect about eight connections between the docking port and ISS itself.

Whitson is leading today's spacewalk and is clad in a NASA spacesuit with red stripes. Malenchenko is wearing an all-white spacesuit. The spacewalk began at 4:54 a.m. EST (0954 GMT).

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacewalk Under Way Outside ISS
9 November 2007 5:20 a.m. EST

The first spacewalk of the Expedition 16 mission is under way outside the International Space Station (ISS), with commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko getting an early start to today's extravehicular activity.

The two spacewalkers began their work at 4:54 a.m. EST (0954 GMT), just over an hour ahead of schedule. Whitson and Malenchenko will focus their efforts at priming the station's shuttle docking port and Harmony module for a relocation next week.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

First Expedition 16 Spacewalk Begins
9 November 2007 5:00 a.m. EST

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko have officially begun today's spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), with the clock starting at at 4:54 a.m. EST (0954 GMT) as they switched their spacesuits to internal battery power.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's spacewalk on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

ISS Crew Host Visiting Shuttle Astronauts
1 November 2007 5:17 p.m. EST

The three-astronaut crew of Expedition 16 aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is hosting seven visiting shuttle astronauts as NASA's STS-120 mission continues aboard the Discovery orbiter.

ISS Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and newly arrived flight engineer Daniel Tani are working along side Discovery's STS-120 crew commanded by veteran spaceflyer Pamela Melroy to outfit the station's new Harmony module, return former Expedition 16 crewmember Clayton Anderson to Earth and complete work to relocate an older U.S. solar array on the station's port-most side.

Click here for LIVE shuttle mission coverage, wrap stories, video, crew bios and other stats on NASA's STS-120 mission.

Touch Down! Soyuz, ISS Crew Lands Safely
21 October 2007 6:48 a.m. EDT

The Soyuz TMA-10 crew module carrying the three spaceflyers, Oleg Kotov—Fyodor Yurchikhin and Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor—has safely landed on the steppes of Kazakhstan at about 6:36 a.m. EDT (1036 GMT).

One recovery crew of a total of nine Russian transport helicopters has descended upon the landing site to help extract the wobbly legged crew from their spacecraft.

Stay tuned to SPACE.com for a story about the landing, which will publish shortly.

Parachutes Deploy from Earthbound Spacecraft, Landing Imminent
21 October 2007 6:23 a.m. EDT

A small drag chute, followed by a much larger parachute, have deployed from the Soyuz TMA-10 crew capsule to slow its entry to Earth.

Landing will occur shortly, at about 6:47 a.m. EDT (1047 GMT).

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spacecraft to Land Short of Intended Landing Site
21 October 2007 6:23 a.m. EDT

The three crew members aboard the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft notified mission managers in Russia that they had entered a ballistic descent, which will cause the spacecraft to land short of its intended target at 6:47 a.m. EDT (1047 GMT).

Russian mission managers have not yet determined why the Soyuz entered the non-life-threatening trajectory, but said the capsule should land within 249 miles (400 kilometers) of the targeted landing site.

Soon a small parachute will deploy from the descending crew module, allowing a larger parachute to open and further slow down the spacecraft.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Spacecraft Begins Descent, Separates
21 October 2007 6:15 a.m. EDT

The Soyuz crew module has begun its hour-long descent to Earth, prompting the separation of the spacecraft's stack into its three sections.

The three passengers—Oleg Kotov, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor—will descend inside of the center capsule.

After the searing heat of atmospheric reentry abates around 6:22 a.m. EDT (1022 GMT), a small drag parachute will deploy to slow down the Soyuz TMA-10 module before a larger parachute deploys. Immediately before landing, thrusters at the bottom of the crew module will fire to lessen the jolt of arrival at Earth's surface.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Former ISS Crew Begins Deorbit Burn
21 October 2007 5:49 a.m. EDT

Crew members aboard the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft have fired the module's 4-minute-long deorbit burn. The thrusters will slow the capsule's orbital speed, allowing spaceflyers Oleg Kotov, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to drop to the Earth's surface.

Once they safely enter Earth's atmosphere, parachutes will deploy to control their descent speed.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Spaceflyers Prepare to Descend to Earth
21 October 2007 5:35 a.m. EDT

Former space station crew members are preparing to fire their Soyuz capsule's thrusters to slow its orbital speed, which will allow Earth's gravity to pull them home.

About an hour after the deorbit burn, as it is known, crew members Oleg Kotov, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will descend to the steppes of Kazakhstan. Nine Russian transport helicopters will fly in to greet the former spaceflyers once they land.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Capsule Gaining Distance from ISS
21 October 2007 3:40 a.m. EDT

After firing thrusters following undocking with the International Space Station, the three crew members aboard the Soyuz are gaining distance from the orbital laboratory.

At about 5:37 a.m. EDT (0937 GMT), the spacecraft will be more than 186 miles (300 kilometers) from the ISS—far enough to begin a deorbit burn that will allow gravity to pull it to Earth's surface.

SPACE.com will resume live coverage at about 5:15 a.m. EDT (0915 GMT) as crew members Oleg Kotov, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor prepare to deorbit.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Crew Capsule Undocks from Space Station
21 October 2007 3:14 a.m. EDT

Crew aboard the Soyuz TMA-10 crew capsule have undocked the spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS).

Expedition 15 flight engineer and Soyuz commander Oleg Kotov is now slowly piloting the capsule away from the space station's Zvezda service module with Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin aboard.

Kotov has fired the Soyuz module's thrusters for 15 seconds to carry it into position for a deorbit burn, which is scheduled for about 5:15 a.m. EDT (0915 GMT) today. At 6:37 a.m. EDT (1037 GMT) today, the crew should touch down in Kazakhstan.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Crew Prepares to Undock form Space Station
21 October 2007 2:50 a.m. EDT

Former International Space Station (ISS) crew members now inside of the Soyuz TMA-10 crew module have completed leak checks between the spacecraft and the orbital laboratory.

Expedition 15 flight engineer and Soyuz commander Oleg Kotov will pilot the capsule away from the space station's Zvezda service module at about 3:14 a.m. EDT (0714 GMT) with Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin aboard.

Mission managers expect the spaceflyers to land on Earth at about 6:37 a.m. EDT (1037 GMT) today.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station, Soyuz Hatches Closed
21 October 2007 12:18 a.m. EDT

Hatches between the International Space Station's (ISS) Zvezda service module and the Soyuz spacecraft carrying flight engineer Oleg Kotov, commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor are now closed. The Russian spacecraft's power source is running independently of the ISS.

At about 2:45 a.m. EDT (0614 GMT), SPACE.com will resume live coverage as the spaceflyers prepare to undock from the space station and return to Earth for an approximate 6:37 a.m. (1037 GMT) landing on the Kazakh steppes.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Expanded Space Station Crew Prepares to Split
21 October 2007 12:13 a.m. EDT

Three of six crew members aboard the International Space Station are suiting up prior to closing the International Space Station's (ISS) hatch to the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft.

Oleg Kotov, ISS Expedition 15 flight engineer, will pilot the Soyuz away from the space station at about 3:14 a.m. EDT (0714 GMT) today, carrying Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Malaysian spaceflyer Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor back to Earth for a 6:37 a.m. EDT (1037 GMT) landing on the steppes of Kazakhstan. Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and astronaut Clayton Anderson will remain aboard the orbital laboratory after the crew departs.

"We are ready, everything is prepared and the guys are suiting up," Yurchikhin said.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station Crew, Malaysian Astronaut to Return to Earth
20 October 2007 2:55 p.m. EDT

Space station commander Fyodor Yurchikhin, flight engineer Oleg Kotov and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will cast off from the International Space Station (ISS) to make a Sunday landing on the steppes of Kazakhstan in Central Asia.

Yurchikhin, the station's Expedition 15 commander, and flight engineer Kotov are ending a 197-day flight to the ISS. Shukor is completing an 11-day spaceflight that began on Oct. 10 when he launched with the station's new Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko. NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson, who joined Expedition 15 in June, will stay aboard the space station as a member of the Expedition 16 crew.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station's First Female Commander Takes Charge
19 October 2007 4:56 p.m. EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the first female commander of the International Space Station (ISS), took charge of the high-flying laboratory Friday as the outpost's outgoing crew prepares to head home.

With ceremonious flair, Whitson accepted control of the space station from Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin during a brief exchange inside the orbital laboratory's U.S. Destiny module. Whitson is commanding the station's Expedition 16 mission, with Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson serving as flight engineers.

Yurchikihin and Expedition 15 flight engineer Oleg Kotov are due to return to Earth on Sunday after completing a six-month mission to the ISS. Returning with the two veteran cosmonauts will be Malaysian astronaut Shiekh Muszaphar Shukor, who is completing his own 11-day spaceflight under a commercial agreement between Russian and Malaysian governments.

NASA will provide live coverage of Expedition 15's undocking and landing on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Crew Swap Begins Aboard Space Station
12 October 2007 12:56 p.m. EDT

A nine-day crew swap is now under way aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after the successful docking of a Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft at 10:50 a.m. EDT (1450 GMT) today.

ISS Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor are now working with their Expedition 15 counterparts to take control of the orbital laboratory.

Shukor will return with the Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and flight engineer Oleg Kotov, who are scheduled to land on Oct. 21.

"I feel very well," Shukor told flight controllers on Earth. "And I have lots of Russian and American friends up onboard with me here."

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 docking and hatch opening on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Astronauts Enter Space Station
12 October 2007 12:42 p.m. EDT

The two Expedition 16 astronauts and Malaysia's first spaceflyer have entered the International Space Station (ISS), with the outpost's three-man Expedition 15 greeting them with broad smiles and hearty hugs.

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian spaceflyer Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor waved at ISS cameras. They docked at 10:20 a.m. EDT (1450 GMT) and opened hatches about two hours later.

"Everybody is smiling and happy, the fun is only about to begin," Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin said.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 docking and hatch opening on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronauts Open Hatches Between ISS, Soyuz
12 October 2007 12:25 p.m. EDT

The six astronauts of the International Space Station's Expedition 15 and Expedition 16 crews are sharing their orbital hellos after opening hatches between their two spacecraft at 12:22 p.m. EDT (1622 GMT) today.

"Well hello!" Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin said. "Welcome onboard!"

Yurchikhin and Expedition 15 flight engineer Oleg Kotov and Clayton Anderson welcomed Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor aboard the ISS. A Russian Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft ferried the new crew to the station at 10:50 a.m. EDT (1450 GMT).

Whitson and Malenchenko will relieve Yurchikhin and Kotov aboard the ISS while Anderson stays on for the first stage of Expedition 16. The Expedition 15 crew and Shukor will land on Oct. 21.

A video greeting between the joint Expedition 15/Expedition 16 crew and Russian Mission Control will begin shortly.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 docking and hatch opening on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Astronauts Set to Enter Space Station
12 October 2007 11:43 a.m. EDT

The three astronauts inside the recently docked Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft are preparing to enter the International Space Station (ISS) after today's 10:50 a.m. EDT (1450 GMT) docking.

The final leak checks between the two spacecraft are underway as the ISS Expedition 15 crew prepares to open the internal hatches connecting their vehicle with the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft.

Aboard the Soyuz, Expeditoin 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, are preparing to open their own connecting hatch to enter the ISS.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 docking on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Leak Checks Underway Between Soyuz, ISS
12 October 2007 11:14 a.m. EDT

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the recently docked Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft are conducting leak checks as they prepare to open the hatches between their two vehicles.

The Soyuz, with Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor aboard, arrived at the ISS at 10:50 a.m. EDT (1450 GMT). Hatches between the two vehicles are slated to be opened between 11:50 a.m. EDT and 12:20 p.m. EDT (1550-1620 GMT).

A press conference is underway at Russia's ISS Mission Control.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 docking on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Astronauts Dock at Space Station
12 October 2007 10:54 a.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft carrying Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor has arrived at the International Space Station (ISS), with docking occurring on time at about 10:50 a.m. EDT (1450 GMT).

"Yuri, congratulations," Russian flight controllers told Malenchenko, who commanded the Soyuz's flight.

The two spacecraft were flying 220 miles (354 kilometers) above western Mongolia at the time of docking.

A series of hooks and latches will secure the two spacecraft to one another. After conducting leak checks, the two spacecraft crews are expected to open the hatches separating their two vehicles at about 11:50 a.m. EDT (1550 GMT), NASA said.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 docking on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Spacecraft Prepares for ISS Arrival
12 October 2007 10:43 a.m. EDT

The Russian-built Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft ferrying Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to the International Space Station (ISS) is poised to dock at the orbital laboratory.

Docking is set for 10:52 a.m. EDT (1452 GMT), with the Soyuz easily discernable in video recorded by cameras outside the ISS.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 docking on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Spacecraft Primed for ISS Fly Around
12 October 2007 10:33 a.m. EDT

Soyuz TMA-11 commander Yuri Malenchenko has guided his ship to within one kilometer of the International Space Station (ISS) and is preparing to fly the spacecraft around the orbital outpost.

Malenchenko, Expedition 16 commaner Peggy Whitson and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor are on track for today's planned 10:52 a.m. EDT (1452 GMT) docking.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 docking on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Astronauts on Track for ISS Docking
12 October 2007 10:15 a.m. EDT

Preparations for today's Soyuz TMA-11 docking at the International Space Station (ISS) are going smoothly, with the Russian spacecraft nearing within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of the orbital laboratory, NASA commentator Rob Navias said.

Aboard the Russian-built Soyuz, Expedition 16 flight engineer and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko is commanding the vehicle's flight toward a planned 10:52 a.m. (1452 GMT) docking. ISS Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor are accompanying Malenchenko to the ISS.

Hatches between the Soyuz and ISS are expected to be opened as early as 11:50 a.m. EDT (1550 GMT).

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 docking on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Spacecraft Due at Space Station Today
12 October 2007 10:00 a.m. EDT

A Russian-built Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft is closing in on the International Space Station (ISS) to make a 10:52 a.m. EDT (1452 GMT) docking later today.

Riding aboard the Soyuz are ISS Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysia's first astronaut Sheik Muszaphar Shukor. The three spaceflyers are completing a two-day trek to the ISS that began with a flawless Wednesday launch.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 docking on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Rocket Reaches Orbit with Space Station Crew
10 October 2007 9:36 a.m. EDT

The Russian Soyuz rocket hauling the new Expedition 16 crew and a Malaysian astronaut toward the International Space Station (ISS) has successfully reached orbit after a flawless evening launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on the steppes of Kazakhstan.

Now in orbit aboard the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft are Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

The astronauts launched on time at 9:22 a.m. EDT (1322 GMT), though it was 12 minutes after sunset at their Central Asian spaceport.

Whitson and Malenchenko will replace Expedition 15 cosmonauts Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov.

A wrap up of today's Expedition 16 launch will be posted to SPACE.com's homepage shortly.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 launch on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Rocket Hauls Astronauts Toward Orbit
10 October 2007 9:30 a.m. EDT

The second stage of the Russian Soyuz rocket hauling the new Expedition 16 crew and a Malaysian astronaut toward the International Space Station (ISS) has separated, with the third stage igniting. Four minutes of powered flight remain.

A short time ago the rocket shed its first stage boosters and escape tower. Inside the Soyuz TMA-11 rocket are Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer and Soyuz commander Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 launch on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

LIFTOFF! Soyuz Rocket Launches Astronauts Spaceward
10 October 2007 9:23 a.m. EDT

The next crew of the International Space Station (ISS) and Malaysia's first astronaut are rocketing toward space after the on-time 9:22 a.m. EDT (1322 GMT) liftoff of their Soyuz rocket.

Aboard the rocket's Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft are: Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, a NASA astronaut and the first female commander of the ISS; veteran cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, an Expedition 16 flight engineer representing the Federal Space Agency; Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, an orthopedic surgeon flying under a commercial agreement between Russian and his home nation.

It should take about nine minutes for the spaceflyers to reach orbit.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 launch on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Launch Time Nears for ISS-Bound Astronauts
10 October 2007 9:15 a.m. EDT

Less than 10 minutes remains now before the planned 9:22 a.m. EDT (1322 GMT) launch of a Russian-built Soyuz rocket carrying the Expedition 16 crew and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor toward the International Space Station (ISS).

Aboard their Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft, Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko are strapped in alongside Shukor for the planned launch. Malenchenko will command the Soyuz flight to the ISS.

Liftoff is slated to occur about 12 minutes after sunset Local Time. Whitson is the first female commander of the ISS.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 launch on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Launch Service Structure Retracts from Soyuz Rocket
10 October 2007 8:55 a.m. EDT

The two fold-down halves of the Launch Service Structure have pulled away from the Soyuz rocket set to loft the Expedition 16 crew and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor into space today.

The countdown is on track for a 9:22 a.m. EDT (1322 GMT) launch today, though it will be 7:22 p.m. Local Time at the Soyuz rocket's Baikonur Cosmodrome launch site in Kazakhstan.

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Shukor are strapped into their Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 launch on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronauts Strapped in to Soyuz for Launch
10 October 2007 8:43 a.m. EDT

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor are strapped into their Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft for today's planned 9:22 a.m. EDT (1322 GMT) launch to the International Space Station (ISS).

Malenchenko, as Soyuz commander, is seated in the center of the three-person spacecraft. Whitson sits in the left seat as Soyuz flight engineer with Shukor in the right seat. Malenchenko has chosen the Russian word for "Gemstone" as his Soyuz call sign.

It will be 7:22 p.m. Local Time, just before sunset, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in Central Asia at the time of today's planned liftoff.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 launch on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Launch Countdown Continues for ISS Crew
10 October 2007 8:24 a.m. EDT

With less than an hour remaining before their planned 9:22 a.m. EDT (1322 GMT) launch into space, Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor are preparing for liftoff.

NASA video of their prelaunch showed the spaceflyers arrive at their launch pad at the Central Asian spaceport of Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launch pad is the same site that where cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin launched on April 12, 1961 to become the first human in space.

Shukor and the Expedition 16 crew are now aboard their Russian Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft as they prepare for today's launch.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 launch on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronaut Trio All Smiles Before Launch
10 October 2007 7:53 a.m. EDT

NASA video of the prelaunch activities for Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor show the spaceflyers to be all smiles as they prepare for a 9:22 a.m. EDT (1322 GMT) launch into orbit.

The astronauts have donned their blue and white Russian Sokol spacesuits that will protect them during the nine-minute ascent to orbit from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 launch on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

New Astronaut Crew Prepares for Soyuz Launch
10 October 2007 7:35 a.m. EDT

Space station commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor are counting down to their planned launch into space today.

NASA is broadcasting recorded video of the astronauts' prelaunch activities on NASA TV as the astronaut trio prepare to launch toward the International Space Station (ISS) at about 9:22 a.m. EDT (1322 GMT).

Whitson, the first female commander of the ISS, and Malenchenko will relieve two Expedition 15 cosmonauts as they begin their own Expedition 16 mission. Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin, flight engineer Oleg Kotov and Shukor will return home on Oct. 21.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 launch on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

New Astronaut Crew to Launch Toward ISS
10 October 2007 7:08 a.m. EDT

Two veteran spaceflyers and Malaysia's first astronaut are poised to launch toward the International Space Station (ISS) today.

ISS Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson, flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko and Malaysian astronaut Shiekh Muszaphar Shukor are slated to ride their Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft into orbit at 9:21 a.m. EDT (1321 GMT) from the Central Asian spaceport of Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The launch will begin a 12-day crew swap aboard the ISS, with Whitson and Malenchenko replacing Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov. Shukor is due to return to Earth with the Expedition 15 crew on Oct. 21.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Expedition 16 launch on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Soyuz Spacecraft Redocks at Space Station
25 September 2007 3:55 p.m. EDT

A Russian-built Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft has successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) after short Thursday trip to move the vehicle to a new berth.

Commanded by Expedition 15 flight engineer Oleg Kotov, the Soyuz spacecraft docked at the aft end of the station's Zvezda module at 3:47 p.m. EDT (1947 GMT) to end a 20-minute spaceflight.

"Nice work," NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson, an Expedition 15 flight engineer, told Kotov after their returned to the ISS.

The Soyuz relocation clears an Earth-facing docking port on the station's Zarya control module for the Oct. 12 arrival of the new Expedition 16 crew. A series of hooks and latches will draw the two spacecraft together, with leak checks to follow in order to ensure they are safely connected.

A wrap up of today's Soyuz flight will be posted to SPACE.com's homepage.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Soyuz relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronauts on Final Approach to Space Station
25 September 2007 3:48 p.m. EDT

The three astronauts of Expedition 15 crew are on their final approach to redock their Soyuz spacecraft at the International Space Station.

Expedition 15 flight engineer Oleg Kotov is commanding Soyuz spaceflight, which will redock at the ISS as the station flies in orbital night.

Kotov, Expedition commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and flight engineer Clayton Anderson undocked from the station at 3:22 p.m. EDT (1922 GMT) to move the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft to a new docking port.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Soyuz relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Astronauts Fly Soyuz Around Space Station
25 September 2007 3:36 p.m. EDT

Flight controllers in Russia's International Space Station Mission Control have given the Expedition 15 crew the go ahead to fly around the orbital laboratory in their Soyuz spacecraft.

The Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft undocked from an Earth-facing port on the station's Zarya control module at 3:27 p.m. (1927 GMT) as vehicles flew 219 miles (352 meters) above the southeastern Pacific Ocean.

Expedition 15 flight engineer Oleg Kotov is now guiding the Soyuz along a graceful to align it with an aft-facing docking port on the station's Russian-built Zvezda control module.

ISS commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and flight engineer Clayton Anderson are also aboard the Soyuz with Kotov. They are scheduled to redock at the Zvezda port at 3:45 p.m. EDT (1945 GMT).

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Soyuz relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station Crew Undocks from Orbital Laboratory
25 September 2007 3:27 p.m. EDT

A Russian-built Soyuz spacecraft carrying three Expedition 15 astronauts has undocked from the International Space Station to begin today's short spaceflight outside the orbital laboratory.

Commands for the Soyuz TMA-19 spacecraft to cast off from its Earth-facing berth on the station's Zarya module were sent at 3:17 p.m. EDT (1917 GMT). The two spacecraft officially separated from each other at about 3:20 p.m. EDT (1920 GMT).

"Separation is nominal," said Expedition 15 flight engineer Oleg Kotov, serving as Soyuz commander, after undocking.

Kotov, Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and flight engineer Clayton Anderson are inside Soyuz TMA-10, clad in Russian Sokol spacesuits, for today's brief spaceflight. The move clears the Zarya berth for the Oct. 12 arrival of a Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft carrying the station's new Expedition 16 crew.

Kotov will keep the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft about 30 meters away from the space station as he guides it to a docking port located on the aft end of the station's Zvezda service module.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Soyuz relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

Space Station Crew Set for Soyuz Move
25 September 2007 3:02 p.m. EDT

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will move their Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft between docking ports today to clear a berth for the arrival of a new crew next month.

Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and flight engineers Oleg Kotov and Clayton Anderson, clad in their Russian Sokol spacesuits, will undock from the Earth-facing port on the station's Zarya control module at about 3:18 p.m. EDT (1918 GMT) today. After a short orbital hop, they'll redock their Soyuz TMA-10 vehicle at a clear port on the aft end of the station's Zvezda module at about 3:43 p.m. EDT (1943 GMT).

Kotov is expected to command the short jaunt. The move clears the Zarya slip for the Oct. 12 arrival of a Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft carrying the station's new Expedition 16 crew.

NASA is providing live coverage of today's Soyuz relocation on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com's NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left of this page.

ISS Astronauts Prepare for Crew Change
25 September 2007 2:07 p.m. EDT

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are preparing their orbital home for their relief crew as they near the end of a six-month orbital mission.

ISS Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and flight engineers Oleg Kotov and Clayton Anderson are awaiting the planned Oct. 12 arrival of the station's Expedition 16 crew. NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will command the Expedition 16 mission, with Anderson and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko serving as flight engineer.

The Expedition 15 crew will move their Soyuz spacecraft to a new port on Thursday to prepare for the Expedition 16 crew's arrival.

Click here for past Expedition 15 mission updates.

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