Jules Verne Cargo Ship Arrives at Space Station
3 April 2008 10:54 a.m. EDT

WASHINGTON – Europe’s inaugural unmanned cargo ship Jules Verne has successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) at 10:45 a.m. EDT (1445 GMT) as the two spacecraft passed south the Earth’s equator just to the east of South America.

A series of hooks and latches are now forming a secure connection between the two spacecraft. Today’s docking ends a 26-day spaceflight for Jules Verne, which launched March 8 (ET). The spacecraft is the first Automated Transfer Vehicle for the European Space Agency and is carrying about 8 tons of cargo for the station’s crew.

Click here for SPACE.com’s docking story.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Jules Verne Cargo Ship ‘Go’ for Space Station Docking
3 April 2008 10:43 a.m. EDT

WASHINGTON – Europe’s first space freighter Jules Verne is hovering just 36 feet (11 meters) from the aft of the International Space Station as flight controllers gave it a final ‘go’ for today’s docking.

The docking was set for about 10:40 a.m. EDT (1440 GMT), thought flight controllers were considering delaying the rendezvous up to 15 minutes to await better lighting conditions.  

Click here for a preview of today’s docking activities.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Jules Verne Cargo Ship Inches Closer to Space Station
3 April 2008 10:20 a.m. EDT

WASHINGTON – The inaugural European space freighter Jules Verne is set to move ever closer to the International Space Station (ISS) as it continues toward today’s planned 10:40 a.m. EDT (1440 GMT) docking.

The spacecraft is now headed for a point just 36 feet (11 meters) aft of a docking port on the aft of the station’s Russian-built Zvezda service module. Flight controllers at the European Space Agency’s ATV Control Center in Toulouse, France, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and Russia’s Mission Control Center just outside Moscow are watching over today’s docking along with three astronauts inside the station.  

Click here for a preview of today’s docking activities.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

European Space Freighter Begins Final Approach to ISS
3 April 2008 9:57 a.m. EDT

WASHINGTON – Europe’s Jules Verne cargo ship has begun its final approach to the International Space Station and is headed to a new waypoint about 19 meters from orbiting laboratory.

All continues to go well for today’s planned 10:40 a.m. EDT (1440 GMT) docking, though the link up may be deliberately delayed a few minutes to await better lighting conditions, NASA officials said. Jules Verne, Europe’s first unmanned Automated Transfer Vehicle, will dock at the aft end of the station’s Zvezda service module.

Click here for a preview of today’s docking activities.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

European Cargo Ship Switches to Laser Guidance
3 April 2008 9:40 a.m. EDT

WASHINGTON – The European cargo ship Jules Verne has switched to its laser-based videometer navigation system for today’s planned 10:40 a.m. EDT (1440 GMT) docking at the International Space Station. The system is a video-based rendezvous set up that analyzes laser reflections to determine Jules Verne’s position from the station.

Station flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko said he can see the spacecraft clearly now in camera views. A final go ahead for today’s docking is expected shortly.

Click here for a preview of today’s docking activities.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Europe’s First Orbital Supply Ship Reaches Waypoint
3 April 2008 9:22 a.m. EDT

WASHINGTON – Europe’s massive Jules Verne cargo ship has reached its new waypoint, about 820 feet (250 meters) off the aft of a docking port at the International Space Station.

The spacecraft will hold its position for about 30 minutes as flight controllers evaluate its systems for today’s planned 10:40 a.m. EDT (1440 GMT) docking. Discussions are still under way on whether to delay the planned rendezvous about 15 minutes to wait for better lighting.

Click here for a preview of today’s docking activities.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

European Cargo Ship Approaches ISS
3 April 2008 9:09 a.m. EDT

WASHINGTON – The European Space Agency’s Jules Verne cargo ship is heading to its next waypoint near the International Space Station for today’s planned docking.

Now closing toward a 500-meter mark off the station’s aft, the spacecraft is clearly visible and backdropped by a bright blue Earth littered with white clouds. Today’s planned docking, the first ever for the Europe’s Automated Transfer Vehicle class of spacecraft.

Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malanechenko aboard the station is now watching over Jules Verne’s systems and will be ready to command it to back away to a safe distance should it stray off course.

Click here for a preview of today’s docking activities.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Space Freighter Closes in on Space Station
3 April 2008 8:40 a.m. EDT

Europe's double-decker bus-sized Jules Verne spacecraft has fired its thrusters to begin closing in on the International Space Station (ISS) from about 2 miles (3.5 km) away.

Mission controllers have activated the 21-ton cargo ship's radar-based system and the space station crew are monitoring the data.

Three Mission Control Centers – one each in France, the United States and Russia – are coordinating today's automated docking at the ISS, which is anticipated for 10:40 a.m. EDT (1440 GMT).

 Click here for a preview of today’s docking activities.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Dave Mosher

European Cargo Ship Set for ISS Arrival
3 April 2008 8:13 a.m. EDT

WASHINGTON – The European cargo ship Jules Verne is on track for its inaugural arrival at the International Space Station (ISS) later today, though flight controllers may delay the planned 10:40 a.m. EDT (1440 GMT) docking to wait for better lighting.

The massive 21-ton spacecraft is waiting about 2 miles (3.5 km) behind the station to begin its final approach.

Click here for a preview of today’s docking activities.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

European Space Freighter Passes Dress Rehearsal
31 March 2008 12:54 p.m. EDT

International Space Station (ISS) spaceflyer Yuri Malenchenko sent escape commands to Europe's "Jules Verne" cargo ship, sending the spacecraft jetting away from and below the ISS.

The planned maneuver for the automated transport vehicle, or ATV, ends a second and final dress rehearsal before the spacecraft's anticipated docking with the ISS on Thursday, April 3.

Stay tuned to SPACE.com for a wrap-up of today's Jules Verne activities at the International Space Station.

-- Dave Mosher

'Jules Verne' Space Freighter Readies for Test Escape Maneuver
31 March 2008 12:48 p.m. EDT

The European Space Agency's double-decker bus-sized "Jules Verne" cargo ship has returned to a point 62 feet (19 m) away from the International Space Station (ISS).

If the spacecraft successfully executes an escape maneuver below the ISS in a few minutes, it will wrap up the second and final day of testing and prime the ship for an April 3rd docking.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking maneuvers live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Dave Mosher

Space Freighter Parks in Front of Space Station at Closest Point
31 March 2008 12:35 p.m. EDT

The double-decker bus-sized "Jules Verne" space freighter has now inched its way within 36 feet (11 m) of the International Space Station.

Now that it has parked itself in front of the aft docking port of the space station's Zvezda service module using laser and video data, the autonomous 21-ton European cargo ship will soon retreat to 62 feet (19 m) and perform a test escape maneuver.

Russian and U.S. spaceflyers on orbit are monitoring the day's activities – the second of two pre-docking "demo" days – which are required before the ship can latch onto the space station on April 3.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking maneuvers live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Dave Mosher

European Space Freighter Closes in on Space Station
31 March 2008 12:17 p.m. EDT

Weighing in at 21 tons, Europe's "Jules Verne" cargo spaceship is now about 62 feet (19 m) from the International Space Station.

Spaceflyers on board the ISS are monitoring the second day of pre-docking tests, which are required before the ship can latch onto the Zvezda service module on Thursday.

The craft is large enough to fit a double-decker bus inside of it.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking maneuvers live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Dave Mosher

Giant Cargo Spaceship Backs Away from Space Station
31 March 2008 11:57 a.m. EDT

The European Space Agency's "Jules Verne" space freighter has slowly backed away from the International Space Station (ISS) to a point about 600 feet (183 m) away. It is now being sent commands to move back toward the massive orbital laboratory.

Crewmembers on board the ISS issued the command, one of many of a series of tests today before the 21-ton cargo ship can dock at the space station on April 3.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking maneuvers live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Dave Mosher

European Space Freighter Orients Toward Orbital Laboratory
31 March 2008 11:33 a.m. EDT

Looking something like an overweight X-Wing fighter from the movie "Star Wars," the European "Jules Verne" cargo ship has successfully oriented itself toward the aft end of the International Space Station's Zvezda service module.

In about 15 minutes, ISS flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko will issue a short retreat command for the 21-ton freighter. The European Space Agency spacecraft, designed to deliver three times the cargo of Russian Progress cargo ships, is successfully relaying video-based data that it uses to guide itself toward the space laboratory.

Jules Verne is set dock with the space station on April 3 if today's intensive round of tests – the second of two planned – goes well.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking maneuvers live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Dave Mosher

Space Cargo Ship Creeps Toward Space Station
31 March 2008 11:10 a.m. EDT

Using lasers, video cameras and other devices, Europe's autonomous "Jules Verne" cargo ship has closed in within 820 feet (250 m) of the International Space Station (ISS).

Spaceflyers on board the ISS are watching today's activities from the Zvezda service module and reporting their views of the 21-ton spacecraft to three mission control centers: one at Johnson Space Center in Houston, another in Toulouse, France, and a third in Russia.

Now that the craft has arrived at the "S3" stationary point, it will gear up for a short retreat test that is anticipated to occur around 11:53 a.m. EDT (1553 GMT).

Jules Verne is set dock with the space station on April 3 if today's intensive round of tests – the second of two planned – goes well.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking maneuvers live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Dave Mosher

Commands Sent to Automated Cargo Spaceship
31 March 2008 10:30 a.m. EDT

Mission controllers at the European Mission Control Center in Toulouse, France have sent commands to begin today's pre-docking tests of the "Jules Verne" spacecraft.

Now 2 miles (3.2 km) and closing from the International Space Station, the 21-ton cargo freighter is propelling itself to a spot about 820 feet (250 m) from the orbital laboratory. It is using twin laser beams to estimate its distance.

Jules Verne is set dock with the space station on April 3 if today's intensive round of tests – the second of two planned – goes well.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking maneuvers live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Dave Mosher

European Space Freighter to Conduct Final Tests Today
31 March 2008 10:08 a.m. EDT

Following successful operations on Thursday, the European Space Agency's "Jules Verne" space freighter is now poised to begin its second and final day of pre-docking demonstrations more than 210 miles (338 km) above the Earth.

The 21-ton spacecraft, which can fit a double-decker bus inside, is set to inch within 36 feet (11 m) of the International Space Station today and perform detailed communications and abort tests. It is now about 2 miles (3.2 km) behind the orbital laboratory.

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's docking maneuvers live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Dave Mosher

European Cargo Ship Suffers Propulsion Glitch
09 March 2008 2:45 p.m. EDT

Spacecraft Separation! Europe's ISS Cargo Ship Jules Verne Reaches Orbit
09 March 2008 12:13 a.m. EST

Jules Verne Cargo Ship's Flight Going Well
08 March 2008 11:50 p.m. EST

08 March 2008 11:20 p.m. EST

 

LIFTOFF! Europe's First ISS Cargo Ship Launches Spaceward
08 March 2008 11:06 p.m. EST

Rocket Fueled for ATV Jules Verne Launch
08 March 2008 11:00 p.m. EST

ESA Ready to Launch First ISS Cargo Ship
08 March 2008 10:57 p.m. EST

Weather Still Go for Jules Verne Cargo Ship's Launch
08 March 2008 10:38 p.m. EST

Ariane 5 Rocket to Launch European Cargo Ship to ISS
08 March 2008 10:19 p.m. EST

The European Space Agency's (ESA) unmanned cargo ship Jules Verne remains on track for tonight's launch toward the International Space Station (ISS) as the spacecraft's Ariane 5 rocket prepares to liftoff from a South American spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Jules Verne is the first of ESA's fleet of ATV spacecraft to haul more than eight tons of fresh supplies, equipment and vital propellant to the ISS. It weighs about 21 tons, runs about 32 feet (11 meters) long and about 15 feet (4.5 meters) wide.

As the first of its kind to launch toward the ISS, the spacecraft has a four-week shakedown cruise ahead to test its unique optical-based docking system, collision avoidance system and primary systems. The spacecraft will also take up a parking position to wait out NASA's planned STS-123 shuttle mission to the ISS. That 16-day spaceflight is set to launch on March 11.

Europe's Jules Verne Cargo Ship to Launch Tonight
08 March 2008 9:58 p.m. EST

NASA is broadcasting Jules Verne's countdown to launch live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

Europe to Launch First ISS Cargo Ship
07 March 2008 1:27 p.m. EST

The rocket is slated to roll out to its launch pad later today. While the activity has been delayed, it is not expected to hinder Saturday night's launch.

NASA will broadcast Jules Verne's countdown to launch live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

 

Space Station Crew Hosts Shuttle Mission
15 February 2008 6:37 a.m. EST

HOUSTON – The Expedition 16 crew of the International Space Station is hosting NASA’s STS-122 astronauts as they deliver Europe’s Columbus lab to the orbiting outpost.

Click here for complete space shuttle mission coverage.

NASA is broadcasting Atlantis’ STS-122 mission live on NASA TV. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV, feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the left.

-- Tariq Malik

New Russian Cargo Ship Anchored to Space Station
7 February 2008 9:49 a.m. EST

The Russian-built Progress 28 cargo ship is safely secured to the International Space Station (ISS) after a smooth morning docking at the high-flying lab.

A set of hooks and latches linked the supply ship to the station’s Russian Pirs docking compartment, anchoring the new freighter to the orbital outpost. The spacecraft docked at about 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT).

ISS Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineers Yuri Malenchenko and Dan Tani will open the cargo ship later today and begin unloading its 2.5 tons of food, water, air and other vital supplies.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, NASA is gearing up for the planned 2:45 p.m. EST (1945 GMT) launch of the space shuttle Atlantis.

The shuttle will haul a new European lab and a fresh Expedition 16 astronaut to the ISS.

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

-- Tariq Malik

New Cargo Ship Docks at Space Station
7 February 2008 9:38 a.m. EST

A new Russian cargo ship has docked at the International Space Station (ISS) just hours before the planned launch of a U.S. shuttle toward the orbiting lab.

The Russian-built Progress 28 supply ship arrived at the station’s Pirs docking compartment at 9:30:13 a.m. EST (14:30:13 GMT) as the two spacecraft flew more than 220 miles (354 km) above the Earth.

“We have contact,” Expedition 16 flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko said as the spacecraft arrived.

A series of hooks and latches will draw the two spacecraft together to form a secure connection. The station’s Expedition 16 crew will also perform leak checks to ensure it is safe to open the hatches separating the two spacecraft.

Meanwhile, NASA’s shuttle Atlantis is counting down toward a planned 2:45 p.m. EST (1945 GMT) launch to the ISS from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's Progress 28 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Russian Cargo Ship on Final Approach to Station
7 February 2008 9:25 a.m. EST

The unmanned Russian cargo ship Progress 28 on final approach to the International Space Station (ISS) for a planned 9:38 a.m. EST (1438 GMT) docking today.

Packed with more than 2.5 tons of cargo, the supply ship is due to dock at the station’s Russian-built Pirs docking port. Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, an ISS Expedition 16 flight engineer, is watching over the incoming spacecraft at poised to take remote control of the automated craft should it stray off-course.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's Progress 28 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Russian Cargo Ship Flies Around ISS
7 February 2008 9:22 a.m. EST

The unmanned Russian cargo ship Progress 28 is flying around the International Space Station (ISS) as it prepares for a planned 9:38 a.m. EST (1438 GMT) docking at the orbiting lab.

“The approach to station has gone smoothly,” said NASA commentator John Ira Petty.

Progress 28 is now less than 175 yards from the ISS, where it will dock at the Russian-built Pirs docking compartment.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's Progress 28 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Russian Cargo Ship to Dock at ISS
7 February 2008 9:12 a.m. EST

An unmanned Russian cargo ship is bearing down on the International Space Station (ISS) for a planned 9:33 a.m. EST (14332 GMT) docking today even as NASA’s shuttle Atlantis counts down to launch toward the orbiting laboratory.

Launched early Monday, the Progress 28 cargo ship is hauling more than 2.5 tons of food, water and other vital supplies to the station’s three-person Expedition 16 crew. The automated spacecraft will dock at the station’s Russian-built Pirs docking compartment this morning.

Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko will stand ready to take remote control of the incoming vehicle in the event that its automated rendezvous systems fail.

Meanwhile, the shuttle Atlantis is due to launch toward the ISS with the STS-122 crew and Europe’s Columbus lab at 2:45 p.m. EST (1945 GMT) today.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's Progress 28 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Station Astronauts Complete Fifth Spacewalk
30 January 2008 12:18 p.m. EST

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani have successfully completed today’s spacewalk outside the International Space Station to replace a broken motor at the base of a starboard solar wing.

The astronauts began repressurizing the station’s Quest airlock at 12:06 p.m. EST (1706 GMT), officially ending their spacewalk.

Total spacewalking time: 7 hours, 10 minutes.

Whitson and Tani also conducted further inspections of the station’s gummed up starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint, a massive gear contaminated by metal debris.

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

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fifth 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Prepare for Spacewalk’s End
30 January 2008 12:05 p.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are inside the Quest airlock aboard the International Space Station (ISS), but had to reopen its hatch briefly to retrieve an errant tether and cue-card wedged across the threshold.

The astronauts had already shut the airlock’s hatch and were gearing up to end today’s successful repair spacewalk when Tani noticed the snagged tether.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fifth 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Head Back to Airlock
30 January 2008 11:40 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are returning to the Quest airlock as they wrap up today’s spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The two U.S. astronauts are wrapping up a successful repair of a starboard solar array motor, which failed last fall. They also conducted the fourth inspection to date of a large rotary joint contaminated by metal debris.

Today’s spacewalk, the fifth of the Expedition 16 mission and sixth for Tani and Whitson, began at 4:56 a.m. EST (0956 GMT). It is nearing the seven-hour mark.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fifth 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers’ Solar Wing Motor Repair a Success
30 January 2008 11:05 a.m. EST

The new solar wing motor installed by spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani outside the International Space Station (ISS) today is apparently working fine, prompting cheers from the astronauts.

“Yay, it works!” cheered Whitson as she and Tani watched the solar wing perform a test turn. “Excellent, outstanding…how cool is that?”

Flight controllers at Mission Control in Houston guided the solar array, one of two on the station’s starboard side, during its first 360-degree turn since early December when it suffered three separate electrical glitches.

Whitson and Tani are continuing to inspect another piece of hardware related to the power system, a massive gear designed to turn both starboard solar arrays like a paddlewheel to face the sun. The gear is contaminated with metal grit.

NASA is providing live coverage of Expedition 16's fifth 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.

-- Tariq Malik

New ISS Solar Wing Motor Turns in Test
30 January 2008 10:30 a.m. EST

As Expedition 16 spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani inspect a balky rotary joint outside the International Space Station (ISS), the new solar wing motor they installed earlier has successfully made a 3-degree turn.

The test is part of ongoing work to check the new motor at the base of one of two starboard solar arrays. After a set of latching and unlatching tests, Mission Control will order the motor to turn a full 360 degrees to confirm today’s repair.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Inspect ISS Gear, Prepare for Motor Check
30 January 2008 9:56 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are reporting less evidence of metal debris contaminating a large rotary gear on the starboard side of the International Space Station (ISS) as they await news on the success of their solar wing motor repair.

“I would say, in general, it’s relatively clean,” said Tani, who has spent the most time inspecting the massive, 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear. “There’s a little debris, a dusting.”

The large gear, which is designed in rotate outboard starboard solar arrays like a paddlewheel to track the sun, is contaminated with bits of metal scraped off one of its vital race rings. Mission controllers stopped continuously turning the gear in late October, and hope to clean or repair it by some time this fall.

Meanwhile, Mission Control in Houston is steadily working through a series of commands that will soon determine whether the new solar wing motor installed at the base of a starboard array today is working properly.

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

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Inspect Beleaguered ISS Gear
30 January 2008 9:27 a.m. EST

With their primary task complete, spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani have turned their attention to an inspection of a contaminated rotary gear on the starboard side of the International Space Station (ISS).

Earlier, Whitson and Tani replaced a broken solar wing joint motor at the tip of the station’s starboard-side truss. They are now working at the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint, a massive 10-foot (3-meter) wide gear designed to turn the station’s outboard starboard solar wings like a paddlewheel to track the sun.

The gear turns on a different axis than the joint motor replaced earlier in today’s spacewalk, which began at 4:56 a.m. EST (0956 GMT).

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Power Flows Through New ISS Solar Array Motor
30 January 2008 9:12 a.m. EST

Mission Control in Houston has reported that the new solar array motor installed by spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani outside the International Space Station (ISS) is feeding power from its solar panels to the ISS electrical grid as designed.

“Yeehaw! Excellent,” Whitson exclaimed.

Flight controllers hope to test the motor’s ability to actually pivot its dedicated starboard solar array, which would mark a successful repair, sometime soon.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Connect Last Cable in Orbital Repair
30 January 2008 8:41 a.m. EST

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson has successfully connected the last, and largest, of five connectors to a new motor at the base of a starboard solar wing outside the International Space Station (ISS).

Mating the connector, a primary electrical cable, marked the end of today’s primary goal to replace the broken joint motor, which suffered a series of electrical failures early last month. The motor is designed to pivot a solar wing so that it is always facing the sun.

Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani swapped out the failed motor, known as a Bearing Motor Roll Ring Module, during orbital night to avoid the risk of electrical shocks from the power-generating solar arrays.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Stow Broken Solar Wing Motor
30 January 2008 8:24 a.m. EST

While continuing to wait for another pass over the night side of Earth, spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have packed away the broken solar wing motor that they replaced during today’s work outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The spacewalkers are also reattaching a support strut inside the station’s starboard main truss, which Whitson initially moved to clear enough space so she could wedge inside the girder for the motor repair.

During the next night pass, Whitson and Tani will attach one last electrical cable before turning the rest of their spacewalk attention to an inspection of a hobbled rotary gear on the station’s starboard side. The gear has been contaminated by metal grit due to damage with one of its vital metal rings.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Secure New Solar Wing Motor
30 January 2008 7:56 a.m. EST

As they wait for another swing over the night side of Earth, spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani worked to close a series of fasteners securing a new joint motor to the base of a starboard solar wing outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The astronauts replaced the garbage can-sized motor, known as a Bearing Motor Roll Ring Module, during a tightly choreographed half-hour as the ISS passed through orbital night. Working in darkness reduced the spacewalkers’ risk of electrical shock, since the solar array can generate about 160 volts while exposed to sunlight.

Whitson used the space equivalent of a cordless screwdriver to drive home connecting fasteners to connect the new motor into its housing. She and Tani are now wrangling the older motor, which suffered a series of electrical failures last month, into its own canister.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Install New Solar Wing Motor
30 January 2008 7:28 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are installing a new joint motor at the base of one the starboard solar arrays outside the International Space Station (ISS) after successfully removing its faulty predecessor.

The new motor is in place, with Whitson driving a series of fasteners to ensure it is firmly attached.

“We’re all breathing again down here, thanks a lot.” NASA astronaut Thomas Marshburn said from Mission Control in Houston as the spacewalkers moved the new motor into place.

Whitson and Tani are working in orbital darkness as the ISS flies high above the Earth’s night side. They are expected to run out of time before reconnecting all five of the electrical connectors that will finalize today’s repair work.

Whitson and Tani are working in orbital darkness as the ISS flies high above the Earth’s night side. They are expected to run out of time before reconnecting all five of the electrical connectors that will finalize today’s repair work.

In that case, they will wait until the next orbital night pass in about an hour to complete the installation.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Remove Faulty Solar Wing Motor
30 January 2008 7:13 a.m. EST

Expedition 16 spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have successfully removed a faulty motor at the base of one the starboard solar arrays outside the International Space Station (ISS) as they race the clock to complete the repair before orbital sunrise.

They will replace it with a new motor during today’s spacewalk, which has passed the two-hour mark. Whitson and Tani have less than 14 minutes remaining in their nighttime window to replace the motor.

The repair must be performed in darkness to reduce the risk of electrical shocks from the motor’s solar wing, which produces 160 volts of electricity during daylight.

“It looks clean, I don’t see any apparent damage at all,” Whitson said of the broken, garbage can-sized motor.

The astronauts are now working to install the new motor.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers to Begin Solar Wing Motor Swap
30 January 2008 6:55 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are set to swap out a broken solar array joint motor with a new one as the International Space Station (ISS) passes into orbital night high above Earth.

The astronauts have spent the last hour, while the ISS passed over the Earth’s day side, preparing tools and their worksite for the repair. But the actual fix must be made in darkness, while the solar wing is not producing power, to reduce the risk of electrical shocks to the spacewalking duo.

Each of the station’s U.S. solar arrays produce about 160 volts of power as they convert sunlight into electricity.

Whitson and Tani are replacing a Bearing Motor Roll Ring Module for one of the station’s two starboard solar arrays. The motor is located at the very base of the solar array, where power feeds run from the array into the ISS.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Continue Preparations for Joint Motor Fix
30 January 2008 6:37 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani are continuing preparations to replace a broken solar array joint motor outside the International Space Station (ISS).

The two astronauts are preparing a faulty motor, called a Bearing Motor Roll Ring Module, at the base of a starboard solar wing for replacement. The actual swap, however, must be made in darkness in order reduce the risk of electrical shocks to Whitson and Tani as they work on the power-generating solar array.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Mission Control Restores Communications with ISS
30 January 2008 6:09 a.m. EST

After moving to a backup communications uplink, Mission Control in Houston has restored direct communications with spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani outside International Space Station's (ISS).

The station has passed into daylight over the Earth as Whitson and Tani continue work to prepare their worksite at the base of one of the station’s starboard solar wings for the replacement of a faulty joint motor. The repair can only be made during darkness to avoid any chance of electrical shocks for the astronauts as they work with the power-producing solar wing.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Prime ISS Work Site, Eye Communications Glitch
30 January 2008 5:50 a.m. EST

Spacewalkers Peggy Whitson and Dan Tani have reached their work site at the base of a starboard solar array outside International Space Station's (ISS) starboard truss while Mission Control in Houston troubleshoots a communications glitch blocking conversations between flight controllers and the two astronauts.

Whitson and Tani are setting up tools and preparing their worksite for the replacement of a broken joint motor on the starboard side. The astronauts are not able to speak directly to Mission Control on Earth due to a communications glitch, but are in contact with crewmate Yuri Malenchenko inside the station, who himself is communicating with Houston.

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Head to Solar Wing Work Site
30 January 2008 5:27 a.m. EST

Spacewalker Peggy Whitson is heading out to the end of the International Space Station's (ISS) starboard truss, where she and crewmate Dan Tani will replace a broken solar array joint motor in today's 6.5-hour excursion.

The repair is expected to begin in earnest at about 6:55 a.m. EST (1156 GMT) during the next night pass of the ISS over Earth. As a precaution, the spacewalkers will work on the solar array only in darkness, when it is not converting sunlight into electricity, to avoid electric shocks.

Today’s spacewalk, the 101st outside the ISS and fifth for the station's current Expedition 16 mission, began at 4:56 a.m. EST (0956 GMT).

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Astronauts Begin Spacewalk at Space Station
30 January 2008 5:09 a.m. EST

Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani have begun the fifth spacewalk of their mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for today's risky spacewalk repair.

The spacewalk officially began at 4:56 a.m. EST (0956 GMT), about 24 minutes ahead of schedule. Whitson and Tani are expected to spend about 6.5 hours to replace a broken solar array joint motor and inspect the station's massive starboard rotary joint

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Spacewalkers Prepare to Exit Space Station
30 January 2008 5:00 a.m. EST

Clad in their white NASA spacesuits, Expedition 16 commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are preparing to step outside the International Space Station (ISS) for today's risky spacewalk repair.

"Hatch is open," said Whitson as she opened the outer hatch of the station's Quest airlock.

Whitson is leading today's spacewalk, which will officially begin once she and Tani switch their suits to battery power. Her spacesuit is identified by a red stripe.

Tani's suit is marked with a broken red stripe.

Today's spacewalk is aimed at replacing a broken solar array joint motor at the base of a starboard solar wing.

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

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

ISS Crew Slightly Ahead of Schedule for Spacewalk
30 January 2008 4:29 a.m. EST

NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are suited up in their U.S. spacesuits and slightly ahead of schedule as they prepare for the fifth spacewalk of their mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Whitson, the station's Expedition 16 commander, and Tani, a flight engineer, are about 25 minutes ahead of schedule as they depressurize the station's Quest airlock as they gear up to begin today's spacewalk. The planned 6.5-hour excursion is aimed at replacing a spare solar wing joint motor on the starboard side of the orbital laboratory.

Russian cosmonaut and flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko helped Whitson and Tani into their spacesuits and will remain inside the station during the spacewalk.

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

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Station Astronauts Set to Begin Fifth Spacewalk
30 January 2008 4:00 a.m. EST

International Space Station (ISS) commander Peggy Whitson and flight engineer Dan Tani are preparing to step outside their orbital laboratory up for the fifth spacewalk of their mission, this one aimed at bringing the outpost one step closer to full power.

The two astronauts are slated to begin today's spacewalk at about 5:30 a.m. EST (1030 GMT), but could start earlier if they are ahead of schedule, to replace a broken joint motor at the base of one of the station's two starboard solar arrays.

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

NASA is providing 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.

-- Tariq Malik

Click here for past Expedition 16 mission updates.