Record long space walk

Two astronauts from the US spacecraft Endeavor yesterday completed the third and also the longest space flight, with the mission of modifying the ISS solar energy absorption system.

The astronauts Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen returned to ISS International Space Station last morning after more than 7 hours of working outside. They are responsible for cleaning, lubricating and replacing the rotating bearings of the solar absorption system mounted outside the ISS. This system has been limited since September 2007 due to problems.

This is the third outer space walk and the longest voyage of the crew of Endeavor. The spacecraft arrived at the ISS station on November 16 and is scheduled to leave on November 27. Then the ship landed at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida state, on November 29.

Astronaut Stefanyshyn-Pipe (left) and Steve Bowen (right) are working outside ISS. While on the other side of this space station, other astronauts continue to install new devices to expand the research center between the universe.Photo: NASA TV.

Stefanyshyn-Pipe is moving a nitrogen tank towards the Endeavor spacecraft's cargo compartment, at the end of the robotic arm mounted on the ISS with the help of fellow colleague Steve Bowen.Photo: NASA TV.

Earlier, Stefanyshyn-Pipe also walked out of the space station with colleague Shane Kimbrough (waving to colleagues in the photo), on November 20.Photo: Xinhua.

Take a look at Shane Kimbrough's astronaut on a space walk. Endeavor's mission lasted 15 days and astronauts made four space walks to repair the solar energy absorption system on the ISS station.Photo: Reuters.

Two astronauts Stefanyshyn-Pipe (left) and Shane Kimbrough are working outside the ISS.Photo: Xinhua.

Endeavor is connecting to the ISS International Space Station. Behind the ship is the image of the Earth. In addition to repairing energy absorption systems, Endeavor's crew is also responsible for installing new equipment on the station such as new restrooms, kitchens, fitness equipment, bedrooms . with Total weight of 6,350 kg, in order to expand ISS station, it is enough for 6 people to work from May 2009 instead of 3 as currently.Photo: NASA TV.

The entire Endeavor crew and those working on the ISS station are meeting with the command center under Earth on November 21.Photo: Reuters.

After the meeting, members on the station and the crew of the ship Endeavor took a commemorative photo. Among the goods transported by Endeavor to ISS this time, there is a waste water treatment system such as urine into domestic water using distillation and ionization technology. This system fits in a rack that is about the size of a refrigerator.Photo: Xinhua.