Rescue International Space Station

Astronauts have been walking out into space for seven hours to repair a solar collector on the International Space Station (ISS). This is considered one of the most dangerous tasks on ISS so far.

According to the Associated Press, this solar panel is torn with an array, making it impossible to stretch the entire length of about 35m . This is the energy plate that causes many continuous electrical problems on ISS recently. The US Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) considers patching as a top priority because the torn piece can be torn apart, destroying the entire energy collector. If this scenario occurs, the ISS construction plan will be delayed, and the flights of the shuttles to ISS in December will be delayed.

Four hours of stress

Astronaut Scott Parazynski made the first gout (Photo: TTO)

US astronaut Scott Parazynski is tasked with patching the torn piece with the support of colleague Douglas Wheelock . AFP news agency said on November 3, Mr. Parazynski was taken out into space on a robot arm about 30m long. This is an extremely difficult task because touching the energy-collecting plate that is constantly moving means a risk to life. There is always a 300 volt current running through the collector and astronauts may be electrocuted.

According to the BBC, all Parazynski's repair tools are insulated with tape. Parazynski astronaut had to skillfully put the repair device through the holes in the energy collector to patch the torn piece. He cut the vein that caused the tear, and " stitched " it with five knots made by astronauts on the ISS from the wire. And Mr. Wheelock stood nearby observing and talking with experts on ISS.

AFP quoted Parazynski as saying it was difficult to manipulate correctly when wearing thick protective gloves. During the repair, he was sometimes tired to the point where he had to remove the cutting tool from his hand but promptly grabbed it. A few hours later, he dropped a grip. Astronauts on ISS detected the grip floating in space in the nearby area. However, Parazynski said he could not get the grip back and was forced to lose it.

All repairs are broadcast live to ISS and the NASA operating center on the ground. On the two astronauts' hats, they also attached headphones, allowing them to hear all the discussions and instructions. After more than four hours of intense stress, Parazynski finally accomplished the task in an excellent way. The solar collector has stretched smoothly all its length. When Parazynski signaled that everything had been completed, in return were applause and shout of congratulatory congratulations on ISS and from the NASA operating center.

Astronaut Scott Parazynski tied himself to the head of the robotic arm, fixing the energy collector (NASA photo video, TTO)

Doctor patched ship

The victory celebration had to be delayed until Parazynski and his colleagues returned to ISS. Fortunately, the robotic arm is retrieved smoothly and safely after an hour. That was also the time when Parazynski came out of the repair place on the robot arm. When he entered the ISS station, responding to the pat of his shoulders and congratulations, Parazynski said simply: " It is an honor ".

The Discovery ship commander stated that there are not many astronauts able to handle the work Parazynski has completed. However modestly, Parazynski said the reason is simply because other astronauts have not had the opportunity to perform that task. Parazynski, 46, was an emergency doctor before becoming NASA astronaut in 1992.

The AP said NASA is still investigating the cause of a malfunctioning ISS joint. In a recent space walk, astronauts discovered steel chips in this spinning joint. Discovery will bring these crumbs to the ground to determine their origin.

(Photo: NASA)

HIEU TRUNG