- Published on
Watch 2 astronauts replace failed ISS antenna during spacewalk today
- Authors
- Name
- DeepHorus
NASA astronaut Anil Menon and European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot are conducting a critical spacewalk outside the International Space Station today, August 25, to replace a failed space-to-ground antenna. The extravehicular activity (EVA) is scheduled to begin at 8:35 a.m. EDT and is expected to last approximately six and a half hours. This repair is essential for restoring high-speed communications between the ISS and Mission Control in Houston.
The spacewalk comes after a similar excursion on August 18, where Menon and Adenot removed the faulty antenna. They were unable to install its replacement during that initial EVA due to time constraints. Today's mission is focused on completing that installation to reestablish a crucial relay link.
If time permits, the duo will also attempt a secondary task to replace a retroreflector on the station's Harmony module. This component is vital for improving navigation data used by visiting spacecraft approaching the ISS. The operation marks the 283rd spacewalk in the history of the station, which has been continuously occupied since November 2000.
This will be the third spacewalk for Menon, who arrived at the station on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in July. For Adenot, it is only her second EVA. Notably, she became the first French woman ever to conduct a spacewalk during their previous outing on August 18. Both astronauts arrived at the ISS as part of different crew rotations earlier this year.
The repair work underscores the ongoing need for maintenance to keep the orbiting laboratory operational. A functioning high-bandwidth antenna is critical for scientific experiments, mission control, and real-time communication with crew members. The successful replacement will ensure data and command links remain reliable.
Live coverage of the spacewalk began at 7:00 a.m. EDT on NASA's television channels and streaming platforms. The event is being closely watched by the space community as it represents routine yet complex operations necessary for the station's longevity. Successful completion will allow the crew to focus on other scientific tasks.
