NASA Astronauts Fixed Ammonia Leak Via Spacewalk
US astronauts Thomas Marshburn and Christopher Cassidy have replaced a pump on a spacewalk to fix a leak of ammonia from the International Space Station’s cooling system. It took them 5 hours to replace a 60-pound pump box which NASA suspected was the source of the leaking ammonia coolant.
Chinese Spacecraft Docked With Orbiting Module
China’s spacecraft Shenzhou 9 capsule has docked with the Taingong 1 module. This was shown live on national television on Sunday to huge audiences. China’s space agency has send three-person crew that include female astronauts on the journey into space. The government has previously vowed to reach the moon and launch its own manned space station by 2020.
China Will Send Three Astronauts To Space
China will launch Shenzhou 9 with astronauts later in June to perform the country’s first manned space docking with the Tiangong 1 orbital module. China’s space agency will send three-person crew that may include female astronauts on the journey into space. The government has previously vowed to reach the moon and launch its own manned space station by 2020.
Rookie Astronauts Tells All About Life In Space
After one week in space, the 13 astronauts from Discovery and the International Space Station took a few moments to reflect on their experiences orbiting the Earth. For rookie astronauts the food is wonderful, rocket thrusters are loud and space has a distinct odour.
Discovery shuttle pilot Kevin Ford said, …there really is a distinct smell of space when they come back in…It’s like something I haven’t ever smelled before, but I’ll never forget it. You know how those things stick with you.
Source: Space Sights and Smells Surprise Rookie Astronauts
Columbia Astronauts Died Quickly
NASA’s report says the Columbia accident was “not survivable.” But it identifies “lessons to be learned about how to improve crew survival in the future.” Firstly, the orange pressure suits worn by the astronauts were added as an afterthought. Due to that the suits are not integrated with the ship’s system. Seven of the astronauts’ helmets were found with the visors up.
Secondly the report found fault with the parachutes the astronauts wore, which would only open if the astronauts were conscious and able to pull the rip cords.
Source: NASA reports graphic details of Columbia deaths
