The Jan. 27 spacewalk will focus on completing cable and antenna rigging for the “Bartolomeo” science payloads platform outside the ESA (European Space Agency) Columbus module. The duo also will configure a Ka-band terminal that will enable an independent, high-bandwidth communication link to European ground stations. After completing the upgrades on the Columbus module, Hopkins and Glover will remove a grapple fixture bracket on the far port (left) truss in preparation for future power system upgrades.
Watch live as astronauts Victor Glover and Michael Hopkins of NASA venture outside the International Space Station on Jan. 27. The spacewalk will begin at about 12:00 UTC and last for approximately six and a half hours. The astronauts will focus on completing cable and antenna rigging for the “Bartolomeo” science payloads platform outside the station’s ESA (European Space Agency) Columbus module. They’ll also configure a Ka-band terminal that will enable an independent, high-bandwidth communication link to European ground stations. Hopkins will be extravehicular crew member 1 (EV 1), wearing a spacesuit with red stripes, and Glover will be extravehicular crew member 2 (EV 2), wearing a spacesuit with no stripes. This will be the third spacewalk in Hopkins’ career, and the first for Glover.