tech
Spacewalkers successfully replace broken "wrist" joint in space station's robot arm
Two NASA astronauts floating outside the International Space Station carried out a bit of orbital surgery Tuesday, successfully replacing a broken 200-pound "wrist" joint near the end of the lab's 58-foot-long robot arm.
TL;DR
- Astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams replaced a broken wrist joint on the ISS's robot arm.
- The spacewalk lasted seven hours and 20 minutes.
- The failed joint was removed, a spare was installed, and the arm's end effector was reattached.
- Flight controllers confirmed the new joint has good power and data connections.
- The robot arm is essential for ISS operations and will be maintained until the station's retirement in 2030.
- The failed joint was returned to Earth for potential repairs and future use.