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Paris, France (ESA) Feb 16, 2010 The biggest window ever launched to space has been installed in its final position on the Earth-facing port of Node-3. The latches and 16 electrically driven bolts were engaged today at 07:31 CET (06:31 GMT). Opening of the window shutters is foreseen for Wednesday. During the launch of Endeavour the Cupola was attached to Node-3's end cone docking port, After installing Node-3 on Friday and preparing Cupola for relocation, Cupola was this morning released and manoeuvred to the Node-3's Earth-facing port where it was reberthed. Electrical and water lines are now being connected between Node-3 and Cupola, and the Cupola's window heaters are being activated. Activities related to making Node-3 fully functional also continue. Meanwhile other outfitting tasks inside Node-3 are being carried out, including removal of all panel launch bolts and the installation of two sampling tools over the thermal lines that will be used to extract water sample for analysis. During tomorrow's spacewalk astronauts Behnken and Patrick will open the second ammonia loop for Node-3's External Thermal Control System and disconnect the power line for the temporary heaters. The astronauts will also remove the insulating blankets covering the Cupola, which were needed during transfer to the ISS. The thermal shroud will be jettisoned on removal. Once the thermal blankets have gone the launch bolts that secure the Cupola's window shutters in place (three bolts per shutter) can be removed. After installation of handrails and fixtures that will help astronauts on future EVAs, the Cupola will be ready for operation.
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Astronauts Move CupolaHouston TX (SPX) Feb 16, 2010 The International Space Station's new viewport is facing the Earth now, ready to provide a panoramic view of the planet below and approaching cargo ships. Relocation of the cupola from the Tranquility node's forward port to its new location was completed at 1:31 a.m. EST. Space shuttle Endeavour Mission Specialist Kathryn Hire and Pilot Terry Virts moved the cupola, operating the station's ... read more |
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