Astronauts Undertake Risky Spacewalk To Repair Solar Panel

Two American astronauts, Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer, Daniel Tani conducted a risky spacewalk to replace a motor on a solar panel at the International Space Station, on Wednesday.

The spacewalk was riskier than normal because it exposed the two to high voltage cables in the 110-foot solar panel. In order not to be electrocuted (electric shock) from the solar cells, the two could only work while the continuously orbiting (travelling around) space station, was on the dark side of the earth, about 30 minutes at a time. Because of this, it took them seven hours to replace the motor. While replacing it, they also had to be careful that the Solar Panel wouldn't come loose and float away.

The mission was successful, however it only solved part of the energy problems at the International Space Station. One other solar panel remains shut because its joints are clogged with metal shavings and to repair that is a little trickier. Until the panel is fixed, the International Space Station cannot be fully operational and NASA might have to postpone a number of shuttle flights scheduled for this fall.

Sources; NASA.gov, USAtoday.com