Space is a realm of endless possibilities, but even there, practical tasks like installing experiments and disposing of old equipment are a reality. Recently, Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky completed a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), showcasing the ongoing work required to maintain and advance space exploration.
Their mission involved two key objectives: installing a new semiconductor experiment and discarding an outdated piece of technology. The spacewalk began at 1:10 p.m. EDT (1710 GMT) and concluded after 6 hours and 9 minutes, with the cosmonauts re-entering the Poisk module at 7:19 p.m. EDT (2319 GMT).
The primary task was the installation of the Ekran-M, or Molecular Beam Epitaxy experiment, outside the Nauka multipurpose laboratory module. This experiment, a drum-shaped unit, is designed to create extremely thin materials—materials that are difficult, if not impossible, to produce reliably on Earth. These materials are intended for use in semiconductors, which are vital components in modern electronics. This is where things get interesting: the microgravity environment of space offers unique conditions for manufacturing these materials, potentially leading to technological advancements.
But here's where it gets controversial... the disposal of the old high-definition television camera. The camera, originally part of a Canadian commercial payload, was no longer needed. Zubritsky, using the European Robotic Arm (ERA), jettisoned the camera, ensuring it wouldn't pose a risk to the ISS. The camera's relatively small size and weight—approximately 180 pounds (82 kilograms) and measuring 2 by 4.6 by 2.3 feet (0.6 by 1.4 by 0.7 meters)—meant it would burn up upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.
Before returning to the Poisk module, the cosmonauts also cleaned a window on the service module and retrieved an exposed material samples experiment. This spacewalk was a significant undertaking, marking the second for Expedition 73 and the 276th in support of the ISS since 1998. For Zubritsky, it was his first spacewalk, while Ryzhikov now has a total of 12 hours and 57 minutes of spacewalking experience.
What do you think? Is the disposal of space junk a necessary evil, or should we be more mindful of the long-term impact of space debris? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
