NASA astronaut Jessica Meir and European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot will conduct a six-and-a-half-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to replace navigational hardware, install data cables, and upgrade external station cameras during U.S. spacewalk 99.
Two veteran spaceflyers are preparing to step into the vacuum of orbit for a demanding maintenance excursion outside humanity’s premier orbiting laboratory. EDT ahead of an anticipated 8:30 a.m. start.
Harmony Module Navigation and External Upgrades
The primary engineering objective of the excursion focuses on the forward port of the space station’s Harmony module. There, the spacewalkers will replace a retroreflector critical for supporting spacecraft navigation during rendezvous and docking operations.
Once that navigational aid is secured, the crew will transition to a series of heavy-duty infrastructure tasks across the truss structure. Their detailed timeline includes installing jumper cables for the station’s data-relay systems, readying the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer’s radiator for upcoming maintenance windows, and replacing a high-definition exterior camera.
Astronaut Crew Assignments and Distinctive Suit Markings
Identifying the crew outside the sprawling complex will be straightforward for mission controllers and ground observers. Sophie Adenot, representing the European Space Agency, serves as spacewalk crew member 1 and will wear a distinctive spacesuit adorned with red stripes. NASA astronaut Jessica Meir serves as crew member 2, wearing an unmarked suit.
The upcoming excursion marks significant career milestones for both professionals. For Adenot, the operation represents her third career spacewalk.
Milestones in Orbital Infrastructure and Experience
Tuesday’s maintenance outing will be the 284th spacewalk dedicated to International Space Station assembly, maintenance, and upgrades. The cumulative hours logged by international crews continue to preserve the station’s operational capacity.
For Meir personally, the mission carries historical weight within NASA’s ranks. The excursion moves her into third place all-time for total spacewalks among women at NASA, trailing only Peggy Whitson with 10 and Suni Williams with 9.
Live Broadcast Schedule and Viewing Access
Ground teams expect the intricate maintenance work to consume roughly six and a half hours once the airlock hatch opens.
