The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS-2) on the International Space Station (ISS) will undergo vital upgrades as part of Expedition 72’s upcoming spacewalks. NASA astronauts are preparing for a spacewalk scheduled later this month to service scientific instruments. Their first task will involve the NICER X-ray telescope, where they will install a sun-blocking protective patch to enhance its research accuracy. Additionally, preparations will be made for future AMS-2 upgrades.
During a recent spacewalk on December 19, cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin and Flight Engineer Ivan Vagner installed a celestial X-ray experiment and removed outdated scientific equipment. The crew, including Commander Suni Williams and Flight Engineers Nick Hague, Don Pettit, and Butch Wilmore, have been diligently organizing tools and rehearsing spacewalk safety procedures.
On the science front, Pettit is conducting agriculture experiments, specifically thinning Red Romaine lettuce seedlings for research on space food cultivation, while Wilmore is managing cargo operations. Meanwhile, cosmonauts are engaged in various tasks, such as photographing microorganisms for biological studies and transferring supplies from a resupply ship. This collaborative effort in orbit aims to enhance scientific research and prepare for future missions.
