In the present day within the historical past of astronomy, the crew of STS-116 start their intensive and complex mission.
The STS-116 launch on Dec. 9, 2006, was the primary evening launch since 2002. Credit score: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Robert Murray, Chris Lynch
- The STS-116 mission, involving House Shuttle Discovery in December 2006, was designated as one of the crucial advanced undertakings to the Worldwide House Station (ISS).
- Major mission targets encompassed an in depth rewiring challenge for the photo voltaic panel array, structural enhancements for future modules, and the staged re-configuration of energy and cooling methods, together with the set up of a 4,000-pound truss.
- An unscheduled Extravehicular Exercise (EVA) was carried out to handle a malfunction within the photo voltaic array retraction system, alongside the switch of two tons of provisions to the ISS.
- The mission notably featured Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam attaining a report for essentially the most spacewalks throughout a single mission and ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang turning into the primary Swedish astronaut to achieve house.
When the seven astronauts of the STS-116 mission lifted off in House Shuttle Discovery on Dec. 9, 2006, they had been setting off on what NASA would name “one of the crucial advanced missions ever to the Worldwide House Station.” The crew docked with the ISS on Dec. 11, 2006, and started an in depth rewiring challenge, engaged on the photo voltaic panel array and making structural upgrades to permit for the addition of future modules. The station’s energy and cooling methods had been totally reconfigured, a technique of energy rerouting that needed to be accomplished in levels throughout a number of spacewalks. The astronauts additionally put in a 4,000-pound truss. And when the photo voltaic array retraction system skilled issues, an unplanned EVA was carried out to appropriate it, requiring intensive cooperation and improvisation.
Along with making the upgrades, the STS-116 crew transferred 2 tons of meals, water, and gear to the ISS. It was additionally a landmark mission for Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam, who set a report for essentially the most spacewalks throughout a single mission, and for ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang, who turned the primary Swedish astronaut in house.
