LIVE: Expedition 18 spacewalk - December 23

[ShuttleDiscovery]

Is all of that noise in the background the air circulation fans?  I've always heard that it is loud on the Russian side. 

Yeah, I remember reading that members of the early expeditions wore earplugs!

[Chris Bergin]

Is this Langmuir probe installation related to the plasma discharge issues or was it planned from before?

It is related to recent Soyuz problems.

Also, I see the Zarya PDGF installation does not seem to be an objective anymore, have the plans been put on hold?

L2 section has answer.

Some of us don't have L2. a simplified answer would be welcome.

Anik did the right thing, as we don't allow L2 content to move to the open section unless I santion it (given it could be misused, or reported by other media who didn't acquire it themselves etc.etc.)

I will santion this one to help. I believe the reference was on one of the previous MOD 8th Floor 'memos' which are expansive and include notes from the SSPCB etc. Covering ISS. The specific snippet is from two weeks ago (we publish same day):

8th Floor ISS News (SSPCB Notes) - Dec 8, 08 - note four of eight for those on L2 which includes:

"SPDM Parking and Node 3 PVGF

As of this date, analysis indicates that the SPDM could not be stored at the FGB PDGF after the MLM1 is docked to the FGB (as long as the airlock which may eventually move to MRM1 is mated to MLM1). The board chair asked OM to see whether any PDGF reorientations would allow SPDM install. He also asked OM to work with the Russians to consider making MRM1 config changes so that  the airlock does not interfere with SPDM. The chair wants to be able to use the  FGB PDGF as the standard SPDM stowage location.

There was no decision on whether to pursue a Node 3 PVGF until the questions regarding FGB PDGF are answered."

Don't see any references on the Dec 15 version, which was all about SARJ, but will keep an eye out for todays.

[dsmillman]

The ISS timeline at:

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/298043main_1222_2308_tl.pdf

provides the timeline of EVA preparation activities.

[anik]

Some of us don't have L2. a simplified answer would be welcome

I am sorry for such answer, but I really did not know current situation with PDGF then. L2 section has similar info, that is why I have pointed to it. But Chris has already said about rules of L2 section.

As for PDGF installation on Zarya module, now I know as per open source, that it is planned during the fourth STS-119 spacewalk.

Chris mentioned here about current plan for using of PDGF on Zarya module. Earlier its installation there was planned for relocation of Pirs module from the nadir to the zenith port of Zvezda module (this task is cancelled), then for relocation of MRM-1 module from the Space Shuttle cargo bay to the nadir port of Zarya module (this task can be done by SSRMS on other location).

[eeergo]

Will they be using helmet cameras during this spacewalk? Seemed like it from the fit checks videos shown during today's ISS hour, but I'm not sure if those were cameras or just the headlamps.

[wjbarnett]

Will they be using helmet cameras during this spacewalk? Seemed like it from the fit checks videos shown during today's ISS hour, but I'm not sure if those were cameras or just the headlamps.

There is one on Yuri's helmet, but not Mike's. At least that was what was shown a few days ago during a pre-view video that Mike downlinked. I believe both helmets have lights borrowed from US, too.

[MBK004]

Will they be using helmet cameras during this spacewalk? Seemed like it from the fit checks videos shown during today's ISS hour, but I'm not sure if those were cameras or just the headlamps.

There is one on Yuri's helmet, but not Mike's. At least that was what was shown a few days ago during a pre-view video that Mike downlinked. I believe both helmets have lights borrowed from US, too.

From that video, Yuri's suit has the video and US lights while Mike's suit has just the Russian lights.

[bobthemonkey]

Converted into a live coverage thread. We will require help in coverage of this spacewalk.

Should be around till 4am. Hopefully the translator will be a little easier to understand than the one used for the Soyuz pyro-bolt EVA.

As an aside, is there any info on the watch thing on the schedule. I assume this is another advertising tie-up like the golf ball and Pepsi can.

[rdale]

As an aside, is there any info on the watch thing on the schedule.

Yep - in this very thread...

[John44]

 Expedition 18 Pre-Spacewalk Activities 2
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4585

[Johnny Rönnberg]

NTV coverage has began. 0115 CET still official plan start time.

I wonder where the advertising in the MCM have gone?

[eeergo]

Hatch reported open.

Correction: It appears the "hatch" was not the main one, but a sort of equalization valve for depress.
Now that I think of it, Sandy is inside the Soyuz, so she must be preparing the DM/OM hatch for the EVA and contingency operations.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Depress underway

[Svetoslav]

Looks like we are behind schedule, aren't we?

[Ronsmytheiii]

[rdale]

Yes, per PAO, some additional discussions at the start. But he's speaking over EVERYTHING right now so hard to tell what's going on.

[Ronsmytheiii]

[rdale]

10-15 minutes away from start of EVA.

[The-Hammer]

A pressure equalization valve in the transfer compartment wasn't responding to electronic commands. I think they said Sandy could manually actuate it so I'm assuming it is on the Zvezda/Zarya hatch and that it needs to be closed.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Yury will be in Blue and will have the US lights/SVS system, while Mike will be in redc with the new LED light system.