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NASA to Broadcast Live Coverage of Roscosmos Spacewalk

NASA has announced its plan to provide live coverage of an upcoming spacewalk conducted by two cosmonauts from Roscosmos, scheduled for Thursday, December 19. This exciting event marks another significant moment in international cooperation in space exploration. The event will be streamed live on NASA+, providing viewers with an opportunity to experience the mission in real-time.

The broadcast is set to begin at 9:45 AM EST, leading up to the spacewalk set to commence around 10:10 AM. Viewers can expect the spacewalk to last approximately six and a half hours, during which the cosmonauts will complete various critical tasks that are essential for the maintenance and upgrade of the International Space Station (ISS).

Objectives of Spacewalk 63

The upcoming spacewalk, designated as Spacewalk 63, is part of the ongoing operations aimed at maintaining the ISS and ensuring its functionality for scientific research. Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Nikolai Chub, alongside crewmates Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, will venture outside the ISS's Poisk module. Their primary objectives include:

• - To install an experiment package designed to monitor celestial x-ray sources,
• - Setting up new electrical connector patch panels,
• - Removing several experiments that are no longer needed for disposal, and
• - Relocating a control panel for the European robotic arm, which is managed by Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexsandr Gorbunov from inside the station.

The Astronauts’ Spacesuits

For this particular mission, Ovchinin will don an Orlan spacesuit adorned with red stripes, while Vagner will wear a blue-striped spacesuit. This spacewalk represents a significant milestone for Vagner, marking his very first foray outside the ISS, whereas it will be a second outing for Ovchinin.

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Expedition 72 crewmates prepare for the upcoming spacewalk (Image credit: NASA)

Spacewalks are a fundamental part of the ISS operations, with Spacewalk 63 being recorded as the 272nd of its kind. These missions have been crucial in assembly, maintenance, and upgrades of the ISS, ensuring that it continues to serve as a platform for scientific discovery and international collaboration in space.

Follow NASA’s Coverage

To follow this thrilling event, viewers can access NASA's live stream on various platforms, including social media. The International Space Station offers a blog, Instagram, Facebook, and X accounts where breaking news, images, and features are frequently posted, allowing space enthusiasts to stay updated on the latest happenings at the ISS.

Learn more about the International Space Station and keep an eye on the live coverage for what promises to be an exhilarating spacewalk by visiting NASA's official website!

Engage with NASA through social media and be part of a legacy of discovery that pushes the boundaries of human potential beyond our planet. Mark your calendars for December 19 and join millions around the world as we witness this extraordinary event unfold.