Canadarm2 Grips Cargo Spacecraft, Spacewalk Prep and Biology Continue

A JAXA HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft is in the grasp of the Canadarm2 robotic arm after detaching from the station’s Harmony module. It was uninstalled at 2:26 p.m. EST Thursday and moved to an overnight parking position. During the crew’s sleep shift, Japanese controllers will run a laser ranging sensor demonstration while HTV-X1 remains held, and robotics teams are scheduled to release the vehicle into orbit at 12 p.m.

EST Friday. The spacecraft will stay at a safe distance for about three months to carry out a series of remotely controlled science experiments. Flight engineers Jessica Meir, Chris Williams and Jack Hathaway reviewed tools and equipment to install a modification kit and route cables for a future roll-out solar array on the station’s port side.

Officials will soon announce the date and name the two spacewalkers who will exit the Quest airlock to perform that preparation work.

Japan

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