Being a NASA astronaut takes a lot more effort than we might imagine. Individuals must meet certain criteria. These include being a citizen of the US and holding a master’s degree in a STEM discipline such as engineering, science, technology, or mathematics. Additionally, candidates also should have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.
The aforementioned prerequisites ensure that aspiring astronauts possess the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to NASA’s missions and space exploration endeavors.
A spacewalk of six and a half hours
On Friday, June 9, NASA astronauts Steve Bowen and Warren “Woody” Hoburg will have to join a spacewalk with a unique objective. Their mission entails installing a cutting-edge unrolling solar panel, known as the International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA), to enhance the power capacity of the International Space Station (ISS).
This spacewalk, officially referred to as U.S. EVA 87, is expected to commence at 9:15 a.m. EDT (1315 UTC) and last for about six and a half hours. Bowen and Hoburg will be installing one IROSA during this spacewalk and another one is planned to be installed on June 15. These new solar arrays are crucial for expanding the energy capabilities of the orbiting laboratory, ensuring a sustainable power supply for its scientific endeavors and operations.
One of the amazing facts about the International Space Station (ISS) is that it travels at the incredible speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour). This means that the ISS orbits our planet about once every 90 minutes, providing its occupants with a sunrise or sunset every 45 minutes. This rapid pace allows the astronauts on board to witness breathtaking views of our planet as they orbit around it.
Tommy’s hobby has always been playing video games. He enjoys competing in video games tournaments and writing about his experience. It’s not a big surprise that he mostly covers the latest trends from the gaming industry.