William Atkins
Tuesday, 12 May 2009 19:25
Science -
Space
Page 2 of 4
EVA-1 involves replacing the Wide Field Camera, replacing a failed science data processing computer (that had delayed the mission in 2008), and installing a grab bar so a probably-robotic spacecraft can grapple onto Hubble in order to make a controlled de-orbit of the telescope at the end of its useful life (which is many years in the future).
Mike Massimino and Mike Good are performing EVA-2 on May 15. The two Mikes will change out three boxes that each contains two of the telescope’s six gyroscopes. They will also swap out the first battery module, which includes three batteries.
EVA-3, on May 16, involves a return to outside of the space shuttle by Grunsfeld and Feustel. They will install the Cosmic Origins Spectrgraph and repair the Advanced Camera for Surveys.
May 17 finds Massimino and Good performing EVA-4, their second spacewalk of the mission. They will repair and update the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, along with installing an insulation blanket around the telescope (the old one is getting worn and frayed).
EVA-5 by Grunsfeld and Feustel is on May 18. It involves installing the Fine Guidance Sensor (Number 3), along with the installation of another insulation blanket and the replacement of the final battery module.
Information that is more detailed about the EVAs occurs on the NASA Web site mentioned earlier.
Page three talks about interesting questions about the mission, and their answers from the Orlando Sentinel.
