NASA astronauts will exit the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday, June 30, to swap out a wrist joint on the Canadarm2 robotic arm. The extravehicular activity (EVA), designated US Spacewalk 95, is part of ongoing maintenance to keep the critical robotic system operational. The spacewalk is targeted to begin around 8 a.m. EDT.
The Canadarm2 wrist joint replacement is a routine but precise operation. The arm, built by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), is essential for capturing cargo spacecraft, moving equipment, and supporting station maintenance. Astronauts will work on the starboard side of the station's truss during the 6.5-hour excursion.
NASA and CSA experts will hold a preview news conference at 2 p.m. EDT on a date not specified in the release, likely days before the spacewalk. The briefing will cover objectives, procedures, and crew preparations. No details on specific astronaut assignments or past delays were provided in the source.
This spacewalk underscores the ongoing international collaboration between NASA and CSA. The Canadarm2 has been in service for over two decades, and joint maintenance efforts ensure its continued reliability for station operations and future commercial cargo missions.
While spacewalk maintenance is standard procedure, replacing a joint on a critical robotic arm carries inherent risks of orbital debris or suit malfunctions. Source material did not provide alternative perspectives or cost data.