Expedition 10 Tests Spacesuits for Monday's Spacewalk

Expedition 10 Tests Spacesuits for Monday's Spacewalk

With the March 28 spacewalk just a few days away, the crewmembers of
Expedition 10 successfully conducted a dry run test of their spacesuits
Thursday, ensuring that all components of the Russian Orlan spacesuits are
functioning properly.

To prepare for the dry run, Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer
Salizhan Sharipov tore down and removed the air ducts between the Service
Module Transfer Compartment and the Pirs Docking Compartment and Airlock.
After checking out the equipment and interface units, Chiao and Sharipov
donned their spacesuits, closed the hatch to Pirs and initiated a partial
depress of the compartment to check for any leaks in the suits.

While the compartment was depressurized to 5.9 psi, the crew tested the fit
and functionality of the suits. Afterwards, Chiao and Sharipov performed
translation and mobility exercises. Upon the successful completion of the
dry run, the crew and support personnel on the ground will use the results
to ensure proper fit and comfort for the suits during Monday's spacewalk.

The remainder of the crew's day consisted of post-training clean-up
activities and the reinstallation of the air duct to Pirs.

The Expedition 10 crew's spacewalk is scheduled to begin Monday at 12:25
a.m. CST (0625 GMT). Live coverage will be available on NASA TV beginning at
11:00 p.m. CST Sunday (0500 GMT Monday).

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Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info