In a recent spacewalk on November 1, NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara faced a setback when a $100,000 tool bag went astray. Despite completing one of two main objectives in the six-hour spacewalk, the costly mishap raised concerns.
During the spacewalk, Moghbeli and O’Hara replaced a vital component, one of 12 trundle bearing assemblies on the port solar alpha rotary joint. This component enables solar arrays to track the sun, generating electricity for the International Space Station (ISS).
As time ran out, the astronauts focused on analyzing the approach for the second task in the next spacewalk. However, the $100,000 tool bag was inadvertently lost in space.
NASA Mission Control quickly analyzed the lost tool bag’s trajectory and determined a low risk of recontacting the space station. This prompt assessment provided assurance regarding the safety of the crew and the International Space Station, requiring no immediate action.
The lost tool bag hovers about 200 miles above Earth, orbiting ahead of the ISS. Despite the financial loss, NASA reassured the public about the safety of the space station and its occupants.
Spacewalks are crucial for maintaining the ISS, yet unforeseen events like the tool bag loss highlight the challenges of human space exploration. NASA continues to assess the situation, prioritizing astronaut and space station safety.
