Astronauts test new robotic arm in space
STS-124 and Expedition 17 crews onboard International Space Station
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Monday, 09, Jun 2008 03:24
Astronauts onboard the International Space Station (ISS) are to test the newly-installed robotic arm today.
Crew members who arrived last week at the orbiting outpost and the current ISS team have undertaken three spacewalks in the past seven days to launch components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory.
Kibo, which means 'hope' in Japanese, is the country's major contribution to the station and will enhance the research capabilities of the ISS.
The newly activated robotic arm on the Kibo module will be moved to its stowed position today and the team will also check the arm's brakes.
The crews will also work in the Quest airlock of the ISS to replace battery charger modules that provide power to US spacesuits during spacewalks.
Once these tasks are complete the two teams will hold a joint news conference with reporters on the ground about their mission before the STS-124 crew prepare for their return to Earth.
Discovery is due to undock from the ISS on Wednesday, bringing back with it flight engineer Garrett Reisman, who will end a three-month stay at the outpost.
Taking his place will be new ISS crew member Greg Chamitoff.