Spacewalk Cut Short After Suit Malfunctions

Astronaut Andrew Feustel has an eye irritation ... 220 miles up

(AP) - Eyelash, space dust, tears … who knows what was, but an astronaut today got something in his eye that stung "like crazy"—and almost interrupted a spacewalk. Several minutes later, Andrew Feustel assured everyone his eye was feeling better and the third spacewalk of the Endeavour continued as planned. The incident came as the spacewalk hit the five-hour mark. Feustel and Mike Fincke had just finished running power cables from the US side of the orbiting house to the Russian half. Feustel managed to rub his eye against a strap in his helmet and said that helped. More»

Spacewalks may be necessary to perform repairs

(AP) - Half of the International Space Station's cooling system has suddenly shut down, forcing the astronauts on board to power down equipment and face the likelihood of urgent spacewalking repairs. After huddling today, NASA managers gave preliminary approval for a pair of spacewalks, the first of which would take place later this week. Officials stressed that the six occupants—three Americans and three Russians—were in no danger, and that the orbiting complex was in a stable situation. More»

In addition to a pretty sight, 'Cupola' will aid in shuttle docking

(NEWSER) - The shutters are open on the International Space Station’s new observation deck, which one astronaut describes as a “bay window to the world,” and the views are stunning. The centerpiece of the “Cupola,” as it’s called, is a 31-inch diameter circular aperture that is the largest space window ever built. The astronauts on board the ISS now have “a view of the entire globe,” the station’s commander says. “Absolutely incredible." More»

Astronauts complete final spacewalk

(NEWSER) - Astronauts from the space shuttle Atlantis finished the final spacewalk of their mission at the International Space Station today, clearing the way for their return Wednesday. Astronauts Robert Satcher and Randy Bresnik installed a science experiment that will test how materials, including a new kind of Teflon, hold up to the rigors of space. The pair also installed an oxygen tank on the station’s Quest airlock, Space.com reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Astronauts walking outside the International Space Station lost communications with NASA ground control for 33 minutes today, Reuters reports, after a storm cut the link through a relay station on the Pacific island of Guam. “This is no safety of flight issue,” said a spokesman, who added that crewmates kept an eye on Americans Danny Olivas and Nicole Stott during the blackout. More»