Shaking the P6 Array (2/3)

An additional spacewalk is scheduled for 18th December, to complete the retraction of the P6 solar array. The decision was made after progress was made in retracting the array during EVA3. Spacewalkers Robert Curbeam and Sunita Williams assisted in the process by shaking the array wing which helped flight controllers retract more of the array. Efforts were suspended due to time constraints. Eleven of the 21 bays remain unfurled. Prior to Saturday's efforts 17 remained unfurled. Curbeam and Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang will resume the shaking activities during the spacewalk, slated to begin at 1:47 p.m. EST. The spacewalk will be Curbeam's fourth during the mission and Fuglesang's third.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• P6
• Solar
• Array
• ISS
• STS-116
• STS116
• STS
• 116

[DAM1ANLESL1E]

Amazing. Just like a blind in the house it seems, only on a bigger scale! Individual fine adjustment motors on each guide wire would make it easier to adjust etc.

Thanks for sharing.