safety protocols
-
Medical Concern Delays ISS Spacewalk
Read Full Article: Medical Concern Delays ISS Spacewalk
A planned spacewalk outside the International Space Station was postponed due to a "medical concern" involving a crew member, as announced by NASA. Originally scheduled for Thursday morning, astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman were set to spend six-and-a-half hours outside to prepare for the installation of new roll-out solar arrays, which are crucial for the station's electrical system upgrade before its decommissioning in 2030. While NASA emphasized the importance of medical privacy and did not disclose further details, they assured the situation is stable and will provide updates on a new date for the spacewalk. This mission was intended to be the first of two spacewalks planned for the month, with the second aimed at completing maintenance tasks. This matters because ensuring the health and safety of astronauts is crucial for the successful completion of essential upgrades and maintenance on the International Space Station, which plays a key role in ongoing space exploration and research.
-
NASA’s Starliner Incident: Safety Concerns Raised
Read Full Article: NASA’s Starliner Incident: Safety Concerns Raised
The NASA safety panel, led by retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Susan Helms, criticized NASA for not taking the Starliner incident seriously enough, emphasizing the importance of declaring mishaps and close calls promptly to facilitate effective investigations. Mark Sirangelo, another panel member, highlighted that early declaration allows for quicker and more effective investigative processes. During the Starliner test flight, there was confusion due to NASA's decision not to declare a mishap, with officials downplaying thruster issues and creating ambiguity about the spacecraft's safety for crew return. Ultimately, NASA decided to return the Starliner without astronauts, and the safety panel recommended revising NASA's criteria to ensure clear communication regarding in-flight mishaps or close calls affecting crew or spacecraft safety. This matters because clear safety protocols and communication are crucial for ensuring astronaut safety and mission success.