Astronauts busy with robotics work, spacewalk prep

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In this July 24, 2009 television image from NASA TV astronaut Chris Cassidy works to replace batteries on the international space station. (AP / NASA TV)

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Canadian astronaut Julie Payette, centre, takes her position on board the International Space Station on Friday, July 17, 2009.

Astronauts busy with robotics work, spacewalk prep

Updated Sun. Jul. 26 2009 10:29 AM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station started what will be a busy day by returning a cargo carrier from the Kibo laboratory to the shuttle Endeavour's payload bay.

Endeavour Commander Mark Polansky, alongside Canadian astronaut Julie Payette, used the shuttle's robotic arm to grab the payload carrier from Mark Hurley and Tim Kopra, who used the Canadarm2 to remove the carrier from the laboratory.

The cargo carrier, which was used to transport items for installation at the lab, will return to earth with the Endeavour when it leaves the space station on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Chris Cassidy and Tom Marshburn are checking their spacesuits and tool kits to prepare for Monday's fifth and final spacewalk.

The crew began the day with music selected by Payette: George Frederic Handel's "Dixit Dominus."

The activity follows a day of rest for all 13 astronauts, who will speak to media from the space station at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Later Sunday evening, many Canadians should be able to get a good look at the shuttle and space station.

Residents in southern Ontario, southern Quebec and parts of Atlantic Canada will get the best views, provided that skies are clear.

The shuttle and space station should come into view at 9:26 p.m. and remain visible for up to four minutes.

They will first become visible in the west and then travel south-southeast.

According to astronomers, the vessels will appear as a bright star moving at the speed of an airplane.

Payette and the rest of the Endeavour crew are scheduled to undock on Tuesday and return to earth. Canadian astronaut Bob Thirsk will remain at the space station to complete his six-month stay.

 

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