French astronaut Thomas Pesquet has shed light on his experience during his first 100 days aboard the International Space Station. He describes his mission as “magical” but also “routine.” While many people back on Earth might feel that living aboard the space laboratory would be exciting and thrilling, Pesquet reminds us that some of the time spent on ISS is far from thrilling.
Magical but routine
“I am finding it magical every day, but there is also a lot of routine,” the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut said as he shed light on his first 100 days aboard the ISS during his second space mission. As ESA points out, Pesquet’s magical moments include his first-ever ride aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft in April. Besides, his three spacewalks with fellow astronauts to set up new power systems will also make the cut.
Pesquet has witnessed seven spacecraft come and go during his time on the ISS. He also saw the recent departure of the Pirs module after staying attached to the space laboratory for two decades. Adding to the list is the Nauka module that replaced Pirs and also brought along ISS’ third and most advanced robotic arm. He’ll also be present when Boeing’s new Starliner capsule docks at the space station on August 4.
ISS gets a new module
Besides, Russia’s Nauka module recently docked to the ISS. But just three hours after docking, the module sent the space laboratory off course when it abruptly fired up its thrusters. The Russian space agency Roscosmos said that a software glitch caused the module to start its thrusters.
The module is believed to have received the command to “withdraw,” sending the orbital outpost rotating away from its usual orientation. Roscosmos has reassured me that everything is fine and has worked out well.
The module comes with the European Robotic Arm that will assist a new Russian airlock to transfer small payloads from inside to the exterior of the space station. It will work in tandem with Canadarm2 that is equipped on the US side of the space laboratory.
