Video: Nasa astronauts carry out space station repairs just in the nick of time
The two spacewalkers had to carry out the repairs during 35 minutes that the station's solar panels were not generating electricity
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It was a race against time for two Nasa astronauts when they had just 35 minutes to replace a crucial electrical unit that had failed outside of the International Space Station.
Footage posted by Nasa yesterday, shows astronauts, Reid Wiseman and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, carrying out a spacewalk with the aim of replacing a faulty electrical unit with a new one.
However, the two men were up against the clock, as the mission could only take place when the space station was not in direct contact with sunlight and the solar panels that provide electricity to the ISS were not generating power.
The operation faced further difficulties, when one of the bolts did not work. However, Wiseman was eventually able to screw it in after using a special power tool.
The spacewalk carried out by Wiseman and Gerst, caused a lot of excitement throughout UFO enthusiasts, with a number of people claiming that the footage had captured a UFO floating in the background as the two men were filmed carrying out their checks.
In the video of the walk, some keen observers spotted what they believe to be a UFO.
Nasa has yet to comment on the image; however, most sceptics say that the blurred image in the background is an unidentified orbiting satellite.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments