After a lengthy pause, NASA is eyeing a potential timeline to resume spacewalks at the International Space Station (ISS) following a concerning incident earlier this year. So far, only two spacewalks have taken place in 2024, with the last one occurring in June, a stark contrast compared to the average of 12 spacewalks per year between 2021 and 2023. What has led to this dramatic decrease?

In June, NASA suspended all spacewalks after a serious malfunction occurred when water leaked from the service and cooling umbilical unit of a spacesuit worn by astronaut Tracy Dyson. This alarming incident unfolded right after the hatch was opened for a planned spacewalk, prompting NASA to take immediate action.

Engineers quickly initiated an investigation into the suit's design and functionality. They discovered issues with a seal and the umbilical connection, critical components that link the spacesuit to the ISS. After performing maintenance, including replacing the faulty components, the suit was successfully repressurized. However, additional testing was required to guarantee its reliability for future missions.

Now that the problem appears to be addressed, NASA's Bill Spetch, operations and integration manager for the ISS program, indicated in a recent press conference that the space agency is looking to resume spacewalks sometime in 2025. While a specific date has not been established, Spetch emphasized that the timing will depend on the right conditions and the coordination of astronaut activities around spacecraft arrivals and departures.

Interestingly, Dyson's suit belongs to a design first introduced in the 1970s and utilized during the space shuttle era. This suit has been instrumental in various critical missions, including the construction of the ISS and subsequent maintenance and upgrades. To enhance safety and comfort, NASA plans to replace the outdated designs with newer, more agile suits inspired by the successful Polaris Dawn mission tested by commercial astronaut Jared Isaacman.

In an unexpected parallel, Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, has also put a hold on its spacewalks at the ISS. Its decision mirrors NASA's caution, allowing teams to conduct thorough checks on their systems and equipment to ensure astronaut safety moving forward.

As the situation develops, space enthusiasts are eager to see when NASA will finally reignite its spacewalking endeavors. Stay tuned as we await further announcements and prepare for a new era of exploration beyond our planet!