Mission Alpha: the busy schedule for astronauts aboard the ISS
Welcome ceremony for the four new astronauts upon their arrival aboard the International Space Station, after docking SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule on April 24, 2021. via REUTERS - NASA TV
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After taking off and docking with the International Space Station without problems, Thomas Pesquet is on board the ISS for a 6-month mission.
On the program, science and probably spacewalks.
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With our special correspondent in Cape Canaveral,
Simon Rozé
Of course, takeoff, the most dangerous phase of a space mission, went smoothly.
But it is perhaps the hardest part that begins now for Thomas Pesquet: the 6-month marathon in space that he is starting will not be easy.
There is science first of all, the primary goal of its mission.
More than 200 experiments are on the program, in almost all fields: fundamental physics, chemistry, life sciences and the preparation of future expeditions further afield to the Moon or Mars.
Its daily life will also be punctuated by the station's maintenance operations, some parts have been in space for more than 20 years, they must be taken care of.
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To read also:
Mission Alpha: the Crew Dragon capsule has docked at the international space station
Trips in the vacuum of space
A new module will also be installed there, Nauka, which will complete the Russian part of the ISS in July.
It will also be equipped with a robotic arm built in Europe.
Finally, there are the events, extra-vehicular outings, in a diving suit in the vacuum of space;
four are planned during Thomas Pesquet's mission, and even if they have not yet been assigned, it is likely that he will carry out one or two.
► Also to listen: Mission Alpha: "The space station is a privileged laboratory for science and research"
► Thomas Pesquet will share his daily life in the station on RFI throughout his mission.
"Endeavor arriving!"
Welcome to the @Space_Station, Crew-2!
Their arrival means there are now 11 humans aboard our orbiting laboratory, a number not seen since the space shuttle era.
Hugs abound.
pic.twitter.com/uSwW3JFl6K
- NASA (@NASA) April 24, 2021
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