“`html
Russian Cosmonauts Complete Spacewalk, Advance Semiconductor Research on ISS
Table of Contents
A groundbreaking experiment aimed at producing advanced materials in microgravity and the disposal of outdated equipment marked a triumphant spacewalk for two Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The six-hour, nine-minute extravehicular activity (EVA) represents a significant step forward in both materials science and the ongoing maintenance of the orbiting laboratory.
Expedition 73 Completes 276th ISS Spacewalk
Expedition 73 commander Sergey Ryzhikov and flight engineer Alexey Zubritsky, both with russia’s federal space corporation Roscosmos, concluded their first joint spacewalk at 7:19 p.m. EDT (2319 GMT). The pair re-entered the Poisk module’s airlock after departing at 1:10 p.m. EDT (1710 GMT), successfully completing a series of tasks vital to the station’s continued operation and scientific endeavors. This spacewalk was the second for Expedition 73 and the 276th conducted in support of the ISS since its assembly began in 1998.
Pioneering Semiconductor Research in Orbit
The primary objective of the spacewalk was the installation of the Ekran-M, also known as the molecular Beam Epitaxy experiment.Ryzhikov, secured at the end of the European Robotic Arm (ERA) and guided by cosmonaut Oleg Platonov from within the station, carefully positioned the drum-shaped unit outside the Nauka multipurpose laboratory module. The cosmonauts then ran power cables and mounted a swappable cassette, preparing the experiment for operation.
This innovative research aims to leverage the unique conditions of microgravity to produce extremely thin materials – materials that are too delicate to reliably manufacture on Earth. These materials hold immense promise for advancements in semiconductors, potentially revolutionizing electronics and other technologies.
Deorbiting Outdated Equipment
Following the installation of the new experiment, Ryzhikov and Zubritsky turned their attention to removing and disposing of a high-definition television system. The camera, originally part of a Canadian commercial payload, had reached the end of its operational life.Zubritsky, again utilizing the European Robotic Arm, carefully jettisoned the camera overboard, ensuring it would not pose a risk to the ISS.
“It is indeed going so well,” Zubritsky radioed as the camera drifted into the Earth’s shadow. “jettison is complete.”
the discarded equipment, weighing 180 pounds (82 kilograms) and measuring 2 by 4.6 by 2.3 feet (0.6 by 1.4 by 0.7 meters), will safely re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and burn up upon reentry.
A First for Zubritsky, Continued Experience for Ryzhikov
This spacewalk marked Zubritsky’s first EVA, a significant milestone in his career as a cosmonaut. Ryzhikov, a veteran of space walks, has now logged a total of
Worth a look
- Why Museums Still Ban Your Camera Flash, Even Though It's Harmless (daybreakwire.com)
