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Author
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Topic: EVA (spacewalk) durations and changes
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PowerCat
Member Posts: 226
From: Herington, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 08-19-2026 11:13 AM
   
I was wondering if anyone had ideas regarding whether changes have been made in EVAs that are shortening durations from several decades or even years ago.Looking back, the three EVAs on STS-103 were all over 8 hours in duration. And of course they used the shuttle airlock. Did the shuttle airlock allow for longer EVAs that the current Quest airlock on the ISS doesn't? The one EVA on STS-102 set the US record of 8 hours, 55 minutes that would have used the shuttle airlock. Recent EVAs out of ISS will mention what consumable or other factor that limits time available outside the ISS. I'm trying to understand what has caused earlier longer EVA duration times to not be available during our recent EVAs. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 56942
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-19-2026 01:18 PM
I cannot say (because I do not know) if it is the only concern, but the EMUs (specifically, the PLSS backpacks) are much older than they were during the space shuttle program and are becoming harder to maintain in working order. As such, mission and spacewalk planners may be more conservative in their timelines to avoid over stressing the spacesuits. | |
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