UNITED STATES: A Russian cosmonaut achieved an unprecedented milestone by completing a test flight at the end of a robotic arm during a successful spacewalk at the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, August 9.

Expedition 69 commander Sergey Prokopyev ventured to the edge of the European Robotic Arm (ERA) to conduct a series of tests aimed at assessing the durability and sturdiness of a portable workstation. This historic event marked the first time a human had been aboard the ERA.

The 37-foot-long (11.3 meters) robotic arm, which had been integrated into the ISS with the Nauka multi-purpose science module in July 2021, finally entered active service in the Russian segment in April 2022.

Since then, the ERA has been utilized to relocate substantial equipment like a large radiator and an experiment airlock. However, Prokopyev’s spacewalk marked the arm’s maiden voyage with a human presence, signifying a major leap forward in space technology and exploration.

Cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, operating from inside Nauka, expertly controlled the robotic arm while Prokopyev embarked on the slow and controlled journey. Dmitry Petelin, Prokopyev’s fellow cosmonaut on the spacewalk, closely observed and documented the pivotal moment.

The successful 40-minute demonstration showcased the ERA’s ability to transport astronauts during future spacewalks, matching the capabilities of the station’s primary arm, the Canadarm2, which supports the U.S. operating segment. 

The test also unveiled the potential for cosmonauts to move between modules using the ERA, replacing the previously used manually operated “Strela” booms.

In addition to the robotic arm test, Prokopyev and Petelin installed crucial debris shields to safeguard the areas of the Rassvet mini-research module that were affected by the repositioning of the radiator and airlock.

The spacewalk concluded with Prokopyev and Petelin discarding the protective shrouds, launch restraints, and towels that were used during the operation. The meticulous disposal ensured that the discarded equipment posed no threat to the ISS before reentering Earth’s atmosphere.

This significant achievement marked the 60th spacewalk from a Russian airlock and the 267th overall extravehicular activity (EVA) in support of the ISS’s assembly and maintenance since its inception in 1998. The event also marked the 10th spacewalk of the year and the eighth during Expedition 69. 

With this mission, Prokopyev’s spacewalk tally reached eight, totalling 55 hours and 15 minutes, while Petelin, having completed his sixth EVA, now boasts 39 hours and 44 minutes of experience working in the vacuum of space.

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