Astronauts To Release Tiny Satellite During Spacewalk
CAPE CANAVERAL (CBSMiami/AP) — A couple of housekeeping tasks are tap for a pair of spacewalking Russian astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Russians Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemiev, who ventured out Monday, will set loose a tiny Peruvian research satellite, install fresh science experiments and retrieve old ones.
The nanosatellite is just 4 inches square and barely 2 pounds. It holds cameras that will aim at Earth. It's a technological learning experience for the National University of Engineering in Lima.
The satellite is named Chasqui (CHOS-key) after the Inca messengers who were fleet of foot.
Meanwhile, American spacewalks remain on hold. NASA hoped to resume spacewalks this month after a yearlong investigation but delayed the activity until fall to get fresh spacesuit batteries on board.
The SpaceX company will deliver the batteries on a Dragon supply ship next month.
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
RELATED CONTENT:
