July 12, 2008

Astronauts Disconnect Bolt From Space Capsule


CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In a daring spacewalk, two space station astronauts cut into the insulation of their descent capsule and removed an explosive bolt that could have blown off their hands with firecracker force.


"It is in," one of the Russian spacewalkers called out.

"Good. Thank God," someone replied in Russian.

Before the spacewalk on Thursday, flight controllers in Moscow assured Volkov and Kononenko that the bolt would not explode and that the unprecedented job would help ensure their safe return to Earth in the Soyuz.


"Take your time," Mission Control warned. "Be careful; be careful, please."




Kononenko used a serrated knife to cut away the thick shiny insulation surrounding the bolt - a tool normally shunned by spacewalkers because of the possibility of piercing their pressurized suits or gloves. It was a messy job, with shreds of the multilayer insulation floating every which way.

Next, the astronauts installed devices to eliminate static electricity, struggling at times in the small, cramped area. Finally, four hours into the spacewalk, Volkov pulled out a socket wrench and removed the 3-inch pyrotechnic bolt, one of 10 used to s
