As has been the process since 2017, the U.S. segment crew aboard the International Space Station worked through a marathon series of five spacewalks to change out another subset of batteries aboard the Station\u2019s Integrated Truss Structure. The first spacewalk (EVA-56) kick-started the series, although a third EVA was delayed until January 15 after the additional requirement of a Battery Charge\/Discharge Unit (BCDU) replacement spacewalk \u2013 both of which were successful.<\/p>\n
The five battery replacement spacewalks was completed on January 20 through to the end of January 20, replacing the 12 nickel-hydrogen batteries on the P6 truss of the Station with six brand new and more efficient Lithium-ion batteries. <\/p>\n
Why replace the Station\u2019s batteries?<\/b><\/p>\n
The International Space Station\u2019s first elements have been on orbit since 1998 with the launches of Zarya and Unity from Russia and the United States, respectively, forming the core construction of the Station\u2019s assembly sequence.<\/p>\n
Per the Station\u2019s design, the outpost\u2019s main solar arrays and batteries are located on four Integrated Truss Structure segments: P4, P6, S4 and S6.<\/p>\n
The STS-97 mission of the Space Shuttle Endeavour in November\/December 2000 delivered the P6 truss. The P4 truss was then launched in September 2006, S4 in June 2007, and S6 in March 2009.<\/p>\n
Given the Station\u2019s longevity, the batteries need to be replaced as their age curtails operational effectiveness.<\/p>\n
The P6 truss has already had its nickel-hydrogen batteries replaced once given its 19 years on orbit. That initial battery replacement swapped the original 12 nickel-hydrogen batteries launched with the truss with 12 new nickel-hydrogen batteries.<\/p>\n
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