Spacewalk Memories: Former French Astronaut Reflects on Space Mission as ISS Marks 25 Years in Orbit

Zooming through space at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour, the International Space Station (ISS) completes an orbit every 90 minutes. Hosting a minimum of seven international crew members, its living and working spaces rival the size of an average six-bedroom house.

More than two decades ago, French astronaut Philippe Perrin engaged in three spacewalks during his ISS mission, sharing vivid recollections about his experience above Earth.

Perrin's Journey Repairing the ISS and Piloting the Complex Space Shuttle

Performing three spacewalks, Perrin faced a pivotal moment repairing the ISS's Canadian robotic arm in his time as an ESA astronaut aboard the floating laboratory. The urgency stemmed from the risk of losing the arm without a timely fix, crucial for maintaining a consistent current in space.

For Perrin, the ISS mission was a career-defining experience. He was entrusted with repairing the microgravity laboratory. One could definitely think that entering the facility was awe-inspiring. The warm welcome from the international crew added to the profound experience, highlighting the collaborative nature of the ISS.

Perrin reminisces about piloting the space shuttle, a feat on the most complex aircraft. The sense of responsibility during takeoff, where an astronaut could assume control in case of flight control loss, magnified the wonder of being in charge.

ISS Celebrates 25 Years in Space

The ISS celebrated its 25th anniversary on November 20, marking a bittersweet occasion given its impending decommissioning by 2030 due to structural fatigue. This raises questions about the significance of the knowledge gained and its impact on future space endeavors.

The ISS has been crucial for space hardware development, challenging engineers to create a habitable environment in low Earth orbit and addressing issues like microgravity, space debris, and cosmic radiation. Beyond technological advancements, the ISS serves as a testing ground for technologies crucial for future crewed missions to distant parts of the solar system and deep space.

The ISS has been pivotal in understanding the physiological effects of space on the human body. Living in microgravity requires daily exercise to counteract muscular atrophy. NASA's Brian Berry emphasizes that such knowledge is crucial for future long-duration missions, such as those to Mars.

Moreover, the ISS provides insights into the psychological challenges of space living, offering valuable lessons for longer deep space voyages. Psychological aspects like isolation, lack of privacy, and high-pressure working conditions are studied to understand the need for thriving on extended space missions.

At the conclusion of the ISS program, a controlled deorbiting is planned, breaking up the station's facilities to vaporize upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere. The collaborative effort that sustained the ISS involves contributions from engineers, computer scientists, researchers, and astronauts worldwide.

Beyond scientific achievement, the ISS symbolizes international cooperation, demonstrating what can be accomplished when countries unite for a common goal.

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