Fit Check: Astronaut Wardrobe Malfunctions
Ever had a wardrobe malfunction so severe you wanted to skip work? For NASA astronauts, that can mean postponing a spacewalk. On Thursday, NASA called off a planned spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) due to “spacesuit discomfort,” leaving many to speculate on what that actually means.
Astronauts Tracy C. Dyson and Matthew Dominick were all set for NASA’s 90th spacewalk at the ISS when the mission was abruptly canceled an hour before it was supposed to start. NASA has yet to provide specific details about the issue.
Comforting News
NASA hasn’t offered more information, but Reuters reported that just before the spacewalk was canceled, astronaut Mike Barratt requested a private line to discuss a medical issue with flight controllers. It’s unclear if this was related to the cancellation or which astronaut experienced the discomfort.
Fortunately, NASA reassured that all crew members on the ISS are healthy and that the spacesuits are functioning correctly. The agency hasn’t mentioned a rescheduled spacewalk, but confirmed the next one is planned for June 24.
Nagging Issue
This isn’t the first time a spacewalk has been called off due to suit problems. In 2019, NASA had to postpone its first all-female spacewalk when one astronaut’s suit didn’t fit properly. In 2022, water found in an astronaut’s helmet after a spacewalk led to a temporary suspension of all such activities.