Happy Speedy spotting, they are doing some work outside currently and will be shortly removing the insulation and heat shields around the area with the mysterious "hole." :EDIT: All over just returning into the ISS.
Currently attempting to cut into the insulation. Leverage is an issue in zero G. ::Edit:: watching them hack into the shielding with a very sharp knife is terrifying.
Wild... There is nothing about stabbing the ISS with a bayonet while floating around in space that I would feel comfortable with.
No doubt!!! I'm not sure what I'm more impressed with. The Russians still using the Speedmaster on EVA's or the cutting into the Soyuz with the Russian Space Shank.
Debrief note 1. We need velcro to hold the sheaths in place so they do not wrap around the tool that you are using and impede its use. Also we need a better way to re-sheath the knife/cutters. Also link to the Knife being used. https://historical.ha.com/itm/explo...-of-cosmonaut-alexander-polesh/a/6173-50029.s
Cutting into the Soyuz with the "IRT"...insulation removal tool. aka Russian Space Shank. Something makes me not want to watch but at the same time I can't stop. Oh to be a rocket scientist. Have fun. They are. kfw
Side note.... They are doing this to get to a sample of the epoxy that went outside the hole, it has nothing to do with the Russian "conspiracy" theory that an American drilled the hole from the inside.... anyone else think this is alot of dangerous work to get an epoxy sample?
Next time I let my ego get the better of me as a fancy pants doctor, I'm going to check myself by watching more of this. It's absolutely incredible! All of these men and women are truly extraordinary badasses. Thanks for linking this @Foo2rama
they did something for about 2 hours before they started getting ready to do this portion of the walk. These Russian suits, the current Orlan has 9 hours of self contained power and air.