Stranded NASA Astronaut Steps Out for Spacewalk

Stranded NASA Astronaut Steps Out for Spacewalk
Above: During her eighth spacewalk, Sunita Williams replaces a planar reflector near the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft docked to the Harmony module’s space-facing port. Image copyright: NASA

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

This is a significant achievement in the maintenance of crucial space station operations and scientific equipment. The experienced crew showcased exceptional skill in completing complex repairs to the NICER telescope and other vital systems. This mission highlights NASA's ability to adapt and overcome technical challenges while maintaining space station operations.

Establishment-critical narrative

The astronauts' extended stay on the ISS due to Starliner's technical problems raises serious concerns about spacecraft reliability and crew scheduling. Multiple system failures, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, have resulted in an unplanned ten-month mission that strains resources and impacts future mission planning.

Metaculus Prediction


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