Chasqui 1 nanosatellite

Two Russian cosmonauts floating outside the International Space Station (ISS) have launched the Chasqui 1 research satellite.

During the spacewalk, Alexander Skvortsov and Oleg Artemyev deployed the science satellite, retrieved and installed experiment packages, as well as inspected components on the exterior of the orbital laboratory.

Developed by the National University of Engineering in Peru, the cube-shaped nanosatellite features visible light and infrared cameras, in addition to sensors to measure temperature and pressure.

The 2.2lb solar-powered spacecraft development forms part of efforts to gain experience in satellite technology and emerging information and communication technologies.

"Skvortsov and Artemyev also installed the EXPOSE-R2 experiment package on the exterior of the Zvezda service module."

Skvortsov and Artemyev also installed the EXPOSE-R2 experiment package on the exterior of the Zvezda service module.

The experiments will study biomaterials and extremophiles, whether the organisms can withstand environmental extremes.

Results from these experiments will be used to devise life-detection strategies for future robotic exploration of Mars.

The cosmonauts installed a clamp holder for the automatic-phased array antenna, which was installed during their first spacewalk on 19 June, as well as a plume impingement and deposit monitoring unit on the Poisk Mini Research Module-2. .

Image: Flight engineer Oleg Artemyev deploys the Chasqui 1 nanosatellite outside the Pirs docking compartment. Photo: courtesy of Nasa TV.

Defence Technology