Spacewalkers Begin Prep Tasks on Station

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Astronauts Scott Kelly and Kjell Lindgren wrapped up a number of tasks on the International Space Station during a 7-hour and 16-minute spacewalk. Each making the first spacewalks of their careers, Kelly and Lindgren climbed around the outside of the station as it orbited above Earth. They carried out several tasks including placing a thermal cover over the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and lubricating the station’s robotic arm. They also began to rig power and data system cables for the future installation of a docking port to the station that will be used for the arrival of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Boeing and SpaceX are building a new generation of human-rated vehicles that can carry four astronauts at a time to the orbiting laboratory for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. They will dock at the station and remain in place during their missions before bringing their crews back to Earth.