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Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolay Chub have successfully launched the student satellite “Parus-MGTU” during their spacewalk. The launch was carried out using a specialised launch device and the transmission is now in the hands of “Roscosmos”.

The main objective of Kononenko and Chub’s spacewalk was to disconnect the secondary radiator loop of the “Nayka” module from the main module loop. This action was necessary due to a leak that occurred on October 9. The cosmonauts also took photographs and inspected the non-sealed location to help experts on Earth determine the source of the breach.

After the satellite’s launch, the cosmonauts will monitor the deployment of the spacecraft’s solar sail. The developers believe that by adjusting the sail length exposed to solar-charged particles, they can achieve the desired thrust and make orbital modifications.

The launch device used was developed by Bauman Moscow State Technical University students. It ensures a linear trajectory for the nanosatellite, which may not always be achievable when manually detaching the spacecraft. The device is expected to be compatible with future satellites deployed by astronauts.

Before the launch, Kononenko and Chub also conducted a radar experiment called “Napor-MiniRSA” on the “Nauka” module. The experiment is designed to monitor the Earth’s surface and is coordinated by the Rocket and Space Corporation “Energia”, with objectives including environmental monitoring, emergency monitoring, and natural resource management.

If granted additional time, Kononenko and Chub will also replace the securing plates that fasten the cables in their docked position on the “Zvezda” service module.

The spacewalk began at 20:49 Moscow time and the astronauts will spend a total of 6 hours and 52 minutes outside the International Space Station. This is their first spacewalk during this mission, and it is also the sixth Russian spacewalk of the year. Chub is working outside the ISS for the first time, while Kononenko is on his sixth spacewalk.

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