For the first time on the International Space Station (ISS), two cosmonauts were simultaneously moved between modules using the ERA robotic manipulator. The operation, during a spacewalk, was conducted by cosmonauts from the Russian segment of the ISS under the control of the station's crew. Expedition commander Sergey Kud-Sverchkov spoke about the new achievement.
According to him, the use of the manipulator helped reduce the physical strain on the spacewalk participants and conserve energy for primary tasks outside the station. The cosmonaut also noted the coordinated work of the crew and the ERA operator throughout the operation.
The new scheme was tested on May 27. Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev worked in open space, while Andrey Fedyaev controlled the European robotic manipulator from inside the station.
The spacewalk lasted over six hours, slightly exceeding the initial plan. During this time, the crew installed equipment for the "Solntse-Teragerts" scientific experiment on the "Zvezda" module, dismantled samples from the "Ekran-M" experiment on the "Nauka" module, and delivered the "Biorisk" experiment container from the "Poisk" module to the station.
Roscosmos views the successful application of ERA for transporting cosmonauts as an important stage in the development of robotic technologies in orbit. The experience gained can expand the capabilities of supporting spacewalks and increase the efficiency of future extravehicular operations.
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