Watch: Indian-origin Nasa astronaut Anil Menon takes second spacewalk

Indian-born NASA astronaut Anil Menon ventured outside the International Space Station (ISS) for his second spacewalk on Tuesday. Accompanying him was European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, marking Adenot's first spacewalk and a historic milestone as she became the first female French astronaut to do so. The duo embarked on a crucial repair mission, tasked with replacing the ISS's space-to-ground antenna.

The spacewalk commenced at 8:37 a.m. EDT, with a projected duration of approximately six hours and 30 minutes. NASA simultaneously broadcasted the entire procedure for viewers, highlighting Menon and Adenot's work with electrical and data connectors as their effort progressed. For Menon, this represented his second spacewalk, while Adenot's mission signified a significant achievement in her space career.

Upon completing their buddy check procedures with mission control in Houston, the pair proceeded towards the Z1 truss, situated near the middle of the ISS backbone. The ISS orbits the Earth at an altitude of about 260 miles, and astronauts regularly undertake spacewalks for various purposes, including repairing equipment, installing new systems, and upgrading the station.

The antenna being replaced is a vital component of the ISS communication system, enabling NASA to transmit and receive data at high speeds between the station and Mission Control in Houston. This particular mission is the 282nd spacewalk undertaken to support the station's assembly, maintenance, and upgrades. Menon had previously completed his first spacewalk earlier this month, during which he and astronaut Jessica Meir worked on the station's power system, preparing the ISS for the installation of another roll-out solar array.

The latest repair is a part of ongoing ISS maintenance, as the space laboratory approaches its third decade of continuous human habitation. As the orbital laboratory ages, astronauts continue to carry out repairs and replace aging equipment, ensuring the ISS's safety and operational functionality.