14 DAY TRIAL // Two Endeavor astronauts have just completed the third and final spacewalk of the STS-130 mission to the International Space Station. They closed the hatch of the airlock behind them at 0803 GMT (3:03 am EST), marking the beginning of the extravehicular activity 5 hours and 48 minutes after it began. With this latest activity, the Cupola observations deck has been finally opened for business, as its protective covers, that kept it safe during launch, have been removed for the first time. This will allow astronauts aboard the station to conduct accurate observations of Earth, and also to get even more precise in their work with the outpost's robotic arms, Space reports.
The spacewalk was carried out by Endeavor astronauts Robert Behnken and Nick Patrick, who also dealt with all the chores that were covered in the previous two EVA as well. They had to tackle some fairly difficult problems in order to be able to install the Cupola in its final location, but eventually managed to complete their assignment. In addition to removing the covers on the seven windows the Cupola has, the two also installed a number of handrails on Tranquility, the new ISS room, and set up a number of equipment for future use. Node 3 is installed on the Earth-facing port of the Unity module.
“This has to be the largest window onboard and when we have the others around it open it will give us a view of the entire globe. Absolutely incredible,” said during the spacewalk Jeff Williams, who is the current Commander of the Expedition 22 crew on the ISS. At one point, the two spacewalkers and their crew mates could see each other through the newly-exposed windows of the Cupola. “You guys have come a long way to see each other across such a short distance,” said at the time shuttle astronaut Stephen Robinson, from inside the shuttle.
The Cupola windows will not remain exposed to the harshness of space at all time. They all feature shutters that will enable a certain degree of protection against various debris flying around in Earth's orbit. The shutters will only open when scientific observations are conducted. Endeavor is scheduled to return home February 21, after separating from the ISS on February 19. During the last day of flight, before reentry is attempted, experts will conduct a new heat shield verification, aimed at ensuring that no micrometeorites or other pieces of space debris affected the space shuttle as it was docked to the station.