WASHINGTON, September 2 (RIA Novosti) - Two U.S. astronauts from the current STS-128 space mission to the International Space Station (ISS) have successfully completed their first spacewalk removing a heavy ammonia tank from the cooling system.
The Discovery space shuttle docked with the International Space Station late on Sunday, delivering more than seven tons of cargo, including the Leonardo supply module, and a new crew member.
"Mission Specialist Danny Olivas and Expedition 20 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott completed the first spacewalk of the STS-128 mission at 12:24 a.m. EDT [04:24 GMT] Wednesday. The astronauts began the spacewalk at 5:49 p.m. [21:49 GMT] Tuesday," NASA said in a statement.
During the spacewalk, Pilot Kevin Ford and Flight Engineer Bob Thirsk operated the station's robotic arm.
A total of three spacewalks are scheduled for the current mission. During the second outing on Thursday night, the U.S. astronauts will install a new ammonia tank.
The space shuttle is due back to Earth on September 10.
