The NASA astronauts exited the ISS today shortly after 12.40pm BST (7.40am Eastern). The two astronauts were tasked with replacing a failed part of the space station’s critical power systems. The spacewalk was the 221st to date but, more importantly, it was the first to feature an all-woman team of astronauts.
NASA said: “The first all-woman spacewalk is a milestone worth noting and celebrating as the agency looks forward to putting the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024 with NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration program.
“Our achievements provide inspiration to students around the world, proving that hard work can lead you to great heights, and all students should be able to see themselves in those achievements.”
Today’s spacewalk marked the fourth time Mrs Koch has donned NASA’s iconic spacesuit to leave the ISS.
Ms Meir, however, performed her first spacewalk after arriving on the ISS on September 25.
READ MORE: NASA’s best pictures of Earth from the International Space Station
“It’s wonderful to be contributing to the space program at a time when all contributions are being accepted, when everyone has a role.
The space station’s batteries power the ISS when it passes through the nightside of Earth 16 times every 24 hours.
Fortunately, NASA said the failure has not affected the station’s overall power output or the safety of its crew.
NASA said: “The unit is one of several that regulate the charge put into the batteries collecting energy from the station’s solar arrays.
“Though the unit’s failure has not affected station operations or crew safety, it does prevent the new batteries from providing increased station power.”