The docking of American Cygnus cargo vehicle with the ISS may be put off because of ISS thermal control system pump failure, – NASA representative reported from MCC Russia.
Up to the day before the plan was as follows: Cyngnus was to be launched to the ISS on December 19 Moscow time or December 18 American time and to dock with the ISS on December 21 (Moscow time). But as thermal control system pump valve got stuck several systems (they were of no primary importance) were left without power. Due to that the docking may be put off. Naturally there were standby systems to be put into operation, now everything operates nominally but problems with electric power generation can happen and we are assessing now whether Cygnus docking with the ISS on December 21 is possible, – the spokesman reported. He added that the ISS and the crew are out of any danger.
According to him the decision on possible shift of American cargo vehicle docking with the ISS is not taken yet. “We will discuss this issue at the meeting today evening. Probably the decision on Cygnus docking with the ISS will be taken today, – NASA representative noted.
In the future it will be decided whether American astronauts have to perform unscheduled spacewalk to replace the failed pump, – he stated.
In his turn Russian ISS representative reported that there are no problems with Russian ISS segment and the situation with American segment has no impact on Russian cosmonauts’ work.
Image credit – NASA
