Skip to main content

"Cosmic Giants Take on Daring Spacewalk Mission: NASA and JAXA Astronauts Upgrade the International Space Station"

 


image source:nasa.blog.gov
"Cosmic Pioneers Tackle Monumental Task in Space: NASA and JAXA Astronauts Embark on Epic Spacewalk to Upgrade the International Space Station"

Two of the world's most daring space explorers, NASA astronaut Nicole Mann and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, have embarked on a mission of celestial significance. At 7:45 a.m. EST, they began a spacewalk to complete the construction of a mounting platform on the 1A power channel, a task that was initiated during a previous spacewalk on January 20th.

Their mission is part of a larger effort to augment the power channels of the International Space Station with cutting-edge technology. The astronauts will be installing International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (iROSAs), state-of-the-art devices that will provide the station with additional power, essential for its ongoing operations.

With precision and grace, Mann and Wakata will be relocating and installing an articulating portable foot restraint from the P6 truss, preparing the way for future spacewalks and vital upgrades. They will also, if time permits, complete cable routing on the 1B power channel, further consolidating the station's power systems.

Mann, adorned in a red-striped spacesuit, will serve as the extravehicular crew member 1. Wakata, dressed in an unmarked suit, will be the extravehicular crew member 2. This will be the second spacewalk for both Mann and Wakata, solidifying their position as seasoned space veterans.

As these two cosmic pioneers tackle this monumental task, they will not only be contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of the International Space Station, but they will also be pushing the limits of human exploration and technological advancement. Their bravery and expertise will inspire future generations to reach for the stars and continue exploring the mysteries of the universe.

source: (blogs.nasa.gov)

#Nasa #Jaxa #Spaceexploration #Energy


Comments

Hot Topics 🔥

FINANCING STRATEGIES FOR GEOTHERMAL PROJECTS LEVERAGING TAX CREDIT INCENTIVES

FINANCING STRATEGIES FOR GEOTHERMAL PROJECTS LEVERAGING TAX CREDIT INCENTIVES Aligning Policy, Risk Mitigation, and Investor Capital to Unlock Geothermal Growth Geothermal energy stands at a unique crossroads in the global energy transition. It is one of the few renewable resources capable of delivering continuous, baseload power and heat, independent of weather conditions. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal offers grid stability, industrial heat, and long-term energy security. Yet despite its immense potential, geothermal deployment has historically lagged behind other renewables due to high upfront capital costs, geological uncertainty, and complex financing requirements. In recent years, governments and financial institutions have increasingly turned to **tax credit incentives as a strategic lever to overcome these barriers. By reducing capital expenditure, improving cash flow profiles, and attracting institutional investors, tax credits are reshaping how geothermal projects are fina...

The 2025 U.S. Geothermal Market Report published by the National Laboratory of the Rockies & Geothermal Rising

The 2025 U.S. Geothermal Market Report published by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR, formerly NREL) in collaboration with Geothermal Rising and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), provides a comprehensive update on the geothermal sector since the 2021 report.  By:  Robert Buluma Released in 2025 (with data through mid-2025), it expands coverage to include geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) for single-building and district applications, alongside power generation and direct use. The report highlights steady growth in installed capacity, accelerating investment in next-generation technologies like enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and closed-loop geothermal (CLG), cost declines, policy support, and emerging opportunities driven by demand for reliable, 24/7 clean energy. Geothermal Power Generation: Steady Growth and Momentum U.S. geothermal power has seen consistent expansion, with nameplate installed capacity reaching 3,96...

Geo Dipa's Game-Changing Leap: Commercial Silica and Lithium Production from Geothermal Brines by 2028

Geo Dipa's Ambitious Leap: Extracting Silica and Lithium from Geothermal Brines by 2028 Introduction In an era where the global energy transition demands sustainable sources of critical minerals, Indonesia's state-owned PT Geo Dipa Energi ( Persero ) is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation. By 2028, Geo Dipa plans to commence commercial production of silica and lithium extracted from geothermal brines, a byproduct of its geothermal power operations. This initiative not only diversifies the company's revenue streams but also aligns with Indonesia's broader goals of enhancing renewable energy capacity and supporting the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain.  Geothermal energy, harnessed from the Earth's heat, produces hot brines rich in dissolved minerals like lithium and silica. Traditionally viewed as waste, these brines are now seen as valuable resources. Geo Dipa's strategy builds on years of feasibility studies and international partnershi...

Vulcan Energy's G-LEP Plant in Landau Paves the Way for Europe's Sustainable Lithium Revolution

Breaking Ground: Vulcan Energy's G-LEP Plant in Landau Paves the Way for Europe's Sustainable Lithium Revolution By: Robert Buluma In the heart of Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate region, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the laying of the foundation stone for the first optimized Geothermal and Lithium Extraction Plant (G-LEP) in Landau, spearheaded by Vulcan Energy Resources, an Australian-German company. As Petra Dick-Walther, State Secretary in the Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, and Mobility of Rhineland-Palatinate, described in her recent social media post, this project represents a "quantum leap into the future." It enables the simultaneous extraction of climate-neutral lithium and generation of renewable energy from the hot thermal beds of the Upper Rhine Graben, opening new avenues for Germany's energy transition, supply security, and Europe's sovereignty over critical resources. Lithium, a key component in batteries for electri...

Switch's Bold Move: 13MW Geothermal PPA with Ormat in Nevada – Game-Changer

Switch's Bold Move: Signing a 13MW Geothermal PPA with Ormat Technologies in Nevada – A Game-Changer for Sustainable Data Centers Image: Ormat Power Plant Posted by Alphaxioms Geothermal News on January 12, 2026 Welcome back to Alphaxioms Geothermal News, your go-to source for all things geothermal energy, innovation, and sustainability. As we kick off 2026, the intersection of renewable energy and high-tech industries is heating up—literally. Today, we're diving deep into a groundbreaking announcement that's set to reshape how data centers power their operations. Global data center operator Switch has inked a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ormat Technologies for 13MW of geothermal power from the Salt Wells geothermal power plant in Nevada. This isn't just another deal; it's a pivotal step toward carbon-free, reliable energy for the AI-driven future. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll unpack the details of this agreement, explore the technolog...

Geothermal Power Play: Well Engineering Partners Takes Over Operations as Sproule ERCE Sharpens Advisory Focus

The geothermal energy sector is heating up literally and figuratively and a recent strategic move is set to accelerate progress in sustainable energy production. By: Robert Buluma Effective January 1, 2026, Well Engineering Partners (WEP) acquired the operational and production-focused geothermal activities from Sproule ERC (formerly associated with Veegeo). This acquisition marks a smart realignment of strengths in the booming geothermal market, where clean, reliable baseload energy is increasingly vital for the global energy transition. Imagine harnessing the Earth's natural heat to power homes, industries, and cities without the intermittency of solar or wind. Geothermal energy does exactly that, providing constant output from deep underground reservoirs. But turning that potential into reality requires specialized expertise from initial resource assessment to long-term well maintenance. That's where this deal shines: it allows each company to double down on what they do b...

Inside the Geothermal Startup Mind: The Strategy, Funding & Sacrifices Behind Teverra’s Growth

Inside a Geothermal Startup’s Mind: Strategy, Funding, Ethics, and the Brutal Race to Commercialize This interview was done by Robert Buluma on behalf of Alphaxioms  Image:  The Interviewee, Dr.  Hamed Soroush is the Founder and President at Teverra  There’s a certain kind of silence that exists inside fast-growing startups. Not the quiet of peace, but the quiet of pressure . It’s the silence of teams racing to commercialize before competitors arrive. The silence of founders balancing mission and survival. The silence of a clean energy industry that desperately needs success stories… but is still learning how to measure them. In this one-on-one interview, we explore what it really takes to build a geothermal-driven clean energy company in today’s market, from strategic decisions and funding discipline to leadership, ethics, and the painful sacrifices behind growth. 1)  Vision & Strategy: “Speed Is Everything” Q:   Teverra  has grown rapidly, but co...

Banda Baru Geothermal Tender Flops: Zero Bidders Step Forward

Banda Baru Geothermal Survey Tender Fails to Attract Bidders By:  Robert Buluma Indonesia's push toward renewable energy suffered a notable setback in late 2025 when the tender for the Preliminary Survey and Exploration Assignment (WPSPE) of the Banda Baru Sepa geothermal block closed without a single bidder. Located on the remote Seram Island in Maluku Province, this 1,989-hectare site was seen as a promising addition to the nation's geothermal portfolio, with estimated potential of around 25-30 MW. The tender, open from October 31 to December 1, 2025, aimed to assign a developer for initial surveys and exploration, but the lack of interest underscores deep-rooted challenges in attracting investment to Indonesia's geothermal sector. Seram Island, a rugged and largely undeveloped landmass north of Ambon, is characterized by dense rainforests, towering mountains, and limited infrastructure. The Banda Baru block's location amplifies logistical difficulties, making it a to...

Versailles Powers Its Historic Legacy with Deep Geothermal Energy: A Model for Sustainable Urban Heating

Versailles Embraces Deep Geothermal Energy to Decarbonize Its District Heating Network By Robert Buluma The historic city of Versailles in France's Yvelines department is taking a bold step toward sustainability. On December 18, 2025, Mayor François de Mazières and Franck Lacroix, Deputy Managing Director of Engie , signed a 32-year concession agreement. This partnership entrusts Engie with transforming, modernizing, and greening the city's district heating network, aiming to slash carbon emissions while providing reliable, renewable heat to residents. At the project's core is deep geothermal energy, harnessing the natural heat from underground aquifers. The site targets the Dogger aquifer, a limestone formation from the Middle Jurassic period, located about 1,500 meters below the Paris Basin. Water in this layer reaches temperatures of around 60°C, making it ideal for heating. The plan involves drilling a geothermal doublet two wells: one to extract hot water and another t...

Rodatherm Energy: Pioneering Closed Loop Geothermal in Utah

Revolutionizing Geothermal Energy: Rodatherm's Game-Changing Approach in Utah Posted by Alphaxioms Geothermal News on January 17, 2026 Utah-based Rodatherm Energy Corporation has revolutionized the geothermal energy equation, and venture capitalists have taken note. With pilot projects planned for Millard County and Beaver County, the company has what founder and CEO Curtis Cook calls “a novel approach” to geothermal technology. In a world racing toward sustainable energy solutions, geothermal power has long been a reliable but underutilized player. Traditional geothermal systems rely on water to extract heat from the Earth's depths, often limiting their deployment to remote, sparsely populated areas due to environmental concerns and high costs. But Rodatherm is flipping the script with its innovative, waterless closed-loop system that promises efficiency, scalability, and minimal environmental impact. At the heart of Rodatherm's technology is what Cook describes as ...