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Brit 'naut Peake gears up for spacewalk

Two Tims set to replace dodgy ISS power regulator

European Space Agency astronaut Tim Peake is gearing up to exit the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday on his first spacewalk.

Tim Peake tries his spacesuit on for size

Flying the flag: Tim Peake tries his spacesuit on for size. Pic: Tim Peake

He'll be joined by the orbiting outpost's other Tim - NASA 'naut Kopra, who'll be embarking on his third EVA. Peake explained: "Our primary task will be to replace a failed Solar Shunt Unit, which transfers electrical power generated by the solar panels."

The ISS has eight such power regulators, and has been operating on seven since last November. Peake said: "If the spacewalk is successful, this will restore the International Space Station to 100 per cent of its operational capability."

The job should be straightforward, since the duff unit is held in place by just one bolt. Once it's swapped, the two Tims will "lay cables in advance of new docking ports and reinstall a valve that was removed for the relocation of the Leonardo module last year".

Station commander Scott Kelly will assist with preparations for the spacewalk, which involve a convoluted suiting up. Prior to stepping out of the airlock, the two 'nauts must breathe pure oxygen for two hours, since the lower suit pressure might otherwise provoke the bends.

Kopra and Peake are scheduled to exit the ISS at 12:55 GMT. NASA TV will be providing live coverage from 11:30 GMT. ®

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