The ISS crew successfully installed Hēki into the Nanoracks External Platform (NREP) structure earlier today, and then the NREP (integrated with Hēki) was placed on the slide table for the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) airlock. Many thanks to the mission management team at Voyager Technologies for their work to coordinate the installation activity!
Hēki’s protective cover has been removed and stored in its shipping container awaiting the end of Hēki’s mission, when the cover will be re-installed prior to Hēki’s return to Earth.
Hēki will wait in the JEM airlock until early next week, when the airlock will be depressurized and the JEM robotic arm will move Hēki from the airlock to its new home on the Japanese Experiment Module External Facility (JEM-EF). For context, images from a previous missions’ installation process can be seen in this post.
After moving NREP to its port on the exterior of the JEM-EF, the next step will be to power on and check out Hēki’s subsystems in preparation for the start of operations. Tentative schedule for Monday, 29 Sept (NZ) – timing to be confirmed:
- 12:30-19:00 (NZ): Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) team commands robotic arm to move the NREP to its mounting location on the Japanese Experiment Module External Facility (JEM-EF). We will not be able to watch this move in real time, but video of this activity should be available later.
- 20:40 (NZ): Hēki and Voyager Technologies team power on and check out of NREP, followed by power on and check out of Hēki.
More news on these activities as they occur next week!
Image: NREP ready for Hēki installation, note tie-downs securing it to the ISS “floor” . Credit: NASA
Image: astronauts unpacking Hēki. Credit: NASA
Image: astronaut installing Hēki in NREP. In addition to “housing” Hēki, the NREP provides a power and data interface between Hēki and the ISS. Entrance to JEM airlock is visible in the background. Credit: NASA
Image: astronaut removing Hēki’s protective cover, exposing its reflective radiator coating. Credit: NASA
Image: astronauts installing NREP (integrated with Hēki) onto JEM airlock slide table. Credit: NASA
Paihau—Robinson Space Blog 
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