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Skylab, the First 40 Days (1973) – Documentary on the Skylab Space Station – Video

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Skylab, the First 40 Days (1973) - Documentary on the Skylab Space Station
Nasa documentary on the Skylab mission. Skylab orbited the Earth from 1973 - 1979 and it was the first manned space station. Watch documentaries on http://ww...

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Skylab, the First 40 Days (1973) - Documentary on the Skylab Space Station - Video

Space station's Robonaut awaits delivery of legs

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A humanoid "Robonaut" launched to the International Space Station in 2011 will finally receive its space legs when SpaceX's Dragon cargo carrier arrives at the complex, allowing engineers to experiment with the full breadth of the robot's capabilities.

A ground version of Robonaut 2 undergoes testing with its legs. Photo credit: NASA The two legs are loaded inside the Dragon spacecraft's pressurized cargo cabin, ready for launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket. Liftoff is scheduled as soon as Friday.

The legs will give Robonaut 2, the space station's humanoid robot, mobility inside the space station's modules. Officials eventually plan to test the robot outside the station, once it receives upgrades to its upper body.

The dextrous robot, also called R2, includes a computerized torso, head and two arms with hands and five fingers. It is designed to accomplish many of the same upkeep tasks astronauts do every day aboard the space station.

"Robonaut is an example of how we can use robots for repetitive and dangerous tasks in space," said Andy Petro, head of NASA's small satellite technology development program.

According to NASA, the legs will be unpacked and attached to Robonaut 2 by the end of June, with an eye toward testing the assembled robot within the confines of the space station's pressurized modules later this year.

"We call them legs," Petro said. "They're not really for walking in the zero gravity environment. They're used for climbing around."

The legs have seven joints and stretch out to a length of 9 feet to give Robonaut flexibility when moving around the station.

"At the end, instead of feet, they have clamping devices to allow them to connect to handrails and other objects on the space station," Petro said.

Robonaut's use of its legs for climbing frees up its hands and fingers for finer tasks, such as working with tools or repairing systems.

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Space station's Robonaut awaits delivery of legs

NASA Astronauts Bring Wonder of International Space Station to Indianapolis

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Ever wonder what it's like to be an astronaut and to live and work in space? Find out directly from NASA astronauts who will be in theIndianapolisarea fromApril 24 to May 2as the agency shares the accomplishments, promise and opportunities for research aboard the International Space Station.

NASA astronautsAnna Fisher,Serena AunonandScott Tinglewill deliver presentations during the week. All include media availabilities.

In addition, the agency's newest exhibit, Destination Station, a multimedia exhibit showcasing what it's like to live aboard the International Space Station, is open to the public throughJune 29at the Indiana State Museum.

NASA engineer on the Z-2 spacesuit andPurdue UniversitygraduateIan Meginnisand NASA photographerMark Sowawill host a discussion from6-8 p.m.onApril 24at the Museum of Art inIndianapolis. They will discuss NASA's wearable technology and photography in support of the space station.

OnApril 26, as visitors learn more about our home planet atEarth DayIndiana, they also will have the opportunity to experience one of only eight moon rocks in the world that visitors can touch. Located at the White River State Park, NASA'sDriven to Exploremobile exhibit will be atEarth DayIndiana from11 a.m. to 4 p.m.TheEarth Dayfestivities are conveniently located near the Indiana State Museum so visitors can also take a look at the Destination Station exhibit.

Join Aunon, a medical doctor and member of the 2009 astronaut class, as she discusses "Staying Healthy and Fit in Space." Her presentation is fromnoon-2 p.m.April 26at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Exposition Hall for the WTHR Health and Fitness Expo. Aunon also will teach visitors how to "Train Like an Astronaut" at the Expo the following day,April 27. Various events will begin at11 a.m.

There will be a live, interactive television event with crew members now in space aboard the International Space Station onTuesday, April 29, at the Children's Museum ofIndianapolis. During the activities, which begin at9 a.m., attendees may ask Expedition 39 flight engineersRick Mastracchio,Steve SwansonandKoichi Wakataabout the progress of their mission.

At11 a.m.April 29, Aunon will participate in an Indianapolis Indians game at Victory Field. She will engage with the audience while showing video to promote human spaceflight and the benefits of the space station.

Aunon also will give a presentation for the public beginning at 5:30 p.m,April 29, at the Indiana State Museum. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session and an opportunity for astronaut autographs.

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NASA Astronauts Bring Wonder of International Space Station to Indianapolis


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