Monday, April 29, an issue was detected with the electrical power system on the International Space Station (ISS). Don’t worry, the station and the onboard crew are safe, with the ISS reporting in a blog, “There are no immediate concerns for the crew or the station.”
The blog goes into greater detail about the power issue, saying, “An issue is being worked with a Main Bus Switching Unit (MBSU) that distributes electrical power to two of the eight power channels on the station. Flight controllers have been working to route power through the remaining six power channels. Electrical power generated by the station’s solar arrays is fed to all station systems through these power channels.”
Consequently, a SpaceX CRS-17 cargo resupply mission that was scheduled to launch Wednesday, May 1, has been delayed. As of right now, NASA says Friday, May 3, will be the earliest launch date.
The Associated Press (AP) reports that the current problem has left the station’s robot arm with one working power channel instead of its usual two (one is needed as a backup). Two power channels need to be properly functioning in order to capture spacecraft, hence the resupply delay.
The team is devising a plan to replace the malfunctioned unit robotically, which saves a spacewalking trip. Once the failed piece is replaced, full power will hopefully be restored to the electrical power system.
Update 5/2: The space station has been restored to full power following the successful replacement of a malfunctioned electrical box, via the station’s remotely operated robot arm. SpaceX’s supply ship launch is scheduled for early Friday morning.