Key Takeaways:
- The STS-116 mission, involving Space Shuttle Discovery in December 2006, was designated as one of the most complex undertakings to the International Space Station (ISS).
- Primary mission objectives encompassed an extensive rewiring project for the solar panel array, structural enhancements for future modules, and the staged re-configuration of power and cooling systems, including the installation of a 4,000-pound truss.
- An unscheduled Extravehicular Activity (EVA) was performed to address a malfunction in the solar array retraction system, alongside the transfer of two tons of provisions to the ISS.
- The mission notably featured Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam achieving a record for the most spacewalks during a single mission and ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang becoming the first Swedish astronaut to reach space.
When the seven astronauts of the STS-116 mission lifted off in Space Shuttle Discovery on Dec. 9, 2006, they were setting off on what NASA would call “one of the most complex missions ever to the International Space Station.” The crew docked with the ISS on Dec. 11, 2006, and began an extensive rewiring project, working on the solar panel array and making structural upgrades to allow for the addition of future modules. The station’s power and cooling systems were fully reconfigured, a process of power rerouting that had to be completed in stages across multiple spacewalks. The astronauts also installed a 4,000-pound truss. And when the solar array retraction system experienced problems, an unplanned EVA was performed to correct it, requiring intensive cooperation and improvisation.
In addition to making the upgrades, the STS-116 crew transferred 2 tons of food, water, and equipment to the ISS. It was also a landmark mission for Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam, who set a record for the most spacewalks during a single mission, and for ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang, who became the first Swedish astronaut in space.
