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www.southgatearc.org
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Toolbag to re-enter atmosphereThe toolbag that went missing during a space walk at the International Space Station on November 18, 2008 is due to re-enter the earth's atmosphere in the next couple of days. During STS-126 mission astronauts ventured outside the International Space Station to do repair work, but lost a bag of tools they had taken along.
US Navy Capt. Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper KD5TVR, an astronaut on a mission to the station, was on the first spacewalk of the mission, which involves cleaning and greasing a balky rotary joint, when she discovered that a grease gun had erupted inside its tote bag. While she cleaned up that mess, the bag - containing two grease guns, scrapers and other equipment - floated irretrievably into space. NASA trains spacewalkers to tether and trap all objects they use, but it is not uncommon for the occasional bolt or single tool to be lost. Capt. Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper KD5TVR, has successfully completed 5 spacewalks totaling 33 hours and 42 minutes. She holds the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals and many other awards. She has flown on two space shuttle missions, STS-115 and STS-126. Thanks to the excellent website of Chip N2YO for most of the above infornation. N2YO Google Earth Satellite Tracking website - ISS Toolbag (Tick the box to show ALL passes of the toolbag - visable and not visable) http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=33442 Chip N2YO runs the website as a hobby in his spare time, however, such websites can be expensive to operate and there is a donation page at: http://www.n2yo.com/about/?a=donation Kevin Fetter - Video of Toolbag lost from the ISS, passing by a bright star
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