The IVA inside the module Spektr began on 15.09.1998 at 2000UTC (opening hatches between P.Kh.O. -transition section- and the module). The estimated duration of the IVA was 3 hrs but already  at 2030UTC,  so after 30 minutes, the cosmonauts closed the hatches behind them.  The task during the IVA was  relatively easy. The cosmonauts had to connect a few cables to an interface for the steering  of solar battery number 3 of Spektr.  However the  work was not limited to these 30 minutes for an IVA requires a lot of  preparations.  For instance the crew had to prepare the transport ship  Soyuz-TM28 for an eventual emergency departure.  And after the IVA the S-TM28 had to be conserved again.

  Radiotraffic:  During the pass in orbit 71828,  2251-2257UTC, when MIR came in range for the first time after the IVA, radiotraffic revealed that the cosmonauts had accomplished the IVA itself and that they already worked on preparations to check   the restored cable connections.

During the following pass on 16.09.98 between 0021-0031UTC they discussed this cablework before   continuing the reactivation of  those systems which had been switched off during the IVA and the conservation of  the ship S-TM28. During the pass between 0156-0207UTC this work was still in progress and they already had conserved the S-TM28,  deployed airhoses and programmed computers with commands ,  among which those for the attitude control by gyrodynes.  After this pass with a stable air pressure in the complex  (735MM) the cosmonauts went asleep. 

  Results of the IVA: Officially has been reported that experts are almost sure  that the IVA was a success.  On 16.09.98 after a  7 hrs  sleep the crew will start to execute several tests. If these tests are positive and the solar battery can be aimed to the most effective solar angle the power supply of the complex  will be much better than be before the IVA.

  Eventual 2nd Spacewalk: For this expedition 4 spacewalks had been planned, but 2 of them have been cancelled due to the bad economical situation.  When the 2nd one will be made  is still unsure, but  this certainly not take place  before the end of December 1998.

  Progress-M40: The launch of this freighter is still scheduled for 15.10.1998. Pr-M40 will carry the Znamya 2.5. This huge solar reflector has to be deployed after the departure of Pr-M40 from MIR.  This experiment is expected on 21.02.1999. After 7 autonomous orbits of Pr-M40 the cosmonauts will transmit remote control commands to deploy and to aim the reflector sail. 

Chris van den  Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202    

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