October 16/10/2025
The International Space Station (ISS) witnessed a critical and successful Extravehicular Activity (EVA) conducted by Russian cosmonauts, a key operation in the ongoing maintenance and scientific expansion of the orbiting complex. The spacewalk, performed by Expedition 73 Commander Sergey Ryzhikov and Flight Engineer Alexey Zubritsky, completed multiple objectives, most notably the installation of a groundbreaking semiconductor materials experiment and the jettisoning of an obsolete high-definition (HDTV) camera system. This EVA, designated as VKD-64, marked a significant step forward for microgravity research in material science and served as a routine yet crucial maintenance effort to clear space debris hazards.
The spacewalk, the first from the Russian segment in 2025 and the 276th in the history of the International Space Station, officially began on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at approximately 8:08 PM Moscow Time (1:08 PM EDT), slightly later than the originally planned timeline. It extended beyond its scheduled duration of five hours and 38 minutes, ultimately lasting for six hours, 11 minutes, and 12 seconds. Both cosmonauts utilized the latest generation of Russian Orlan-MKS spacesuits, with Ryzhikov wearing the suit marked with red stripes and Zubritsky wearing the one with blue stripes. Roscosmos confirmed the use of a new safety enhancement: two adjustable-length safety tethers for each cosmonaut, a measure designed to maximize flexibility and security during their complex external tasks.
The primary scientific objective of the EVA was the installation of the Ekran-M experiment, a sophisticated scientific apparatus designed for the cultivation of high-purity semiconductor crystals in the vacuum and microgravity environment of space. The experiment, which takes the form of a drum-like unit, was attached to the exterior of the Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module. The goal is to leverage the unique conditions in low Earth orbit to grow ultra-thin semiconductor materials—layers far more perfect and purer than is achievable on Earth due to gravitational effects that cause impurities and structural flaws in terrestrial manufacturing. “The Ekran-M experiment is a pivotal step towards understanding how molecular beam epitaxy can be optimized in space,” commented a spokesperson from the A.V. Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which developed the technology. “If successful, the materials we produce, such as high-purity gallium arsenide films, could revolutionize future electronics, advanced optics, sensors, and highly efficient solar cells. This is a crucial pilot for potentially establishing future orbital mini-factories.”
The installation process was complex and required precision. The cosmonauts first secured the Ekran-M experiment unit onto a designated adapter on the Nauka module. They then meticulously connected the necessary power and data cables to the instrument. A momentary issue arose when a stubborn fastener resisted Zubritsky’s efforts to remove the transport screws, forcing him to employ a pair of pliers before the unit’s top cover could be opened to expose the chamber to the vacuum of space. With the main installation complete, a changeable sample cassette was loaded into the device. The entire process of installation and hookup was confirmed complete just before 11:00 PM Moscow Time, and mission control verified that all connections were functioning as expected, officially commencing the Ekran-M experiment’s operational phase.
Following the successful installation of the Ekran-M experiment, the cosmonauts turned their attention to the removal and disposal of a no-longer-needed High-Definition Television (HDTV) camera system. This massive piece of hardware, a commercial payload weighing approximately 180 pounds (81.6 kilograms), was previously mounted on the exterior of the Zvezda Service Module. The decision to jettison the outdated unit was based on its obsolescence and the need to free up exterior space and reduce the station’s overall mass. The operation was managed with the assistance of the European Robotic Arm (ERA), which was operated from inside the station by cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Zubritsky, who had been moved to the Zvezda module’s location while riding on the ERA, was responsible for the final detachment. After disconnecting the necessary power and data cables and securing the massive camera with a flexible tether, Zubritsky was cleared by Mission Control to push the camera away from the station. The camera was carefully jettisoned into a trajectory that ensures it will safely spiral into the Earth’s atmosphere where it will burn up completely, posing no threat as space debris. “The controlled jettison of the HDTV camera was executed flawlessly. We are constantly working to manage the external environment of the ISS, and safely disposing of large, outdated equipment is a vital part of minimizing orbital debris,” stated a mission control specialist after confirming the successful release.
In addition to the two primary objectives, Ryzhikov and Zubritsky performed other maintenance tasks vital to the station’s ongoing function. They cleaned a porthole on the Zvezda Service Module to ensure better visibility for internal and external observations. They also retrieved a cassette container that housed an exposed materials sample experiment for return to the station, allowing scientists on Earth to analyze how various materials fared after prolonged exposure to the harsh conditions of space, including radiation and temperature extremes. These ancillary tasks underscore the multi-faceted nature of spacewalks, which often blend ambitious scientific work with routine but essential maintenance and upkeep.
The completion of the spacewalk was a testament to the skill and endurance of the cosmonaut team and the effectiveness of the ground support crews. Mission Control praised the crew for their work, which significantly exceeded the planned duration, maximizing the utility of the EVA time. Dmitry Akhmerov, a leading engineer from the Extravehicular Activity Department of the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, confirmed after the spacewalk that Ryzhikov and Zubritsky were tentatively scheduled to conduct another spacewalk within the next two weeks, indicating a busy period ahead for external work on the Russian segment of the ISS. The success of the Ekran-M installation marks an exciting chapter in materials science research aboard the ISS, one that could lead to new technological breakthroughs derived from the unique advantage of the space environment. The operation was closely monitored by both Russian and international partners, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the International Space Station program even during periods of geopolitical tension.
