Spacewalk in the Pool

In one of my entries, I mentioned that Terry would not be doing a spacewalk or EVA, extra-vehicular activity, because his top priority is to fly the shuttle. But I didn't mention that he has completed all the EVA training and could be used for a spacewalk if there were an emergency. Astronauts train for spacewalks here in Clear Lake at the NBL or Neutral Buoyancy Lab, which is really just the world's largest indoor swimming pool. Earlier this summer, the kids and I were able to watch some of his training in the big white spacesuit, which happens to weigh approximately 300 lbs. In fact the suit is so heavy that the top portion is lowered onto him by a large crane and then the same crane picks him up and lowers him into the 40 foot deep pool. Typically, the astronauts perform 6 to 8 hour EVAs with only water to sip on. One of the major difficulties is learning how to use tools with those giant gloves. On the 130 mission, our two spacewalkers will be Dr. Bob, our TPS classmate, and Nick Patrick. Terry will remain inside the shuttle to operate the robotic arm throughout the walk and I'm sure he'll keep plenty busy with those duties.