5
$\begingroup$

Was just reading Mike Massimino's memoir Spaceman and came across this fascinating line:

Another time a spacewalker - and this is a true story - accidentally put his right boot on his left foot and put his left boot on his right foot. Once he got outside, he couldn't fit in a foot restraint.

Some searching turned up a reference to (presumably) the same incident in Clay Anderson's book It's a Question of Space.

Neither reference gives any more information.

Can anyone provide more details?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
8
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ I recall seeing this claim somewhere else in the past few months. However, I cannot recall where I saw it, and my attempts to find an answer were unsuccessful. Sorry. $\endgroup$ – DrSheldon Aug 25 '19 at 2:43
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @OON No, the legs are made up of segments that can be chosen to fit different crewpersons. "The combination of these rings, five sizes of leg assemblies, and the adjustable leg brackets allow for many variations" (EMU systems workbook) However, I was also surprised that the boots could be attached to the wrong legs. $\endgroup$ – Organic Marble Aug 25 '19 at 23:45
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ If there's still interest, I could volunteer to ask Mike...but I hate to bother him for trivial stuff - he's pretty busy these days. I'm assuming that this incident probably took place @ the NBL... $\endgroup$ – Digger Sep 23 '19 at 14:40
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @Digger when does your memoir come out? :) You were featured in his! (all good). $\endgroup$ – Organic Marble Sep 23 '19 at 14:48
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @OrganicMarble I get asked about a book often, but I've been too lazy to take on another project...btw, Mike just got back w/ me - indeed, it was Rex. So, your answer below stands...good detective work! $\endgroup$ – Digger Dec 30 '19 at 15:56
6
+100
$\begingroup$

Maybe not the only time...

..but one time was Rex Walheim, on STS-122. Surprisingly, it was on the third EVA of the mission, and the fifth EVA of his career.

enter image description here

(Original NASA image from https://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-122/html/s122e008915.html) Caption reads

S122-E-008915 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, translates along the outside of the Columbus laboratory, the newest piece of hardware on the International Space Station. Astronaut Stanley Love (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this final period of STS-122 extravehicular activity with Walheim.

enter image description here

(Crop by me)

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.