Someday these Mars Dust Storms may be used to make electricity by using a proposed hybrid wind-solar system. This system would use solar cells to generate electricity during sunny periods, and a wind turbine to make electricity during dust storms. NASA scientists are studying this concept as a source of energy for future Mars bases. They also installed handrails, an access ladder, a cargo crane, a docking target and an automated navigational antenna. The next scheduled event is a second spacewalk by Dezhurov and Tyurin planned for Oct. 15 to mount a series of experiments to the exterior of Zvezda designed to gather data on the effect of exposure to the space environment on engineering materials.
Scientific investigations continue every week.
The crew will return home on mission STS-108. Read the most recent ISS Status Report for the latest news. Check the ISS Visibility Data for viewing opportunities in your area. In 1999 the United Nations declared Oct. 4-10 World Space Week . Webcasts enable viewers to watch live video, listen to audio and interact in real time on the Internet with experts.