Okay, we’re ready Dave, hang on tight.
Great!
A panoramic view of Dave Williams as he is being maneuvered on the Canadarm 2.
He is the third Canadian to walk in space joining Chris Hadfield and Steve MacLean.
The spacewalk is one of the most demanding tasks for an astronaut.
It requires physical strength, concentration, years of training
and a complete understanding of how the International Space Station operates.
Hi, I’m Jeremy Hansen.
The Canadian Space Agency’s Astronaut Recruitment Campaign is underway
and the second round of selections is now complete.
The 32 remaining candidates were put through emergency simulations
designed to test their resilience and their ability to think and react under pressure.
Okay, listen up. Mission control has just warned that there are fires and potential water damage up ahead.
Find the source of the smoke let’s huttle!
These evaluations help determine if the candidates can handle intense situations
in challenging environments similar to those encountered in space.
Four leaks.
We got 1, 2, 3, we can use a wedge.
As the candidates went through these various scenarios
they needed to exhibit abilities like problem solving,
dexterity, coordination,
leadership and of course team spirit.
First we tie on this side and on that side and then we put the elastic band around it.
Sweep with your arms, sweep with your arms.
Oh, here’s one.
These abilities combined with sheer determination
are what is needed for space flight.
In the harsh environment of space the ability to adapt
and find creative solutions under pressure is crucial.
As astronauts we spend thousands of hours planning and training in countless simulations
that prepare us for just about anything on a space mission.
But you never really know what to expect until you get there.
Space is a compelling and sometimes hostile environment,
a zero fault tolerant environment where errors can have catastrophic consequences.
On my first spacewalk astronaut Rick Mastracchio and I
talked a lot about what would happen when we exited the airlock
to see this compelling view looking 400 kilometres down to the surface of the earth.
No-one wants to become frozen holding onto the handrails while they’re getting their bearings.
Okay Dave, if you’re ready I’ll give the Canadian man a ride on the Canadian arm.
Gee thanks!
I remember on my second spacewalk being on the end of the Canadarm
pointing straight out into space,
hovering 400 kilometres over the earth by myself.
I couldn’t see the Space Station behind me and it took me a minute or so to relax,
to take a couple of deep breaths and enjoy the view.
ETC… coming in.
Copy.
I think with this run the training we got has really paid off.
I couldn’t agree more guys.
The complexity of the tasks we perform often take us to the limits of our abilities.
Using any means available make your way into the raft.
Okay, so our task is to move the isotopes, all the balls from point A to point B.
Astronauts need to have the technical and the team skills to be able to succeed.
Sorry guys.
We were on to something there.
They also need to have focus and situational awareness to prevent, anticipate
and manage any adverse events that may happen.
How you handle an emergency in space can mean the difference between life and death
for yourself and the crew.
We need to speed up guys, we need to speed up!
There’s a fire in here guys!
At this stage of the selection process,
some of these emergency situations have no real solution
and can push the candidates to their breaking point.
When I went through these simulations back in 2009
the emergencies felt very realistic and so did the sense of urgency and pressure.
You got to use your reach, use your reach!
We were fighting fires in full bunker gear.
It was sort of like doing a cardio workout where you’re trying to put out flames
and your body temperature just keeps rising and rising.
Fire is down the hall.
Then moments later you have to try to contain a flood in frigid cold water
while your hands are cramping up and your body temperature starts to plummet.
We were put in situations as a team where there was no clear path forward, no obvious answer.
That is the reality of an astronaut’s job.
All exercises must be done in cadence.
Go up and down together.
One, up, two, up,
three, up, four. These candidates need to keep their cool, follow procedures and find creative solutions.
Look what we do with three.
You can take them off.
(Whispers) Oh, you guys are brilliant.
Most importantly they need to work as a team and persevere.
It’s an important milestone on the road to finding out who will be the next Canadian astronauts.