So, as the ISS crew clean up for the day, here at the Columbus Control Centre we are going to do the same. Our first EVA, and our first blog, we've learnt a lot from the experience - we hope you enjoyed it. Thanks to Reinhold and Gerhard for giving us an insight into the world of an astronaut. A thank you to all of you who contributed or paid us a visit.
Total EVA time: 5 hours 54 minute
The airlock repressurisation was started at 21:58 CEST - marking the official end of the spacewalk.
Having done a small calculation, Reiter's total EVA time after three EVAs is now 14 hours 16 minutes, and Williams' 19 hours 9 minutes.
A successful day at the office
The official end of the spacewalk is when they start with repressurisation inside the airlock. For now Williams and Reiter are going through procedures to switch the power source of their spacesuits and check other parameters.
"This has been a very successful EVA" says Reinhold Ewald. "The two of them have not only done all of their scheduled tasks faster than planned, but also completed many get-ahead tasks which are very important in preparation for future ISS missions."
Time to return inside the airlock
After spending a few moments to enjoy the view, it is time to go back inside. Reiter is already inside the crew lock whilst Williams hands him equipment for stowage.
Reiter and Williams are thanking the teams on the ground. They are also congratulated on a job well done.
21:48 Williams is now also inside the airlock and they are closing the hatch.
They are checking the hatch is clear of obstructions after closing the thermal cover.
Smile please!
Some last photos for the album. This image shows the view from Reiter's helmet looking towards the Quest airlock - as the spacewalkers pause for a photo opportunity.
Back to the Quest Airlock
Williams and Reiter are starting to wrap-up for the day. The last get-ahead get-ahead task is nearly completed. They have been instructed to make their way back to the airlock where they have to restow tools and equipment. They will be heading inside soon. Reiter wants to take some last photos of Williams before they finish up.
A room with a view
There is some time to admire the view and take some more photos. Williams gives us a look at the view throught his EVA helmet camera. Just before that there was a sunrise - "WOW!" - Thomas Reiter was clearly enjoying the spectacle.
New frontiers
Williams is busy installing a foot restraint - a get-ahead get-ahead task.. i.e. this one really wasn't planned, but they are so far ahead in the planning, that there is time for an extra task. Williams had to make his way to the backside of the S0 Truss and was heard exclaiming "I've never been here before" - Steve Bowen who is coaching the spacewalkers from NASA Mission Control Center, in Houston, retorted with "I don't think anyone has ever been here before!"
"I am a sweet guy"
The EVA suits have a pouch in which the astronauts can take water with them. The pouch is located on the chest, with a straw running up into the helmet. "It is up to the individual how much they take with them," says Thiele.
As for food, when Thiele was doing EVA training it wasn't an option. Today though Thiele believes that some of the astronauts take an energy bar with them.
But being in space does something strange with the taste buds. Thiele told us how he is known for having a sweet tooth "I am a sweet guy," he told us. "Our Shuttle crew was known as the 'Chocolate crew'. I had five chocolate bars with me during that mission, but by day seven I hadn't even touched them. You find that your taste changes in space - you develop a taste for salty and spicy food."
EVA tasks continue
As the International Space Station flys over Mauritius the spacewalkers continue to make good time.
Williams is starting to stow items into the airlock, one of the clean-up tasks that they would usual perform at the end of the spacewalk. Meanwhile Reiter is working on installing a vent valve on the outside of the US Destiny module (the work area is indicated by the red circle on the image). He is performing a leak check of the valve.
Williams may next move on to an extra get-ahead task.
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