Webcam: Spacewalk from the ISS — Live Broadcast
What the ISS webcam shows
This live camera broadcasts a spacewalk from the International Space Station. In the frame is an astronaut in a white EMU suit with American flag patches on the sleeves, working in the vacuum of space in Earth's orbit. In the background, our planet is visible with white clouds and blue atmosphere transitioning into the blackness of space. The camera is mounted on the spacesuit or positioned near the astronaut, showing the extravehicular activity process in real time.
ISS in orbit: speed and altitude
The International Space Station orbits at an altitude of 337 to 408 km above Earth's surface. The station's speed is approximately 7.7 km/s or about 28,000 km/h. At this speed, the ISS completes about 16 orbits around Earth per day. This means that astronauts on board witness 16 sunrises and sunsets in a single day.
Spacesuits for spacewalks
American astronauts use EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) suits for spacewalks, which were developed over 50 years ago. Russian cosmonauts work in Orlan suits, which differ in design: in the Orlan, the cosmonaut enters independently through a rear hatch, while the American EMU is assembled from two parts with the help of a crewmate. In 2022, NASA awarded a $3.5 billion contract to develop next-generation spacesuits.
How astronauts move in open space
Moving along the ISS surface in open space requires special equipment. Cosmonauts switch between handrails installed on the station, using safety tethers about 8 meters long with a load capacity of up to 4 tons. Every movement in microgravity is calculated in advance — a spacewalk is one of the most complex and dangerous tasks in cosmonautics.
How long a spacewalk lasts
The duration of a typical spacewalk from the ISS ranges from 4 to 8 hours, averaging 6–6.5 hours. The actual time depends on the tasks at hand: repair work, installation of new equipment, or conducting scientific experiments. Preparation for the spacewalk begins two to three weeks before the scheduled date.
What is visible in the helmet visor reflection
The gold visor of the EMU helmet reflects not only Earth but also the control panels located on the chest of the suit, as well as indicator lights inside the helmet. On the wrist of the American suit is a liquid crystal display, which astronauts use as an electronic notepad during work. The visor reflection also shows elements of the ISS structure and the suit itself.
Why the camera shows a black screen at night
The external ISS cameras show a black screen when the station is on the night side of Earth. During this time, there is no solar illumination necessary for the video sensors to operate. Since the ISS completes an orbit in approximately 90 minutes, periods of light and darkness alternate every 45 minutes. When the station emerges on the sunlit side, the camera resumes showing the spacewalk or the view of Earth.
Controlling ISS cameras during a spacewalk
The external ISS cameras during a spacewalk are controlled by ground dispatch personnel — operators in Houston and the TsUP in Moscow. The station also uses a camera polling and switching system that allows selecting the broadcast angle. This ensures continuous monitoring of the cosmonauts working in open space.
History of spacewalks from the ISS
The ISS has been in orbit since 1998, and the station's operation has been extended at least through 2028. During this time, numerous spacewalks have been conducted for station assembly, repairs, and equipment upgrades. Each such spacewalk is the result of months of preparation and careful planning.
What's visible on the camera
The webcam shows a spacewalk from the ISS in real time. In the frame is an astronaut in a white EMU suit with American flag patches, working in the vacuum of space. In the background, Earth is visible with white clouds and blue atmosphere transitioning into the blackness of space. In the reflection of the gold helmet visor, elements of the suit and the planet are visible. The camera is mounted on the suit or near the astronaut, showing the extravehicular activity process. When the ISS enters Earth's shadow, the camera shows a black screen — this is a normal phenomenon related to the absence of solar illumination.
