Failed Antenna Could Force ISS Spacewalk

A Russian Soyuz rocket with a Progress cargo carrier blasts off from the Russian-leased Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

An antenna that failed to deploy properly on an unmanned Russian cargo spacecraft may make it difficult for the vessel to dock properly with the International Space Station (ISS).

Russian and U.S. space officials said that the malfunctioning antenna could prevent an airtight seal between the station and the Progress spacecraft.

Consequently,, it might be necessary for members of the ISS crew to conduct a spacewalk to fix the problem.

Officials at Russia's Mission Control Center said another attempt to deploy the antenna could be made on April 25.

The Progress vessel is scheduled to dock with the ISS on April 26 and is carrying oxygen, water, food, fuel, and other supplies.

There are currently three Russians, two Americans, and a Canadian aboard the ISS.

Based on reporting by Interfax and AFP