View of Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit emerging from the Quest/Airlock to perform tasks

iss006e46361 (4/24/2003) --- A view of NASA astronaut Donald Pettit emerging from the Quest/Airlock (A/L) to perform a variety of maintenance tasks. Bowersox is working in the background. Also in view is Materials International Space Station Experiments (MISSE) attached to A/L. Photo was taken during Expedition Six on the International Space Station (ISS). MISSE-1 and 2 are a test bed for materials and coatings attached to the outside of the ISS is being evaluated for the effects of atomic oxygen, direct sunlight, and extremes of heat and cold. This experiment allows the development and testing of new materials to better withstand the rigors of space environments. Results will provide a better understanding of the durability of various materials when they are exposed to the space environment. Many of the materials may have applications in the design of future spacecraft.