MIRNEWS.293 13 MARCH 1996 1st Spacewalk (EVA) crew 21st Main Expedition MIR: Radiotraffic today in orb.57506, 0921-0933UTC, revealed that the crew was testing spacesuits. They also communicated via the frequencies normally in use during EVA-s (143.618 and 130.165 MC). Obtained information during this day confirmed the fact that the cosmonauts will do an EVA. The EVA will be made on 15.03.1996. Purpose of this operation is the installation of a 2d Strela (the Strela is the girder or crane in use during EVA's.) The Strela which is operational for a long time is fixed on the Base Block and is erected in the direction of the airlock (Sh.S.O.) of Module-D thus enabling 'EVA-people' to use the crane immediately. To reach the outersurface of Module-T (Kristall) the 1st Strela cannot be used and so the Russians decided to install a 2d one on the opposite side of the Base Block. That is what Onufriyenko and Usachov have to do during their 1st EVA. So they will make this EVA on 15.03.1996 between 0105UTC (opening of the hatch) and 0537UTC (closing of the hatch). So estimated EVA time: 4 hrs and 2 mins. Before and during the EVA the communication will go via trackingstations in the East of Russia and the geostationary satellites Altair-1 (over 16 dgs West) and Altair-2 (96 dgs East). During the first pass for our region in orbit 57535, 0556-0604UTC, the cosmonauts will be in the airlock and probably still use the EVA frequencies mentioned aboue for communications with TsUP. Chris v.d. Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202.