The transfer of the cargo needed by the International Space Station and transported by the Endeavour space shuttle began yesterday.

The process includes the transfer of new water purification system, an exercise machine, two sleeping compartments and also a new toilet. The plan is to ensure an environment capable of housing six astronauts instead of its current limit of three.

Another useful idea was to bring a refrigerator on the ISS, which will allow astronauts to have cold drinks on the station for the first time.

Starting today, the astronauts will begin a series of spacewalks, looking to repair a massive joint from the station’s power-generating solar-panel wings.

"We have a little cleaning and greasing to do, to see if we can make it rotate smoother," explained spacewalker Stephen Bowe, adding that "We're going to try to make it come back to life."

Other tasks scheduled for the upcoming spacewalks also include the transfer of an empty nitrogen tank to the docked space shuttle Endeavour's cargo bay and the move of an ammonia hose from the shuttle to the station.

"Certainly the first (spacewalk) of any mission is more significant and you want it to go well," said flight director Holly Ridings. She compared the current mission to a major makeover house project, which demands a lot of attention due to its many complicated details.

So far, everything has gone according to plan and all the precautions are being taken to ensure that the success rate will also be kept for the upcoming phases.