NASA astronauts upgrade ISS solar array during spacewalk

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Anil Menon completed a 6.5-hour spacewalk to install the seventh and final set of mounting hardware for an upcoming **ISS solar array upgrade** on the International Space Station (ISS). This spacewalk is a critical step in enhancing the station’s power capabilities, preparing for the future addition of a new ISS Roll-Out Solar Array (iROSA). The successful installation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bolster the orbital outpost’s energy infrastructure.

Mission Summary and Achievements

The spacewalk, which lasted six and a half hours, saw astronauts Meir and Menon working collaboratively outside the ISS. Their primary objective was to assemble and bolt together triangular brackets on the 3B power channel, located on the far starboard (S6) segment of the station’s backbone truss. This intricate task involved precise maneuvering and coordination in the vacuum of space.

Menon utilized an articulating portable foot restraint (APFR) atop a worksite interface (WIFEX) to maintain a stable working position, highlighting the complex logistics involved in extravehicular activities. This mission directly contributes to the ISS energy system upgrade, ensuring the station can continue its scientific research and operations with sufficient power.

What is the Roll-Out Solar Array (iROSA)?

The iROSA, or ISS Roll-Out Solar Array, represents a significant advancement in space-based power generation technology. These new solar arrays are designed to augment the existing power supply of the International Space Station, rather than replacing the legacy arrays entirely. Their innovative roll-out design allows for a more compact launch configuration and easier deployment in orbit compared to traditional rigid solar panels.

Since 2021, astronauts have been progressively deploying these iROSA assemblies. This particular spacewalk completed the mounting hardware installation for the seventh of eight planned arrays, with only two remaining to be delivered to the station.

Technology and Advantages Over Previous Arrays

The iROSA technology is characterized by its flexible, lightweight design. Unlike the older, rigid solar panels, iROSAs are rolled up like a carpet for launch and then unfurl once in space. This design offers several advantages, including reduced volume and mass during launch, which translates to lower launch costs and greater flexibility in cargo manifest.

The previous solar arrays on the ISS have exceeded their original 15-year design life and have begun to show degraded power output. The new iROSA wings are designed to operate in tandem with these legacy arrays, effectively increasing the station’s total electricity supply. This augmentation is crucial for sustaining the growing power demands of the ISS, which hosts numerous scientific experiments and life support systems.

The Critical 6.5-Hour Spacewalk: Steps and Challenges

The 6.5-hour spacewalk undertaken by Jessica Meir and Anil Menon was a complex operation requiring meticulous planning and execution. Spacewalks, formally known as Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), are inherently challenging due to the harsh space environment, including extreme temperatures, vacuum, and the risk of micrometeoroid strikes. Astronauts undergo extensive training to prepare for these demanding tasks, simulating their movements and procedures in large underwater facilities on Earth.

Working outside the ISS, astronauts must contend with bulky spacesuits that limit dexterity and visibility, while relying on specialized tools and strict safety protocols. Every action must be deliberate and precise to prevent errors that could jeopardize the mission or the safety of the crew. For more on astronaut training, see our article on Zero-G Cosmonaut Training.

Installation Process Breakdown

During the spacewalk, Meir and Menon first focused on the construction of the modification kit structure. This involved assembling and bolting the triangular brackets that would physically support the future iROSA on the 3B mast canister. This phase is akin to building a giant erector set in zero gravity, demanding careful alignment and secure fastening.

Following the structural assembly, the astronauts routed cabling designed to carry electricity from the future iROSA into the 3B power channel. This step is vital for integrating the new solar array into the station’s existing electrical grid. Finally, they covered the struts with multi-layer insulation. This insulation provides crucial protection against the harsh space environment, particularly from potential micrometeoroid strikes, which could damage the sensitive components.

Impact on ISS Power Output and Operational Capabilities

The successful installation of the iROSA mounting hardware paves the way for a substantial increase in the International Space Station’s power generation capacity. Once the new iROSA wings are fully deployed and integrated, the upgraded system is projected to increase the station’s electricity supply by 20% to 30%. This significant boost in power is crucial for the station’s continued operation and its capacity to support advanced scientific research.

Increased power allows for more experiments to run simultaneously, longer operational periods for existing systems, and the ability to accommodate future technological upgrades and expanded crew complements. The ISS, as a unique microgravity laboratory, relies heavily on a robust power supply to conduct diverse investigations in fields such as biology, physics, astronomy, and Earth sciences.

Addressing Power Degradation

The original solar arrays of the ISS have been in service for well over their intended lifespan of 15 years. Over time, these arrays have experienced natural degradation in their power output due to exposure to the harsh space environment, including radiation and micrometeoroid impacts. This degradation necessitated a strategic upgrade to ensure the station’s long-term viability.

The iROSA project is a direct response to this power degradation. By augmenting the existing arrays rather than completely replacing them, NASA and its partners are extending the operational life of the ISS and maintaining its scientific productivity. This approach maximizes the utility of the existing infrastructure while incorporating newer, more efficient technology. The European Space Agency (ESA) provides detailed information on the various components of the Space Station’s solar panels.

International Collaboration and Future Upgrades

The International Space Station is a testament to global collaboration in space exploration, involving multiple space agencies from around the world. The ongoing ISS solar array upgrade project, while spearheaded by NASA, relies on the foundational design and continuous operation contributions from international partners. The deployment of the iROSAs is a multi-year effort, with six assemblies already deployed since 2021, and the remaining two expected to be delivered and installed in the near future.

This systematic approach to upgrading the power system ensures a phased integration, allowing for continuous power supply to the station. Future upgrades to the ISS energy system will likely continue this trend of leveraging advanced technology and international cooperation to sustain the station’s mission and potentially prepare it for new roles or extensions beyond its current projected lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of the ISS solar array upgrade?

The primary purpose of the ISS solar array upgrade is to increase the International Space Station’s power generation capacity by 20% to 30%. This is necessary because the station’s original solar arrays are aging and have experienced power degradation over their operational lifetime, impacting the available electricity for experiments and station systems.

How do iROSA arrays differ from the original ISS solar panels?

iROSA (ISS Roll-Out Solar Array) arrays are distinct from the original rigid ISS solar panels due to their flexible, roll-out design. They are launched in a compact, rolled configuration and unfurl in space, offering advantages such as reduced launch volume and mass. They are designed to augment, not replace, the existing arrays.

Who are the astronauts involved in this latest spacewalk?

The astronauts involved in this latest 6.5-hour spacewalk to install the solar array mounting hardware were NASA’s Jessica Meir and Anil Menon. Their efforts were crucial in preparing the 3B power channel for the addition of a new iROSA.

References and Further Reading

Robert Z. Pearlman. (2026, August 6). ‘1 more step’: NASA astronauts conduct 6.5-hour spacewalk to prep ISS for solar array upgrade. *Space.com*. https://www.space.com/space-exploration/international-space-station/1-more-step-nasa-astronauts-conduct-6-5-hour-spacewalk-to-prep-iss-for-solar-array-upgrade

This latest **ISS solar array upgrade** through the successful spacewalk by NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Anil Menon represents a critical step in sustaining the International Space Station’s operational capabilities. By installing the mounting hardware for the seventh iROSA, the mission reinforces the long-term viability of the station as a premier orbiting laboratory. The incremental approach to these upgrades, combining new technology with existing infrastructure, ensures that the ISS can continue its vital role in scientific discovery and human spaceflight for years to come.