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NASA astronauts conduct spacewalk to upgrade ISS solar panels
The new iROSA solar array mount installation boosts ISS power by 20% to 30% and supports future deep-space mission technology, marking the first U.S. spacewalk of 2026.
- On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams exited the Quest airlock at 8:52 a.m. EDT to install a mount for an iROSA on the International Space Station.
- Degraded legacy solar arrays prompted the installation of smaller iROSA units as part of a multi-year program to boost the International Space Station's power capacity.
- Using a modification kit, the astronauts assembled and attached a bracket structure and routed cables, while the iROSA rolled-up carbon-composite booms unroll in about six minutes without motors.
- Citing time limits, EVA managers in Mission Control deferred microorganism swabbing and Canadarm2 camera lens cover installation, and with Meir and three crewmates returning via a SpaceX capsule, NASA can resume external work.
- The EVA also added to the ISS's decades-long tally of spacewalks, totaling 1,760 hours and 28 minutes, and the seventh of eight rollout arrays will increase power capacity by 20-30%.
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Unlike traditional systems, these new panels do not require engines for their opening.The entrance Two NASA astronauts take space walks to modernize energy in the ERA was first published in La Voz de Michoacán.
NASA astronauts Christopher Williams and Jessica Meir successfully completed their planned extravehicular activity (EVA) on the International Space Station. The extravehicular activity lasted approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes, 20 minutes longer than expected due to difficulties sealing the outer hatch of the airlock. Image: NASA. Despite the slight delay, the crew completed the planned program in full, installing... The post "ISS Emergency: N…
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