Spacewalkers complete space station solar power upgrade
Summary
Two astronauts completed the International Space Station’s solar power upgrade on Thursday by installing its eighth and final roll-out solar array. NASA expected the new array to help raise the station’s total power output to about 215 kilowatts, supporting operations through its planned retirement and de-orbiting in 2030.Key Facts
- NASA began installing roll-out solar arrays on the station in 2021.
- NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk installed the eighth array during a spacewalk lasting six hours and 59 minutes.
- The spacewalk began at 8:36 a.m. Eastern Time and ended at 3:35 p.m.
- The astronauts handed the final array between them to move it beyond the reach of the station’s robotic arm.
- The astronauts unfolded the array, secured it, and connected its power and data cables.
- Each new array is about 63 feet long when extended and is smaller but more efficient than the original arrays.
- The station’s original arrays produced about 160 kilowatts before the upgrade; NASA expected the final array to bring total output to about 215 kilowatts.
- The new arrays compensate for power loss as the original arrays age and support station systems, research, and visiting spacecraft.
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