Astronauts just gave the International Space Station a powerful upgrade

Two astronauts completed a 7-hour, 11-minute spacewalk to install a new solar array on the International Space Station, bringing NASA one step closer to a major power upgrade. Once the final array is installed on November 5, the station will have up to 30% more available power, supporting critical operations and its eventual controlled deorbit. Astronauts just gave the International Space Station a powerful upgrade.

The astronauts finished their work at 3:08 p.m. During the spacewalk, Menon and Kutryk installed and deployed a new International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) on the station’s 2A electrical power channel. This is the seventh such array added to the station, providing additional electricity for essential operations, including the station’s eventual safe and controlled deorbit.

Final Spacewalk Will Complete Solar Array Upgrade The astronauts also performed several preliminary tasks to prepare for another spacewalk scheduled for Thursday, Nov. During that mission, astronauts will install the eighth and final solar array on the station’s 3B power channel. NASA plans to begin live coverage at 6:45 a.m., with information on how to watch available through the agency.