ISS Spacewalk Upgrades Solar Arrays, Boosts Power 30%

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk and NASA astronaut Anil Menon completed a spacewalk on October 29, 2026, installing a new roll-out solar array on the International Space Station while orbiting 267 miles above the South Atlantic Ocean.

The pair accomplished critical upgrades to the station's power infrastructure during their extravehicular activity. The installation of solar arrays is part of a larger modernization initiative that will culminate in an eighth and final array deployment scheduled for November 5, 2026.

Once complete, the eight roll-out solar arrays will collectively increase the International Space Station's available power capacity by up to 30%, significantly enhancing the orbital laboratory's operational capabilities.

Beyond the primary solar array installation, Kutryk and Menon also performed preparatory work for their subsequent spacewalk planned for early November. This get-ahead maintenance represents standard protocol for ISS operations, ensuring the space station remains at peak efficiency.

The work underscores ongoing international cooperation in space exploration, with Canadian and American astronauts collaborating on critical infrastructure upgrades. The enhanced power capacity will support expanded scientific research and technological experiments aboard the station.

Image credit: Canadian Space Agency