Science & Tech · Space · 6 hrs ago
ISS astronauts set to install second upgraded solar panel
Two astronauts are scheduled to install a new solar panel during a spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Thursday.
NASA approved the plan for US astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk.
The panel is the second of two new IROSA panels delivered to the station aboard a Cargo Dragon spacecraft on October 15.
Menon and Kutryk installed the first panel during a spacewalk on October 29.
The work will complete an upgrade to the station’s power system, which is needed for its critical operations.
The upgraded system will also help the station make a safe, controlled exit from orbit, planned for the end of 2030.
The spacewalk is due to begin at 08:00 US Eastern time and last about six and a half hours.
NASA approved a spacewalk planned for Thursday to install a second upgraded solar array on the International Space Station.
NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk are scheduled to carry out the work.
The spacewalk is expected to begin at 08:00 Eastern time and last about six and a half hours.
The IROSA arrays are part of an upgrade to the station’s power system, supporting critical operations and its planned controlled deorbit at the end of 2030.
- Who
- NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk are scheduled to take part.
- What
- They are set to install a second next-generation IROSA solar array.
- When
- Thursday, November 5; the spacewalk is scheduled to start at 08:00 Eastern time and last about six and a half hours.
- Where
- At the International Space Station, working on its truss structure.
- Why
- The installation is part of a power-system upgrade to support critical station operations, including its planned controlled deorbit.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Cargo Dragon carrying the pair of IROSA solar arrays docked with the station.
Menon and Kutryk installed the first array during a spacewalk.
A second spacewalk is planned to install the other array.
- Crew members
- Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk
- Solar array
- IROSA, the next-generation deployable array
- Spacewalk start
- 08:00 Eastern time
- Expected duration
- About 6.5 hours
- Cargo delivery
- Cargo Dragon docked on October 15
- Planned station deorbit
- End of 2030