Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Astronaut Anil Menon Prepares for First Spacewalk
Astronaut Anil Menon, who has roots in Kerala, India, is getting ready for his first spacewalk next week.
He will be working outside the International Space Station (ISS) to upgrade solar arrays, replace a communications antenna, and fix new data and power cables.
These tasks are important for preparing the ISS for future operations, including the installation of new solar arrays later this year.
Anil Menon shared a beautiful photo of SpaceX's launch site in South Texas from space, showing how far we've come in space exploration.
He arrived at the ISS on July 14 and will spend about eight months there, doing scientific experiments and helping with station operations.
Astronaut Anil Menon is set to undertake his first spacewalk next week to upgrade solar arrays and replace a communications antenna on the International Space Station (ISS).
The spacewalks are scheduled for August 6, August 13, and August 25, with fellow astronaut Jessica Meir.
The missions include preparing the ISS for the future installation of the International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) to support critical station operations and safe deorbit.
During the spacewalks, astronauts will replace a Space-to-Ground antenna and connect power channel cables and data relay systems.
Anil Menon shared a breathtaking view of SpaceX's Starbase launch site in South Texas from space, highlighting the achievements in space exploration.
- Who
- Astronaut Anil Menon and fellow astronaut Jessica Meir
- What
- First spacewalk to upgrade solar arrays, replace a communications antenna, and fix new data and power cables
- When
- August 6, August 13, and August 25
- Where
- International Space Station (ISS)
- Why
- To prepare the ISS for future operations, including the installation of the International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) to support critical station operations and safe deorbit
NASA's Perspective
Public Interest
Importance of Spacewalks
NASA's Perspective
NASA emphasizes the critical role of spacewalks in upgrading and maintaining the International Space Station (ISS) for future operations, including the installation of the International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) to support critical station operations.
Public Interest
The public is excited about the scientific advancements and the unique perspectives shared by astronauts, such as Anil Menon's photographs of Starbase from space, which highlight the achievements and progress in space exploration.
- Astronaut
- Anil Menon
- Spacewalks Scheduled
- August 6, August 13, August 25
- Mission Objectives
- Upgrade solar arrays, replace communications antenna, fix data and power cables
- IROSA Installation
- Later this year
- Spacewalk Duration
- About 8 months
- Launch Site Photographed
- Starbase, SpaceX's launch site in South Texas
- Spacecraft
- Soyuz MS-29
- Arrival at ISS
- July 14