Astronauts install seventh new solar array in 100th US spacewalk from space station

Two astronauts have finished a seven-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station, installing a new roll-out solar array in the 100th US spacewalk from the orbiting laboratory.

NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk worked outside the station for 7 hours and 11 minutes on Thursday, 29 October, finishing at 3:08 p.m. EDT. They installed and deployed the station’s seventh International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array, known as an IROSA, on its 2A power channel.

The new panel adds electricity for the station’s daily work, including science experiments and life support. It will also help with the station’s safe, controlled deorbit at the end of its life. The crew also finished early tasks to prepare for the next spacewalk, which will complete the power upgrade.

The outing was a milestone for both men: it was Menon’s fourth spacewalk and Kutryk’s first. It was also the 285th spacewalk carried out to build, maintain and upgrade the space station, which has now hosted people continuously for more than 25 years.

Why it matters

The station’s original solar panels have been in space for years and no longer produce as much power as they once did. The new roll-out arrays sit in front of the old panels and add fresh capacity, keeping the laboratory running strongly through its final years.

Once all eight new arrays are in place, the station’s power will rise by up to 30 percent, from 160 kilowatts to about 215 kilowatts. That extra power supports research, daily operations and the station’s eventual safe return to Earth.

What happens next

One array remains. Menon and Kutryk are due to go out again on Thursday, 5 November, to install the eighth and final IROSA on the station’s 3B power channel. NASA will show the spacewalk live from 6:45 a.m. EDT. Once that array is deployed, the power upgrade will be complete.

This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.

Sources

• https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/10/29/spacewalkers-install-roll-out-solar-arrays-for-power-generation/ (NASA, 29 October 2026)
• https://thestatesjournal.com/articles/astronauts-install-seventh-new-solar-array-on-space-station-in-7-hour-spacewalk-94f04d38/ (The States Journal, 30 October 2026)