The International Space Station (ISS) has received another important power upgrade after two astronauts successfully installed and deployed a new roll-out solar array during a spacewalk on October 29, 2026.

NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk spent seven hours and 11 minutes working outside the orbiting laboratory to install the station’s seventh International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array, known as IROSA. The new equipment is designed to improve the station’s electricity supply as its original solar panels continue to age.

The operation also marked NASA’s 100th U.S. spacewalk conducted from the International Space Station.

Astronauts Complete Complex Installation

Menon and Kutryk began their spacewalk at 7:57 a.m. EDT and completed it at 3:08 p.m. EDT.

During the operation, the astronauts removed the folded solar array from its temporary storage position. Menon then used the station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm to transport the equipment towards the installation site, while Kutryk moved along the station’s exterior to assist with the work.

The astronauts attached the array to the station’s 2A electrical power channel and connected it to the power system. Once the installation was secured, they released its restraints, allowing the solar panel to gradually unfold.

Unlike conventional motor-driven mechanisms, the roll-out array uses stored energy in specially designed composite booms to extend itself.

New Solar Panels to Increase Electricity Supply

The ISS has relied on large solar arrays for electricity since its early years in orbit. However, the original panels were designed for a limited operational lifespan and have gradually lost some of their power-generating capability.

NASA introduced the IROSA upgrade programme to supplement the ageing solar wings without replacing the entire system.

Once all eight planned roll-out arrays are installed, the station’s available power-generation capacity is expected to increase by up to 30%, rising from approximately 160 kilowatts to around 215 kilowatts.

The additional electricity will help support scientific experiments, life-support systems, communications, daily crew activities and other essential operations.

Final Solar Array Installation Expected in November

The October 29 operation installed the seventh IROSA unit. NASA has scheduled another spacewalk for November 5, 2026, to install the eighth and final array.

Completing this upgrade will help the International Space Station maintain its power capabilities during its remaining operational years. NASA currently plans to retire the station around 2030 through a controlled deorbit process.

An Important Step in Space Station Maintenance

The successful spacewalk highlights the complexity of maintaining a permanently inhabited laboratory hundreds of kilometres above Earth.

The astronauts had to coordinate robotic-arm movements, work with large equipment in microgravity and carefully connect electrical components while the station passed through orbital darkness.

The upgrade is not just about generating more electricity. It is also an important investment in keeping the ISS operational as researchers continue conducting scientific experiments in low Earth orbit.