NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir began a 6.5-hour [1] spacewalk on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, to upgrade the International Space Station (ISS).
This mission is critical for the longevity of the orbital laboratory. By modifying the power channels and preparing for new solar arrays, NASA ensures the station can support advanced research and crew operations as its original systems age.
The operation started at 5:35 p.m. IST [2]. The two astronauts exited the station in low-Earth orbit to install hardware that modifies the ISS 3B power channel [1], [3]. This specific modification is a prerequisite for the deployment of the International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array, known as IROSA [1], [3].
For Anil Menon, the mission marks a personal milestone as his first-ever spacewalk [4]. Menon, an astronaut of Indian origin, is participating in a broader mission focused on AI and moon exploration [5]. He and Meir are working together to strengthen the power system to ready the station for the next-generation solar technology [1], [3].
The process of installing IROSA is part of a larger effort to augment the station's power-generating capabilities. These arrays are designed to be rolled out over the existing legacy arrays, increasing the total power available to the crew and their scientific experiments.
The spacewalk is expected to last approximately 6.5 hours [1]. Once the hardware is secured and the 3B channel is modified, the station will be better positioned to integrate the new solar technology without disrupting current power flows.
“Anil Menon and Jessica Meir began a 6.5-hour spacewalk on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.”
The installation of IROSA hardware represents a vital transition in the ISS's lifecycle. By upgrading the 3B power channel, NASA is shifting from legacy power systems to more efficient, roll-out technology. This ensures the station remains a viable platform for international research and a stepping stone for future lunar and Martian exploration missions.
