What's Happening?
NASA has scheduled two spacewalks at the International Space Station (ISS) for January 2026. The first spacewalk is set for January 8, involving NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman. This mission will mark Fincke's 10th spacewalk, tying him with
Peggy Whitson for the most spacewalks by a NASA astronaut. Cardman will be making her first spacewalk. The astronauts will work on preparing the ISS for future solar array installations. A second spacewalk is planned for January 15, where two other NASA astronauts will replace a high-definition camera and perform additional tasks outside the Harmony module. The ISS, a collaborative effort among multiple international space agencies, has been a hub for scientific research in microgravity for over 25 years.
Why It's Important?
These spacewalks are crucial for maintaining and upgrading the ISS, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital platform for scientific research and international cooperation in space. The work done during these missions supports the station's infrastructure, enabling ongoing and future experiments that contribute to our understanding of space and its effects on various scientific phenomena. The participation of astronauts from different countries highlights the collaborative nature of space exploration, fostering international partnerships and shared scientific goals. Additionally, these missions provide valuable experience and data that can inform future space exploration endeavors, including potential missions to the Moon and Mars.
What's Next?
Following the January spacewalks, the ISS will continue to host a variety of scientific experiments and international crews. The current crew, including members from NASA, Roscosmos, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, will be replaced by Crew-12 in February. This rotation ensures the continuous operation and research activities aboard the ISS. The upcoming spacewalks will be broadcast live, allowing the public to engage with and learn about the ongoing efforts in space exploration. As the ISS approaches its third decade in orbit, discussions about its future and potential successors will likely intensify, with implications for international space policy and collaboration.
