What's Happening?
NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams are scheduled to conduct a spacewalk on March 18, 2026, to prepare the International Space Station for the installation of new solar arrays. This mission marks Meir's fourth spacewalk and Williams' first.
The spacewalk, designated as U.S. spacewalk 94, will begin at approximately 8 a.m. and is expected to last about six and a half hours. The astronauts will exit the station's Quest airlock to install a modification kit and route cables on the port side of the station, specifically preparing the 2A power channel for the future installation of the International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA). NASA will provide live coverage of the event starting at 6:30 a.m. on various platforms, including NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
Why It's Important?
The upcoming spacewalk is crucial for enhancing the power capabilities of the International Space Station, which supports a wide range of scientific research and international collaboration. The installation of new solar arrays will ensure the station's continued operation and ability to support future missions. This development is significant for the U.S. space program as it demonstrates ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading the station's infrastructure. The successful completion of this mission will also pave the way for future technological advancements in space exploration, potentially benefiting industries related to aerospace and renewable energy.
What's Next?
Following the March 18 spacewalk, NASA plans another spacewalk, U.S. spacewalk 95, to prepare the station's 3B power channel for a future IROSA installation. Details regarding the date, time, and crew members for this subsequent spacewalk will be announced closer to the operation. These activities are part of a series of upgrades to the station's power systems, which are essential for supporting its long-term mission objectives. The spacewalks are the first two of 2026 and mark the beginning of Expedition 74's efforts to enhance the station's capabilities.
