Spacewalk Resumption
After an extended pause, NASA is once again preparing astronauts for extravehicular activities (EVAs) outside the International Space Station (ISS). This
planned spacewalk, targeted for March 18, signifies the end of an unusually long break for this critical space exploration endeavor. The agency had initially scheduled an EVA in early January, but it was postponed due to a health concern experienced by one of the participating astronauts, which ultimately led to the early return of a SpaceX crew to Earth. The upcoming mission aims to resume these vital operations, ensuring the continued maintenance and enhancement of the orbiting laboratory.
A Historic Anniversary
The spacewalk slated for March 18 is more than just a routine mission; it carries historical significance as it falls on the 61st anniversary of humanity's very first spacewalk. This groundbreaking feat was accomplished by Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, who ventured outside his Voskhod 2 spacecraft for approximately 10 minutes in 1965. Roughly three months after Leonov's pioneering excursion, NASA astronaut Ed White followed suit, performing the first-ever U.S. spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission. The upcoming mission by Jessica Meir and Chris Williams echoes this legacy of human exploration beyond the confines of a spacecraft.
Astronaut Preparations
To ensure a successful and safe excursion into the vacuum of space, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams have been undergoing rigorous preparations. Their training has involved meticulously inspecting their advanced spacesuits, ensuring they are in optimal condition for the extreme environment of space. They have also been practicing donning and doffing these suits and familiarizing themselves with the Quest airlock, the designated portal from which they will exit the International Space Station. This comprehensive preparation is crucial for their ability to perform complex tasks with precision and efficiency while operating in microgravity.
Mission Objectives
Meir and Williams are scheduled to spend an estimated six-and-a-half hours outside the ISS, engaged in crucial maintenance and upgrade activities. Their primary tasks will involve installing a modification kit and routing essential cables along the port side of the orbital outpost. These actions are part of the ongoing preparations for the eventual installation of a future roll-out solar array. This seventh roll-out solar array, to be added during a subsequent spacewalk, is designed to significantly augment the power-generating capabilities of the station's main solar arrays, ensuring a robust and continuous energy supply for its operations.
Experience on Board
For Jessica Meir, this will be her fourth spacewalk experience. She previously conducted three EVAs in 2019, with two occurring several months apart. Meir most recently arrived at the space station as part of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission, bringing with her valuable experience and familiarity with the ISS environment. In contrast, Chris Williams is embarking on his inaugural space mission. The upcoming spacewalk will therefore mark his very first venture outside the station. Williams arrived at the ISS prior to Meir, in November 2025, aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, adding a different dimension of experience to the crew.
