AI Insight
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk and NASA astronaut Anil Menon conducted a spacewalk on October 29, 2026, while the International Space Station orbited 267 miles above the South Atlantic Ocean. During this extravehicular activity, they successfully installed a new roll-out solar array and completed preparatory tasks for their subsequent spacewalk scheduled for November 5, 2026. The upcoming spacewalk will complete the installation of the eighth and final roll-out solar array, which collectively will enhance the station's power generation capacity by up to 30%.
Why it matters
The installation of these eight solar arrays represents a significant upgrade to the ISS's power infrastructure, providing approximately 30% more electrical capacity to support expanded scientific research, life support systems, and station operations. This enhanced power capability will enable more ambitious experiments and extend the operational capabilities of the orbiting laboratory.
Understand the Science
CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Joshua Kutryk is pictured during the Oct. 29, 2026, spacewalk. The International Space Station was soaring 267 miles above the South Atlantic Ocean at the time of this photograph. Kutryk and NASA astronaut Anil Menon installed a new roll-out solar array on the space station and performed some get-ahead work for their next spacewalk, which will take place on Nov. 5, 2026. The pair will install the eighth and final roll-out solar array; together, the eight arrays will increase the station’s available power by up to 30%.
Image credit: CSA
Source: Astronaut and Earth