Spacewalk Success: New Solar Panels Boost ISS Power by 30%

Two NASA astronauts spent a marathon 7‑hour, 11‑minute spacewalk this week installing a brand‑new solar array on the International Space Station. The upgrade is the penultimate step in a major power‑boost project that will give the orbiting laboratory up to 30% more electricity once the final panel is attached on Nov. 5. More power means the ISS can keep critical systems running—like life‑support, scientific instruments, and communications—while also supporting upcoming experiments and commercial activities. The fresh panels capture sunlight more efficiently and store energy for use during the station’s long night periods. Engineers say the extra capacity also provides a safety margin as the station prepares for its eventual controlled deorbit, ensuring all systems stay online until the very end. The spacewalk was flawless, with the crew deftly handling the massive, delicate hardware in micro‑gravity. NASA officials hailed the mission as a testament to teamwork and engineering ingenuity, and they’re already planning the next steps to fully integrate the new power grid. The upgrade marks a bright new chapter for the ISS, keeping humanity’s flagship laboratory humming stronger than ever as it nears the final phase of its historic mission.

Read more