Astronauts install seventh ISS solar array in seven-hour spacewalk

(SpaceEnergy) NASA and Canadian astronauts installed and deployed the International Space Station's seventh roll-out solar array during a seven-hour spacewalk on 29 October 2026, the US space agency confirmed.

NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk completed the installation on the station's 2A electrical power channel during a spacewalk lasting seven hours and 11 minutes.

The astronauts concluded their work at 3:08 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, successfully deploying the seventh International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA).

The installation represents a further milestone in the station's multi-year electrical power upgrade programme, which is intended to support scientific operations and the station's eventual controlled deorbit.

The astronauts also completed preparatory tasks for a second spacewalk scheduled for 5 November, when they are expected to install the eighth and final IROSA on the station's 3B power channel.

NASA said completion of the eight-array programme will increase the station's available electrical power by up to 30%, raising generation capacity from 160 kilowatts to approximately 215 kilowatts.

The 29 October operation was Menon's fourth spacewalk and Kutryk's first. It was the 285th spacewalk conducted in support of space station assembly, maintenance and upgrades.

The final installation, if completed as planned, will conclude the station's solar-array augmentation programme.