Final ISS solar-array pair arrives aboard SpaceX Dragon

(SpaceEnergy) SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft has delivered the final pair of roll-out solar arrays to the International Space Station, docking successfully on 15 October ahead of planned installation spacewalks.

The spacecraft docked autonomously with the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module at 10:27 EDT (15:27 BST), NASA confirmed.

The two International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSAs) arrived aboard SpaceX's 35th commercial resupply mission, which launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on 13 October.

The delivery completes transportation of the eight arrays planned for the station's electrical power augmentation programme. Six were installed between 2021 and 2023.

NASA said the eight arrays will collectively increase the station's power generation by more than 160kW, supporting scientific research, onboard operations and preparations for its eventual controlled deorbit.

The lightweight arrays are designed to launch in compact cylindrical configurations before unfurling after installation. Each can generate approximately 28kW of additional electrical power.

Astronauts are scheduled to install the newly delivered arrays during spacewalks later this autumn.

The successful docking establishes that the final hardware has reached the station. It does not constitute completion of installation, deployment or electrical commissioning.

Dragon also delivered scientific equipment and other supplies and is expected to remain docked until mid-November.