As NASA continues to make progress in its missions, the space agency is preparing for another exciting event – the seventh spacewalk at the International Space Station (ISS) this year. On Friday, June 9, American astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg will venture out of the station’s Quest airlock to install an upgraded IROSA (International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array) on the 1A power channel on the starboard truss of the station. The new array is 60 feet long by 20 feet wide (18.2 meters by 6 meters) and will shade just over half of the original arrays, resulting in a 30% increase in power production over the station’s current arrays.
For those eager to witness this ambitious endeavor, NASA will be live streaming the entire spacewalk. The coverage will feature views from multiple cameras, including ones attached to the astronauts’ space helmets for a detailed look at what they’re doing. Additionally, live audio from Bowen, Hoburg, Mission Control, and a NASA commentator will be part of the stream. To differentiate between the two astronauts, Bowen will wear a suit with red stripes, while Hoburg will wear an unmarked suit.
The spacewalk is expected to begin at 9:15 a.m. ET, but NASA’s coverage will start at 7:45 a.m. ET. Viewers can watch the spacewalk via the embedded player at the top of this page or by heading to NASA’s website. This is not the only spacewalk planned for this year, as NASA has scheduled another one for Thursday, June 15, featuring the same two astronauts.
The installation of new rollout solar arrays is part of NASA’s efforts to upgrade the ISS, which has been in operation for over two decades. The solar arrays will provide the station with more power, enabling it to support more scientific experiments and extend its lifespan. This is a significant achievement, considering the ISS is a vital platform for conducting research and testing technologies in a microgravity environment.
NASA Prepares for Exciting Spacewalk to Install Upgraded Solar Array on ISS
As astronauts venture out into space, they are not only collecting data and conducting experiments but also carrying out tasks that require precision and attention to detail. The spacewalk is a crucial component of maintaining the ISS, and its success relies heavily on the expertise and experience of NASA’s astronauts.
Bowen, who has already performed eight spacewalks, including his first one in 2008, has gained extensive experience in spacewalks. This will be the first spacewalk for Hoburg, who is on his first trip to orbit. The two astronauts have undergone rigorous training to prepare for this mission, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle any challenges that may arise.
As NASA prepares for this spacewalk, it is important to acknowledge the incredible engineering and technological advancements that have gone into designing and building the ISS. The space station is a remarkable feat of human innovation, providing a unique platform for humans to work and conduct research in space.
In addition to watching the spacewalk, viewers can also explore the ISS by checking out videos made by astronauts over the years. These videos offer a Look into life on the station, showcasing the daily routines, experiments, and adventures of the astronauts who call the ISS home. With its innovative spirit, cutting-edge technology, and dedicated teams, NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
