In February 2026, what activity did International Space Station astronauts perform to upgrade external power systems?

To upgrade (Review) external power systems on the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts must venture outside the orbiting laboratory in what is known as a spacewalk, or Extravehicular Activity (EVA). This highly specialized and demanding activity is the only way to perform hands-on maintenance, repairs, and installations on the station's exterior, especially for critical infrastructure like its power grid. Astronauts don specialized spacesuits, essentially miniature spacecraft, to operate in the vacuum of space and make necessary modifications.

The ISS relies on large solar arrays to generate electricity, which is then stored in batteries. As the station ages, its original solar arrays have shown signs of degradation, necessitating upgrades to ensure a robust power supply for ongoing scientific research and operations. The mission in early 2026 involved preparing the station for the installation of new International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (iROSAs), which are designed to augment the existing power channels.

While spacewalks were a crucial part of these power system enhancements in early 2026, the specific dates for these extravehicular activities saw some adjustments. Initial spacewalks planned for January 2026, aimed at preparing the 2A power channel for iROSA installation, were postponed and later cancelled due to a medical concern with a crew member. Subsequently, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams successfully completed a spacewalk on March 18, 2026, to carry out these essential preparations for the external power system upgrades. These intricate operations highlight the continuous effort required to maintain and enhance the capabilities of humanity's orbiting outpost.