On March 18, 2026, NASA astronauts began a pair of spacewalks outside the International Space Station to prepare for the installation of what?

On March 18, 2026, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams ventured outside the International Space Station (ISS) for a spacewalk, officially designated U.S. EVA 94. Their primary objective was to prepare the orbiting laboratory for the upcoming installation of new, advanced power systems known as International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays, or iROSAs. This crucial extravehicular activity involved readying the 2A power channel, laying the groundwork for the future deployment of these innovative solar panels that will significantly enhance the station's energy capabilities.

These roll-out solar arrays are vital for the continued operation and longevity of the ISS. The station's original solar panels have been in service for decades and, while durable, have experienced natural degradation over time, having exceeded their initial 15-year design life. The new iROSAs are designed to be more efficient and compact than the legacy arrays, deploying from a compact, rolled-up configuration once in orbit. Once fully installed, these upgrades are expected to boost the ISS's total power supply by 20% to 30%, providing the necessary energy for ongoing scientific research, expanded commercial activities, and supporting the station's critical systems as it continues its mission. This technological advancement also paves the way for similar power solutions on future deep-space missions.