The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to host a press conference detailing two upcoming spacewalks (EVAs) scheduled for the International Space Station (ISS). These maneuvers, marking the 100th and 101st for the U.S. space program, are critical for enhancing the ISS’s power capabilities, a vital step for ensuring its continued operation and future research endeavors.
Boosting ISS Power: Two Crucial Spacewalks
On October 29th, the 100th spacewalk will see NASA and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronauts install the seventh International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) on the 2A power channel. This deployable solar array is part of a strategic initiative to modernize the station’s energy system. The eighth and final IROSA will be installed on November 5th during the 101st spacewalk, completing a crucial phase of this upgrade on the 3B power channel.
These two EVAs are part of the 285th and 286th spacewalks, respectively, performed for the assembly, maintenance, and upgrades of the ISS. Together, these eight new solar arrays will significantly increase the station’s overall power output. Available power is expected to rise to approximately 215 kilowatts, up from the current 160 kilowatts, representing an increase of about 30%. This boost will ensure the stable operation of the station’s most critical systems and support its eventual safe and controlled de-orbit in the future.
Press Conference Details and Viewing Information
The press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20th, at 2:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Presenting the details will be Gaurang Patel, Low Earth Orbit Program Operations Integration Manager, and Garrett Hehn, Director of Flight Operations, responsible for spacewalks. NASA will broadcast the event across its multiple platforms, including the official NASA Live stream (nasa.gov/live).
Journalists wishing to attend the press conference in person or gain access to the teleconference line for questions must contact the Johnson Space Center’s newsroom no later than 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19th. Inquiries should be directed to jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov. Media representatives looking to ask questions during the broadcast will need to dial into the teleconference line 15 minutes prior to the event’s start.
Source: NASA
