NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Anil Menon conducted U.S. Spacewalk 96 on Aug. 6, 2026, to upgrade the International Space Station [1], [2].
This mission is critical for the station's longevity and power capacity. By modifying the existing electrical infrastructure, NASA is ensuring the ISS can support new technology required for continued operations in low Earth orbit.
The astronauts exited the Quest airlock and traveled to the Starboard 6 truss [1], [3]. Their primary objective was to install hardware that modifies the 3B power channel [1], [4]. This modification prepares the station for the future installation of an International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array [1], [4].
The operation lasted nearly seven hours [5]. For Jessica Meir, this outing marked her third spacewalk of 2026 [3]. For Anil Menon, the mission served as his first marathon spacewalk outside the station [6].
This activity is part of a broader series of maintenance goals for the agency. NASA had previously scheduled three U.S. spacewalks for August 2026 [7]. While some reports suggested delays due to a medical evacuation, other records indicate the mission proceeded as scheduled [2], [8].
The hardware installation on the 3B power channel is a prerequisite for the solar array deployment. Without these modifications, the station would lack the necessary electrical routing to integrate the new power-generating arrays [1], [4].
“The operation lasted nearly seven hours.”
The installation of the Roll-Out Solar Array represents a transition toward more efficient, deployable power systems. By updating the 3B power channel, NASA is extending the operational viability of the ISS, ensuring the station remains powered as older components degrade and new research requirements increase energy demands.
