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NASA astronaut Anne McClain works near one of the International Space Station’s main solar arrays during a May 1, 2025, spacewalk to upgrade the station’s power system and relocate a communications antenna. Credit: NASA
NASA astronauts are preparing for two significant spacewalks. These critical activities will take place outside the International Space Station. The main goal is to prepare the station for new solar power arrays. These new solar panels will generate much more electricity for the orbiting laboratory. This work is part of a major effort to upgrade the entire station. Experts say these new arrays are essential for the future of the mission. Without them, the station would struggle to power all its scientific systems and life support.
NASA will hold a news conference to explain the details to the public. Specialists from the agency will share information about the spacewalks in a special meeting. The news conference is scheduled for Monday, March 16. It will start at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The event will take place at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. During the meeting, experts will explain the steps the astronauts must take. They will answer questions from reporters and discuss the importance of the work. This helps everyone understand how complicated and vital the job is.
Several experts will lead the briefing. Bill Spetch is the operations integration manager for the International Space Station Program. He will help coordinate the complex tasks outside the station. Diana Trujillo is a spacewalk flight director. She works in the Flight Operations Directorate and will guide the astronauts during the walk. Ronak Dave is also a spacewalk flight director in the same group. He will help manage the timing and safety of the operation. These leaders have spent years preparing for this moment. Their experience ensures that every step is planned carefully.
The first spacewalk, known as U.S. Spacewalk 94, is set for Wednesday, March 18. Two astronauts will perform this task. Jessica Meir and Chris Williams will exit the station. They will use the Quest airlock to leave the safety of the station and float in space. This airlock is a special chamber used for getting in and out of the spacecraft. Their first job is to prepare the 2A power channel. This is a critical electrical system that needs to be ready for the installation of the International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays, or IROSA. These new panels are larger and more powerful than the old ones.