Astronauts complete the space station’s eight-array power upgrade

NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk completed the International Space Station’s solar-power upgrade by installing and deploying its final roll-out array. The campaign began in February 2021 and required 18 spacewalks; NASA says the eight arrays raise generating capacity from 160 to approximately 215 kilowatts. [3][4][6] Why it matters: The additional electricity supports station operations as the original solar arrays lose output after exceeding their 15-year design life. The new arrays are intended to help keep the station operating through retirement and controlled deorbit, currently scheduled for late 2030. [4] Key insights: NASA’s capacity figures imply approximately 55 additional kilowatts, or about 34% more than the previous 160-kilowatt capacity. [3] | The final array extended to 19 meters in about 10 minutes without a motor: stored energy in its rolled-up carbon-composite booms drove deployment. [4] | The upgrade required 18 spacewalks over more than five years, including preparation of the station’s power-channel equipment. [3] Cheatsheet facts: What happened: Menon and Kutryk installed and deployed the eighth and final roll-out array during a six-hour, 59-minute spacewalk on November 5. [3][6] | Why: The original solar arrays began losing output after exceeding their 15-year design life. [4] | The catch: This is an extension of an aging station’s capabilities, with retirement and controlled deorbit currently scheduled for late 2030. [4] | What's next: The new arrays are intended to support station operations through the planned late-2030 retirement and deorbit. [4]