NASA astronauts are preparing to conduct two spacewalks outside the International Space Station (ISS) in March to ready the orbiting outpost for a significant power system upgrade. The first of these extravehicular activities (EVAs) is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, and will involve astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams.
The primary objective of these spacewalks is to prepare the station’s power channels for the future installation of new International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA). This upgrade is crucial for maintaining the station's operational capabilities and supporting ongoing scientific research.
Key Takeaways
- Two spacewalks are planned for March 2026 to prepare the ISS for new solar arrays.
- The first spacewalk, designated U.S. Spacewalk 94, is set for March 18.
- Astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams will conduct the first spacewalk, which will be the first for Williams.
- The operations are the first spacewalks of 2026 and for the Expedition 74 crew.
First Spacewalk Set for March 18
On March 18, veteran astronaut Jessica Meir will be joined by first-time spacewalker Chris Williams to exit the station's Quest airlock. Their mission, U.S. Spacewalk 94, is scheduled to begin at approximately 8 a.m. EDT and is expected to last about six and a half hours.
During their time outside the station, Meir and Williams will focus on preparing the 2A power channel. This involves intricate work on the station's exterior truss structure to accommodate one of the new, more efficient IROSA units. For Meir, this will be her fourth spacewalk, bringing valuable experience to the complex task. For Williams, it marks a significant career milestone.
Spacewalk Details
- Designation: U.S. Spacewalk 94
- Astronauts: Jessica Meir (4th spacewalk), Chris Williams (1st spacewalk)
- Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- Start Time: Approx. 8:00 a.m. EDT
- Duration: Approx. 6.5 hours
- Objective: Prepare the 2A power channel for a new solar array.
Modernizing the Station's Power Grid
The installation of the IROSA units is part of a long-term project to augment the ISS's power supply. The station's original solar arrays have been operating for over two decades and are showing signs of degradation, as expected.
The new roll-out arrays are more compact, lighter, and more efficient than their predecessors. They are being installed over the existing arrays, providing a significant boost to the station’s overall power generation. This increased power is essential to support the growing number of scientific experiments and commercial activities aboard the ISS, ensuring its viability for years to come.
A Legacy of Maintenance
These upcoming spacewalks will be the 278th and 279th in the history of the International Space Station dedicated to its assembly, maintenance, and upgrades. This continuous effort by astronauts highlights the complexity of keeping a football-field-sized laboratory operational in the harsh environment of space.
A Second Spacewalk on the Horizon
Following the work by Meir and Williams, a second spacewalk, U.S. Spacewalk 95, is planned. This EVA will see two other NASA astronauts prepare the station's 3B power channel for another IROSA installation.
NASA has not yet announced the specific date, time, or crew members assigned to this second operation. Those details will be provided closer to the event. These two spacewalks represent the first of 2026 and are the inaugural EVAs for the Expedition 74 crew, which is currently managing operations aboard the station.
The spacewalks were initially planned for January but were rescheduled following the early departure of the NASA SpaceX Crew-11 mission. Such adjustments are common in the dynamic environment of space station operations, where mission timelines are often revised to ensure safety and mission success.
How to Follow the Mission
NASA will provide live coverage of the March 18 spacewalk, beginning at 6:30 a.m. EDT. The broadcast will be available on NASA+, the agency's YouTube channel, and Amazon Prime.
To provide further details on the upcoming operations, the agency will host a news conference on Monday, March 16, at 2 p.m. EDT from the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The briefing will feature key mission personnel, including:
- Bill Spetch, Operations Integration Manager for the ISS Program
- Diana Trujillo, Spacewalk Flight Director
- Ronak Dave, Spacewalk Flight Director
The public can watch the news conference live on NASA's YouTube channel and submit questions on social media using the hashtag #AskNASA.