NASA has announced a series of three spacewalks scheduled for August 2026, aimed at enhancing the International Space Station's infrastructure. The operations will focus on upgrading solar arrays, replacing a communications antenna, and performing essential power and data cable connections to support ongoing station activities and future deorbit preparations.
The mission sequence begins on Thursday, Aug. 6, with U.S. spacewalk 96. Astronauts Jessica Meir and Anil Menon are tasked with modifying the station’s 3B power channel, a step necessary for the upcoming installation of an International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA). This excursion is expected to last approximately six and a half hours, with live coverage beginning at 7 a.m. EDT.
Subsequent spacewalks are planned for Aug. 13 and Aug. 25. The second operation will involve replacing a Space-to-Ground antenna, which is vital for high-speed data transmission between the station and Mission Control. The final spacewalk of the month will include connecting power and data systems and replacing a navigational aid on the Harmony module.
Ahead of these missions, NASA will host a news conference on Thursday, July 30, at 2 p.m. EDT from the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The briefing will feature insights from deputy manager of the Commercial, Low Earth Orbit Program Bill Spetch, alongside spacewalk flight directors Chris Dobbins and Chloe Mehring.
These upcoming events will mark the 281st, 282nd, and 283rd spacewalks conducted for the maintenance and assembly of the orbital laboratory.
Source: NASA
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