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NASA and Canadian Astronauts Complete 100th U.S. Spacewalk to Boost ISS Power

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

The 100th U.S. Spacewalk: Installing the Seventh iROSA

On October 29, 2026, NASA astronaut Anil Menon and CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk exited the Quest airlock at 8 a.m. EDT for a six-hour-45-minute EVA that installed the seventh International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (iROSA) on the port-side truss. Menon operated Canadarm2 while Kutryk moved hand-over-hand to the installation site. The pair will return on November 5 for a second EVA to place the eighth iROSA.

Canadian astronaut to conduct his first spacewalk Thursday

02

Background & Context

The ISS’s original solar-array wings, launched between 2000 and 2009, were designed for a 15-year lifespan and have degraded after more than two decades. Beginning in 2021, NASA added compact, high-efficiency iROSA panels in front of the legacy wings. The latest two arrived on a SpaceX CRS-35 cargo Dragon on October 13. The upgrade is intended to sustain station operations through its planned deorbit after 2030.

Canadian astronaut to conduct his first spacewalk Thursday

Canada’s involvement includes CSA astronaut Jenni Gibbons serving as capsule communicator and the use of Canadarm2, which positioned the folded arrays on the station’s mobile base. Kutryk’s EVA marks the first Canadian spacewalk in seven years and the fifth Canadian astronaut to walk in space.

CBC NewsMirror - UKSpace.comCP24

Visual evidence

Images from the story

Josh Kutryk becomes 5th Canadian to spacewalk with his first
Josh Kutryk becomes 5th Canadian to spacewalk with his firstPhoto: cp24
Astronaut Joshua Kutryk speaks about his mission on the ISS
Astronaut Joshua Kutryk speaks about his mission on the ISSPhoto: cp24
NASA astronaut Anil Menon (left) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk. Image: NASA
NASA astronaut Anil Menon (left) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk. Image: NASAPhoto: spaceflightnow
Once in place the two rolled-up solar arrays are unfolded, as seen in a still from a NASA animation. Image: NASA
Once in place the two rolled-up solar arrays are unfolded, as seen in a still from a NASA animation. Image: NASAPhoto: spaceflightnow
The Crew-13 astronauts aboard their new home, the International Space Station, on Oct. 1, 2026.
The Crew-13 astronauts aboard their new home, the International Space Station, on Oct. 1, 2026.Photo: space
LIVE: Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk participates in the 100th spacewalk conducted at the ISS
LIVE: Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk participates in the 100th spacewalk conducted at the ISSPhoto: cp24
Spacewalk Meir Koch Jan152020 NASA
Spacewalk Meir Koch Jan152020 NASAPhoto: theweathernetwork
A still from a NASA animation depicts Anil Menon transporting the rolled up, folded IROSA solar array to its install position. Image: NASA.
A still from a NASA animation depicts Anil Menon transporting the rolled up, folded IROSA solar array to its install position. Image: NASA.Photo: spaceflightnow

03

Data & Statistics

  • Power capacity: from 160 kW to about 215 kW, roughly a 30 % increase (NASA).
Spaceflight Now
  • Total iROSA panels: eight; six already installed, two remaining.
Canadian astronaut to conduct his first spacewalk Thursday
  • Each iROSA: 750 lb (? 340 kg) on Earth, about 10 ft (3 m) folded, extending to roughly 20 ft (6 m) when deployed.
Space.com
  • EVA count: the October 29 walk is the 285th ISS assembly-related EVA and the 100th conducted by a U.S. astronaut from Quest without a shuttle.
Mirror - UK
  • Crew support: flight engineers Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney operated Canadarm2 from inside the station.
CP24

04

Official Statements & Responses

Operations integration manager Gaurang Patel said the additional power will sustain life-support, research and commercial activities. Flight director Garrett Hehn noted that rotating the arm around the array’s center of mass reduced astronaut fatigue. CSA capcom Jenni Gibbons highlighted the collaborative nature of the operation.

CBC News

05

Verbatim Quotes

  • “We can't have any sun on the arrays, whenever we're handling those hot cables,” — Garrett Hehn
Space.com
  • “It even loosened bolts for us before the spacewalks … I'm grateful for the help,” — Anil Menon
Space.com
  • “Overall, these roll-out arrays increase our power generation capability up to 30 percent,” — Gaurang Patel
Spaceflight Now

06

On-the-Ground Reports

Inside the ISS, astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney wished the spacewalkers good luck before sealing the Quest hatch. NASA flight controllers monitored suit pressures and thermal conditions throughout the EVA, confirming that all systems remained nominal. Menon later described the preparation as “busy” and thanked Canadarm2 for loosening bolts ahead of the walk.

CP24

07

What’s Next

The follow-up EVA on November 5 will install the eighth iROSA on the starboard side of the truss, requiring a “leapfrog” maneuver beyond Canadarm2’s reach. Completion of both walks will finalize the iROSA upgrade, securing the ISS’s power supply for its remaining operational years.

Space.com