Watch: Nasa astronauts conduct 6.5-hour spacewalk outside ISS

August 6, 2026

Two NASA astronauts completed a lengthy extravehicular activity outside the International Space Station that took approximately six and a half hours to finish. The spacewalkers, Anil Menon and Jessica Meir, worked to set up equipment that will support upcoming enhancements to the station's electrical system. Their primary objective involved installing specialized mounting components on the station's exterior.

Who is affected

NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir
The International Space Station and its crew
NASA as an organization

What action is being taken

NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir are conducting a 6.5-hour spacewalk
The astronauts are installing mounting hardware on the station's 3B power channel

Why it matters

This spacewalk is significant because it prepares the International Space Station's infrastructure for future upgrades to its power system. The mounting hardware being installed will enable the eventual installation of new roll-out solar arrays, which will enhance the station's power generation capabilities and support continued operations and research activities aboard the ISS.

What's next

The installation of new roll-out solar arrays on the station's 3B power channel (the mounting hardware installed during this spacewalk is in preparation for this future installation).

Read full article from source: BBC