In a significant achievement, NASA astronauts Steve Bowen and Woody Hoburg effectively carried out a spacewalk to install a cutting-edge solar array, known as IROSA, on the International Space Station (ISS). This latest addition is projected to enhance the station’s power generation by a remarkable 30%. Additionally, the duo made preparations for the forthcoming installation of another IROSA, marking their third spacewalk during the ongoing scientific mission.
The spacewalk, performed by Expedition 69 Flight Engineers Steve Bowen and Woody Hoburg, concluded at 3:28 p.m. EDT after an impressive duration of 6 hours and 3 minutes.
Bowen and Hoburg accomplished all their objectives by successfully installing an International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) to bolster power generation for the 1A power channel situated on the station’s starboard truss structure. Moreover, they also completed several additional tasks, setting the stage for their next venture on Thursday, June 15. During this subsequent spacewalk, they will install the sixth IROSA in the series on the starboard 6 truss, specifically for the 1B power channel.
The new solar arrays boast dimensions of 60 feet in length and 20 feet in width (18.2 meters by 6 meters) and will partially shade slightly over half of the original arrays, which measure 112 feet long by 39 feet wide. Each newly installed IROSA is expected to produce over 20 kilowatts of electricity. Once all the arrays are successfully installed, the ISS’s power production capacity will increase by an impressive 30% compared to the existing arrays.
This landmark spacewalk marked the 264th in support of space station assembly, upgrades, and maintenance, and represented the third spacewalk for both astronauts involved.
Bowen and Hoburg are presently engaged in a scientific mission, living and working aboard the microgravity laboratory, in order to advance scientific knowledge and showcase new technologies for future human and robotic exploration missions. This includes preparations for lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about solar array installation
What is the purpose of installing a new solar array on the ISS?
The purpose of installing a new solar array on the ISS is to enhance its power generation by 30%. This upgrade ensures a more efficient and sustainable energy source for the space station’s operations.
How does the new solar array improve power generation on the ISS?
The new solar array, known as IROSA (International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array), is designed to produce more than 20 kilowatts of electricity. Once all the arrays are installed, they will enable a 30% increase in power production compared to the current arrays. This ensures a more reliable power supply for the ISS and its scientific missions.
How many spacewalks were required for the installation?
Two spacewalks were completed by NASA astronauts Steve Bowen and Woody Hoburg to install the new solar array. The first spacewalk focused on installing an IROSA for the 1A power channel, while the second spacewalk prepared for the installation of the sixth IROSA on the starboard 6 truss for the 1B power channel.
What are the dimensions of the new solar arrays?
The new solar arrays measure 60 feet in length by 20 feet in width (18.2 meters by 6 meters). They are slightly smaller than the original arrays, shading a little more than half of them. The original arrays are 112 feet long by 39 feet wide.
How does this installation contribute to future space missions?
The successful installation of the new solar array on the ISS paves the way for future space missions. It demonstrates advanced technologies and systems that can be utilized in upcoming human and robotic exploration missions, including lunar missions under NASA’s Artemis program. These advancements are crucial for furthering scientific knowledge and expanding our capabilities in space exploration.
More about solar array installation
- NASA’s International Space Station
- NASA’s Artemis Program
- NASA TV
- International Space Station Research
3 comments
Wow, NASA astronauts just installed a new solar array on the ISS! That’s amazing! Can’t wait to see how it boosts power generation. #NASA #solar #spacewalk #exciting
nasa astrnauts did it again! they installd a new solar array on iss, makin it more powerful. now they prep for next install! go team! #powerup #spacestation #adventure
The ISS just got a major upgrade with the installation of a new solar array. It’s incredible how these astronauts are advancing our understanding of space! #astronomy #science #solarsystem