NASA Confirms Two Upcoming Spacewalks for International Space Station Maintenance
NASA has officially confirmed and scheduled two critical spacewalks, designated as Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) 94 and 95, for ongoing maintenance and power upgrades to the International Space Station (ISS). In a recent press release, the space agency emphasized that these missions represent a pivotal step toward enhancing the ISS's capabilities as it approaches the end of its operational lifespan.
Mission Objectives and Critical Upgrades
The astronauts involved in these spacewalks will undertake several essential tasks to ensure the station's continued functionality and scientific value. Their primary objectives include:
- Completing the iROSA Installation: Installing the remaining hardware required to finalize the setup of the International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (iROSA), which are crucial for boosting the station's power supply.
- Replacing Ageing Camera Equipment: Swapping out old camera systems to maintain optimal orbital characterization and monitoring capabilities.
- Adding New Navigational Aids: Implementing updated navigational tools to assist future crew members in docking procedures and station operations.
- Evaluating Docking Opportunities: Assessing potential docking sites and configurations to support upcoming missions.
Through these two EVAs, NASA aims to advance its sustainability goals for the ISS, preparing the platform for the next phase of human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. The upgrades are designed to keep the ISS operating as an advanced scientific laboratory, supporting research in microgravity and other critical fields.
How and When to Watch NASA Spacewalks 94 and 95
NASA will provide full live coverage of both spacewalks, offering global audiences the opportunity to follow the astronauts' progress in real time. The broadcasts will feature live expert commentary and multiple camera angles, including footage from the astronauts' helmet cams. Each spacewalk is expected to last approximately 6.5 hours.
Detailed Timeline for the Spacewalks:
- Spacewalk 94 (iROSA Preparation):
- Coverage begins at 6:30 AM EST (5:00 PM IST)
- Hatch opens/EVA begins at approximately 8:00 AM EST (6:30 PM IST)
- Spacewalk 95 (Navigation & Camera Upgrades):
- Coverage begins at 6:30 AM EST (5:00 PM IST)
- Hatch opens/EVA begins at approximately 8:00 AM EST (6:30 PM IST)
Streaming Locations for Live Coverage
Viewers can access the live streams through several official NASA platforms:
- NASA+: An ad-free streaming service available via the NASA app for iOS and Android devices, as well as smart TVs.
- NASA Television: Accessible on the NASA website and through various cable providers.
- YouTube & X (Twitter): NASA's official social media channels will host live streams for convenient mobile viewing.
Meet the Astronauts for Spacewalk 94
An integral aspect of the mission is the selection of skilled astronauts to conduct the spacewalks. For NASA's U.S. Spacewalk 94, originally planned for October 2020 and now rescheduled to March 18, 2026, two crew members have been assigned:
- Jessica Meir: A veteran astronaut who has completed three previous spacewalks, including the historic all-female spacewalk in 2019. She will serve as crew member 'one' and wear a spacesuit with red stripes.
- Chris Williams: This will be his first spacewalk. He will act as crew member 'two' and wear a plain white spacesuit.
While Meir and Williams are outside the ISS, other crew members onboard, such as Anne McClain or Kimiya Yui of JAXA, will provide vital support. Their duties include assisting with suit preparations and operating robotic arms to ensure the astronauts remain pressurized and securely connected via safety tethers.
Anticipated Crew for Spacewalk 95
NASA has not yet finalized the astronaut pairings for Spacewalk 95. The agency typically waits to assess the physical fatigue and mission success of the previous spacewalk before announcing the crew for follow-up missions. An update on the second pair of astronauts is expected to be revealed at a NASA news conference on March 16, allowing for adjustments based on performance and operational needs.
These scheduled spacewalks underscore NASA's commitment to maintaining the ISS as a cornerstone of international space collaboration and scientific discovery, even as plans for future deep-space exploration take shape.
