May 15, 2024

NASA Astronauts Embark on Spacewalk To Deploy New Solar Array

These selections are developed to run in conjunction with the stations initial photovoltaic panels, not change them, improving the ISSs power supply for both the existing systems and possible future modules. The setup of IROSA is part of NASAs efforts to upgrade and preserve the International Space Station as it continues to function as an essential platform for research and screening systems necessary for future space expedition.

NASA astronaut and Expedition 69 Flight Engineer Stephen Bowen (center) is pictured working to release a stowed roll-out solar variety connected to the International Space Stations starboard truss structure during a six-hour and three-minute spacewalk on June 9, 2023. Credit: NASA
Exploration 69 Flight Engineers Woody Hoburg and Steve Bowen of NASA began a spacewalk at 8:42 a.m. EDT (5:42 a.m. PDT) to set up an IROSA (International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array) to augment power generation for the 1B power channel on the stations starboard truss structure.
Hoburg, designated extravehicular team member 1 (EV1), is using a fit with red stripes. Bowen, designated extravehicular crewmember 2 (EV 2), is in an unmarked suit. Protection of the spacewalk continues NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agencys site.
6 iROSA solar arrays in the planned configuration will augment the power drawn from the existing varieties on the International Space Station. Credit: Boeing
The International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) is a new type of photovoltaic panel developed to upgrade the International Space Stations existing power system. Unlike standard rigid panels, the IROSA panels are flexible and can be presented like a red carpet, enabling them to be more compact throughout transport. As soon as in location, they are developed to be unrolled and released to increase the Stations power generation capability.

By NASA
June 15, 2023