Indian astronaut Anil Menon will conduct his first spacewalk on the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, August 6. He will be accompanied by NASA astronaut Jessica Meir. Both will spend about six and a half hours outside the station.
The main goal of this mission is to reinforce the ISS's electrical system so that a new solar panel can be installed by the end of the current year. According to Indian time, the spacewalk will begin at 18:05, and the live broadcast will start at 16:30.
The ISS orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers. Many tasks that cannot be performed inside the station require astronauts to exit in specialized spacesuits. Although Anil Menon is conducting his first spacewalk, Jessica Meir already has five previous experiences with such an EVA.
Anil Menon and Jessica Meir will exit through the Quest Airlock hatch. Their main task is to install new equipment in the station's power channel 3B. This will facilitate the subsequent installation of new IROSA solar panels expected by the end of this year.
IROSA represents a new type of solar panel capable of generating more energy compared to older models. The seventh IROSA will be installed on the ISS this year, providing the station with additional electrical power. This energy is necessary for the functioning of scientific experiments, computers, life support systems, and other critical equipment.
The ISS has been operating in space continuously since 2000, requiring periodic maintenance and installation of new equipment. This mission is designated as US Spacewalk 96. After this, the total number of spacewalks for the ISS will reach 281. This first August spacewalk is an important step for Anil Menon, and for the ISS itself, the mission is highly significant as it will prepare the station for the reception of new solar panels and increased power supply, which will improve scientific research and the operation of other station systems.
Two more spacewalks are scheduled for August: the second on August 13 to replace the station's communication antenna, and the third on August 25 to replace power cables, data transmission systems, and some docking devices.
