'One more step': NASA astronauts conduct 6.5-hour spacewalk to prep ISS for solar array upgrade

Coverage of the event appeared in a Yahoo article titled “Astronauts take part in US Spacewalk 96 at ISS.” The report emphasized the duration of the EVA, the official designation of the activity as Spacewalk 96, and the specific goal of readying the ISS for the solar upgrade. The International Space Station relies on large solar arrays to generate the electrical power needed for life‑support, scientific experiments, and communications. Over the station’s two‑decade tenure, NASA has periodically upgraded those panels to replace aging components and improve efficiency.

The current preparation follows earlier upgrades that have extended the station’s operational lifespan and supports plans to keep the ISS functional while new commercial platforms are being readied. By installing the necessary mounting hardware now, NASA aims to streamline the later installation of higher‑output solar modules, reducing the time the station must operate with reduced power capacity. Looking ahead, observers should watch for announcements of subsequent EVAs that will actually replace the old panels with the new arrays.

NASA is expected to release timelines for the installation phase, along with performance targets for the upgraded power system. Monitoring updates from NASA’s official channels and future spaceflight news outlets will provide the clearest picture of when the upgraded solar capability will become operational on the ISS.