The final array is deployed
An upgrade designed to expand the International Space Station's electrical power capability reached a major milestone on November 5, 2026. According to NASA's space-station blog, NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk installed and deployed the eighth and final International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array, known as an IROSA, outside the orbiting laboratory.
NASA reported that the spacewalk concluded at 3:35 p.m. Eastern time after six hours and 59 minutes. The new array was installed on the station's 3B power channel. Its deployment completed an extended upgrade effort to improve the station's electrical capacity as researchers and crews continue using the facility for scientific experiments and orbital operations.
What the power upgrade changes
The agency says the station's available power-generating capacity has increased from approximately 160 kilowatts to around 215 kilowatts through the series of upgrades. The overall project required years of preparation and 18 spacewalks to ready equipment and install all eight arrays. Those figures describe NASA's reported electrical capacity, not a new record for renewable energy generation on Earth.
The practical importance of spacecraft power infrastructure extends beyond a single installation. Experiments, environmental controls, communications, and onboard systems all depend on reliable electrical supply. A greater capacity may provide more flexibility for the station's activities, subject to mission planning and operating constraints. NASA's update does not independently establish new commercial capabilities or future station extensions.
Source and editorial context
This report is an original GPE World News summary of NASA's dated announcement, not independent on-orbit verification and not a claim that GPE participated in the mission. Readers can consult NASA's original November 5 report for mission details and further updates.
Original reporting
This independently written GPE summary is based on the credited report. Visit the source for full context, continuing updates, and its original reporting.
Read the original NASA International Space Station Blog report