ISS Crew Advances Research and Spacewalk Preparations
Expedition 75 astronauts are conducting biological studies and preparing hardware for upcoming solar array installations.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Space
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The Expedition 75 crew aboard the International Space Station is currently balancing advanced biological research with critical preparations for two upcoming spacewalks. These missions will focus on upgrading the station's energy infrastructure to improve long-term operations.
Why it matters
Microgravity research allows scientists to observe biological phenomena that are otherwise impossible to study on Earth, while station upgrades ensure the facility remains powered for continued scientific output. Increasing solar power capacity is essential for maintaining life support and research hardware in the orbital environment.
The crew processed vascular cells and tumor samples for preservation using the BioFabrication Facility and Life Science Glovebox. These studies utilize microgravity to advance research that is currently difficult to achieve in Earth gravity.
The players
Anil Menon
Anil Menon is a NASA flight engineer assigned to the Expedition 75 mission who is preparing to perform spacewalks.
Joshua Kutryk
Joshua Kutryk is a NASA flight engineer participating in the Expedition 75 mission and spacewalk operations.
The details
Astronauts are conducting diverse experiments ranging from cellular printing in the Columbus module to exercise monitoring in the Tranquility module. Simultaneously, the crew is configuring tools and inspecting tethers in the Quest airlock to support mission objectives for the upcoming spacewalks.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Crew conducted research and prepared for spacewalks.
October 29, 2026: First scheduled spacewalk to install solar arrays.
November 5, 2026: Second scheduled spacewalk to install solar arrays.
The Big Picture
The ongoing maintenance of the International Space Station's power system augmentation program reflects the evolution of orbital outposts into robust, long-term research platforms. This mission continues the paradigm shift toward enhanced energy autonomy required for sustained human presence in space.
Advancements in bioprinting and cell research conducted in microgravity could eventually lead to new medical breakthroughs and treatments on Earth. These experiments help scientists understand fundamental biological processes that are hidden by gravity on the ground.
The takeaway
These activities demonstrate the dual-purpose nature of modern space missions, which combine scientific experimentation with essential infrastructure upkeep. Monitoring these developments provides insight into how humanity sustains critical technology while pushing the boundaries of biological discovery.
What happens next
The first of two scheduled spacewalks by Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk will take place on October 29, 2026, followed by the second walk on November 5, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on orbital research, visit the Space section.
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