NASA Will Preview Upcoming Spacewalks October 20
The space agency will host a press conference at the Johnson Space Center to discuss two critical station upgrades.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Space
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NASA will hold a news conference on October 20, 2026, at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to detail plans for two upcoming spacewalks. Astronauts Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk will perform the missions to install new solar arrays on the International Space Station.
Why it matters
These installations are essential for upgrading the station power systems to support ongoing operations, including the facility's eventual safe and controlled deorbit. The eight roll-out arrays will provide the energy necessary for critical maintenance and future station tasks.
The upcoming missions mark the 285th and 286th spacewalks conducted for station assembly and maintenance. The installation of the eighth roll-out array will boost the station's total power output by up to 30%.
The players
NASA
The United States government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and aeronautics research.
Anil Menon
An astronaut assigned to carry out the upcoming spacewalks on the International Space Station.
Joshua Kutryk
An astronaut assigned to carry out the upcoming spacewalks on the International Space Station.
The details
Astronauts Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk will exit the International Space Station through the Quest airlock to complete the solar array installation. These missions finalize the power augmentation project by deploying the final two of eight roll-out arrays.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Deadline for media to request attendance or dial-in.
October 20, 2026: NASA hosts news conference on spacewalks at 2 p.m. EDT.
October 29, 2026: Scheduled date for U.S. spacewalk 100.
November 5, 2026: Scheduled date for U.S. spacewalk 101.
The Big Picture
These missions represent the conclusion of the International Space Station solar array power augmentation project. By installing these final units, the agency completes a multi-year effort to modernize the station's power grid for its final years of operation.
The power upgrade ensures the International Space Station remains functional for its ongoing research and planned deorbiting processes. These improvements maintain the long-term feasibility of the station as a laboratory until its retirement.
The takeaway
These missions finalize the vital power upgrades needed to keep the International Space Station fully operational. The successful completion of these two spacewalks will be a key milestone in the station's final years of service.
What happens next
The first of the two scheduled spacewalks is set to take place on October 29, 2026, followed by the second mission on November 5, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest missions at the Space section.
More information
To watch the upcoming briefing or find additional details, visit the NASA event live stream link.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NASA.
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