Space Station to Increase Power Capacity by 30 Percent
The Expedition 75 crew is preparing for two upcoming spacewalks to install new solar arrays on the orbiting laboratory.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Space
Live Poll
Do you believe space-based scientific research provides enough value to justify its costs?
The Expedition 75 crew aboard the International Space Station is currently conducting cellular research and preparing for upcoming extravehicular activities. NASA astronauts are scheduled to install new roll-out solar arrays during two spacewalks in late October and early November.
Why it matters
These activities focus on advancing biological research in microgravity and upgrading the station's energy infrastructure. The planned solar array installations will increase the station's total power generation capability by 30 percent.
The upcoming solar array upgrades are designed to boost total power generation by 30 percent compared to the current station configuration. This installation process follows extensive research activities, including vascular cell printing and tumor sample processing.
The players
NASA
The U.S. government agency responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and the management of the U.S. segment of the International Space Station.
Anil Menon
A NASA astronaut and flight engineer currently assigned to the Expedition 75 mission.
Joshua Kutryk
A NASA astronaut and flight engineer currently assigned to the Expedition 75 mission.
The details
The crew uses the BioFabrication Facility in the Columbus module to print biological samples using bioink, a material that mimics the extracellular environment for cell growth. In the Kibo module, researchers utilize the Life Science Glovebox—an enclosed workspace that maintains air pressure and purity—to process tumor samples for later analysis. To prepare for the two upcoming spacewalks, engineers in the Quest airlock are verifying tether integrity and configuring the specialized tools required for exterior construction work.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Expedition 75 crew conducted research and finalized spacewalk preparations.
October 29, 2026: First scheduled spacewalk to install new solar arrays.
November 5, 2026: Second scheduled spacewalk to install new solar arrays.
The Tech Race
This mission follows a sustained effort to modernize the International Space Station's power architecture to support long-duration biological research. The current upgrades represent a significant step in extending the operational lifespan of the orbiting laboratory.
These upgrades ensure the International Space Station maintains the necessary power to support advanced biological studies in microgravity. While these tasks occur in orbit, the resulting data on vascular and tumor cell growth contribute to foundational biomedical research used on Earth.
The takeaway
The success of the upcoming spacewalks will define the station's future energy capacity for the remainder of its mission. Observers can monitor the NASA mission schedule for updates following the completion of the second solar array installation on November 5.
Further reading
For broader context on ongoing orbital research, visit Space.
Live Poll
Do you believe space-based scientific research provides enough value to justify its costs?
