NASA Astronauts Successfully Install New Solar Array on Space Station
On Sunday, June 20th, NASA astronauts successfully installed a new solar array on the International Space Station (ISS). The six-hour spacewalk was carried out by NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Thomas Pesquet, who worked to install the new iROSA (ISS Roll-Out Solar Array) on the ISS.
The Importance of Solar Arrays on the ISS
Solar arrays are extremely important on the ISS, as they generate the power needed to run the equipment and provide the necessary life support for the astronauts on board. The new iROSA solar array is expected to boost the ISS’s power supply by 30%.
The Installment Process
To install the new solar array, Kimbrough and Pesquet had to maneuver a massive, 750-pound roll-out array that was stored outside the ISS. The two astronauts had to move the array to its mounting location, unfold it, and then bolt it into place.
During the process of unfolding the solar array, the astronauts had to be extra careful to avoid damaging the fragile array. They had to move the array slowly and with precision to ensure that everything was perfectly aligned.
Once the iROSA was in place and bolted down, the new solar array was activated. The astronauts checked the array’s performance, ensuring that it was generating the expected amount of energy.
What Does This Mean for Space Exploration?
This successful installation of the new solar array is a huge step forward for space exploration. It demonstrates the capabilities of astronauts and their ability to work effectively in the harsh environment of space.
It also highlights the importance of renewable energy sources, like solar power, in space exploration. As we continue to explore the universe, we must rely on sustainable energy sources to power our equipment and support human life in space.
Overall, this is a momentous achievement for NASA, as it will help further their research goals and increase the ISS’s capabilities in space.
#NASA #ISS #solarpower #iROSA #spacewalk
Summary:
On June 20th, NASA astronauts successfully installed a new solar array on the ISS. This new iROSA solar array is expected to boost the ISS’s power supply by 30%. While the installation process was challenging, it highlights the importance of renewable energy sources in space exploration and demonstrates the capabilities of astronauts in space. #TECH