NASA to Preview Three August Spacewalks, Host News Conference July 30

NASA will conduct three spacewalks outside the International Space Station in August 2026 to upgrade solar arrays, replace a communications antenna, and connect power and data cables. A preview news conference is scheduled for July 30 at 2 p.m. EDT from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The spacewalks affect astronauts Jessica Meir and Anil Menon, who will perform the first outing on Aug. 6, as well as two other crew members for the Aug. 13 and Aug. 25 walks. The work supports station operations, including future solar array installations and preparations for the station’s deorbit.

These upgrades are critical for maintaining the station’s power, communications, and navigation systems. The Aug. 6 spacewalk will install hardware for a seventh International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA), scheduled for delivery later this year, to provide additional power for safe deorbit. The Aug. 13 spacewalk will replace a Space-to-Ground antenna that links Mission Control in Houston with the station. The Aug. 25 spacewalk will connect power and data cables and replace a docking navigational aid on the Harmony module.

Specific numbers: The Aug. 6 spacewalk (U.S. spacewalk 96) begins at 8 a.m. and lasts about 6.5 hours; it is Meir’s sixth spacewalk and Menon’s first. The three spacewalks will be the 281st, 282nd, and 283rd in support of station assembly and maintenance. The preview conference on July 30 will feature Bill Spetch, Chris Dobbins, and Chloe Mehring. Media must contact Johnson Space Center by 3 p.m. on July 29 to attend or dial in.

Background: NASA has been upgrading the station’s power system with IROSAs to extend its operational life. The antenna replacement and cable connections are part of ongoing maintenance to ensure reliable communications and data relay. The station’s eventual deorbit requires additional power and system upgrades.

Next steps: NASA will release details for the Aug. 13 and Aug. 25 spacewalks closer to each date, including crew assignments and coverage information. The Aug. 6 spacewalk will be streamed live starting at 6:30 a.m. on NASA’s platforms.