On June 16, 2021, NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Thomas Pesquet successfully installed a new solar array on the International Space Station (ISS). The new solar array is part of a larger effort to upgrade the ISS’s power system and ensure that it can continue to support scientific research and other activities in space.
The installation of the new solar array was no small feat. Kimbrough and Pesquet had to venture outside the ISS and work in the vacuum of space to attach the new array to the station’s existing power grid. The process took several hours and required careful coordination between the astronauts and ground control teams.
The new solar array is one of six that will be installed on the ISS over the next few years. Each array is about 63 feet long and 20 feet wide, and they will be attached to the existing solar arrays that have been in place since 2000. The new arrays are more efficient than the older ones, which means they can generate more power using less surface area.
The upgrade to the ISS’s power system is necessary because the station’s current solar arrays are beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Over time, exposure to the harsh conditions of space can cause damage to the arrays, which can lead to reduced power output. By installing new, more efficient arrays, NASA hopes to ensure that the ISS can continue to operate at full capacity for years to come.
The ISS’s power system is critical to its mission. The station relies on electricity to power its life support systems, scientific experiments, and communication equipment. Without a reliable source of power, the ISS would be unable to support human life in space.
In addition to upgrading the ISS’s power system, the installation of the new solar arrays also has implications for future space exploration. As NASA looks ahead to missions to the moon and Mars, it will need to develop new technologies that can generate power in space. The new solar arrays on the ISS represent an important step in that direction.
Overall, the installation of the new solar array on the ISS is a significant achievement for NASA and its partners. It demonstrates the agency’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading the ISS, which has been in continuous operation for more than 20 years. It also highlights the importance of reliable power systems for human space exploration, both now and in the future.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.