Astronauts deploy new solar array during 100th American spacewalk

National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk completed a seven hour and 11 minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station, ScienceDaily reported. During the mission, astronauts deployed a 63 foot solar array, according to Around Prague. [1][4]

The event marked the 100th United States spacewalk conducted from the orbiting laboratory, Space and Around Prague both reported. ScienceDaily noted that the operation brings the space agency closer to a major power upgrade for the station. [1][2][4]

The International Space Station is the largest human spacecraft ever built and is operated by five partner agencies, including NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. It is an orbital research laboratory that has hosted continuous human presence since November 2000. [7]

Once the final solar array is installed on November 5, the space station will have up to 30 percent more available power, ScienceDaily reported. This increased capacity will support critical scientific operations as well as the eventual controlled deorbit of the laboratory. [1]