NASA is gearing up for a busy month aboard the International Space Station, with three U.S. spacewalks scheduled for August 2026. During these missions, astronauts will upgrade the station's power system, replace critical communications hardware, and carry out maintenance that will help support the ISS through the rest of its operational life.
Before the first spacewalk, NASA will host a preview news conference on Thursday, July 30, at 2:00 p.m. EDT from Johnson Space Center in Houston. The briefing will feature Bill Spetch, Chris Dobbins, and Chloe Mehring, who will discuss the upcoming missions and their objectives.
🌞 August 6: Preparing for a New Solar Array
The first spacewalk, U.S. Spacewalk 96, will take place on Thursday, August 6.
NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Anil Menon will exit the Quest airlock to install hardware on the station's 3B power channel, preparing it for the installation of the seventh International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA), which is scheduled to arrive later this year.
The additional solar array will boost the station's power generation, helping support ongoing scientific research, daily operations, and systems needed as NASA plans for the station's future safe and controlled deorbit.
NASA's live coverage begins at 7:00 a.m. EDT, with the spacewalk expected to start at 8:35 a.m. EDT and last about 6.5 hours.
This will be Jessica Meir's sixth spacewalk and Anil Menon's first. Meir will wear the spacesuit with red stripes, while Menon will wear an unmarked white suit.
📡 August 13: Replacing a Critical Communications Antenna
The second mission, U.S. Spacewalk 97, is scheduled for Thursday, August 13.
During the EVA, two astronauts will replace one of the station's Space-to-Ground communications antennas. This system is essential for transmitting data, voice, and high-speed communications between the International Space Station and Mission Control in Houston.
🔧 August 25: Maintenance for the Station's Future
The third mission, U.S. Spacewalk 98, is planned for Tuesday, August 25.
Astronauts will connect power channel cables, upgrade data relay systems, and continue maintenance work supporting the station's long-term operations and future deorbit preparations. They will also replace a navigation aid on the forward port of the Harmony module, which helps visiting spacecraft dock safely with the station.
NASA says additional details—including the assigned astronauts and broadcast schedules for the August 13 and August 25 spacewalks—will be announced closer to each mission.
Together, these missions will become the 281st, 282nd, and 283rd spacewalks conducted in support of the International Space Station's assembly, maintenance, and continued upgrades.
🌍 Which of these spacewalks are you most excited to watch live?
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