NASA Astronauts Successfully Install Solar Array Modification Kit During Spacewalk

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams have successfully concluded a critical spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS). The extravehicular activity, which focused on upgrading the station’s power systems, marks a significant step in maintaining the orbiting laboratory’s operational capabilities. According to an official press release from NASA, the spacewalk officially ended at 3:54 p.m. EDT on March 18, 2026.

The primary goal of this mission was to prepare the station’s exterior for upcoming power enhancements. As the ISS continues its extended mission, ensuring a robust and reliable power supply remains a top priority for the agency. This recent spacewalk is part of a broader, ongoing effort to modernize the station’s aging solar infrastructure.

For the crew involved, the event also represented important personal and professional milestones. The agency noted that this was the first spacewalk for Williams and the fourth for the veteran astronaut Meir. Together, they spent over seven hours working in the vacuum of space to accomplish their primary objectives.

Spacewalk Objectives and Accomplishments

The astronauts began their extravehicular activity at 8:52 a.m. EDT, embarking on a highly choreographed sequence of tasks. According to the NASA update, the spacewalk lasted approximately seven hours and two minutes. During this time, Meir and Williams focused their efforts on the station’s power generation systems.

The duo’s primary objective was the preparation of the 2A power channel. This foundational work is essential for the station’s future power upgrades. By completing these modifications, the astronauts have paved the way for the next phase of the ISS solar array enhancement project.

Preparing for Roll-Out Solar Arrays

The modifications made to the 2A power channel are specifically designed to accommodate new hardware. The agency emphasized the importance of this upgrade for the station’s longevity and safety.

This work will enable the future installation of roll-out solar arrays to provide additional power for the orbiting laboratory…

According to the NASA press release, this enhanced power supply will also support the station’s critical systems and its eventual safe, controlled deorbit.

Additional Tasks and Deferred Maintenance

While the 2A power channel preparation was the main focus, Meir and Williams also tackled several secondary objectives during their time outside the station. Efficient use of spacewalk time is crucial, and astronauts are often assigned a checklist of supplementary tasks to complete if time permits.

According to the press release, the astronauts successfully installed a 2A power system jumper cable. Additionally, they managed to adjust the bolt torque on a battery box, ensuring the secure and optimal functioning of the station’s power storage components.

Tasks Moved to Future Missions

Despite their efficiency, not all planned activities could be completed within the allotted seven-hour window. Space exploration requires flexibility, and mission controllers frequently adjust schedules based on real-time progress and safety considerations.

NASA reported that a few remaining tasks have been deferred. These include the installation of a lens cover on a camera attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm. Furthermore, a planned swabbing for microorganisms near the Quest airlock will also be rescheduled. The agency confirmed that these specific tasks will be moved to a future spacewalk.

AirPro News Analysis

The Strategic Importance of ISS Power Upgrades

We view the successful completion of this spacewalk as a critical indicator of NASA’s commitment to maximizing the utility of the International Space Station in its final years. The installation of the modification kits for the roll-out solar arrays is not merely routine maintenance, it is a strategic necessity. As the station ages, its original solar panels degrade, reducing the overall power available for scientific experiments and daily operations.

By upgrading the power channels, NASA is ensuring that the ISS can continue to host power-intensive research. Moreover, the explicit mention of supporting a safe, controlled deorbit highlights the agency’s forward-looking approach to the station’s eventual retirement. Ensuring robust power systems will be absolutely vital for the complex maneuvers required to safely guide the massive structure back into Earth’s atmosphere when the time comes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who participated in the March 18, 2026, spacewalk?

The spacewalk was conducted by NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams. According to NASA, it was Meir’s fourth spacewalk and Williams’ first.

How long did the spacewalk last?

The extravehicular activity began at 8:52 a.m. EDT and concluded at 3:54 p.m. EDT, lasting approximately seven hours and two minutes.

What was the primary purpose of the spacewalk?

The main objective was to prepare the 2A power channel for the future installation of roll-out solar arrays, which will provide additional power to the International Space Station.

Were all planned tasks completed?

While the primary objectives and some additional tasks were completed, a few items were deferred. NASA noted that installing a camera lens cover on the Canadarm2 and swabbing for microorganisms near the Quest airlock will be moved to a future spacewalk.

Sources

• NASA

This article is based on an official press release from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The Government of Canada has announced a $200 million federal investment to establish a multi-user spaceport near Canso, Nova Scotia. According to an official press release from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the 10-year lease agreement will secure a dedicated space-launch pad to serve as the foundation for the country’s sovereign space capabilities.

Operated by Maritime Launch Services, the new facility will support the operational requirements of the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and the broader federal government. The press release notes that the spaceport will also provide ad hoc launch access to international allies and partners, allowing satellites to be launched directly from Canadian soil.

This historic funding aligns with Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy, which aims to modernize the nation’s defence ecosystem and reinforce its role as a trusted global ally. By investing in domestic launch infrastructure, the government intends to reduce reliance on foreign launch sites and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities in the rapidly growing space sector.

Strengthening Canada’s Sovereign Space Capabilities

The $200 million investment represents a major milestone in Canada’s emerging sovereign launch program, which was initially outlined in Budget 2025. According to the ACOA press release, the 10-year lease agreement requires Maritime Launch Services to achieve an initial operational capability state for the dedicated launch pad by the end of 2026.

Economic Impact and Domestic Spending

A key stipulation of the agreement ensures that the economic benefits remain within the country. The government release states that 90 percent of the funds received by Maritime Launch Services from the lease, amounting to at least $180 million, must be spent in Canada. This requirement is designed to support Canadian businesses, create well-paying jobs, and strengthen domestic supply-chain.

“Our federal government is making a historic $200 million investment in Nova Scotia to help establish Spaceport Nova Scotia as a cornerstone of Canada’s future satellite launches,” stated the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, in the official release.

Strategic Location and Global Competitiveness

The decision to locate the spaceport near Canso, Nova Scotia, leverages the region’s unique geographic advantages. Stephen Matier, President and CEO of Maritime Launch Services, noted in the press release that Spaceport Nova Scotia provides safe over-ocean launch corridors and access to highly sought-after orbital inclinations.

Addressing Global Launch Bottlenecks

As the global space economy is projected to reach approximately $2 trillion by 2040, demand for orbital access continues to outpace available infrastructure. The ACOA release highlights that the Nova Scotia facility will help address this global launch capacity bottleneck, positioning Canadian firms to compete more effectively on the international stage.

“Today, we build on Canada’s proud legacy as a nation of innovators, explorers, and builders. With this step, we are not only advancing our capabilities here on Earth, we are reaffirming our place among the spacefaring nations shaping the future beyond it,” said the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, according to the government statement.

AirPro News analysis

The Canadian government’s $200 million commitment to Spaceport Nova Scotia underscores a strategic pivot toward space sovereignty and domestic defence industrial capacity. By securing a 10-year lease for a dedicated launch pad, Canada is actively working to insulate its critical satellite infrastructure from geopolitical tensions and disruptions in foreign launch markets. The mandate that 90 percent of the lease funds be spent domestically also reflects a broader policy goal of using defence and aerospace investments to stimulate regional economic development, particularly in Atlantic Canada, which already accounts for 20 percent of national defence industry employment. If Maritime Launch Services meets the ambitious target of initial operational capability by the end of 2026, Canada will rapidly transition from a participant in space exploration to a sovereign launch provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total value of the spaceport investment?

According to the ACOA press release, the federal government is investing $200 million through a 10-year lease agreement for a dedicated space-launch pad.

Where will the new spaceport be located?

The multi-user spaceport will be located near Canso, Nova Scotia, and will be operated by Maritime Launch Services.

When is the spaceport expected to be operational?

The lease agreement stipulates that Maritime Launch Services must provide the launch pad and associated services at an initial operational capability state by the end of 2026.

How much of the funding must be spent in Canada?

The government release states that 90 percent of the lease funds, or at least $180 million, must be spent within Canada to support local businesses and supply chains.

Sources

• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

On March 16, 2026, Munich-based launch startups Isar Aerospace announced a landmark launch service agreement with Astroscale Ltd., the UK subsidiary of Japan-headquartered Astroscale Holdings Inc. According to the official press release, Isar Aerospace will launch Astroscale’s End-of-Life Services by Astroscale, Multiple (ELSA-M) In-Orbit Demonstration mission.

This agreement marks Isar Aerospace’s first contract dedicated to an active space debris removal mission. The ELSA-M spacecraft is designed to safely capture and deorbit multiple defunct client satellites from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) during a single mission. For this specific demonstration, the target is a retired Eutelsat OneWeb satellite, highlighting the active participation of major telecom operators in end-of-life orbital cleanup.

While the ELSA-M launch is projected for no earlier than 2028, the announcement arrives at a critical juncture for Isar Aerospace. The company is currently preparing for the second orbital test flight of its Spectrum rocket, scheduled for later this week from the Andøya Spaceport in Norway, a vital step in proving the vehicle’s reliability.

The ELSA-M Mission and Space Sustainability

Targeting Defunct Satellites

The ELSA-M mission represents a significant step in transitioning space debris removal from a theoretical concept to a viable commercial service. As detailed in the press release, the mission is primarily privately funded by Astroscale, with substantial backing from the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Connectivity and Secure Communications programme under the “Sunrise Partnership.”

“ELSA‑M is a major step forward for commercial end‑of‑life services, building on Astroscale’s flight‑proven rendezvous and proximity operations capability,” stated Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale UK.

Isar Aerospace also emphasized the importance of this partnerships in their official company statement, noting the broader environmental impact of the mission:

“This is our first involvement of active debris removal mission and we are proud to contribute to space sustainability by supporting Astroscale’s pioneering activities.”

Isar Aerospace’s Path to Orbit

Upcoming Spectrum Test Flight

Before the ELSA-M mission can take flight in 2028, Isar Aerospace plans to conduct several “multiplier launches” to establish the reliability of its proprietary two-stage Spectrum rocket. The immediate focus is the company’s second test-flights, dubbed Mission ‘Onward and Upward’.

Following a launch failure shortly after liftoff in early 2025, Isar Aerospace has been working diligently to return to the pad. According to company statements, a recent pressurization valve issue has been resolved, opening a launch window no earlier than March 19, 2026.

“We were able to quickly address the valve issue, clearing the way for our launch preparations… Our goal with this mission is to demonstrate real progress, and to achieve that, we will once again push our systems to their limits,” said Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co-founder of Isar Aerospace.

Scaling Production

To meet growing global demand for launch services, Isar Aerospace is actively ramping up its industrial capacity. In February 2026, the company announced an expansion of its testing facilities at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden. Industry research notes that this expansion will enable the testing of up to 30 Aquila rocket engines per month. Furthermore, manufacturing is already underway for rockets designated for flights three through seven, indicating a strong push toward regular commercial operations.

Broader Industry Context

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the Isar Aerospace and Astroscale partnership as a critical indicator of the maturing European commercial space sector. Low Earth Orbit is becoming increasingly congested, with industry data tracking over 20,000 cataloged debris objects currently in orbit. Defunct satellites pose a severe conjunction risk to active constellations, such as Starlink and OneWeb, as well as crewed spaceflight missions.

The ELSA-M mission is highly relevant because it helps establish a circular space economy, proving that “de-orbit as a service” can function as a commercial business model rather than relying solely on government-funded research. Astroscale’s financial trajectory supports this maturation; in mid-March 2026, the company reported record revenue for the nine months ending January 31, 2026, alongside a reduced operating loss driven by cost-control programs and foreign-exchange gains.

By pairing a European launch startup with a UK-based payload operator to target a major telecom operator’s retired asset, this mission grounds the theoretical need for space cleanup in immediate, commercial reality. However, the success of this long-term vision relies heavily on Isar Aerospace achieving orbital success in its upcoming near-term test flights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the ELSA-M mission?

ELSA-M (End-of-Life Services by Astroscale, Multiple) is a commercial satellite servicing spacecraft designed to capture and remove multiple defunct satellites from Low Earth Orbit in a single mission.

When will the ELSA-M mission launch?

According to the launch service agreement, the mission is projected to launch no earlier than 2028 aboard Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket.

What is Isar Aerospace’s next milestone?

Isar Aerospace is scheduled to conduct the second orbital test flight of its Spectrum rocket no earlier than March 19, 2026, from the Andøya Spaceport in Norway.

Sources: Isar Aerospace Press Release