2025-05-01T03:00:19Z

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In an exciting development for space exploration, two NASA astronauts are preparing to conduct an all-woman spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) this Thursday, starting at 8 a.m. ET. Astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers will embark on this significant mission, which is expected to last approximately six hours and 35 minutes. For those eager to witness this historic event, NASA will provide a live broadcast via NASA+ as well as their official YouTube channel. Additionally, audiences can follow along through a live feed linked below.

During their spacewalk, the astronauts have an ambitious agenda that includes the relocation of a crucial communications antenna, along with the installation of a mounting bracket. This preparatory work is necessary for the upcoming addition of an extra set of ISS Rollout Solar Arrays, commonly referred to as IROSA. These solar arrays are designed to significantly enhance the station's power generation capabilities by as much as 30%. With this upgrade, the total available power for the ISS is expected to rise from 160 kilowatts to an impressive 215 kilowatts, as detailed by NASA officials. In addition to these tasks, McClain and Ayers will also focus on upgrading the power systems of the station while securely tethered to the ISS.

The upcoming spacewalk marks a noteworthy milestone in the history of astronautics, as it will be the sixth all-women spacewalk conducted outside the ISS. The tradition began nearly six years ago, on October 18, 2019, when NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir made history by completing a spacewalk that had been delayed due to issues with a poorly fitting spacesuit. Their successful venture opened doors for women in space exploration and showcased the vital contributions women can make in this field. In a related achievement this year, NASA astronaut Suni Williams set a new record for the total time spent on spacewalks by a woman, completing a 5.5-hour spacewalk that brought her cumulative total to 62 hours and six minutes.

Thursday's spacewalk holds particular significance for astronaut Nichole Ayers, as it will be her first experience participating in extravehicular activity. For Anne McClain, this event will mark her third spacewalk, demonstrating her growing expertise in this critical area of space operations. As the astronauts prepare for their tasks, they embody not only the spirit of exploration but also the ongoing evolution of diversity and representation in space science.