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Kutryk and Menon Install Final ISS Solar Array in Critical Spacewalk
Kutryk and Menon Install Final ISS Solar Array in Critical Spacewalk
Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk and NASA colleague Anil Menon have commenced their second extravehicular activity in two weeks, working outside the International Space Station to install the final piece of critical power infrastructure. The operation aims to complete the station's solar array system, a task described by the Canadian Space Agency as among the most difficult and dangerous assigned to astronauts.
Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk and NASA colleague Anil Menon have begun their second spacewalk in two weeks, venturing outside the International Space Station to install the final piece of critical power infrastructure.
The pair emerged from the station's airlock this morning after completing extensive preparation protocols with their ground support team. Kutryk was the first to exit, his white spacesuit distinguished by a red stripe on the legs, while Menon followed closely behind.
The primary objective of the extravehicular activity is the installation of the eighth and final solar array on the starboard side of the station's truss structure. This component serves as the structural backbone for the array system. The successful deployment will complete a major upgrade to the ISS power capacity, following the installation of seven new arrays during Kutryk’s first spacewalk on Oct. 29.
The Canadian Space Agency noted that such operations remain among the most difficult and dangerous tasks assigned to astronauts, requiring precise manual work to repair or install equipment in the vacuum of space.
With this mission, Kutryk becomes the fifth Canadian to perform a spacewalk. The previous Canadian to undertake the feat was David Saint-Jacques in 2019.
Kutryk launched to the station on Oct. 1 as part of the SpaceX Crew-13 mission. He and his crewmates are scheduled to remain aboard the orbital laboratory for approximately six months to conduct scientific research and maintenance operations.
N.Wasilewski--GL
