Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk and NASA astronaut Anil Menon will perform a spacewalk to install solar arrays on the International Space Station.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk is scheduled to conduct his first spacewalk on Thursday, October 29, 2026, outside the International Space Station. Kutryk will perform the mission alongside NASA astronaut Anil Menon to install eight solar arrays on the station.
The spacewalk is part of an effort to upgrade the International Space Station’s power generation system. Following a second scheduled walk on Nov. 5, the installation of these new arrays is expected to increase the station's power capacity from 160 kilowatts to 215 kilowatts.
The arrays, known as International Space Station Roll Out Solar Arrays (IROSAs), were removed from a SpaceX Dragon cargo vehicle last week. They were subsequently moved into position on the station's mobile base. During the spacewalk, the Canadarm2 robotic arm will assist Kutryk and Menon in picking up and moving each solar array from the mobile base to its final destination. While the arm will be used during the process, Menon will be the one riding the arm; Kutryk will not.
Canada is participating in the mission through several channels. CSA astronaut Jenni Gibbons, who has previously served as capcom during the Artemis II mission, will serve as the capsule communicator (capcom) from the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Additionally, the CSA will be involved via its Robotics Mission Control Centre located in Longueuil, Que.
Mathieu Caron, director of CSA's astronaut office, stated that the entire spacewalk serves as a demonstration of Canada's capabilities in space. "I think what it means for Canada is an acknowledgement of the important role that we've been playing as part of this international collaboration," Caron said. He added, "There would be no way to accomplish this spacewalk without the help of Canadian robotics."
Astronaut David Saint-Jacques, the last Canadian to conduct a spacewalk in 2019, described the task as "ridiculously dangerous" but noted that the crew is "well-prepared." Saint-Jacques characterized the spacesuit as "a miniature spacecraft in the shape of a human body that you have to fly."
Saint-Jacques also noted that spacewalks are a significant milestone, stating, "A spacewalk is, for many astronauts, it's the peak of their career." He described Kutryk as a "stellar guy" who has practiced the procedures several times.
This mission marks a significant technical upgrade for the International Space Station's power infrastructure. It also highlights the ongoing role of Canadian robotics and personnel in international space exploration efforts.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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