NASA’s Astronauts Gear Up for New Year Spacewalks on the ISS

NASA has announced two spacewalks from the International Space Station (ISS) occurring in January. These activities, scheduled for January 8 and 15, mark the first spacewalks on the ISS in 2026 and debut outings for the Expedition 74 crew.

The first spacewalk, designated U.S. Spacewalk 94, will commence on January 8 at 8:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, lasting approximately six and a half hours. NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman will exit through the Quest airlock. Their mission involves preparing the power channel for future installation of next-generation Roll-Out Solar Arrays. Once installed, these arrays will provide additional power to the station, crucial for systems ensuring its safe and controlled deorbit in the future.

For Zena Cardman, this mission marks her first career spacewalk, whereas Mike Fincke will be making his tenth, tying the NASA astronaut record for spacewalks. During the operation, Fincke will serve as the lead astronaut.

The second spacewalk, U.S. Spacewalk 95, is set for January 15, starting at 7:10 AM Eastern. It is also expected to last around six and a half hours. Tasks include replacing a high-definition camera on one of the station’s external ports, installing a new navigation reflector for incoming crafts at the Harmony module’s front node, and relocating ammonia pump system components and associated flexible lines on the S6 and S4 trusses. Participant names for this outing will be released after the January 8 mission.

These upcoming ventures will be the 278th and 279th spacewalks in ISS history, continuing its technical maintenance and upgrade program necessary for extending the orbital laboratory’s operational lifespan.