Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has successfully completed his first-ever spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in his astronaut career. Alongside veteran NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, Menon carried out critical maintenance and upgrade work aimed at preparing the orbital laboratory for the installation of new roll-out solar arrays that will enhance the station's power generation capacity.

The six-hour and 27-minute spacewalk began at 8:33 a.m. EDT (6:03 p.m. IST) on Thursday and concluded at 3:00 p.m. EDT (12:30 a.m. IST Friday). According to NASA, it was the 281st spacewalk conducted in support of the International Space Station, the first for Menon, and the sixth for Meir.

Preparing ISS for More Power

The astronauts exited the station through the Quest airlock and focused their work on the 3B power channel located on the Starboard-6 truss of the ISS.

Their primary task involved installing mounting hardware that will support the future deployment of International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA). These advanced solar panels are designed to increase the station's electrical output, ensuring sufficient power for scientific experiments, onboard systems, and the eventual controlled deorbit of the aging space station.

NASA has already installed six IROSA units since 2021, with two additional arrays scheduled to arrive later this year.

Cable Routing and Structural Upgrades

During the mission, Menon worked from an articulating portable foot restraint that allowed him to safely access the station's exterior framework. Together, the astronauts routed electrical cables that will connect the upcoming solar arrays to the station's power system.

The duo also installed protective multi-layer insulation over structural components to safeguard the hardware from extreme temperatures and radiation in space.

NASA said these upgrades are an important step toward extending the station's operational capabilities while supporting future missions.

A Moment Above Earth

The spacewalk also featured a memorable moment when Jessica Meir pointed out the Moon to Menon while they worked outside the station.

"Anil, you can see the moon," Meir said over the communication channel.

Responding with enthusiasm, Menon replied, "Yeah, I see it. Thanks for the heads-up. I can see a future moon base there."

The exchange highlighted NASA's long-term ambitions under the Artemis programme, which aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon before eventually sending astronauts to Mars.

More Spacewalks Scheduled

NASA has planned two additional spacewalks for the Expedition 75 crew later this month.

On August 13, astronauts will replace a Space-to-Ground antenna, a key communications component that enables data transmission between the ISS and Mission Control in Houston.

Another spacewalk is scheduled for August 25, during which astronauts will continue power-system upgrades, connect data-relay cables, and replace a navigation aid used by visiting spacecraft docking with the station.

These maintenance missions form part of NASA's broader strategy to keep the International Space Station operational while preparing for its eventual retirement and controlled deorbit in the coming years.