The International Space Station now has a new solar panel. It is the first of many to embrace the space laboratory. The new panel was installed during a daring spacewalk that faced a few obstacles with persistence and muscle.
French astronaut Thomas Pesquet and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough exited the ISS twice to install and unfurl the panel to its full length – 63 feet (19 m). The extension took around 10 minutes with the cameras broadcasting live images.
“It is beautiful,” Pesquet called out. “Well done, both of you,” Mission Control replied once the operation was complete. “That was great to see.”
Much needed electrical boost for ISS
After some pushing and tugging, the astronauts were able to unfold and place the solar panel so both halves were aligned end to end. The two waited until the station was back on the night side of Earth, and the old solar panels aboard were no longer absorbing power. Otherwise, there would have been a risk of shock.
The new solar wing is the first of five that will provide help to the aging station. This is a much-needed electrical boost, as there is a growing demand for commercial space travel.
NASA previously gave its nod to two spacewalks for the installation; however, managers added another spacewalk considering all the issues faced earlier. Both astronauts will exit the ISS once again to complete the work on the second panel that was ferried by SpaceX earlier this month.
Space tourism to soon be a reality
The first pair will replace the oldest solar wings on the ISS, which have been operational for over 20 years. SpaceX will be delivering more pairs in the coming year. The new solar panels supplied by Boeing are smaller than the original but generate more power.
The space station is in dire need of reenergizing if the space agency hopes to keep it running until 2030, with private tourists shelling out millions to visit the station. A Russian film crew is also scheduled to visit the outpost and will take off from Kazakhstan, followed by a few rich business tycoons. SpaceX is also providing private rides from Cape Canaveral.
