Historic US spacewalk wraps up ISS solar upgrade
On 5 November astronauts Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk completed the hundred‑and‑first American extravehicular activity (EVA) from the International Space Station. The nearly seven‑hour sortie saw the installation of the final rotating solar array, known as IROSA, on the station’s 3B truss. This marks the conclusion of a project that began in February 2021 and adds eight panels that boost the station’s power generation from roughly 160 kilowatts to about 215 kilowatts. Menon, on his fifth EVA, called the experience the highlight of his career, while Kutryk, a Canadian veteran, summed it up with a vivid reminder to keep eyes on the horizon as the Earth rushes by at 28,000 kilometres per hour.
Numbers in perspective
With this mission, the United States reaches a total of 286 spacewalks performed in support of ISS assembly and maintenance, a figure that includes Russian contributions. The achievement underscores the long‑term commitment of the partnership that keeps the orbital laboratory operational.
NASA unveils a nuclear‑powered rover for the lunar south pole
Just two days later, NASA announced that the PROMISE rover – a nuclear‑driven vehicle – will head to the Moon’s permanently shadowed south‑pole region. The rover will be powered by a multi‑mission radio‑isotope generator, delivering both heat and electricity, allowing it to operate through the Moon’s two‑week night and within the deep craters where water ice is expected to reside. PROMISE reuses hardware from the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers, demonstrating a cost‑effective approach to lunar exploration.
Why a nuclear source?
The radio‑isotope generator provides continuous power regardless of sunlight, a crucial advantage for missions that must survive the extreme cold of permanently shaded areas. By studying the regolith and searching for resources, PROMISE will lay the groundwork for a future lunar base.
Artemis acceleration and a new astronaut class
NASA’s broader strategy is to speed up crewed lunar landings to 2028. The agency is shifting to a model where commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin wait in low‑Earth orbit for the Orion capsule, rather than rendezvousing in a distant lunar orbit. This change reduces mission complexity and opens the door for a fresh wave of astronauts, many of whom will focus on lunar operations.
SpaceX prepares a daring booster recovery
SpaceX’s upcoming Starship Flight 15, slated for 13 November, will attempt the first simultaneous return of both the Starship upper stage and the Super Heavy booster to the launch site. The 22‑hour flight will circle the Earth roughly fourteen times before the booster performs a controlled descent for a synchronized catch on the pad, a maneuver that could redefine rapid‑reuse logistics.
China welcomes its first foreign astronaut
In a diplomatic milestone, China announced that a non‑Chinese astronaut will join its space program for the first time. The move signals Beijing’s intent to expand international cooperation in low‑Earth‑orbit activities, complementing its growing commercial launch sector.
Europe readies next‑generation weather satellites
Meanwhile, the European Space Agency is finalising plans for a new series of meteorological satellites that will provide higher‑resolution imaging and more frequent coverage, bolstering global climate monitoring capabilities.
Source: https://scientias.nl/ruimtevaartupdate-09-11-2026/
