Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon embarks on maiden 6.5-hour ISS spacewalk

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set to achieve a major milestone in his space career on Thursday as he prepares for his first-ever spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), joining veteran astronaut Jessica Meir on a mission to strengthen the orbiting laboratory's power system.

The spacewalk, officially known as an Extravehicular Activity (EVA). The operation is expected to last around six-and-a-half hours.

Mission to prepare ISS for next-generation solar panels

Menon and Meir will focus on upgrading the ISS power infrastructure by installing new hardware on the station's 3B power channel. The work is designed to support the installation of another International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) later this year.


The upcoming solar array will become the seventh IROSA mounted on the station. According to NASA, the additional panel will enhance the ISS's power generation capability, ensuring reliable electricity for scientific experiments, onboard systems and future operations, including preparations for the station's eventual controlled de-orbit.

A milestone moment for Anil Menon

While Jessica Meir will be undertaking her sixth spacewalk, the mission marks Anil Menon's debut outside the International Space Station, making it a significant career milestone for the physician, engineer and NASA astronaut.

Menon joined NASA's astronaut corps in 2021 after serving as SpaceX's first flight surgeon. With family roots in Kerala, he has emerged as one of the prominent Indian-origin faces in the US space programme.

Ahead of the mission, Menon shared his excitement on social media.

"Getting ready for a spacewalk with two of my favorite people! Tune in tomorrow," he posted on X.

First of three NASA spacewalks this month

The mission, designated US Spacewalk 96, will be the 281st spacewalk conducted in support of the assembly, maintenance and continued expansion of the International Space Station.

It also marks the beginning of three NASA spacewalks planned for August.

The second mission, US Spacewalk 97, is scheduled for August 13 and will involve replacing a space-to-ground communications antenna. Another excursion planned for August 25 will focus on connecting power-channel cables and upgrading data relay systems.

Safety remains central during the operation

Throughout the EVA, Menon and Meir will remain attached to the International Space Station using safety tethers while wearing Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits. These specially designed suits provide life support and protection from the extreme temperatures, radiation and vacuum of space.

NASA will stream the mission live across its official platforms, allowing audiences around the world to watch Menon's landmark first spacewalk in real time.