News by Levels · Level 2 · Student worksheet

Spacewalkers Install Final New Solar Array

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Two astronauts completed a power upgrade on the International Space Station during a spacewalk on Thursday. NASA's Anil Menon and the Canadian Space Agency's Joshua Kutryk installed and unfolded the last of eight new roll-out solar arrays.

The pair worked outside the station for almost seven hours. Solar arrays collect sunlight and help provide electricity for work on the station.

NASA says the eight arrays raise the station's power-generation capacity from 160 kilowatts to about 215 kilowatts. The upgrade began in 2021.

Source: NASA, 2026-11-05. https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/11/05/spacewalkers-install-final-roll-out-solar-array/

Read and practise

1. Who installed the last new array?

   1. Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk
   2. Two astronauts from NASA only
   3. A ground crew without a spacewalk

2. What capacity does NASA give after the upgrade?

   1. About 160 kilowatts
   2. About 18 kilowatts
   3. About 215 kilowatts

Your turn

Describe the change in generating capacity and when the upgrade began.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/astronauts-complete-space-station-solar-upgrade-november-2026/level-2/