News by Levels · Level 3 · Student worksheet

Final Roll-Out Array Completes ISS Power Upgrade

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk installed and deployed the eighth and final roll-out solar array on the International Space Station during a spacewalk on November 5. The work completed an upgrade to the orbiting laboratory's power system.

According to NASA, preparations for the upgrade began in 2021 and required 18 spacewalks to ready equipment and install the eight arrays. The new arrays supplement the station's existing solar power system.

NASA estimates that the upgrades increase the station's generating capacity from 160 to roughly 215 kilowatts. Thursday's spacewalk lasted six hours and 59 minutes.

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. What did the eighteen spacewalks support?

   1. Removing all existing solar panels
   2. Building the space station in a single year
   3. Preparing equipment and installing the arrays

2. How long did the November 5 spacewalk last?

   1. Six hours and 18 minutes
   2. Six hours and 59 minutes
   3. Seven hours and 59 minutes

Your turn

Explain how the new arrays relate to the station’s existing system and name the final two spacewalkers.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/astronauts-complete-space-station-solar-upgrade-november-2026/level-3/