Anil Menon Completes First Spacewalk Outside International Space Station

Why in News?

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon completed his first extravehicular activity (EVA) outside the International Space Station (ISS) on 6 August 2026. Designated US Spacewalk 96, the operation lasted 6 hours and 27 minutes. It concluded at 3:00 p.m. EDT on 6 August, corresponding to 12:30 a.m. IST on 7 August.

Menon conducted the spacewalk with NASA astronaut Jessica Meir as part of the Expedition 75 mission.

What is Extravehicular Activity?

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) refers to work performed by astronauts outside a spacecraft or space station. Astronauts conduct spacewalks for several purposes, including equipment installation, repairs, maintenance, assembly, and upgrades.

During the latest EVA, Menon and Meir worked on the Starboard 6 (S6) truss segment of the ISS. The S6 truss forms part of the station’s power-generation infrastructure.

The astronauts installed mounting hardware on the 3B power channel and routed electrical cables required for a future Roll-Out Solar Array. They also wrapped struts with multi-layer insulation to protect equipment from the harsh thermal environment of space.

Why was the spacewalk important?

The work supports the continued expansion and maintenance of the ISS power system. Roll-Out Solar Arrays (iROSAs) are deployable solar-power systems designed to increase the station’s electrical generation capacity.

The installation of supporting hardware and electrical cabling prepares the ISS for future solar-array deployment. These upgrades help maintain adequate power for scientific experiments, station systems, and crew operations.

The EVA also marked a personal milestone for Anil Menon. It was his maiden spacewalk, while Jessica Meir completed her sixth spacewalk.

Anil Menon Spacewalk 2026: Related Information

The International Space Station is a modular orbital laboratory operated through international cooperation. Astronauts conduct scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, maintenance, and upgrades aboard the station.

The spacewalk formed part of three planned EVA operations for the Expedition 75 crew during August 2026. It was also the 281st spacewalk dedicated to ISS assembly and maintenance, according to the information provided.

Anil Menon was selected as part of NASA’s 2021 astronaut class. Before becoming an astronaut, he worked as a physician and served as medical director at SpaceX. His background combines medicine, aerospace operations, and human spaceflight.

Anil Menon Space Walk 2026: Exam-Oriented Facts

• Astronaut: Anil Menon.
• Organisation: NASA.
• Spacewalk: First EVA for Anil Menon.
• Date: 6 August 2026.
• Operation: US Spacewalk 96.
• Duration: 6 hours 27 minutes.
• Location: Outside the International Space Station.
• Crewmate: Jessica Meir.
• ISS Segment: Starboard 6 (S6) truss.
• Major Work: Power-channel hardware, electrical cabling, and insulation.
• Future System: Roll-Out Solar Array (iROSA).
• Jessica Meir: Sixth spacewalk.
• ISS Assembly/Maintenance EVAs: 281st, according to the provided information.
• Mission: Expedition 75.
• Anil Menon: Member of NASA’s 2021 astronaut class.
• Previous Profession: Physician and former SpaceX medical director.