NASA’s final two solar arrays will lift station power to about 215 kilowatts
The final pair of roll-out solar arrays arrived at the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s CRS-35 cargo mission, according to NASA. NASA says the eight-array upgrade will raise available power by up to 30%, from 160 to about 215 kilowatts, for research and operations. Two spacewalks are scheduled to install the last arrays on the station’s 2A and 3B power channels.
Bottom line — NASA says the 2A channel supports critical operations, including the station’s eventual safe, controlled deorbit.
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NASA says each of the eight arrays is about half the size of the station’s legacy arrays.
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The arrays were designed and built by Redwire; their compact form unfurls after installation.
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Cosmic Herald reports NASA scheduled the first installation for 29 October and the second for 5 November.
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Cosmic Herald says the final pair each can produce more than 20 kilowatts and are designed to last more than 10 years.
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NASA says the final pair will add power for research, operations and the station’s controlled deorbit.