NASA's efforts to upgrade the solar power system on the International Space Station (ISS) are set to receive a major boost with the launch of the third set of upgraded solar arrays. The launch of the new arrays is scheduled for June 2021, and it is expected to significantly increase the station's power generation capacity.
The International Space Station, which has been in operation since 1998, relies on solar panels to generate electricity. Over the years, these solar panels have become less efficient, and some of them have even stopped working altogether. To address this issue, NASA has been working on a program to upgrade the station's solar power system.
The new solar arrays, which were developed by Boeing, are much more efficient and powerful than the old ones. They are also more durable and are designed to last for at least 15 years. The new arrays are 63 feet long and 20 feet wide, making them much larger than the old arrays. They are also much lighter, weighing only 750 pounds compared to the old arrays, which weighed 2,400 pounds.
The installation of the new arrays will be a complex and challenging task. Astronauts will need to venture outside the station and use the station's robotic arm to position the arrays in place. The operation is expected to take several hours, and will require a great deal of precision and skill.
Once the new arrays are installed, they will significantly increase the station's power generation capacity. This will allow the station to support more experiments and research projects, as well as provide a more comfortable living environment for the astronauts.
The launch of the new arrays is just one part of NASA's ongoing efforts to upgrade the International Space Station. In addition to the solar arrays, NASA is also working on a new module, which will provide additional living space for the astronauts. The new module is scheduled to be launched in 2024.
Overall, the third set of upgraded solar arrays is a significant milestone in NASA's efforts to upgrade the International Space Station. The new arrays will provide a much-needed boost to the station's power generation capacity, and will help to ensure that the station remains a vital research platform for years to come. It is a testament to NASA's ongoing commitment to exploring and understanding the universe, and to the incredible skill and dedication of the men and women who work to make it all possible.