NASA Will Hold Two Spacewalk Missions in January 2026

NASA has scheduled two spacewalk missions to the International Space Station (ISS) in January. During this mission, astronauts will work in space walking mode.

The first mission will be carried out on Thursday, January 8 by astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman. They will prepare the power channel for the installation of a rolling solar panel that is crucial for the station's energy availability.

This new solar panel will later provide additional power to support laboratory operations. This power is very important to ensure that the station's deorbit process remains safe and under control in the future.

This mission will be a historic moment for Fincke because this activity represents the tenth spacewalk he has done. This number makes him break the record of NASA astronauts with the most spacewalks throughout history.

Meanwhile, the second mission will be held on Thursday, January 15. The astronauts will focus on hardware maintenance by replacing the high-definition camera and installing a new navigation aid in the form of a planar reflector.

The team will also move the assembly of flexible hoses or ammonia service jumpers on the frame of the station. This technical work is very important to maintain the stability of the fluid system that cools the devices on the ISS.

This series of activities will be the 278th and 279th missionspacewalk. It also marks the start of the first space operations for the Expedition 74 crew in 2026.