U.S. Spacewalk preview news conference

U.S. Spacewalk preview news conference – January 6, 2026 – 19:00

NASA experts discuss two upcoming spacewalks which will make upgrades to the International Space Station. Watch and learn more!

On Thursday, Jan. 8, NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman will make preparations to install new International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSAs) which will provide power for the orbiting laboratory.

The first spacewalk is scheduled to begin at 8a.m. EST (1pm UK) on January 8. It is expected to last approximately six hours and 30 minutes. NASA will provide live coverage starting at 6.30a.m. EST (12:30pm UK).

During U.S. spacewalk 94, two NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman exit the station’s Quest airlock to prepare the 2A power channel for future installation of International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays. Once installed, the array provides additional power for the orbital laboratory, including critical support of its safe and controlled deorbit.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, two NASA astronauts will replace a high-definition camera outside the station and make other hardware changes.

Participants in the news conference to discuss these spacewalks include:

+ Bill Spetch, operations integration manager, International Space Station Program

• Diana Trujillo, spacewalk flight director, Flight Operations Directorate

• Heidi Brewer, spacewalk flight director, Flight Operations Directorate

Credit: NASA