{
  "id": 14753829,
  "title": "Power Up: Roll Out Solar Arrays Boost Space Station Power Supply",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/power-up-roll-out-solar-arrays-boost-space-station-power-supply",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-15T17:30:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "NASA",
    "slug": "nasa",
    "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/iss-research/power-up-roll-out-solar-arrays-boost-space-station-power-supply/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The International Space Station (ISS) relies on solar power to support its life support systems, daily operations, and numerous research investigations that benefit both Earth and future deep space exploration endeavors. Over the last five years, NASA has enhanced the station's power generation and distribution capacity through the deployment of cutting-edge International Space Station Roll Out Solar Arrays (IROSAs).\n\nThe IROSAs, which were first tested in 2017 during a technology demonstration carried out aboard the ISS, are lightweight, compact, and designed to be launched in a compact cylinder shape that unfurls like a yoga mat after installation. This innovative design not only reduces mass and volume at launch but also incorporates an autonomous, self-deploying system to minimize risks during rollout.\n\nDespite being approximately half the size of the ISS's legacy arrays, each IROSA is capable of generating about 28 kilowatts of additional power. The initial two IROSAs were transported to the orbiting laboratory in 2021 via SpaceX's 22nd commercial resupply services mission.\n\nBetween 2021 and 2023, an additional six IROSAs were installed outside the space station, further bolstering the station's power generation capabilities. In 2023, projections indicating a need for increased power prompted the request for another set of IROSAs, which were later transported to the ISS during SpaceX's 35th commercial resupply services mission in 2023.\n\nWith the addition of these eight IROSAs, the station's power generation capacity will increase by more than 160 kilowatts, providing enhanced power for both research activities and ongoing operations.",
  "summary": "From the International Space Station’s unique position 250 miles above Earth, the Sun is a vital source of energy. Solar power supports the station’s life support systems, daily activities, and hundreds of research investigations that improve life on Earth and prepare humans for deep space exploration. Over the past five years, NASA augmented the station’s […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "NASA Science",
        "title": "Power Up: Roll Out Solar Arrays Boost Space Station Power Supply",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/power-up-roll-out-solar-arrays-boost-space-station-power-supply-14760978",
        "published": "2026-10-15T17:30:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}