Washington | August 19, 2026 | INFRAINTEL Bureau
(ETV Bharat)
Astronauts Anil Menon and Sophie Adenot successfully removed a failed space-to-ground antenna from the International Space Station during a six-hour-and-23-minute spacewalk but were unable to install its replacement because of operational delays.
The spacewalk began at 8.29 am Eastern Daylight Time. The astronauts were assigned to remove the defective antenna and replace it with a spare unit.
Difficulties arose while disconnecting tight power and data connectors, installing locking pins in the antenna’s gimbal assembly and unbolting the equipment from its boom. The astronauts were required to apply additional force with a ratchet wrench before the antenna could be detached.
Although the failed unit was removed and temporarily secured, mission controllers determined that insufficient time remained to move it to its permanent storage location, retrieve the replacement antenna and complete the installation.
NASA said the replacement work would be undertaken during a future spacewalk. Mission planners will review the pending tasks before finalising the operational plan.
Towards the end of the spacewalk, the astronauts completed cleanup work and inspected and exchanged a portable foot restraint near the station’s Quest airlock.
Menon said the operation had unfolded differently from the original plan but noted that the mission team had prepared effectively for possible contingencies.
The space-to-ground antenna is used for high-speed data transmission between the International Space Station, NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston, Tracking and Data Relay Satellites and other control facilities.
The station continues to operate with another fully functional antenna, ensuring that its high-data-rate communications remain unaffected.
The mission was Menon’s second spacewalk. Menon traces his family origins to Kerala. The operation marked the first spacewalk for European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, who also became the first French woman to undertake one.
It was the 282nd spacewalk conducted in support of the assembly, maintenance and upgrading of the International Space Station.
Earlier in August, Menon and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir spent six hours and 27 minutes outside the station preparing part of its electrical system for the future installation of an additional roll-out solar array.
The latest spacewalk was originally scheduled for August 13 but was postponed after a carbon-dioxide sensor in Menon’s spacesuit produced an unexpected reading following an earlier operation.
The next spacewalk is currently planned for August 25, although mission controllers will determine whether the pending antenna installation will be included.
The operation forms part of the continuing maintenance required to keep the International Space Station functional as it advances through its third decade of continuous human occupation. The delays also demonstrate the importance of operational flexibility and contingency planning during technically demanding work outside the station.