NASA is preparing for a duo of spacewalks starting Wednesday, March 18, to facilitate the installation of new roll-out solar arrays (iROSAs) on the International Space Station. To provide details on the upcoming missions, NASA will host a preview briefing on Monday, March 16, at 2 p.m. EDT from the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The first mission, U.S. Spacewalk 94, will feature astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams. This marks Meir’s fourth venture outside the station and the first for Williams. The pair will spend approximately six and a half hours preparing the 2A power channel. Live coverage begins at 6:30 a.m. EDT on March 18 via NASA+, YouTube, and Amazon Prime.
These activities represent the first spacewalks of 2026 and are part of Expedition 74. Originally slated for January, the schedule was shifted following the early departure of the SpaceX Crew-11 mission. Details regarding the second mission, U.S. Spacewalk 95, will be released by the agency in the coming days.
Option 2: Social Media / Modern Update (Engaging Style)
Headline: 🚀 Space Station Upgrades: NASA Astronauts Gear Up for Spacewalks 94 & 95!
The International Space Station is getting a power boost! Two upcoming U.S. spacewalks are set to begin next week to prep for new iROSA solar array installations.
Mark Your Calendars:
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The Preview: Monday, March 16 @ 2 p.m. EDT. Tune in to NASA’s YouTube channel to hear from experts like Diana Trujillo and Bill Spetch.
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The Spacewalk: Wednesday, March 18 @ 8 a.m. EDT (Coverage starts at 6:30 a.m.).
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The Crew: Jessica Meir and Chris Williams (making his spacewalk debut!).
This mission officially kicks off the 2026 spacewalk season for Expedition 74. Want to get involved? Use #AskNASA on social media to submit your questions during the briefing! 🛰️✨
Option 3: Media Advisory (Fact-Heavy & Structured)
Headline: MEDIA ADVISORY: NASA Experts to Discuss Upcoming ISS Solar Array Prep
NASA will provide live coverage of two U.S. spacewalks designed to upgrade the International Space Station’s power capabilities. These will be the 278th and 279th spacewalks in the station’s history.
Key Briefing Participants (March 16):
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Bill Spetch: ISS Operations Integration Manager
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Diana Trujillo & Ronak Dave: Spacewalk Flight Directors
Spacewalk 94 Details (March 18):
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Objective: Prepare the 2A power channel for future solar array installation.
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Personnel: Jessica Meir and Chris Williams.
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Duration: Approximately 6.5 hours.
Media Instructions: Journalists wishing to participate in the March 16 news conference must RSVP to the NASA Johnson newsroom by 10 a.m. EDT on March 16. Call 281-483-5111 or email jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov for credentials and dial-in information.