Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon completes spacewalk. How did it go?

Indian-origin Nasa astronaut Anil Menon has completed his first spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), marking a major milestone in his first mission in orbit.Menon and Nasa astronaut Jessica Meir completed US Spacewalk 96 on Thursday, August 6, after spending 6 hours and 27 minutes outside the orbital laboratory.Nasa confirmed that the spacewalk ended at 12:30 am IST on August 7, after the astronauts completed their primary objectives.For Menon, the excursion was his first time working outside the ISS. Meir, meanwhile, completed her sixth spacewalk. Anil Menon is pictured during a check of his spacesuit before launch to the ISS. (Photo: Reuters) WHAT DID MENON AND MEIR DO DURING US SPACEWALK 96?The astronauts' main job was to prepare the station's 3B power channel for future upgrades.This work is important because it will enable the installation of additional International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA). These solar arrays will provide more electricity to the ageing orbital laboratory, helping power its systems and supporting its eventual safe and controlled deorbit.The astronauts completed their primary objectives, meaning the crucial work planned for the spacewalk was successfully carried out.A spacewalk is essentially an astronaut's most demanding maintenance shift.Outside the ISS, astronauts work in the vacuum of space while relying entirely on their spacesuits for oxygen, temperature control and protection.Tasks that appear straightforward on Earth can take hours because every movement and tool operation has to be carefully planned.US Spacewalk 96 was also the 281st spacewalk conducted in support of ISS assembly, maintenance and upgrades.WHAT'S NEXT FOR ANIL MENON?The successful spacewalk does not mark the end of Menon's work in orbit.Menon is part of the ISS crew and will continue supporting scientific research, station operations and maintenance during his stay aboard the orbital laboratory.The spacewalk also forms part of a larger programme of upgrades to the ISS, particularly its power system..@NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Anil Menon are suiting up for a spacewalk set to begin at 8:35 a.m. EDT today to prep the station for future power system upgrades. More... https://t.co/NeElehiGnX— International Space Station (@Space_Station) August 6, 202The future IROSA installation will build on the station's existing solar-power infrastructure and help maintain its ability to support astronauts and research.For Menon, however, August 6 will remain a defining moment of his mission. He has now joined the relatively small group of astronauts who have experienced the extraordinary, and demanding, task of leaving the ISS and working directly in space.Nasa's confirmation that the primary objectives were completed successfully means Menon's first spacewalk ended as planned, with the station now better prepared for its next major power-system upgrade.- EndsPublished On: Aug 7, 2026 11:10 IST