Get ready for a thrilling journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere—NASA is about to make history with two groundbreaking spacewalks at the International Space Station (ISS), and you’re invited to watch it all unfold live. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: These missions aren’t just routine maintenance; they’re pivotal steps toward upgrading the ISS for future missions and ensuring its safe deorbit. Mark your calendars for January 8 and January 15, because these events are not to be missed!
On Thursday, January 8, starting at 8 a.m. EST, NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman will venture outside the ISS for U.S. Spacewalk 94. This isn’t just any spacewalk—it’s a critical mission to prepare the 2A power channel for the installation of new Roll-Out Solar Arrays. These arrays will significantly boost the station’s power capabilities, playing a vital role in its long-term sustainability and eventual controlled deorbit. Fincke, a seasoned spacewalker on his 10th mission (tying the record for most spacewalks by a NASA astronaut), will wear a suit with red stripes, while Cardman, making her spacewalk debut, will wear an unmarked suit. And this is the part most people miss: Cardman’s first spacewalk marks a new chapter in NASA’s diverse astronaut corps, showcasing the agency’s commitment to inclusivity in space exploration.
Want to tune in? NASA’s got you covered with live coverage starting at 6:30 a.m. EST on NASA+ (https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/us-spacewalk-94/), Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/livetv/), and YouTube (https://youtube.com/live/VlB_ZtDLAOQ). Not sure how to stream? No worries—NASA’s got a handy guide (https://www.nasa.gov/ways-to-watch/) to help you watch across various platforms, including social media.
Fast forward to January 15, and U.S. Spacewalk 95 kicks off at 7:10 a.m. EST. This mission is equally ambitious: two astronauts (to be announced post-January 8) will replace a high-definition camera, install a planar reflector to aid visiting spacecraft, and relocate critical fluid system components on the station’s truss structure. These tasks are essential for maintaining the ISS’s functionality and preparing it for future missions. Live coverage begins at 5:40 a.m. EST on the same platforms: NASA+ (https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/us-spacewalk-95/), Amazon Prime, and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/live/D0dd8X4g3Eg).
But here’s the controversial question: As NASA pushes the boundaries of space exploration, should more resources be allocated to upgrading existing infrastructure like the ISS, or should the focus shift entirely to lunar and Martian missions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
These spacewalks—the 278th and 279th in support of the ISS—are not just routine maintenance; they’re a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of knowledge. As the first ISS spacewalks of 2026 and the inaugural missions of Expedition 74, they set the stage for a year of unprecedented achievements in space. Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making—tune in, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation!
