NASA Spacewalk 2026 LIVE: NASA has confirmed that astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams will carry out a long-delayed spacewalk outside the International Space Station on March 18. The operation is slated to begin at 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT) and is expected to last approximately 6.5 hours.
Live coverage of the event will start earlier at 6:30 a.m. EDT (1030 GMT) and will be streamed across multiple platforms, including NASA+, YouTube, X, and Amazon Prime, allowing viewers worldwide to follow the mission in real time.
Mission Resumes After Rare Medical Disruption
The spacewalk marks a return to operations after a planned January mission was cancelled. That earlier effort, which was to involve astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, was called off following a medical emergency that led to the early evacuation of SpaceX Crew-11 on January 15.
The evacuation was a historic moment, marking the first medical emergency removal in the ISS’s operational history and forcing NASA to delay scheduled external maintenance work.
Focus On Power Upgrades & Station Maintenance
Designated U.S. spacewalk 95, today’s activity will focus on preparing the station’s 3B power channel for the installation of advanced solar arrays known as IROSA. It also represents the first spacewalk of 2026 and the first conducted under Expedition 74.
Join us here on March 18 to watch @Astro_Jessica and @Astro_ChrisW go on a spacewalk! It’ll be Williams’ first and Meir’s fourth. The duo will make preparations to install solar arrays. pic.twitter.com/X777khPDs1
— NASA (@NASA) March 17, 2026
NASA noted that this mission contributes to the 278th and 279th spacewalks dedicated to the assembly, maintenance, and continued enhancement of the ISS. The astronauts will also inspect key external components to ensure long-term operational stability.
Critical Role Of Spacewalks In ISS Operations
Spacewalks, or extra-vehicular activities (EVAs), are essential for maintaining the ISS, which is now in its 25th year of operation. These missions enable astronauts to carry out repairs, upgrades, and inspections while working in the vacuum of space using specialized suits.
The upcoming operation highlights NASA’s continued commitment to keeping the ISS fully functional as a global hub for scientific research and international cooperation. Despite earlier setbacks, crews remain focused on sustaining the station’s capabilities and advancing space exploration.
