International Space Station Astronauts Install 2 Boeing Advanced Solar Arrays
June 29, 2021 | BoeingEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Two new, advanced solar arrays provided by Boeing have increased the International Space Station (ISS) power supply after European astronaut Thomas Pesquet and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough installed them during three spacewalks on June 16, 20 and 25. The new arrays contain stronger solar cells that are also more efficient than their predecessors. Measuring 61 feet long and 20 feet wide, they generate twice the power in half the space of the original arrays that they partially cover.
Boeing provided the new arrays to NASA, with solar cells from Spectrolab and a structure from Redwire that allowed the arrays to be rolled tight for launch and unroll with their own energy instead of requiring a motor.
Boeing developed the arrays to fold small enough to be packed on a space-rated pallet that fit inside the trunk of the SpaceX Cargo Dragon that carried the arrays to the ISS. Once on orbit, the folded arrays were removed by the ISS’ robotic arm and positioned so the spacewalkers could take them out to the far end of the ISS truss for installation.
Four more arrays will be launched to ISS and installed over the next two years, providing a 20% to 30% increase in power that will support more scientific experiments, technology research and commercial pursuits in low Earth orbit.
Suggested Items
Boeing Secures $2.8B Contract to Enhance U.S. Strategic SATCOM Capabilities
07/04/2025 | BoeingBoeing has been awarded a $2.8B contract for the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program, the space-based component of the U.S. nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) architecture.
Boeing, Angolan Ministry of Transport Sign Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation
06/21/2025 | BoeingBoeing and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Angola signed a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation to explore initiatives aimed at advancing the Angolan aviation sector, in partnership with TAAG Angola Airlines.
Boeing 20-Year Forecast Shows Steady Demand for Nearly 44,000 New Airplanes
06/15/2025 | BoeingEmerging markets, with expanding middle classes, dynamic and competitive airline networks and sustained aviation investment, will play an outsized role in global air traffic growth, helping drive a need for 43,600 commercial airplanes over the next 20 years, Boeing projected.
FTG Achieves Major Milestone with TCCA Certification for Edge+ on Boeing 737NG Family
05/16/2025 | Globe NewswireFiran Technology Group Corporation (FTG) announced that its FLYHT subsidiary has been awarded a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) for the AFIRS Edge+™ product on the Boeing 737NG family of aircraft.
Spirit AeroSystems Reports First Quarter 2025 Results
05/02/2025 | Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.Spirit's revenue in the first quarter of 2025 decreased from the same period of 2024, primarily due to lower production activity on most Boeing programs, particularly the Boeing 737 program.