NASA Spacewalk: Astronauts Chris Williams, Jessica Meir Begin 7-Hour ISS Spacewalk to Repair Canadarm2 (Watch)
NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir exited the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday to begin a complex, seven-hour maintenance spacewalk. The primary objective of the mission, designated as U.S. Spacewalk 95, is to replace a malfunctioning wrist joint on the station's primary robotic arm, Canadarm2.
NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir exited the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday to begin a complex, seven-hour maintenance spacewalk. The primary objective of the mission, designated as U.S. Spacewalk 95, is to replace a malfunctioning wrist joint on the station's primary robotic arm, Canadarm2. The extravehicular activity (EVA) began as scheduled when the astronauts switched their spacesuits to battery power before venturing out of the Quest airlock.
Canadarm2 Wrist Joint Malfunction Details
The repair mission became necessary following a mechanical issue detected on May 27, 2026. During routine orbital operations, flight controllers noticed that one of the Canadarm2's wrist joints was drawing an unusually high motor current and failing to execute expected movements. NASA Orders ISS Crew to Shelter in SpaceX Crew Dragon Following New Air Leaks in Russian Zvezda Service Module.
Following a joint investigation, engineering teams from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) concluded that a software patch or remote workaround would not suffice. The agencies determined that a physical replacement of the compromised hardware was required to fully restore the robotic arm’s range of motion.
Astronaut Roles and Spacewalk Procedures
To execute the orbital repair, Williams and Meir are utilizing a spare wrist joint that was already stored aboard the orbiting laboratory. Williams, acting as spacewalk crew member 1, is wearing the spacesuit marked with red stripes, while Meir, serving as crew member 2, is in an unmarked suit.
The process involves unbolting the degraded joint mechanism, managing complex electrical connections, and securing the spare unit into place. Ahead of the operation, both astronauts underwent rigorous preparation, which included reviewing 3D interactive animations of the repair maneuvers and preparing specialized pistol-grip power tools designed for microgravity conditions. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot and NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway are supporting the operation from inside the station, assisting with suit checks and operating internal controls. Swift Boost Mission: An Opportunity for Science and Defense.
Jessica Meir and Chris Williams Begin Spacewalk for Canadarm2 Repair
LIVE: Watch @Astro_ChrisW and @Astro_Jessica go on a spacewalk! They're replacing a wrist joint on the @Space_Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm. https://t.co/bS4W9Ja4tG
— NASA (@NASA) June 30, 2026
Significance of Canadarm2 to ISS Operations
The 17.6-meter (57.7-foot) Canadarm2 has been an integral component of the International Space Station since its installation in 2001. The robotic system is critical for capturing incoming cargo spacecraft, moving spacewalking astronauts, and relocating heavy station components.
NASA officials emphasized that hardware components face expected wear over long-term deployments, noting that the Canadarm2 was specifically engineered with replaceable parts to accommodate in-orbit servicing. This mission marks the 280th spacewalk dedicated to the assembly, maintenance, and upgrade of the International Space Station. It represents the second career spacewalk for Williams and the fifth for Meir.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2026 07:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
