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NASA Astronauts Begin Spacewalk to Repair Canadarm2 Robotic Arm on ISS
Two NASA astronauts exited the International Space Station on June 30, 2026, to replace a faulty wrist joint on the Canadarm2 robotic arm. The spacewalk began at 8:20 a.m. EDT and is planned to last about six and a half hours. It marks the 280th extravehicular activity dedicated to ISS assembly and maintenance.
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Two NASA astronauts began a spacewalk outside the International Space Station on June 30, 2026, to replace a malfunctioning wrist joint on the Canadarm2 robotic arm. The extravehicular activity started at 8:20 a.m. EDT when the crew exited the station's Quest airlock.
Chris Williams, wearing the spacesuit with red stripes, served as spacewalk crew member 1 on his second career spacewalk. Jessica Meir, in an unmarked suit, served as spacewalk crew member 2 on her fifth career spacewalk. The primary task is to install a spare joint after the original component drew unusually high motor current and stopped moving during routine operations on May 27.
Engineers from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency determined that replacement was required. The robotic arm, built by the Canadian Space Agency and measuring 17.6 meters, supports cargo transfers, maintenance tasks, and movement of large modules. The spacewalk is expected to last six and a half hours.
At the time of the activity the station orbited roughly 250 miles above Earth at about 17,500 mph. This marks the 280th spacewalk devoted to ISS assembly, maintenance, and upgrades.
