NASA has augmented the International Space Station's power generation and distribution capability with next-generation International Space Station Roll Out Solar Arrays (IROSAs). These arrays are designed to unfurl like a yoga mat after launch, reducing mass and volume while utilizing an autonomous, self-deploying system.
Key points
- Space station solar arrays have boosted power supply.
- Eight Roll Out Solar Arrays increase power by over 160kW.
- New arrays are half the size of legacy ones.
- Arrays unfurl like a yoga mat for deployment.
The IROSAs are approximately half the size of the station's legacy arrays but are capable of producing about 28 kilowatts of additional power each. A technology demonstration in 2017 tested the effectiveness of these arrays.
The first two IROSAs were delivered in 2021, and six were installed outside the space station between 2021 and 2023. In 2023, a request for another set of IROSAs was prompted by power projections, and these launched in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
By the numbers
- Total power increase from eight arrays
- +160kW
- Additional power per array
- 28 kW
Together, the eight IROSAs will increase the station's power by more than 160 kilowatts, supporting research and operations. The technology is scalable to meet future mission requirements.
Sources and references
Original report
Power Up: Roll Out Solar Arrays Boost Space Station Power Supply
NASA
Read on NASA (opens in a new tab)Ref 00JMD7MN
Cite this
APA
Interestana AI Editorial. (2026, October 15). Space Station Solar Arrays Boost Power Supply. Interestana. https://interestana.com/articles/power-up-roll-out-solar-arrays-boost-space-station-power-supply-00jmd7mn
MLA
“Space Station Solar Arrays Boost Power Supply.” Interestana, 15 Oct. 2026, interestana.com/articles/power-up-roll-out-solar-arrays-boost-space-station-power-supply-00jmd7mn.
Chicago
Interestana AI Editorial. “Space Station Solar Arrays Boost Power Supply.” Interestana, October 15, 2026. https://interestana.com/articles/power-up-roll-out-solar-arrays-boost-space-station-power-supply-00jmd7mn.
BibTeX
@misc{interestana_00jmd7mn,
author = {{Interestana AI Editorial}},
title = {{Space Station Solar Arrays Boost Power Supply}},
howpublished = {Interestana},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
url = {https://interestana.com/articles/power-up-roll-out-solar-arrays-boost-space-station-power-supply-00jmd7mn},
note = {Summary of reporting by NASA, https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/iss-research/power-up-roll-out-solar-arrays-boost-space-station-power-supply/}
}Credit the source
Original reporting: NASA, “Power Up: Roll Out Solar Arrays Boost Space Station Power Supply”, https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/iss-research/power-up-roll-out-solar-arrays-boost-space-station-power-supply/(opens in a new tab)
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