NASA astronauts to conduct delayed ISS 'spacewalk' today — Watch it live here!

Watch first spacewalk of 2026 live today. (Image: Canva)

• NASA astronauts to upgrade ISS power systems on March 18.
• Spacewalk delayed due to medical emergency, now rescheduled.
• Live coverage of the 6.5-hour spacewalk starts at 7:00 a.m. EDT.

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Delayed on 8th January, two NASA astronauts are set to conduct a long spacewalk outside the International Space Station. This will happen on March 18 marking a crucial step in upgrading the orbiting laboratory’s power systems.

The mission, which was postponed earlier this year due to an unprecedented in-orbit medical emergency, will now proceed with live coverage available worldwide. Here is how to watch this live.

What is happening in space?

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams will exit the ISS for an extravehicular activity (EVA). This is expected to last approximately for 6 and a half hour.

During the spacewalk, the duo will prepare one of the station’s power channels for the installation of new roll-out solar arrays (iROSA).

These improved solar panels will be aimed at amplifying the amount of energy produced by this station. It will work as a 'green signal' for further scientific research and operations on board.

When to Watch the Spacewalk Live?

The spacewalk is scheduled to begin at around 7:00 a.m. EDT, with live coverage starting earlier. NASA will stream the entire event for viewers to get a chance to witness astronauts working in the vacuum of space in real time.

Why was this spacewalk delayed at first place?

The mission had been scheduled to be on January 8 but it was delayed due to a medical complication. This was about astronaut, Michael Fincke. It took place on a SpaceX Crew-11 mission, which caused an untimely descent to the Earth on January 15, almost a month earlier than planned.

This was the first medical evacuation in the history of the ISS, and it is indicative of the vagaries of human spaceflight. Authorities affirmed that Fincke has been rejuvenated and is very well.

How will scientists monitor the spacewalk?

The EVA will be under close observation by NASA teams on Earth using live telemetry, on board cameras and continuous communications with the astronauts. The security and the successful accomplishment of mission will be monitored by engineers and mission controllers on every movement.

The high-definition video feeds, as well as data streams, will enable scientists to evaluate the installation procedure and obtain experiences on future missions.

What’s next for NASA and ISS?

NASA has indicated that another similar spacewalk will follow soon. This aims towards continuing work on the solar array upgrades. Both missions are part of the ISS’s ongoing project that belong to Expedition 74. This will be the 278th and 279th spacewalks in ISS history.