NASA reported on Aug. 25, 2026, that astronaut Anil Menon and ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot were preparing for a spacewalk outside the International Space Station, scheduled to begin at approximately 8:35 a.m. EDT and last about six and a half hours. The two planned to leave the station's Quest airlock to continue installing a replacement Space-to-Ground antenna, which NASA describes as a critical high-speed data link between Mission Control in Houston and the station.

During a 6-hour, 23-minute spacewalk on Aug. 18, the pair removed a failed antenna and secured it to the station's truss structure. NASA said disconnecting electrical cables and loosening bolts took longer than expected, delaying installation of the replacement. Menon was assigned as crew member 1 in the red-striped suit and Adenot as crew member 2 in an unmarked suit.

NASA said the spacewalk would be Menon's third and Adenot's second, and the 283rd in support of station assembly, maintenance and upgrades.