The new arrays will increase the on-board laboratory’s power supply and installation is scheduled to begin in 2021.
The new 63-foot-by-20-foot (19-meter-by-6-meter) arrays will together produce 120 kilowatts of electricity via the sun’s energy, says Boeing.
They will combine with the eight original, larger arrays, and the extra hardware should provide a 20-30% percent increase in power.
“When it comes to game-changing research and technological development, the space station is currently hitting its full stride,” said John Mulholland, ISS vice president and program manager for Boeing.”