NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir exited the International Space Station on June 30, 2026, to repair the Canadarm2 robotic arm [1].

The mission is critical because the Canadarm2 is essential for capturing visiting spacecraft and assisting with station maintenance. The arm had been sidelined since May 27, 2026, due to a malfunctioning wrist joint [1, 2].

The two astronauts exited the Quest airlock to begin the extravehicular activity (EVA) [1, 2]. The operation was scheduled to start at 8:35 a.m. ET [2]. The primary objective of the mission was the replacement of the failed joint to restore full functionality to the robotic system [1, 3].

According to mission plans, the spacewalk was expected to last six and a half hours [4]. The timing of this repair is particularly significant as it coordinates with upcoming crew rotations. The launch of Soyuz MS-29 is scheduled for July 14, 2026 [4].

Maintaining the integrity of the station's robotic tools ensures that the facility can continue to operate safely. While some reports indicated potential delays due to medical evacuations, live coverage showed the astronauts proceeding with the fix on June 30 [3].

The repair marks the end of a month-long period of reduced capability for the station's primary robotic limb. By replacing the wrist joint, NASA and its partners ensure the station remains capable of managing external payloads, and docking maneuvers — a necessity for the continued habitation of the orbiting laboratory.

“The arm had been sidelined since May 27, 2026, due to a malfunctioning wrist joint.”

The successful replacement of the Canadarm2 wrist joint restores a vital piece of infrastructure necessary for the International Space Station's logistics. Because the robotic arm is used to berth visiting vehicles, its operational status is a prerequisite for the safe arrival and departure of crew and cargo, including the upcoming Soyuz MS-29 mission.