While the current solar arrays on the space station are still functioning, they have been

supplying power there for more than 20 years and are showing some signs of wear after
long-term exposure to the space environment. The arrays were originally designed to
last 15 years.
Erosion can be caused by thruster plumes, which come from both the station's thrusters
as well as the crew and cargo vehicles that come and go from the station, said Dana
Weigel, deputy manager of the International Space Station Program.
"The other factor that affects our solar arrays is micrometeorite debris. The arrays are
made of a lot of small power strings, and over time those power strings can degrade if
they're hit by debris," she said.

Astronauts installed a giant solar panel outside the space station

The new solar arrays will be placed in front of the current ones. This will increase the
space station's total available power from 160 kilowatts to 215 kilowatts. It's also a good
test for the new solar arrays because this same design will power parts of the Gateway
lunar outpost, which will help humans return to the moon through NASA's Artemis
program in 2024.