Astronauts work on ISS power, computer systems during spacewalk

April 8 (UPI) -- Another week, another spacewalk.

NASA astronauts Anne McClain and David Saint-Jacques conducted work to upgrade the International Space Station's power system on Monday, completing the third spacewalk in three months.

During the 6.5-hour spacewalk, the duo worked to "establish a redundant path of power to the Canadian-built robotic arm," according to a NASA blog update.

McClain and Saint-Jacques also installed communications cables, expanding the wireless coverage outside the space station's orbital complex. The new cables will also boost the capabilities of the hardwired computer network.

Last week, astronauts Nick Hague and Christina Koch attached circuitry for newly installed lithium ion batteries on the station's starboard truss. The pair also readied the truss for future power system upgrades.

The ongoing upgrades to the space station's power system will allow the solar arrays to more efficiently store power for use when the space station is on the night-side of planet Earth.