The International Space Station spread its new set of wings on Tuesday, with new solar arrays successfully unfurled, according to NASA's Atlantis mission updates.

The solar arrays on the newly installed truss segment deployed to their full length with the assistance of the Atlantis crew.

The forward-facing array was first deployed to its length of 115 feet (about 35 meters). The procedure was repeated for the rear-facing array and was fully deployed about 1:58 p.m. EDT (1758GMT). The arrays will increase the station's ability to generate power when they go online.

The new segment was installed onto the station Monday before the start of the mission's first spacewalk, during which the two spacewalkers began activating the truss.

Atlantis astronauts are scheduled to enjoy a few hours of off duty time this afternoon before beginning preparations for the mission's second spacewalk, which is slated to begin at 2:03 p.m. EDT (1803 GMT) on Wednesday.

NASA managers have decided late Monday to extend the mission two extra days and add a fourth spacewalk so astronauts can repair a thermal blanket gap. ??

Editor: Yan