NASA astronauts to walk outside International Space Station today - how to watch live

From their position on the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts are treated to a unique view of our planet that most people will never have the chance to see.

Now, two astronauts on board the ISS are gearing up to venture out into space.

NASA astronauts Chris Cassidy and Robert Behnken will take part in the 229th spacewalk today.

NASA explained: “On Wednesday, July 1, NASA astronauts Chris Cassidy and Robert Behnken will begin the 229th spacewalk in support of space station assembly, maintenance and upgrades.

“Astronauts Cassidy and Behnken will exit the station's Quest airlock to replace aging nickel-hydrogen batteries for one of two power channels on the far starboard truss with new lithium-ion batteries that arrived on a Japanese cargo spacecraft last month.”

The spacewalk will begin at around 07:35 EDT (12:35 BST), and is expected to last around seven hours.

Two astronauts on board the ISS are gearing up to venture out into space (NASA)

If you’d like to watch it, you’ll be happy to hear that NASA will stream the spacewalk live on YouTube here.

Mirror Online will also be covering the spacewalk live, so make sure you check back in at 12.35pm for all the latest news!

Meanwhile, eagle-eyed Brits will have several opportunities to see the ISS over the UK this week.

The spacewalk will begin at around 07:35 EDT (NASA)

According to Spot The Station, the ISS will be visible at:

Thu Jul 2, 3.56 AM

Fri Jul 3, 3.09 AM

Sat Jul 4, 2.22 AM

Sat Jul 4, 3.56 AM

Sun Jul 5, 3.09 AM

While these aren’t the most sociable hours, there’s an important reason why.

NASA explained: “All sightings will occur within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset.

"This is the optimum viewing period as the sun reflects off the space station and contrasts against the darker sky.”