A worsening air leak on the International Space Station (ISS) has prompted astronauts to seek shelter inside their spacecraft. The issue is affecting the Russian segment of the station, where repairs are being attempted by a crew member.
NASA has advised the crew to be prepared for a potential evacuation if the situation deteriorates further. The leak has been identified in the Zvezda service module transfer tunnel, a narrow, pressurized passageway at the rear of the ISS.
In response, NASA has instructed the four astronauts of the Crew-12 mission to take precautions in the Dragon spacecraft while repair efforts are underway by the Russian cosmonaut. This safety measure is being taken as a precautionary step.
The crew, consisting of American and French astronauts along with a Russian cosmonaut, has been briefed to don their spacesuits in case of an emergency evacuation. Efforts are ongoing to address the air leak issue on the ISS.
The leak, located in the Russian segment of the station, has led to the astronauts seeking refuge in their spacecraft. The specific area affected is the Zvezda service module transfer tunnel, which has been prone to cracks and leaks over time.
According to NASA representative Bethany Stevens, the Zvezda service module transfer tunnel has a history of cracks and leaks that have been addressed by Roscosmos to the best of their ability. NASA is actively investigating the root cause of these issues.
NASA has been closely monitoring the cracks in the Zvezda service module transfer tunnel, which have been a longstanding concern. Efforts are underway to determine the underlying reasons for these cracks and ensure the safety of the crew aboard the ISS.
