Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have been directed to seek refuge inside their spacecraft due to a worsening air leak causing safety concerns on the orbiting outpost.
NASA stated that the problem is impacting a section of the station’s Russian segment, where a crew member is working on repairs.
The space agency cautioned the crew to be ready for a potential evacuation if the situation worsens. The leak has occurred in the Zvezda service module transfer tunnel, a narrow pressurized passageway at the rear of the ISS.
An air leak on the ISS results in breathable air escaping into space through a crack, hole, or faulty seal, which is vital for astronauts’ survival. If too much air escapes, the pressure inside the station can decrease, posing breathing difficulties.
NASA has advised its astronauts to take shelter “out of an abundance of caution” while efforts are made to address the leak.
Efforts are underway to resolve the air leak, with a Russian cosmonaut conducting repairs while the crew prepares for a potential evacuation.
The leak is localized in part of the station’s Russian segment, where astronauts are currently seeking refuge inside their spacecraft.
The air leak is happening in the Zvezda service module transfer tunnel, a confined, pressurized passageway situated at the back of the ISS.
According to NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens, this area has been plagued by cracks and leaks for some time.
NASA has closely monitored these cracks, which have always been a concern. The agency is striving to identify the root cause of the cracks.
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have been instructed to be ready for a possible evacuation due to a deteriorating air leak.
