ISS crew detected a Toxic Odor aboard the ISS. The ‘Toxic Odor’ was coming from some materials in the Russian Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft, said astronauts.

The Progress MS-29 spacecraft docked to the Poisk module of the ISS on November 23 after two days of launch. The spacecraft carries a 5,500-lb cargo of food, propellant, and crew supplies. Later that day, when the crew opened the hatch of the Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft, the astronauts detected a toxic smell and noticed small droplets in the spacecraft. The crew reported this to the ground station several hours later.

After the incident, the crew took swift action and sealed the hatch of the spacecraft. Later the ground controllers initiated an air filtration system to purify the air in the space station and get rid of any possible contaminants.

The crew reported that the air quality aboard the space station was back to normal by the time the air filtration systems and the Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly (TCCS) were activated. The swift actions by Commander Sunita Williams and the crew ensured the astronauts safety and showcased their ability to deal with any casualties aboard the space station.

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are currently stationed on the International Space Station (ISS) for several months due to malfunctions in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which initially transported them there in July this year. The Starliner returned without a crew because it was deemed unsafe for the astronauts’ return.

This extended six-month stay has led to Sunita Williams losing weight as a result of the microgravity environment. Ensuring their health during this period is a challenge for both the astronauts and NASA, as they prepare for a return in February 2025 aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.