NASA astronauts, including Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, are currently on high alert due to a significant air leak detected in the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS). The leak, located in the Zvezda service module, has been monitored since it was first identified in 2019. Recent assessments indicate that the leak rate has increased, prompting NASA to classify it as a top safety risk for astronauts aboard the ISS.
Current Situation
Increased Leak Rate
The air leak has been reported to be losing approximately 1.7 kilograms of air per day according to an article by TOI, which is a substantial increase from previous measurements. NASA officials have indicated that this leak poses a serious concern for the integrity of the station and has been rated as a five out of five on their risk scale.
Location of the Leak
The leak is situated in a vestibule known as the Service Module Transfer Tunnel, which separates a docking port from the rest of the Zvezda module. This area can be sealed off to minimize air loss from the station.
Safety Measures
Temporary Repairs
NASA and Roscosmos have implemented temporary patches to cover the cracks in the Zvezda module. These measures have included applying sealants and using Kapton tape to mitigate air loss.
Monitoring and Precautions
Astronauts are currently staying on the American side of the ISS, near emergency vehicles, as a precautionary measure. NASA has also coordinated with SpaceX to prepare an evacuation plan according to Business Today.
Future Considerations
As NASA prepares for the eventual retirement of the ISS by 2030, this air leak underscores the urgency of addressing structural integrity issues associated with aging components. The Zvezda module, launched in 2000, is one of the oldest parts of the ISS and requires ongoing maintenance to ensure safe operations.
While there is no immediate threat to astronaut safety at this time, both NASA and Roscosmos are actively investigating and managing this situation to prevent any potential emergencies in the future.
