NASA Astronauts Prepare for Possible Evacuation Due to Air Leaks on ISS
NASA astronauts prepare to evacuate International Space Station over 'worsening air leaks'
Image: Mail Online
NASA has instructed astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to prepare for evacuation due to worsening air leaks from a Russian module. The crew is taking shelter in their SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft while repairs are attempted on the Zvezda service module, which has experienced ongoing leaks since 2019.
- 01NASA ordered the Crew-12 astronauts to don spacesuits and take shelter in their Crew Dragon spacecraft due to worsening air leaks.
- 02The Zvezda service module has been leaking air since 2019, with the latest leak allowing approximately one pound of air to escape daily.
- 03NASA has ranked the air leak issue among the highest risks facing the ISS, with discussions of potential catastrophic failure.
- 04Astronauts are prepared to evacuate within minutes if necessary, as the SpaceX Crew Dragon can be powered up quickly.
- 05Previous attempts to seal the leaks have been made by Roscosmos, but current repairs are considered riskier.
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NASA has ordered its astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to prepare for a possible evacuation due to worsening air leaks from the Russian Zvezda service module. The four Crew-12 astronauts, which include two U.S. astronauts, a French astronaut, and a Russian cosmonaut, received instructions to shelter in their SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft while repairs are underway. The Zvezda module has experienced air leaks since 2019, with the latest leak detected on May 1, allowing about one pound of air to escape daily. NASA has classified this issue as a high-risk challenge, with concerns about a potential catastrophic failure. The astronauts are equipped with emergency suits and can evacuate the station quickly if conditions worsen. NASA's Commercial Crew Program Manager, Steve Stich, noted that the Crew Dragon could be activated in minutes if an emergency arises, allowing for a swift return to Earth.
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The air leaks pose a significant risk to the safety of the ISS and its crew, prompting NASA to prepare for a potential evacuation.
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