NASA Worried as Air Leak Discovered in Space Station
NASA is addressing concerns about a persistent air leak in the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS). This issue was first detected in 2019 in the Zvezda module’s PrK vestibule. By April 2024, the leak rate had escalated to nearly 1.7 kilograms per day, prompting the ISS program to classify it at the highest risk level. A recent report from NASA’s Office of Inspector General highlighted the severity of this situation.
Fortunately, NASA officials have reported significant improvements, with recent repair work reducing the leak rate by approximately one-third. However, the root cause of the leak remains under investigation, with both NASA and Roscosmos focusing on internal and external welds. As a precautionary measure, station crews keep the hatch to the affected area closed when not in use, effectively mitigating the leak’s impact.
While NASA and Roscosmos collaborate to understand and address the leak, they have yet to agree on what constitutes an “untenable” leak rate. If the situation worsens, a potential long-term solution might involve permanently sealing the hatch, which would result in the loss of a docking port for Progress and Soyuz spacecraft.
This leak is just one of several challenges NASA faces in maintaining ISS operations through the end of the decade. Other concerns include potential supply chain issues for spare parts, ongoing certification of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner for crew transportation, and increasing orbital debris risks. As the ISS approaches its planned end-of-life between 2028 and 2030, NASA is focusing on deorbit plans. The agency has contracted SpaceX to develop a deorbit vehicle based on the Dragon spacecraft, though this project faces potential budget and schedule risks.
Despite these challenges, NASA remains committed to the safe operation of the ISS and continues to work closely with international partners to mitigate risks to the station’s long-term viability.
