NASA has recently announced progress in reducing the air leak in the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS), downplaying concerns raised by a recent report. The space agency has assured that the issue is being addressed and measures have been taken to decrease the leak rate.
The leak, which has been an ongoing problem since September 2019, was first discovered when the ISS crew noticed a slight decrease in air pressure. Although the leak was initially small, it has slowly increased over time, leading to concerns about the safety of the astronauts onboard.
In a recent report, Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, stated that the leak had increased in size and was now releasing 1.4 kilograms of air per day. This raised alarms as it could potentially affect the oxygen supply for the crew and damage sensitive equipment on the ISS.
However, NASA has responded to these concerns by stating that they have made significant progress in reducing the leak rate. According to the agency, the leak rate has been reduced to approximately 870 grams per day, almost half of what was reported by Roscosmos.
In a statement, NASA spokesperson Daniel Huot said, “We have been working closely with our Russian colleagues to address this issue and we are pleased with the progress we have made so far. The rate of the leak has significantly decreased and we are continuously monitoring the situation.”
The ISS crew has also been actively involved in addressing the issue. Last year, they sealed off a small room called the Zvezda service module, which was suspected to be the source of the leak. However, it did not show any significant decrease in the leak rate.
Following this, the Russian crewmembers conducted several tests to locate the leak using ultrasonic sensors and detectors. Their efforts paid off when they discovered a 4mm fracture in the Zvezda module. They quickly patched it up with sealant and tape, resulting in a noticeable reduction in the leak rate.
The Zvezda module, which is over 20 years old, has been a critical component of the ISS, serving as the crew’s living quarters and control center. Its age and constant exposure to the harsh environment of space can make it vulnerable to damages, making it necessary for regular maintenance and repairs.
NASA has also assured that the crew’s safety is their top priority and they are continuously working on finding a permanent solution to the leak. They are currently analyzing data and conducting additional tests to identify other potential sources of the leak.
In response to the recent report, NASA highlighted that the leak had been a minor issue, with the ISS still functioning properly and the crew in no immediate danger. “The station has been and continues to be in a stable configuration,” said Huot.
The agency also emphasized the strong partnership between NASA and Roscosmos, stating that they are working together to address the issue and ensure the safety of the crew. “We have a great working relationship with our Russian colleagues and together we will resolve this issue,” added Huot.
The ISS is a joint project between five space agencies – NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. It has been continuously occupied by astronauts since November 2000 and has been instrumental in scientific research and technological advancements.
The recent progress in reducing the air leak is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the ISS crew and the cooperation between different space agencies. It also highlights the resilience and adaptability of the astronauts, who have been able to handle this issue while living and working in space.
In conclusion, NASA’s efforts to address the air leak in the Russian segment of the ISS have been successful, with a significant decrease in the leak rate. The space agency continues to work closely with its partners to find a permanent solution and ensure the safety of the crew. This progress is a testament to the ongoing success of the ISS and the strong collaboration between different space agencies.