ISS Air Leak Persists: Challenges Continue After Latest Repair Attempts

The International Space Station (ISS) is still facing air leaks, particularly from the Russian segment, despite ongoing repair efforts. Sergey Krikalev, head of the Human Space Flight Program at Roscosmos, acknowledged the issue during a news conference for NASA’s upcoming SpaceX Crew-11 mission.

The leaks have been a concern since they were first spotted in 2019. Although the crew is safe, the aging structure of the ISS poses challenges. An option discussed is to seal off the affected section, which would eliminate a Russian docking port but might stabilize air pressure. A NASA report indicates that the leaks are coming from the Service Module Transfer Tunnel.

Roscosmos hopes recent repairs would resolve the issues. However, Krikalev noted that while the leak has lessened, it hasn’t stopped entirely. Engineers from both Russia and the U.S. are collaborating to identify the source of the leaks and prevent future problems.

In June, NASA postponed the Axiom 4 mission to investigate a new pressure signature in the ISS’s Zvezda service module after repair attempts. Initially, it seemed like the repairs might have stabilized the pressure, but further checks revealed that the leak persists. Krikalev confirmed that scientists are working hard to find a long-term solution.

The concern around these leaks is significant. A report from the 2024 Office of Inspector General described the cracks and leaks as a “top safety risk.” Interestingly, the leak rate appeared to increase last year, making repairs increasingly urgent. While the crews are not in immediate danger, it underscores the importance of maintaining the ISS, especially as it gears up for operations through 2030. NASA has yet to agree on what constitutes an unacceptable leak rate.

Public sentiment has varied. Some space enthusiasts remain hopeful about repairs, while others express skepticism on social media, questioning the safety of aging infrastructure in space. The ongoing repairs and international collaboration are crucial, serving not just the ISS but future space stations and missions.

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