NASA ended a shelter order for five astronauts aboard the International Space Station after an air leak on the Russian segment. Russian cosmonauts attempted repairs, and efforts are ongoing to address the leaks.
NASA ended a shelter order for five astronauts aboard the International Space Station on Friday, approximately two hours after it was issued due to an air leak on the Russian segment of the orbital laboratory. Four astronauts from NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission and one U.S. astronaut from the Expedition 74 team took shelter in their Crew Dragon spacecraft. The leak rate had escalated from one pound to two pounds of air per day. Russian cosmonauts attempted to repair the leak using a saw, a method NASA officials disagreed with, prompting the safe-haven order. NASA and Roscosmos are collaborating on a joint approach to address the leaks, which have been a subject of debate for months. Legislation is before the U.S. Congress to extend the space station's life until 2032.
Air leaks on the ISS pose a direct risk to astronaut safety and highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining the aging orbital laboratory, impacting international cooperation and future space exploration plans.