On Friday, a deteriorating air leak on the International Space Station (ISS) led five astronauts to seek shelter and prepare for evacuation for approximately two hours. The astronauts, including four from NASA’s Crew‑12 mission and another U.S. astronaut, were instructed by NASA to enter their SpaceX‑built Crew Dragon spacecraft docked to the station. After NASA and Russia’s space agency Roscosmos assessed the air leak rate, the astronauts were allowed to return to the station.
NASA and Roscosmos have been investigating air leaks on the Russian Zvezda service module of the ISS, a crucial component of the orbital laboratory where astronauts reside and conduct experiments. Despite Roscosmos identifying two leaks, they reassured that there was no immediate danger to the crew.
Following the successful sealing of the first leak, efforts were underway to address the second leak. The air leak situation, previously minor, escalated on Friday, prompting increased concern. The ISS currently accommodates seven astronauts, including the Crew‑12 team and another crew that arrived in November.
Two cosmonauts attempted to access the air leak using a saw, a method opposed by NASA officials, leading to the implementation of safe-haven procedures. Once Roscosmos suspended repair efforts, NASA allowed the astronauts to return to the station to collaborate on resolving the leaks.
Safe-haven protocols are infrequent on the ISS, typically activated in response to potential collisions with debris or changes in air leak rates. Despite recent challenges, the ISS has never been evacuated in its 27-year history. NASA expressed commitment to working with international partners to find a lasting solution to the air leak issue.