The International Space Station (ISS) has experienced several air leak incidents, with a significant event detected in late February 2024 when NASA reported that the air loss rate from the Russian Zvezda module had doubled from about one pound per day to two pounds per day.

This increase was observed about a week before the SpaceX Crew-8 mission launch on March 4, 2024, and was confirmed by NASA’s ISS program manager Joel Montalbano, who stated the situation was under control and the affected hatch was closed, ensuring no impact on the mission or crew safety .

Earlier, on December 14, 2022, a leak was detected in the docked Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, observed as a stream of particles—likely coolant—escaping during a live video feed, which led to the cancellation of a planned Russian spacewalk .

Another incident occurred in February 2023, when the Progress MS-21 supply ship experienced a coolant leak due to a rupture in its external cooling system .

The causes of these leaks have been attributed to both the aging structure of the ISS and external impacts.

Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, cited the station’s age as a significant factor, noting that ongoing repair and maintenance are increasingly necessary .

Small cracks discovered in the Zarya module in September 2021 raised concerns about the potential for leaks, though it was unclear if these cracks were directly responsible .

The Soyuz MS-22 and Progress MS-21 leaks were attributed to "external impacts," likely from micrometeoroids or orbital debris, with photographic evidence supporting this conclusion .

The Soyuz MS-22 leak was specifically confirmed as the result of a micrometeoroid strike damaging its cooling loop .

To address the leaks, the ISS crew and ground teams implemented several mitigation and repair strategies.

For the Zvezda module leak in 2024, the hatch in the affected area was closed to isolate the leak, with plans to reopen and assess it further in April 2024 .

The International Space Station (ISS) has experienced several air leak incidents, with a significant event detected in late February 2024 when NASA reported that the air loss rate from the Russian Zvezda module had doubled from about one pound per day to two pounds per day.

This increase was observed about a week before the SpaceX Crew-8 mission launch on March 4, 2024, and was confirmed by NASA’s ISS program manager Joel Montalbano, who stated the situation was under control and the affected hatch was closed, ensuring no impact on the mission or crew safety .

Title:

Content: 29 Feb, 2024 11:18

Russia comments on space station leak

A NASA official had previously reported that air loss from the Zvezda module had doubled

Air leaking from a segment of the International Space Station (ISS) poses no risk to its crew or the orbital outpost, the Russian space agency Roscosmos has said.

A NASA official had previously reported that the rate at which air was escaping from the satellite's Russian Zvezda module under certain circumstances had doubled. The situation is under control and being constantly monitored, the Roscosmos told Interfax on Wednesday, when asked about remarks by NASA’s ISS program manager, Joel Montalbano,.

”The aging of the station’s structure and the growing need for repair and maintenance work on board require a significant portion of the crew’s time,” Roscosmos said.

Montalbano mentioned the issue during this week’s briefing on the upcoming SpaceX Crew-8 mission, which is scheduled for launch on Friday.

”There is an area in the aft end of the International Space Station. [There is] a small leak. We’ve seen this leak increase about a week before the recent Progress launch and docking,” he said, referring to a Russian automatic supply freighter.

The volume of lost air has increased to about two pounds a day, compared to a pound a day previously, Montalbano said.

”The hatch is closed in that area. It’s not an impact on Crew-8, but I didn’t want anyone to be surprised, if they hear about that later,” he explained.

The use of the module for retrieving the Progress shipment didn’t pose any issues in terms of the leak, he said. The next opening of the hatch is expected in April. While it’s closed, the rest of the station is “solid.”

Technical issues at the ISS are being reported on a regular basis. Roscosmos has said the age of the station is a key reason why it is developing plans for a new purely Russian-manned orbital structure as an alternative to participating in the international project.

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Title:

Content: SpaceX, NASA launch Crew-8 astronaut mission to International Space Station

Florida, United StatesEdited By: Trisha PathakUpdated: Mar 04, 2024, 04:55 PM IST
The four-member crew will return to Earth in the fall. They will spend spend six months at the ISS. Photograph:(Twitter)

Story highlights

NASA astronauts involved in the mission are Commander Mattew Dominick, Pilot Michael Barratt, and Mission Specialists Jeanette Epps and Alexander Grebenkin, a Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut. Barratt would be making his third visit to the ISS with this mission.

SpaceX has successfully launched the Crew-8 mission in collaboration with NASA on Sunday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA and SpaceX launched a crew of four to the International Space Station in the Dragon spacecraft, marking the third attempt after they cancelled it twice due to poor weather conditions. The launch marked SpaceX's eighth crew rotation mission in the ISS with NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

NASA astronauts involved in the mission are Commander Mattew Dominick, Pilot Michael Barratt, and Mission Specialists Jeanette Epps and Alexander Grebenkin, a Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut. Barratt would be making his third visit to the ISS with this mission.

The four-member crew will return to Earth in the fall. They will spend spend six months at the ISS.

SpaceX used their "reusable, two-stage rocket" Falcon 9 to launch the Dragon spacecraft. After detaching from Dragon, the Falcon 9 will land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

A few days ahead of the launch, the administrators discovered a small air leak at the space station. ISS Program Manager Joel Montalbano stated at a Crew-8 mission briefing, "It's not an impact to Crew-8, but I didn't want anybody to be surprised."

At 10:53 pm on Sunday, the mission lifted off after the engineers concluded that a small crack on the hatch seal wouldn't be an issue in launching the mission. The mission crew members cheered on the ground as the first-stage booster separated from Dragon and the spacecraft moved towards space.

The crew will perform over 200 science experiments at the ISS, often referred to as a "floating laboratory." These experiments are a part of the long-term mission to prepare humanity for long-term stays in space.

One such experiment is taking stem cells to space to study their effects on degenerative disease. Another involves observing the cellular impact of microgravity and ultraviolet radiation on plants.

Furthermore, the crew will test pressure cuffs on legs to check whether they help relieve health problems. Astronauts will also see whether microalgae can help remove carbon dioxide from the air, providing food and oxygen for them.

In the last year, SpaceX undertook almost a hundred launches. Their next launch is the Transporter-10 mission. SpaceX's official website says, "Transporter-10 is SpaceX's 10th dedicated smallsat rideshare mission. There will be 53 payloads on this flight, including CubeSats, MicroSats, and a hosted payload."

(With inputs from agencies)

Earlier, on December 14, 2022, a leak was detected in the docked Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, observed as a stream of particles—likely coolant—escaping during a live video feed, which led to the cancellation of a planned Russian spacewalk .

Title:

Content: Do you believe in coincidences, comrade? —

Russia claims an “external impact” damaged its Progress spacecraft

Two Russian spacecraft in two months have been struck this way. Supposedly.

Russia's main space corporation, Roscosmos, provided updates on Tuesday about its two spacecraft that recently suffered failures to their cooling systems while attached to the International Space Station.

Although there were several items of note in these updates—which are not readily available to Western audiences due to Russian Internet restrictions—perhaps the most surprising claim is that both the Soyuz MS-22 and Progress MS-21 spacecraft were damaged near their heat radiators by "external impacts." This seems highly improbable, to say the least.

For those who haven't been paying attention to the Russian roulette in space in recent months, here's a summary of what has happened since mid-December:

  • On December 14, 2022, as two cosmonauts were preparing to conduct a spacewalk outside the space station, the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft docked nearby began to leak uncontrollably from its external cooling loop. This Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft had been due to bring cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin, as well as NASA's Frank Rubio, back to Earth in March.
  • On January 11, 2023, Roscosmos confirmed that a micrometeorite had struck the external cooling loop of the spacecraft and deemed it unsafe to fly home. Officials from Roscosmos and NASA said a replacement Soyuz spacecraft would launch to and autonomously dock with the station in February. The crew that would have flown in the damaged Soyuz MS-22 vehicle, including Rubio, will instead fly home in this Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft later in 2023.
  • On February 11, 2023, the Progress MS-21 supply ship attached to the International Space Station lost pressure in its external cooling system. Once again, all of the coolant on board a Russian spacecraft leaked into space due to a rupture. This vehicle, which had been docked to the ISS since October, has detached. Before it reentered Earth's atmosphere, the vehicle rotated itself to allow cosmonauts to photograph the damaged area.

Tuesday's updates provide some new information. In one of them, Roscosmos confirmed that the uncrewed Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft would launch to the space station on Friday at 00:24 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It will dock autonomously with the space station about two days later. Prokopyev, Petelin, and Rubio will fly home aboard this Soyuz in September. The Russian space corporation also said it does not plan any upgrades to the thermal control systems on its Soyuz and Progress vehicles, as this would be costly and increase the mass of the spacecraft.

In a second update, Roscosmos draws preliminary conclusions about the failure of the Progress MS-21 ship. "Based on a preliminary assessment of the situation with Progress MS-21 ...  the cargo ship experienced an external impact. This conclusion was made based on photos that revealed changes on the exterior of the vehicle." An external impact likely means either a micrometeorite or small fragment of orbital debris must have struck the Progress spacecraft.

As part of the update, Roscosmos released a photograph of the impact site on the Progress vehicle. When this image is compared to a photograph of the Soyuz MS-22 vehicle, there appears to be little commonality in the damaged area:

Although micrometeoroids and specks of orbital debris have periodically damaged the space station and visiting vehicles during more than two decades of operation, impacts have never resulted in "serious consequences" like with the Soyuz and Progress vehicles in the last two months. So what are the odds that two Russian vehicles would be struck in the same general area in two months, with both of these strikes disabling the spacecraft's thermal cooling systems? The odds seem incredibly low.

Moreover, if there are so many micrometeorites intersecting with the space station's orbit, why is the outpost not riddled with holes? NASA does not presently have a sensor or other means of recording hits to the ISS unless they cause notable damage. But given that the Soyuz and Progress vehicles only make up 1 percent or less of the station's footprint in space, the ISS would likely be incurring significant damage if there was a cloud of micrometeorites or debris.

Needless to say, all of this is pretty mysterious.

Channel Ars Technica

Title:

Content: Cosmonauts' spacewalk canceled at space station due to leak

NASA and Russia's space agency canceled a spacewalk by two Russian cosmonauts just as they were preparing to exit the International Space Station late Wednesday because of an apparent coolant leak from an attached space capsule.

NASA's Johnson Space Center said Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin were not in danger, nor were other astronauts on the space station. The cosmonauts had donned spacesuits and depressurized an airlock when the leak appeared on a live video feed.

It was the second time the Russian cosmonauts have had to cancel the spacewalk. As in the first attempt on Nov. 25, the pair had planned to move a radiator from one module attached to the space station to another. In that first attempt, a problem arose with coolant pumps on the cosmonauts' Russian-built Orlan spacesuits.

In Wednesday's incident, ground specialists saw a stream of fluid and particles on a live video feed from space, along with a pressure drop on instruments, emanating from the Soyuz MS-22 capsule that had carried Prokopyev and Petelin, along with NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, to the International Space Station in September. The leak was continuing from the Soyuz capsule, docked to one of the space station's modules, hours after its discovery.

The cosmonauts restored pressure to the airlock, removed their spacesuits and re-entered the space station, NASA reported.

Russia's space agency and NASA planned to investigate the Soyuz leak to determine how the capsule might have been affected. It wasn't immediately clear what effect the leak would have on the crew's mission.

Four other astronauts and one other cosmonaut are on board the space station.

Another incident occurred in February 2023, when the Progress MS-21 supply ship experienced a coolant leak due to a rupture in its external cooling system .

Title:

Content: Unexplained leak from docked Soyuz spacecraft cancels Russian ISS spacewalk

WASHINGTON - A routine spacewalk by two Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) was called off on Thursday as it was about to begin after flight controllers noticed a stream of particles spewing from a docked Soyuz spacecraft, a Nasa webcast showed.

The apparent leak – visible in Nasa’s live video feed and appeared as a torrent of snowflake-like particles spraying from the rear section of the Soyuz MS-22 capsule – seemed to be liquid escaping from the spacecraft, possibly coolant, a Nasa commentator said.

Nasa said none of the seven members of the current ISS crew - three Russian cosmonauts, three US astronauts and a Japanese astronaut - were thought to be in any danger.

The mishap occurred just before two of the cosmonauts, crew commander Sergey Prokopyev and flight engineer Dimitri Petelin, suited up for a planned spacewalk to move a radiator from one module to another on the Russian segment of the ISS.

An official for Russia’s mission control operations near Moscow was heard telling Commander Prokopyev and Specialist Petelin in a radio transmission that their spacewalk was being cancelled while engineers worked to determine the nature and origin of the leak.

The Nasa commentator on the livestream, Mr Rob Navias, broadcasting from Nasa’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, also said the spacewalk was called off because of the leak, which began about 7.45 pm EST (8.45am, Thursday, in Singapore).

He said the Soyuz spacecraft arrived at the space station in September, bringing Commander Prokopyev, Specialist Petelin and US astronaut Frank Rubio to the ISS, and has remained attached to the Earth-facing side of the orbital laboratory outpost.

The spacewalk planned for Wednesday was postponed once before, in late November, because of faulty cooling pumps in the cosmonauts’ spacesuits, Mr Navias said.

The spacewalk was to be the 12th this year at the ISS and the 257th in the history of the 20-year-old platform. Spacewalks are typically done for space station assembly, maintenance and upgrades, according to Nasa.

Mr Navias said it was too soon to know what implications the apparent leak might have for the future safety and operation of that spacecraft, and whether it might pose any difficulties for returning crew to Earth at the end of their mission.

The ISS, spanning the length of a US football field, has been continuously occupied since 2000, operated by a US-Russian-led partnership that includes Canada, Japan and 11 European countries. REUTERS

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The causes of these leaks have been attributed to both the aging structure of the ISS and external impacts.

Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, cited the station’s age as a significant factor, noting that ongoing repair and maintenance are increasingly necessary .

Small cracks discovered in the Zarya module in September 2021 raised concerns about the potential for leaks, though it was unclear if these cracks were directly responsible .

Title:

Content:
"This Is Bad" - Russian Cosmonauts Discovery Tiny Cracks In Space Station

by Tyler Durden
Saturday, Sep 04, 2021 - 09:55 AM

Russian cosmonauts have discovered small cracks on the International Space Station (ISS), and it's unclear whether the cracks are causing air leaks in the orbiting space lab, according to Reuters

Vladimir Solovyov, the chief engineer of Moscow-based company Energia, the top contractor for Russia's spaceflight program, told Russia's state-owned RIA news agency that "superficial fissures have been found in some places on the Zarya module."

Solovyov warned: "This is bad and suggests that the fissures will begin to spread over time."

He didn't mention if the cracks were the source of air leaks which Russian cosmonauts discovered.

The 23-year old space station has been fraught with problems. NASA and the Russian Space Agency Roscosmos searched for a small air leak last year when air pressure dropped in the space station.

Readers may recall, in 2018, the station experienced an air leak that was initially thought to be the result of a micrometeorite - but turned out to be a "deliberate sabotage."

Several other recent incidents have been reported on the space station, such as a software glitch that ignited thrusters on the Russian research module Nauka and sent the ISS out of normal pitch. There was also a piece of space junk that sliced through a robotic arm

Meanwhile, Moscow has given their farewell warning that it will depart from the ISS in 2025. Russian officials have said the aging ISS is too dangerous for their cosmonauts:

"We can't risk the lives [of our cosmonauts]. The situation that today is connected to the structure and the metal getting old, it can lead to irreversible consequences - to catastrophe," Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov recently said.

At the same time, China has launched a new space station that is expected to outlast the ISS.

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The Soyuz MS-22 and Progress MS-21 leaks were attributed to "external impacts," likely from micrometeoroids or orbital debris, with photographic evidence supporting this conclusion .

The Soyuz MS-22 leak was specifically confirmed as the result of a micrometeoroid strike damaging its cooling loop .

To address the leaks, the ISS crew and ground teams implemented several mitigation and repair strategies.

For the Zvezda module leak in 2024, the hatch in the affected area was closed to isolate the leak, with plans to reopen and assess it further in April 2024 .


The International Space Station (ISS) has experienced several air leak incidents over its operational history, with the most notable and recent events occurring between 2020 and 2024.

These incidents have involved both the station’s Russian modules and docked spacecraft, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a complex, aging structure in the harsh environment of space .

**Detection of the Air Leak:** A significant air leak was detected in the Russian Zvezda module in late February 2024, when NASA reported that the rate of air loss had doubled from about one pound per day to two pounds per day.

This increase was observed approximately a week before the launch of a Progress supply mission, raising concerns about the station’s integrity and prompting immediate action .

The detection was made possible by the ISS’s pressure monitoring systems, which continuously track atmospheric conditions and alert the crew and ground control to any anomalies .

Earlier, in September 2021, Russian cosmonauts discovered small cracks in the Zarya module, though it was unclear if these directly caused air leaks.

These findings underscored the need for vigilance as the station ages .

In December 2022, a separate but related incident occurred when a significant air leak was detected in the docked Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, caused by a micrometeoroid impact that punctured the capsule and led to coolant loss .

**Possible Causes of the Leak:** The primary cause of the Zvezda module air leak was attributed to the aging structure of the ISS.

Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, noted that the station’s infrastructure, operational for over two decades, requires increasingly frequent repairs and maintenance, which consume a significant portion of the crew’s time .

The discovery of small cracks in the Zarya module further highlighted the vulnerability of the station’s materials to wear and tear over time, though it remained uncertain whether these cracks were the direct source of the leaks .

In the case of the Soyuz MS-22 incident, the leak was definitively linked to a micrometeoroid impact, a known hazard in low Earth orbit that can puncture spacecraft and station modules despite shielding .

Other technical issues, such as software malfunctions and thruster misfires in Russian modules, have also raised concerns about structural stress that could indirectly contribute to leaks .

**Response and Repair Methods:** Upon detection of the increased air loss in the Zvezda module, the immediate response was to close the hatch to the affected area, effectively isolating the leak and preventing further air loss from the rest of the station.

This measure ensured that the rest of the ISS remained structurally sound and allowed the crew to continue their work safely .

NASA’s ISS program manager, Joel Montalbano, confirmed that the situation was under control and that the closed hatch would not impact the upcoming Crew-8 mission, with plans to reopen the hatch in April after further assessment .

This approach of isolating affected areas is a standard protocol on the ISS and has been used in previous incidents, such as the Soyuz MS-22 leak, where the hatch between the ISS and the damaged spacecraft was sealed to prevent any impact on the station’s environment .

In addition to isolating the leak, continuous monitoring of the station’s pressure levels and structural integrity was maintained by both the onboard crew and ground control teams.

This ongoing surveillance is critical for detecting any further leaks and safeguarding the station’s environment .

In some cases, repairs have involved the use of specialized sealant materials, such as epoxy or patches, applied either during spacewalks outside the station or from within, depending on the location and severity of the leak .

For example, during the September 2020 air leak incident, NASA and Roscosmos collaborated to conduct a series of spacewalks and internal repairs, successfully stabilizing the cabin pressure and ensuring crew safety .

For leaks involving docked spacecraft, such as the Soyuz MS-22, the response included canceling planned spacewalks to prioritize crew safety and launching a replacement spacecraft to ensure a safe return option for astronauts, as the damaged capsule was deemed unfit for re-entry .

In the case of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which docked with the ISS in June 2024, a significant helium leak and thruster malfunctions were detected.

NASA and Boeing engineers responded by reviewing propulsion system data, conducting tests on the thrusters while the spacecraft remained docked, and using ground-based simulators to develop solutions.

The astronauts aboard remained safe, with no immediate urgency for return due to sufficient supplies and the non-critical nature of the helium leak .

**Ongoing Monitoring and Future Considerations:** The ISS continues to be closely monitored for further leaks or structural issues.

Both NASA and Roscosmos have emphasized that, despite these challenges, the crew has not been in immediate danger and the station remains operational .

The incidents have prompted discussions about the future of the ISS, with Roscosmos indicating plans to develop a new Russian manned orbital structure as an alternative to the aging station .

NASA, meanwhile, is collaborating with private companies to develop new commercial space stations, with the ISS planned for decommissioning by 2030 .

**Summary of Key Events for Dramatization:** - In late February 2024, a doubling of air loss in the Zvezda module was detected, leading to the closure of the affected hatch and continuous monitoring .

- Earlier, in December 2022, a micrometeoroid impact caused a significant leak in the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, altering crew return plans and extending astronaut Frank Rubio’s mission to a record 371 days .

- Small cracks discovered in the Zarya module in 2021 raised concerns about the station’s aging structure, though their direct role in air leaks was not confirmed .

- Repairs have included isolating affected areas, applying sealants or patches, canceling risky activities like spacewalks, and launching replacement spacecraft when necessary .

- Throughout these incidents, international cooperation and robust safety protocols have ensured that the crew remained safe and the station continued to function .

These real events provide a factual foundation for a dramatized retelling, offering opportunities to explore themes of teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, and the resilience required to maintain life and operations aboard the ISS in the face of unexpected challenges .

The International Space Station (ISS) has experienced several air leak incidents over its operational history, with the most notable and recent events occurring between 2020 and 2024.

The International Space Station (ISS) has experienced several air leak incidents over its operational history, with the most notable and recent events occurring between 2020 and 2024.

The International Space Station (ISS) has experienced several air leak incidents over its operational history, with the most notable and recent events occurring between 2020 and 2024.

These incidents have involved both the station’s Russian modules and docked spacecraft, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a complex, aging structure in the harsh environment of space .

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International Space Station did complete rotation during last week's mishap

International Space Station did complete rotation during last week's mishap
THAT’S OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY. JASON: NEW DETAILS ARE EMERGGIN ABOUT AN ISSUE WITH ETH INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. IT TURNS OUT THE RUSSIAN MODULE THAT MISFIRED LAST THURSDAY CAUSED THE STATION TO DO A COLEMPTE FLIP AND A HALF. THE SPINNING STARTED AFTER THE MODULE NAUKA DOCKED WITH THE SPACE STATION AND A SOFTWARE MALFUNCTION CAUSED IT’S -- MALFUNCTION CAUSED ITS THRUSTERS TO FIRE UNEXPECTEDLY. WE SPOKE TO A SPACE EXPERT WHO SAYS IT’S DANGEROUS FOR THE SPACE STATION TO BE TAKEN OUOFT ITS NORMAL ORIENTATION AS IT ORBITSHE T EARTH. >> CERTAINLY A LOT MORE STRESS WAS PUT ON ALL THE JOINTS MONGVI THEM BACK AND FORTH, AND SO THEY’RE ONLY DESIGNED FOR CERTAIN LIMITS AND THIS WAS CERTAINLY NEAR THOSE LIMITS. JASON: RUSSIA IN NOW DOING A DETAILED INVESTIGATION, LOOKING FOR DAMAGE. THAT COULD TAKE SOME TIME AS THE ISS SPANS THE LENGTH
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International Space Station did complete rotation during last week's mishap
We're still waiting on a new launch date for Boeing's Starliner space capsule.It was delayed twice.We are learning more about what caused that first delay. Headlines: Hospital officials raising concerns about latest surge of delta variantEarlier this week, WESH 2 News told you the launch was canceled because the International Space Station was tilted.Officials said a Russian module misfired because of a software malfunction and caused the station to rotate.Experts say it's dangerous for the space station to be taken out of its normal orientation as it orbits the Earth.Russia has launched an investigation into the malfunction.

We're still waiting on a new launch date for Boeing's Starliner space capsule.

It was delayed twice.

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We are learning more about what caused that first delay.

Headlines: Hospital officials raising concerns about latest surge of delta variant

Earlier this week, WESH 2 News told you the launch was canceled because the International Space Station was tilted.

Officials said a Russian module misfired because of a software malfunction and caused the station to rotate.

Experts say it's dangerous for the space station to be taken out of its normal orientation as it orbits the Earth.

Russia has launched an investigation into the malfunction.

Title:

Content: Do you believe in coincidences, comrade? —

Russia claims an “external impact” damaged its Progress spacecraft

Two Russian spacecraft in two months have been struck this way. Supposedly.

Russia's main space corporation, Roscosmos, provided updates on Tuesday about its two spacecraft that recently suffered failures to their cooling systems while attached to the International Space Station.

Although there were several items of note in these updates—which are not readily available to Western audiences due to Russian Internet restrictions—perhaps the most surprising claim is that both the Soyuz MS-22 and Progress MS-21 spacecraft were damaged near their heat radiators by "external impacts." This seems highly improbable, to say the least.

For those who haven't been paying attention to the Russian roulette in space in recent months, here's a summary of what has happened since mid-December:

  • On December 14, 2022, as two cosmonauts were preparing to conduct a spacewalk outside the space station, the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft docked nearby began to leak uncontrollably from its external cooling loop. This Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft had been due to bring cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin, as well as NASA's Frank Rubio, back to Earth in March.
  • On January 11, 2023, Roscosmos confirmed that a micrometeorite had struck the external cooling loop of the spacecraft and deemed it unsafe to fly home. Officials from Roscosmos and NASA said a replacement Soyuz spacecraft would launch to and autonomously dock with the station in February. The crew that would have flown in the damaged Soyuz MS-22 vehicle, including Rubio, will instead fly home in this Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft later in 2023.
  • On February 11, 2023, the Progress MS-21 supply ship attached to the International Space Station lost pressure in its external cooling system. Once again, all of the coolant on board a Russian spacecraft leaked into space due to a rupture. This vehicle, which had been docked to the ISS since October, has detached. Before it reentered Earth's atmosphere, the vehicle rotated itself to allow cosmonauts to photograph the damaged area.

Tuesday's updates provide some new information. In one of them, Roscosmos confirmed that the uncrewed Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft would launch to the space station on Friday at 00:24 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It will dock autonomously with the space station about two days later. Prokopyev, Petelin, and Rubio will fly home aboard this Soyuz in September. The Russian space corporation also said it does not plan any upgrades to the thermal control systems on its Soyuz and Progress vehicles, as this would be costly and increase the mass of the spacecraft.

In a second update, Roscosmos draws preliminary conclusions about the failure of the Progress MS-21 ship. "Based on a preliminary assessment of the situation with Progress MS-21 ...  the cargo ship experienced an external impact. This conclusion was made based on photos that revealed changes on the exterior of the vehicle." An external impact likely means either a micrometeorite or small fragment of orbital debris must have struck the Progress spacecraft.

As part of the update, Roscosmos released a photograph of the impact site on the Progress vehicle. When this image is compared to a photograph of the Soyuz MS-22 vehicle, there appears to be little commonality in the damaged area:

Although micrometeoroids and specks of orbital debris have periodically damaged the space station and visiting vehicles during more than two decades of operation, impacts have never resulted in "serious consequences" like with the Soyuz and Progress vehicles in the last two months. So what are the odds that two Russian vehicles would be struck in the same general area in two months, with both of these strikes disabling the spacecraft's thermal cooling systems? The odds seem incredibly low.

Moreover, if there are so many micrometeorites intersecting with the space station's orbit, why is the outpost not riddled with holes? NASA does not presently have a sensor or other means of recording hits to the ISS unless they cause notable damage. But given that the Soyuz and Progress vehicles only make up 1 percent or less of the station's footprint in space, the ISS would likely be incurring significant damage if there was a cloud of micrometeorites or debris.

Needless to say, all of this is pretty mysterious.

Channel Ars Technica

Title:

Content: Cosmonauts' spacewalk canceled at space station due to leak

NASA and Russia's space agency canceled a spacewalk by two Russian cosmonauts just as they were preparing to exit the International Space Station late Wednesday because of an apparent coolant leak from an attached space capsule.

NASA's Johnson Space Center said Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin were not in danger, nor were other astronauts on the space station. The cosmonauts had donned spacesuits and depressurized an airlock when the leak appeared on a live video feed.

It was the second time the Russian cosmonauts have had to cancel the spacewalk. As in the first attempt on Nov. 25, the pair had planned to move a radiator from one module attached to the space station to another. In that first attempt, a problem arose with coolant pumps on the cosmonauts' Russian-built Orlan spacesuits.

In Wednesday's incident, ground specialists saw a stream of fluid and particles on a live video feed from space, along with a pressure drop on instruments, emanating from the Soyuz MS-22 capsule that had carried Prokopyev and Petelin, along with NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, to the International Space Station in September. The leak was continuing from the Soyuz capsule, docked to one of the space station's modules, hours after its discovery.

The cosmonauts restored pressure to the airlock, removed their spacesuits and re-entered the space station, NASA reported.

Russia's space agency and NASA planned to investigate the Soyuz leak to determine how the capsule might have been affected. It wasn't immediately clear what effect the leak would have on the crew's mission.

Four other astronauts and one other cosmonaut are on board the space station.

**Detection of the Air Leak:** A significant air leak was detected in the Russian Zvezda module in late February 2024, when NASA reported that the rate of air loss had doubled from about one pound per day to two pounds per day.

This increase was observed approximately a week before the launch of a Progress supply mission, raising concerns about the station’s integrity and prompting immediate action .

The detection was made possible by the ISS’s pressure monitoring systems, which continuously track atmospheric conditions and alert the crew and ground control to any anomalies .

Title:

Content: 29 Feb, 2024 11:18

Russia comments on space station leak

A NASA official had previously reported that air loss from the Zvezda module had doubled

Air leaking from a segment of the International Space Station (ISS) poses no risk to its crew or the orbital outpost, the Russian space agency Roscosmos has said.

A NASA official had previously reported that the rate at which air was escaping from the satellite's Russian Zvezda module under certain circumstances had doubled. The situation is under control and being constantly monitored, the Roscosmos told Interfax on Wednesday, when asked about remarks by NASA’s ISS program manager, Joel Montalbano,.

”The aging of the station’s structure and the growing need for repair and maintenance work on board require a significant portion of the crew’s time,” Roscosmos said.

Montalbano mentioned the issue during this week’s briefing on the upcoming SpaceX Crew-8 mission, which is scheduled for launch on Friday.

”There is an area in the aft end of the International Space Station. [There is] a small leak. We’ve seen this leak increase about a week before the recent Progress launch and docking,” he said, referring to a Russian automatic supply freighter.

The volume of lost air has increased to about two pounds a day, compared to a pound a day previously, Montalbano said.

”The hatch is closed in that area. It’s not an impact on Crew-8, but I didn’t want anyone to be surprised, if they hear about that later,” he explained.

The use of the module for retrieving the Progress shipment didn’t pose any issues in terms of the leak, he said. The next opening of the hatch is expected in April. While it’s closed, the rest of the station is “solid.”

Technical issues at the ISS are being reported on a regular basis. Roscosmos has said the age of the station is a key reason why it is developing plans for a new purely Russian-manned orbital structure as an alternative to participating in the international project.

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Earlier, in September 2021, Russian cosmonauts discovered small cracks in the Zarya module, though it was unclear if these directly caused air leaks.

Earlier, in September 2021, Russian cosmonauts discovered small cracks in the Zarya module, though it was unclear if these directly caused air leaks.

Earlier, in September 2021, Russian cosmonauts discovered small cracks in the Zarya module, though it was unclear if these directly caused air leaks.

These findings underscored the need for vigilance as the station ages .

In December 2022, a separate but related incident occurred when a significant air leak was detected in the docked Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, caused by a micrometeoroid impact that punctured the capsule and led to coolant loss .

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Content: Home News No End in Sight: Boeing Starliner Astronauts Stuck in Space Odyssey

No End in Sight: Boeing Starliner Astronauts Stuck in Space Odyssey

NASA's Boeing Starliner astronauts remain stranded on the ISS due to technical glitches, raising concerns about the spacecraft's reliability and future missions.

NASA’s highly anticipated Boeing Starliner mission has hit another snag, leaving two astronauts stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with no immediate return date. This delay marks the latest in a string of setbacks for the Starliner program, raising questions about the spacecraft’s reliability and future missions.

A Mission Plagued by Technical Glitches

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, the two astronauts aboard the Starliner, embarked on their journey on June 5th, marking the spacecraft’s inaugural crewed mission. However, their scheduled one-week stay has been extended indefinitely due to multiple technical issues, including a malfunction in the reaction control system (RCS) thrusters responsible for maneuvering the spacecraft.

NASA and Boeing have been working tirelessly to diagnose and resolve the thruster anomaly. While the spacecraft remains safe and the astronauts are in good health, the delay highlights the complexities of spaceflight and the challenges faced in developing reliable spacecraft systems.

Helium Leak Adds to Woes

In addition to the thruster issue, a helium leak has further complicated the situation. Helium is a crucial component of the Starliner’s propulsion system, and the leak poses a potential risk to the spacecraft’s overall functionality. Engineers are investigating the source of the leak and devising a solution, but the uncertainty surrounding the issue has contributed to the ongoing delay.

Impact on Future Missions

The Starliner’s prolonged stay at the ISS has disrupted NASA’s carefully planned mission schedule. The agency had hoped to use the Starliner for regular crew rotations to and from the ISS, providing a much-needed alternative to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. However, with the Starliner’s return date uncertain, these plans are now in limbo.

Boeing, which has invested significant resources in developing the Starliner, is also facing mounting pressure. The company has already experienced several delays and setbacks in the program, including an uncrewed test flight in 2019 that failed to reach the ISS due to software issues. The current predicament further tarnishes the Starliner’s reputation and raises concerns about its viability as a reliable crew transportation vehicle.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, NASA and Boeing remain committed to resolving the technical issues and bringing the astronauts home safely. The extended stay at the ISS is providing valuable data to engineers, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the spacecraft’s systems and identify potential improvements for future missions.

However, the repeated delays have raised questions about the overall timeline of the Starliner program. NASA had initially hoped to certify the Starliner for regular crew flights by the end of 2023, but this goal now appears increasingly unrealistic. The agency will need to carefully assess the data gathered during the current mission and determine the necessary steps to ensure the Starliner’s reliability before proceeding with future crewed flights.

The Boeing Starliner’s extended stay at the ISS serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and risks associated with space exploration. While the astronauts remain safe and the situation is under control, the ongoing delays highlight the challenges faced in developing reliable spacecraft systems. As NASA and Boeing work to resolve the technical issues, the future of the Starliner program hangs in the balance, with its reputation and viability as a crew transportation vehicle on the line.

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Content: Russian space corporation reports leak in its module of International Space Station

MOSCOW (AA): The Russian Space Corporation (Roscosmos) has reported a leak in its module of the International Space Station (ISS).

There was a leak of coolant from the backup radiator circuit of the multipurpose laboratory module “Science,” it said in a statement.

The main thermal control circuit of the module operates normally, providing comfortable conditions in the residential area and there is no danger to the crew and the station, it said.

**Possible Causes of the Leak:** The primary cause of the Zvezda module air leak was attributed to the aging structure of the ISS.

**Possible Causes of the Leak:** The primary cause of the Zvezda module air leak was attributed to the aging structure of the ISS.

**Possible Causes of the Leak:** The primary cause of the Zvezda module air leak was attributed to the aging structure of the ISS.

Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, noted that the station’s infrastructure, operational for over two decades, requires increasingly frequent repairs and maintenance, which consume a significant portion of the crew’s time .

The discovery of small cracks in the Zarya module further highlighted the vulnerability of the station’s materials to wear and tear over time, though it remained uncertain whether these cracks were the direct source of the leaks .

In the case of the Soyuz MS-22 incident, the leak was definitively linked to a micrometeoroid impact, a known hazard in low Earth orbit that can puncture spacecraft and station modules despite shielding .

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Astronauts whose planned return spacecraft was harmed by a meteoroid to be brought back by a rescue ship

According to a statement released on Saturday by Russia’s space agency, three astronauts whose planned return spacecraft was damaged by a small meteoroid will be returned on February 24 by a rescue ship. According to a representative for the Roscosmos space agency, ‘the launch is anticipated on February 24.’

Russian cosmonauts Dmitry Petelin and Sergei Prokopyev, as well as NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, travelled to the International Space Station in September on board MS-22, which took off from the Russian-run Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

They were scheduled to return to Earth in the same spacecraft in March.

But, MS-22 began leaking coolant in the middle of December after being struck by what American and Russian space specialists believe to have been a small space pebble.

The launch was also delayed Monday when concerns were raised about the Progress MS-21, a Russian supply ship stationed at the International Space Station, which had also experienced coolant leakage.

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Other technical issues, such as software malfunctions and thruster misfires in Russian modules, have also raised concerns about structural stress that could indirectly contribute to leaks .

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NASA To Develop New & Flexible Framework For Novel Space Activities: US VP Kamala Harris

NASA will develop a new set of rules to inspire innovation and competition for novel space activities, US VP Kamala Harris said at the National Space Council.

Image: NASA

US Vice President Kamala Harris, during the National Space Council on September 9, said that her country’s space administration is devising new rules to enable novel space activities. During her address at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, she said that the new framework of rules would “promote innovation and enable competition” considering the entry of commercial companies into the space sector. Harris further said that these rules will be “flexible enough to cover space activities that have not yet even been imagined”.

The VP made these statements while affirming NASA’s participation in managing the International Space Station (ISS) after President Joe Biden announced the extension of the US’ role through 2030. “We are aware that the International Space Station will not be operational forever. Which is why NASA is working with the private sector to develop the first generation of space stations”, Harris said.

So far, multiple private players such as Sierra Space, Blue Origin, and Axiom Space are developing commercial orbital outposts which would eventually replace the ISS, which is currently run by five member states (the US, Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan). On the other hand, countries such as China and Russia are planning their own space stations which are expected to be completed in this very decade.

China’s space station named Tiangong is nearing its completion as two of its three modules have been launched and the third is expected to dock with the rest later this year. On the other hand, the Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS) is expected to be completed by 2025. Recently, Russian space chief Yuri Borisov announced that Moscow would exit the decades-old space station after 2024, however, NASA’s recent statement after a multilateral board meeting revealed that “each partner confirmed it will continue to work through respective government processes on station extension and utilization beyond 2024."

NASA’s plan to retire the ISS

Earlier this year, NASA released a plan to de-orbit the space station in 2030 and crash it into the Pacific Ocean, thus making way for commercial facilities. The plan states that the orbital outpost would be made to fall in a location called Point Nemo in the Pacific. This location is also called a graveyard of spacecraft as it is the most distant point from any land. Once above the targeted spot, mission controllers would use the space station’s propulsion systems to steer the outpost into the ocean.

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**Response and Repair Methods:** Upon detection of the increased air loss in the Zvezda module, the immediate response was to close the hatch to the affected area, effectively isolating the leak and preventing further air loss from the rest of the station.

This measure ensured that the rest of the ISS remained structurally sound and allowed the crew to continue their work safely .

NASA’s ISS program manager, Joel Montalbano, confirmed that the situation was under control and that the closed hatch would not impact the upcoming Crew-8 mission, with plans to reopen the hatch in April after further assessment .

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Content: Will Elon Musk's SpaceX rescue astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore stuck in space? Here's what we know

IT Worth Desk
Updated on Jun 26, 2024, 18:57 IST

Boeing's crewed space mission, which has faced many delays and technical problems, is causing worries as it will likely miss the planned date to bring back two NASA astronauts. Originally, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were supposed to come back to Earth from the International Space Station on June 22. But now, due to technical issues with the spacecraft, their return has been postponed to at least June 26.

Elon Musk's SpaceX might come to the rescue of Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore, who are currently stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) due to a troubling helium leak in their Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

Why Astronauts Stranded in Space?

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is currently stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical problems discovered in the Boeing spaceship they traveled in. Originally scheduled to return on June 26, it is now uncertain when Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore will be able to begin their journey back to Earth.

The Boeing Starliner, on its debut mission, has encountered several technical glitches, resulting in two launch delays. These persistent setbacks have raised concerns, exacerbated by allegations that the spaceship's issues were known beforehand.

The ISS, often described as a "mini city in space," serves as a research hub for astronauts from various space agencies worldwide.

Williams and Wilmore arrived at the ISS on June 5 and were initially slated to depart on June 26. NASA announced on June 22 that their stay on the space station would be extended.

Sunita Williams is stuck in space as Boeing can't bring its Starliner capsule back to Earth

According to reports, the Starliner has faced challenges including five helium leaks and issues with five out of its 28 thrusters, with at least 14 thrusters required for a safe return.

Also Read: Viral video: Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams dances with joy after reaching ISS

Steve Stich, NASA's commercial crew program manager, stated that the spaceship performed well while docked at the space station. The extended stay is being utilized to facilitate critical station activities and prepare for the astronauts' departure.

Williams, on her third space mission, had previously praised the Starliner as a "fantastic spacecraft."

However, allegations of negligence persist against Boeing. Whistleblowers have claimed that both Boeing and NASA managers were aware of technical faults with the Starliner before launch but proceeded regardless, deeming the issues too minor to postpone.

Multiple reports indicate that at least 20 whistleblowers have accused NASA of downplaying concerns and neglecting safety issues from the outset. Similar safety concerns against Boeing have been raised in the past.

David Calhoun, CEO of Boeing, defended the company's safety record during a recent Congressional hearing, stating they are proud of their safety practices.

Concerns about the Starliner extend to the astronauts' remaining fuel for their return journey, reportedly 27 days, though NASA asserts there is no urgency due to sufficient supplies aboard the station.

Additionally, ISS residents are dealing with a "superbug" called 'Enterobacter bugandensis,' a multi-drug resistant bacteria thriving in the enclosed environment of the ISS, affecting respiratory systems.

Also Read: Meet Elon Musk's mother Maye Musk

Can Elon Musk's SpaceX Rescue Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore?

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There’s a possibility that SpaceX might be called upon to bring Williams and Wilmore back using its Crew Dragon spacecraft, reported in HT. This situation would be a significant setback for Boeing, already facing $1.5 billion in cost overruns beyond its $4.5 billion NASA contract.

Despite the seriousness, NASA and Boeing officials have downplayed the need for SpaceX's intervention. They assert that the current issues with the Starliner do not require external help. Nevertheless, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which recently transported four astronauts to the ISS in March, remains ready for the task. It can accommodate up to four passengers, providing room for additional occupants in an emergency.

Since 2020, SpaceX has been the only commercial company approved to transport astronauts and cargo to the ISS, highlighting the competition and challenges within the commercial spaceflight sector.

What Next?

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams dances with joy after reaching ISS

Astronauts Wilmore and Williams will stay aboard the ISS until at least July 2 as officials investigate the helium leaks in the Starliner. Michael Lembeck, an aerospace engineering professor and former Boeing spaceflight consultant, believes the Starliner will still likely be the return vehicle. He stated, "The need for SpaceX to step up is very low. A big problem would have to arise in the next few days to warrant that reaction."

NASA’s decision to delay the astronauts' return allows more time to study the Starliner while it’s docked at the ISS, ensuring a thorough understanding of the issue. The capsule carrying the astronauts will return to Earth, but the service module, housing the engines, fuel, and helium tanks, will not. Despite the leaks, officials assure that Wilmore and Williams can still return home safely if necessary.

Also Read: Tesla boss Elon Musk slams Apple-OpenAI deal, threatens to ban Apple devices in his companies

A Significant Challenge for Boeing's Space Efforts

Experts believe that a rescue mission involving SpaceX would imply serious, potentially life-threatening defects with the Starliner. The last time NASA needed external help to bring an astronaut home was in 2022 when a Russian Soyuz capsule leak stranded American astronaut Frank Rubio. Although NASA considered SpaceX for that rescue, Rubio returned on an empty Soyuz capsule launched by Russia, extending his mission to a record-breaking 371 days.

Boeing's struggles highlight the high stakes and challenges of commercial spaceflight, with the recent incident serving as a significant setback to making the Starliner a viable option for ISS missions.

For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here

This approach of isolating affected areas is a standard protocol on the ISS and has been used in previous incidents, such as the Soyuz MS-22 leak, where the hatch between the ISS and the damaged spacecraft was sealed to prevent any impact on the station’s environment .

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Content: He's still in good spirits.

Record Breaker

NASA astronaut Frank Rubio has now spent more consecutive days in the Earth's orbit than any other NASA astronaut before him.

The 47-year-old US Army veteran has spent the last 355 days and counting aboard the International Space Station, a staggeringly long stay hundreds of miles above the Earth's surface.

"In some ways, it's been an incredible challenge," he said during a live stream on Wednesday. "But in other ways, it's been an incredible blessing."

Year in Space

The previous record for the longest time spent in orbit by an American was set by NASA astronaut Mark Vande last year, who topped out at 355 days on board the ISS.

The world record, however, is held by Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov, who spent 437 days back in 1994 on board the Soviet space station Mir.

Rubio's scheduled departure on September 27 means that he will spend a total of 371 days in space, as Agence France-Presse points out, without topping Polyakov's accomplishment.

He traveled to the space station last year on board a Russian Soyuz rocket alongside two other cosmonauts. Yet an unexpected leak of the docked capsule in December forced the three space travelers to fill in for the next crew and extend their stay significantly.

Unsurprisingly, spending almost an entire year on board a tiny space station has its toll, with Rubio describing the experience as "psychologically... a little bit of a challenge."

"Once you're up here for a little bit, you really get focused on the work and sometimes you forget to appreciate the fact that you are floating around and that you have this amazing view down below you," Rubio said during the livestream.

More on astronauts: Scientists Alarmed by What Space Station Astronauts Appear to Be Breathing

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In addition to isolating the leak, continuous monitoring of the station’s pressure levels and structural integrity was maintained by both the onboard crew and ground control teams.

In addition to isolating the leak, continuous monitoring of the station’s pressure levels and structural integrity was maintained by both the onboard crew and ground control teams.

This ongoing surveillance is critical for detecting any further leaks and safeguarding the station’s environment .

In some cases, repairs have involved the use of specialized sealant materials, such as epoxy or patches, applied either during spacewalks outside the station or from within, depending on the location and severity of the leak .

For example, during the September 2020 air leak incident, NASA and Roscosmos collaborated to conduct a series of spacewalks and internal repairs, successfully stabilizing the cabin pressure and ensuring crew safety .

For leaks involving docked spacecraft, such as the Soyuz MS-22, the response included canceling planned spacewalks to prioritize crew safety and launching a replacement spacecraft to ensure a safe return option for astronauts, as the damaged capsule was deemed unfit for re-entry .

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Content:
"This Is Bad" - Russian Cosmonauts Discovery Tiny Cracks In Space Station

by Tyler Durden
Saturday, Sep 04, 2021 - 09:55 AM

Russian cosmonauts have discovered small cracks on the International Space Station (ISS), and it's unclear whether the cracks are causing air leaks in the orbiting space lab, according to Reuters

Vladimir Solovyov, the chief engineer of Moscow-based company Energia, the top contractor for Russia's spaceflight program, told Russia's state-owned RIA news agency that "superficial fissures have been found in some places on the Zarya module."

Solovyov warned: "This is bad and suggests that the fissures will begin to spread over time."

He didn't mention if the cracks were the source of air leaks which Russian cosmonauts discovered.

The 23-year old space station has been fraught with problems. NASA and the Russian Space Agency Roscosmos searched for a small air leak last year when air pressure dropped in the space station.

Readers may recall, in 2018, the station experienced an air leak that was initially thought to be the result of a micrometeorite - but turned out to be a "deliberate sabotage."

Several other recent incidents have been reported on the space station, such as a software glitch that ignited thrusters on the Russian research module Nauka and sent the ISS out of normal pitch. There was also a piece of space junk that sliced through a robotic arm

Meanwhile, Moscow has given their farewell warning that it will depart from the ISS in 2025. Russian officials have said the aging ISS is too dangerous for their cosmonauts:

"We can't risk the lives [of our cosmonauts]. The situation that today is connected to the structure and the metal getting old, it can lead to irreversible consequences - to catastrophe," Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov recently said.

At the same time, China has launched a new space station that is expected to outlast the ISS.

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Content: September 20, 2023

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An astronaut is ready to shut up after logging a full year in space

After spending a year listening to the constant hum of the complex machinery that makes the International Space Station livable, astronaut Frank Rubio is looking forward to some silence on Earth.

Mr. Rubio is scheduled to return to Earth next week after a 371-day mission, the longest solo spaceflight by an American astronaut.

On September 11, he surpassed the previous record for the longest continuous space flight by an American, and he will complete a full year in space on Thursday. in Press Conference On Tuesday, Mr. Rubio spoke by video from the International Space Station about what he was most looking forward to when he returns home on September 27: his family, fresh food, and silence.

“For me, honestly, obviously hugging my wife and kids is going to be super important, and I’ll probably focus on that for the first couple of days,” Rubio said, gently swaying in zero gravity.

He said he’s also looking forward to returning to his quiet backyard and “enjoying the trees and the silence.”

His homecoming will be all the more exciting because when Rubio blasted off on a Russian Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan last September, he expected to return home within six months, not a year.

Those plans changed after a coolant leak was discovered in the Soyuz spacecraft in December. A leak could have occurred Potentially deadly hot temperatures for the crew when they returned to Earth, so a different spacecraft was sent to the space station, delaying Mr. Rubio’s return flight.

Mr. Rubio said that if he had been asked to do a year-long assignment before starting training, he would have declined because of his family. But he said that if NASA had asked him to undertake such a deeper journey during his two years of training, he would have agreed because it was his job.

See also  Stunning NASA James Webb Telescope image reveals Neptune's minute rings

He admitted that spending a year in space away from loved ones had taken a psychological toll, and said it was important to remain mentally strong because of the “absolutely unforgiving environment of the space station.”

“The one thing I tried to do, and I hope I accomplished — I certainly didn’t do it perfectly — is just stay positive and stay consistent throughout the mission despite the internal ups and downs,” Mr. Rubio said. . “You just try to focus on the job and the mission and stay consistent, because at the end of the day you have to show up and do the work every day.”

Before Mr. Rubio’s mission, Mark Vande Heij, who returned to Earth in March 2022 after 355 days aboard the International Space Station, held the record for the longest continuous spaceflight by an American. Dr. Valery Polyakov, the Russian cosmonaut who died last year, holds the world record for consecutive days spent in space: 437.

Aboard the space station, Mr. Rubio worked on a number of… Scientific projectsincluding investigations into how bacteria adapt to spaceflight and how exercise affects humans during long missions.

In a previous interview With NASA, Mr. Rubio said one of his favorite projects was studying tomato plants to see how air- and water-based farming techniques affect the plants. The research could help find ways to grow crops on a larger scale in space.

“I love working with this little plant and seeing it grow and develop,” he said.

At Tuesday’s press conference, Mr. Rubio spoke of the camaraderie aboard the space station. During his time there, he had 28 crew members, including his friend Laurel O’Haraa fellow NASA astronaut who arrived at the space station last week.

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When people first arrive at the space station, those on board help teach them basic tasks, such as how to use the bathroom, how to prepare food, and how to sleep, Mr. Rubio said.

“All the little things that you take for granted on Earth, you have to relearn here,” Rubio said.

Before joining the space program, Mr. Rubio He served in the US Army He joined the College of Medicine. He has flown more than 1,100 hours as a helicopter pilot, which included deployments to Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. He was born in Los Angeles, but considers Miami his hometown.

On his first day in space, Mr. Rubio said he felt sick as his body adjusted to life in zero gravity. He is now preparing for his muscles and bones to get used to standing and bearing weight again. He estimated it would take two to six months before he felt normal.

“This is my first mission, and I don’t know how my body will react,” he said.

In the case of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which docked with the ISS in June 2024, a significant helium leak and thruster malfunctions were detected.

In the case of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which docked with the ISS in June 2024, a significant helium leak and thruster malfunctions were detected.

In the case of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which docked with the ISS in June 2024, a significant helium leak and thruster malfunctions were detected.

NASA and Boeing engineers responded by reviewing propulsion system data, conducting tests on the thrusters while the spacecraft remained docked, and using ground-based simulators to develop solutions.

The astronauts aboard remained safe, with no immediate urgency for return due to sufficient supplies and the non-critical nature of the helium leak .

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Content: Tech

International Space Station will hurtle to Earth in 2031— but it won’t hit you

What went way, way up must come way, way down.

After more than 30 years as the world’s cosmic crash pad, NASA has said that the International Space Station will be “de-orbited” and come hurtling down 227 miles towards Earth at a rate of 17,000 miles per hour in January 2031.

The 356-feet wide galactic vessel will likely come down in a fiery blaze as it passes through Earth’s atmosphere.

But don’t worry: it certainly won’t come down on any people. Rather, it will meet its watery demise in the South Pacific.

The space agency’s recent budget estimates report showed plans to decommission the ISS by 2030 before it splashes down at Point Nemo, about 1,677 miles (2,700 kilometers) away from land on all sides.

Sometimes called the “Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility” or the “South Pacific Uninhabited Area,” the marine zone has for decades been used as a graveyard for old space equipment, such as satellites or rocket debris.

NASA called the waters of Point Nemo “pretty much the farthest place from any human civilization you can find.”

As far as a replacement down the road, there won’t be any new and improved ISS; rather, NASA intends to work with commercial spaceflight ventures to board their astronauts during long-haul stints in orbit — while saving an estimated $1.3 billion in just the first year after vacating the ISS.

Robyn Gatens, the director of the International Space Station at NASA headquarters, said their goal is to “lay the groundwork for a commercial future in low-Earth orbit.”

Phil McAlister, the director of commercial space at NASA headquarters, also added in a statement, “We look forward to sharing our lessons learned and operations experience with the private sector to help them develop safe, reliable and cost-effective destinations in space.”

The agency added that money saved on space station maintenance may “be applied to NASA’s deep space exploration initiatives, allowing the agency to explore further and faster into deep space.”

Last year, a Russian space official warned of small cracks in the ISS structure that engineers fear may become too big — and expensive — to repair and maintain going forward. ISS was “examining the recent technical issues aboard the Russian segment,” NASA said in its report.

The space station, about the size of a football field, has continuously held astronauts since the year 2000, though it was originally intended to operate for only 15 years.

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Content: SpaceX, NASA launch Crew-8 astronaut mission to International Space Station

Florida, United StatesEdited By: Trisha PathakUpdated: Mar 04, 2024, 04:55 PM IST
The four-member crew will return to Earth in the fall. They will spend spend six months at the ISS. Photograph:(Twitter)

Story highlights

NASA astronauts involved in the mission are Commander Mattew Dominick, Pilot Michael Barratt, and Mission Specialists Jeanette Epps and Alexander Grebenkin, a Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut. Barratt would be making his third visit to the ISS with this mission.

SpaceX has successfully launched the Crew-8 mission in collaboration with NASA on Sunday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA and SpaceX launched a crew of four to the International Space Station in the Dragon spacecraft, marking the third attempt after they cancelled it twice due to poor weather conditions. The launch marked SpaceX's eighth crew rotation mission in the ISS with NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

NASA astronauts involved in the mission are Commander Mattew Dominick, Pilot Michael Barratt, and Mission Specialists Jeanette Epps and Alexander Grebenkin, a Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut. Barratt would be making his third visit to the ISS with this mission.

The four-member crew will return to Earth in the fall. They will spend spend six months at the ISS.

SpaceX used their "reusable, two-stage rocket" Falcon 9 to launch the Dragon spacecraft. After detaching from Dragon, the Falcon 9 will land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

A few days ahead of the launch, the administrators discovered a small air leak at the space station. ISS Program Manager Joel Montalbano stated at a Crew-8 mission briefing, "It's not an impact to Crew-8, but I didn't want anybody to be surprised."

At 10:53 pm on Sunday, the mission lifted off after the engineers concluded that a small crack on the hatch seal wouldn't be an issue in launching the mission. The mission crew members cheered on the ground as the first-stage booster separated from Dragon and the spacecraft moved towards space.

The crew will perform over 200 science experiments at the ISS, often referred to as a "floating laboratory." These experiments are a part of the long-term mission to prepare humanity for long-term stays in space.

One such experiment is taking stem cells to space to study their effects on degenerative disease. Another involves observing the cellular impact of microgravity and ultraviolet radiation on plants.

Furthermore, the crew will test pressure cuffs on legs to check whether they help relieve health problems. Astronauts will also see whether microalgae can help remove carbon dioxide from the air, providing food and oxygen for them.

In the last year, SpaceX undertook almost a hundred launches. Their next launch is the Transporter-10 mission. SpaceX's official website says, "Transporter-10 is SpaceX's 10th dedicated smallsat rideshare mission. There will be 53 payloads on this flight, including CubeSats, MicroSats, and a hosted payload."

(With inputs from agencies)

**Ongoing Monitoring and Future Considerations:** The ISS continues to be closely monitored for further leaks or structural issues.

**Ongoing Monitoring and Future Considerations:** The ISS continues to be closely monitored for further leaks or structural issues.

**Ongoing Monitoring and Future Considerations:** The ISS continues to be closely monitored for further leaks or structural issues.

Both NASA and Roscosmos have emphasized that, despite these challenges, the crew has not been in immediate danger and the station remains operational .

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Content: Unexplained leak from docked Soyuz spacecraft cancels Russian ISS spacewalk

WASHINGTON - A routine spacewalk by two Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) was called off on Thursday as it was about to begin after flight controllers noticed a stream of particles spewing from a docked Soyuz spacecraft, a Nasa webcast showed.

The apparent leak – visible in Nasa’s live video feed and appeared as a torrent of snowflake-like particles spraying from the rear section of the Soyuz MS-22 capsule – seemed to be liquid escaping from the spacecraft, possibly coolant, a Nasa commentator said.

Nasa said none of the seven members of the current ISS crew - three Russian cosmonauts, three US astronauts and a Japanese astronaut - were thought to be in any danger.

The mishap occurred just before two of the cosmonauts, crew commander Sergey Prokopyev and flight engineer Dimitri Petelin, suited up for a planned spacewalk to move a radiator from one module to another on the Russian segment of the ISS.

An official for Russia’s mission control operations near Moscow was heard telling Commander Prokopyev and Specialist Petelin in a radio transmission that their spacewalk was being cancelled while engineers worked to determine the nature and origin of the leak.

The Nasa commentator on the livestream, Mr Rob Navias, broadcasting from Nasa’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, also said the spacewalk was called off because of the leak, which began about 7.45 pm EST (8.45am, Thursday, in Singapore).

He said the Soyuz spacecraft arrived at the space station in September, bringing Commander Prokopyev, Specialist Petelin and US astronaut Frank Rubio to the ISS, and has remained attached to the Earth-facing side of the orbital laboratory outpost.

The spacewalk planned for Wednesday was postponed once before, in late November, because of faulty cooling pumps in the cosmonauts’ spacesuits, Mr Navias said.

The spacewalk was to be the 12th this year at the ISS and the 257th in the history of the 20-year-old platform. Spacewalks are typically done for space station assembly, maintenance and upgrades, according to Nasa.

Mr Navias said it was too soon to know what implications the apparent leak might have for the future safety and operation of that spacecraft, and whether it might pose any difficulties for returning crew to Earth at the end of their mission.

The ISS, spanning the length of a US football field, has been continuously occupied since 2000, operated by a US-Russian-led partnership that includes Canada, Japan and 11 European countries. REUTERS

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The incidents have prompted discussions about the future of the ISS, with Roscosmos indicating plans to develop a new Russian manned orbital structure as an alternative to the aging station .

NASA, meanwhile, is collaborating with private companies to develop new commercial space stations, with the ISS planned for decommissioning by 2030 .

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Content: NASA Astronauts Put Boeing’s Starliner to the Test in Earth Orbit

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard, approaches the International Space Station for an autonomous docking as it orbited 257 miles above the South Pacific Ocean. Credit: NASA Television

NASA astronauts on the International Space Station are testing the Boeing Starliner for future crewed missions. Their tasks include emergency scenario preparations and habitability studies, while ground teams handle system assessments to confirm the spacecraft’s performance for a safe return.

While orbiting Earth as part of the nine-person crew of the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams continue testing Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft as part of its first flight with astronauts. The testing is part of the data collection on the Starliner system for certification by NASA for regular crewed missions to the orbital complex.

Key Flight Objectives and Testing Activities

As part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test, Wilmore and Williams, along with teams on the ground, are stepping through numerous flight objectives following the arrival of Starliner to the space station on June 6, including:

  • Powering the spacecraft down into a minimal power mode, which it will enter during operational missions while the crew works aboard the station, and then powering it up again;
  • Conducting “safe haven” checks to show the spacecraft can support a crew with its own air and consumables during in an emergency on the station;
  • Performing a habitability study, along with astronauts Tracy Dyson and Matthew Dominick,to evaluate seating positions and other factors, such as air circulation for a four-person crew;
  • Evaluating spacesuit and seat-fits, as well as checkouts of the service module’s batteries.

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on NASA’s Crew Flight Test approaches the International Space Station while orbiting 263 miles above Quebec, Canada, on June 6. Credit: NASA

Ground Support and System Evaluations

Meanwhile, ground teams continue to assess and monitor Starliner’s performance and planning for return of the mission no earlier than Tuesday, June 18, pending weather and spacecraft readiness. Starliner is cleared for crew emergency return scenarios from the space station, if needed, in accordance with the flight rules.

In-Flight System Performance and Safety Checks

While Starliner remains docked to station, ground teams are continuing to evaluate propulsion system in-flight observations.

“Butch and Suni are doing great aboard station as ground teams continue digging into the details of Starliner’s on-orbit, rendezvous, and docked performance,” said Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “We expected to do a lot of valuable learning on this test flight, and I am extremely proud of how the NASA and Boeing teams are working together to ensure we can safely execute the return portion of the mission.”

This view from a window on the cupola overlooks a portion of the International Space and shows the partially obscured Starliner spacecraft from Boeing docked to the Harmony module’s forward port. Credit: NASA

Propulsion System Analysis and RCS Troubleshooting

One of Starliner’s aft-facing reaction control system (RCS) thrusters, capable of about 85 pounds of thrust, remains de-selected as teams continue to evaluate its performance. Ground teams plan to fire all 28 RCS thrusters after undocking to collect additional data signatures on the service module thrusters before the hardware is expended.

As part of normal operations, the service module separates from the crew module on return, so NASA and Boeing will gather as much data as possible to aid in system assessments.

Mission Safety Evaluations and Valve Inspections

Teams currently are assessing what impacts, if any, five small leaks in the service module helium manifolds would have on the remainder of the mission. Engineers evaluated the helium supply based on current leak rates and determined that Starliner has plenty of margin to support the return trip from station. Only seven hours of free-flight time is needed to perform a normal end of mission, and Starliner currently has enough helium left in its tanks to support 70 hours of free flight activity following undocking. While Starliner is docked, all the manifolds are closed per normal mission operations preventing helium loss from the tanks.

Engineers also are evaluating an RCS oxidizer isolation valve in the service module that is not properly closed. Ground teams performed a successful propulsion system valve checkout on Sunday. All other oxidizer and fuel valves within the service module were cycled normally. The suspect oxidizer isolation valve was not cycled in the recent checkout. It will remain commanded closed for the remainder of the mission while ground teams continue to evaluate its data signatures. The crew module propulsion valves, which are part of an independent system that steers the capsule in the last phase of flight before landing, also were successfully cycled, and all those valves are performing as designed.

Preparing for Starliner’s Return

Mission managers are continuing to work through the return plan, which includes assessments of flight rationale, fault tolerance, and potential operational mitigations for the remainder of the flight. NASA and Boeing will hold a pre-departure media teleconference to provide additional updates before Starliner undocks from the space station.

Conclusion and Upcoming Undocking

With launch and docking already completed, the last remaining dynamic phase of the mission will come at the end of the flight test when Starliner will undock from the orbiting laboratory and then adjust its orbit to move away from the space station. The spacecraft, with Wilmore and Williams aboard, will perform a deorbit burn before entering the atmosphere and landing in the southwestern United States under parachutes and landing airbags to complete the flight.

As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, the mission is the first crewed flight for the Starliner spacecraft.

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**Summary of Key Events for Dramatization:** - In late February 2024, a doubling of air loss in the Zvezda module was detected, leading to the closure of the affected hatch and continuous monitoring .

- Earlier, in December 2022, a micrometeoroid impact caused a significant leak in the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, altering crew return plans and extending astronaut Frank Rubio’s mission to a record 371 days .

- Small cracks discovered in the Zarya module in 2021 raised concerns about the station’s aging structure, though their direct role in air leaks was not confirmed .

- Repairs have included isolating affected areas, applying sealants or patches, canceling risky activities like spacewalks, and launching replacement spacecraft when necessary .

- Throughout these incidents, international cooperation and robust safety protocols have ensured that the crew remained safe and the station continued to function .

These real events provide a factual foundation for a dramatized retelling, offering opportunities to explore themes of teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, and the resilience required to maintain life and operations aboard the ISS in the face of unexpected challenges .