NASA astronauts aboard the ISS are currently working hard to find and repair a small, persistent air leak aboard the space station. While an air leak in a space station orbiting the Earth appears to be a significant risk, NASA has stated that the leak is within segment specifications and does not pose an immediate danger to the crew or the space station. Some air leakage from the station is normal, and NASA says this particular leak has been on its radar for a while.
The first indications of the leak were seen in September 2019. An increase in the leak rate has led to increased efforts to locate the source so that it can be repaired. The crew currently on board the ISS includes NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy and Russian cosmonauts Ivan Vagner and Anatoly Ivanishin. The trio began searching for the leak on Friday and will spend through Monday in Russian service module Zvezda.
NASA says that by staying in the segment of the station with the leak, the astronauts’ chances have found the source. Staying in the segment, the crews can also close station hatches so that the air pressure in each section can be controlled.
NASA is clear that the test does not present any safety challenges for the crew. However, shutting down the hatches can help mission controllers figure out where the leak is coming from. Initial results of the tests are expected next week.
Once the source of the leak is detected, the crew will determine if it can be repaired. It is unclear exactly which repair methods will be used, but NASA certainly has a plan.
