Produced by: Manoj Kumar
NASA's astronauts on the ISS are on high alert as safety concerns escalate. A mysterious air leak in the Russian Zvezda module has worsened, prompting a readiness protocol for a swift evacuation. The agency is tracking numerous "areas of concern" that could intensify this critical situation.
NASA has declared cracks in the ISS's Russian service module a "top safety risk." The threat level is now at five out of five, with the agency and Roscosmos monitoring 50 potential problem areas. This critical issue has intensified since its detection in 2019.
Astronauts have been instructed to stay close to their spacecraft whenever the Zvezda module is opened. This precaution ensures they can swiftly evacuate if necessary, underscoring the urgent and delicate situation aboard the ISS.
Despite NASA and Roscosmos's efforts since 2019, the source of the air leak remains unknown. Temporary patches and sealants have been applied, yet the leak rate hit record highs this year, heightening the need for continuous monitoring.
NASA and Roscosmos now limit access to the Zvezda module to critical use only, sealing it off each evening. This extreme measure marks the first time such restrictions have been imposed on the ISS, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
In addition to the leak, the ISS faces an increased risk from micrometeoroids and orbital debris. NASA ranks this threat among the highest, noting that debris could cause severe damage, complicating evacuation and endangering crew safety.
Earlier this year, the Zvezda module's leak rate surged to an unprecedented 3.7 lbs per day. NASA has ramped up its response as efforts to contain the leak only temporarily stabilize this worrying trend on the aging station.
NASA paid SpaceX to develop an emergency evacuation plan for American astronauts. This contingency reflects the urgent need for alternative return options as cracks worsen and concerns over ISS stability grow.
As the ISS exceeds its intended lifespan, over 500 parts are operating past their prime. NASA, aware of the limitations, hopes to maintain station use until 2030, but the future remains uncertain as both time and resources strain.