The decision to have the astronauts take shelter in the spacecraft was made “out of an abundance of caution,” according to a NASA spokesperson
The International Space Station is experiencing an air leak Credit: Paolo Nespoli – ESA/NASA via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
NASA astronauts were ordered to shelter in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on June 5 due to an air leak on the ISS
A spokesperson said the Zvezda service module has experienced cracks and leaks, prompting ongoing repairs by Roscosmos and NASA
A more extensive repair operation is planned as NASA and Roscosmos work toward a permanent solution, the spokesperson added
Several astronauts, including Americans, were ordered to evacuate the International Space Station amid a worsening air leak.
NASA directed astronaut Chris Williams and all four of its SpaceX Crew-12 members to take shelter in the Dragon spacecraft on Friday, June 5, as repairs were made to stop the air leak on the ISS, according to a statement posted on X by NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens.
The decision to have the astronauts take shelter in the spacecraft was made “out of an abundance of caution,” Stevens said.
About an hour later, Stevens said in an update that the NASA crew members were allowed to return to the ISS after Roscosmos paused the structural repair “as more measurements and data is assessed.”
In her first statement, Stevens said the Zvezda service module transfer tunnel, known as PrK, "has suffered from cracks and leaks for some time, and has been mitigated by Roscosmos as much as possible to date."
The cracks, she added, “have always been a concern that NASA watches very closely.”
“NASA and Roscosmos have been working to determine the root cause of the cracks, and Roscosmos manages the issue through operational mitigation measures and periodic partial-repair efforts,” Stevens continued.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“Following new leaks, Roscosmos has elected to proceed with a more extensive repair operation on Friday, June 5,” she added.
Stevens said NASA will continue to work with their Russian counterparts and the rest of the international community that supports the space station “to arrive at a more permanent resolution.”
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
Parsons has gone from YouTube creator to A24’s youngest-ever director Kane ParsonsCredit: A24 NEED TO KNOW Kane Parsons is the director of A24’s Backrooms,...
Including picks that work for beach days, barbecues, and more Credit: Amazon Best Amazon Outlet Sandal Deals Cloud-Like Cushioned Soles: Veittes Flat Slide Sandals,...
