International Space Station Leak: NASA and Roscosmos Disagree on Severity and Future Risks

ISS)에서 자유 비행 로봇 시스템의 운영 및 개선]NASA is reaching out to U.S. companies to gain insight into the operation and improvement of free-flying robotic systems on the International Space Station (ISS). The initiative is part of NASA's ongoing efforts to advance science, education, and technology in low Earth orbit for broad benefit: AINet”>International Space Station Faces Leak Concerns

The International Space Station (ISS) has detected a leak. NASA considers this situation very serious, while Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, has a different view.

The leak is located in the Russian segment of the station, specifically the PrK module. Both NASA and Roscosmos have been aware of this issue since at least 2019, but the exact cause remains unclear. Since its discovery, astronauts have taken steps to reduce its impact, including sealing off the affected section when it is not in use.

However, NASA reports that the leak is worsening, which poses risks to the ISS’s operations planned through 2030. Some NASA officials warn that the leak could lead to a major failure of the station.

In contrast, Russian space officials downplay the severity of the leak. They assert that it will not threaten the ISS’s future operations.

The ISS has been continuously inhabited since November 2000. Many parts of its infrastructure are over 25 years old. Wear and tear over the years, along with additional pressure from impacts with small debris and micrometeoroids, may have caused small cracks to form.

NASA and Roscosmos agree to close the leaking section if the air loss increases significantly. However, they have not yet defined what constitutes an “unsustainable rate” of air loss. Currently, air escapes at a rate of about 0.9 to 1.1 kilograms per day, although it spiked to 1.7 kg per day in April.

Both agencies are monitoring the situation closely. NASA plans to add extra seats on the SpaceX Crew Dragon in case an evacuation of astronauts becomes necessary. Astronaut Michael Barratt from NASA stated, “The station is aging. We expect to see more damage in other areas.”

The ISS is expected to operate until 2030, after which it will be decommissioned and brought down into Earth’s atmosphere. NASA does not have plans to replace the ISS and will instead focus on crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.