NASA Astronauts Stranded in Space Face New Crisis: Leak Alarm on ISS

Berfin Ceren Meray
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After a technical malfunction left them stranded on the International Space Station since June, two NASA astronauts are facing yet another challenge. A leak alarm has sounded on the ISS, adding to their list of ordeals as they await a return to Earth in February. What does this mean for their safety? Get all the latest details on this developing space drama.

Two NASA astronauts embarked on new space missions at the beginning of June.

A successful launch was conducted using Boeing's Starliner vehicle, and the astronauts were originally scheduled to return to Earth in July. However, it was announced that the Starliner was not suitable for re-entry due to a malfunction.

The astronauts, waiting to return home at the International Space Station (ISS), faced multiple delays.

The Starliner vehicle recently returned to Earth unmanned. For the astronauts to make their way back, a new space vehicle needed to be sent to the ISS.

Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, successfully transported NASA's astronauts to the ISS for their new missions.

It is planned that the two previously stranded astronauts, along with five others on new missions, will return to Earth together in February. However, the unlucky astronauts encountered another issue on the ISS.

A leak on the ISS has raised concerns that the astronauts might need to be evacuated.

Due to 50 'worrisome areas' and four cracks in a Russian-made module, the astronauts were forced to relocate to the U.S. side of the ISS. If the leak becomes severe, the station could experience a significant loss of pressure and oxygen. In such a case, the astronauts would need to leave the station immediately.

In case of an emergency alert, the astronauts must quickly seal off the leaking area and move to evacuation vehicles.

They would also need to suit up promptly and launch the vehicles within minutes. SpaceX's Dragon capsule has been noted as a reliable option in emergencies. The primary leak appears to be located in the Russian service module, which provides life support, flight control, and propulsion systems for the station. American astronauts on the ISS are prepared to escape using SpaceX's capsule if necessary. Since the SpaceX vehicle has an additional seat, it can also accommodate Russian astronauts. However, this could potentially lead to tensions between Russia and the U.S.

Currently, NASA has no evacuation plan in place.

Additionally, there are shelters on the station where astronauts can remain safe for a period of time. This leak issue on the ISS has been ongoing since 2019. Even without an emergency, if the leak persists at this rate, the station might need to be decommissioned earlier than planned.