The space station has leaks, but it does not compromise the mission.
It is considered a "serious risk to security."
The International Space Station (ISS) contains some modules that have been in orbit for nearly twenty-five years, which can be considered a considerable amount of time in the realm of space technology. One notable area, the Zvezda module, which was added in 2000, has experienced a leak problem that began to be detected five years ago. However, throughout 2024, the rate of this leak has increased significantly, reaching a level three times higher than that recorded in 2019.
According to a recent report from the Inspector General, the cracks and leaks have been classified as a "critical safety risk." As a result, both NASA and the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, have intensified their efforts to identify the origin of the problem and understand the risk it poses to the station's operations, as well as to carry out the necessary repairs.
The Zvezda module is designed to allow for some leakage, mainly due to its configuration, which includes eight docking ports for spacecraft; complete air escape cannot be entirely avoided. However, the increasing level of leakage suggests that there may be cracks in different parts of the module. So far, cosmonauts have been conducting inspections with specialized instruments to detect small defects on the surface of the module.
In response to this situation, sealant has already been applied to some cracks, leading to a slight reduction in the problem. Additionally, an access tunnel in Zvezda has been kept closed as much as possible between dockings to limit leakage in that area.
Although the current leaks are microscopic and do not pose an immediate risk to the structural integrity of the ISS or the safety of the astronauts, the loss of air is a concern to consider. Fortunately, the station is designed to be replenished with oxygen, water, and other essential supplies, which is crucial for extended missions in space.
The water and oxygen recycling system on the station is remarkable, as it allows astronauts to convert wastewater into oxygen through an electrolysis process, thereby ensuring the availability of these resources.
Despite the challenges facing the ISS, such as orbital debris and wear on its components, constant monitoring and repairs are crucial to extend its operability until 2030. As time progresses, it will be vital for both agencies to maintain a rigorous approach to monitoring and repairing these known issues.
