NASA Delays ISS Mission Over Russian Segment Air Leak Concerns
NASA has postponed a four-person crew mission to the International Space Station (ISS) due to concerns about air leaks in its Russian section. The decision was made after new pressure issues were found in the Zvezda Service Module, a key component that has experienced recurring leaks.
New Pressure Issues Discovered
The US space agency is working closely with Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, to understand a fresh pressure pattern. This was detected by cosmonauts inside the Zvezda module, which has been part of the ISS for over 20 years. In recent weeks, astronauts carried out inspections and sealed areas showing signs of leaks.
According to NASA, the crew on board also checked the module’s interior surfaces and measured how much air was escaping. The latest tests show the module is now holding pressure, though NASA has not revealed the exact leak rate.
Ongoing Concerns at NASA About Ageing ISS
Although the air leaks have been minor and not an immediate safety threat, they highlight ongoing issues with the ISS’s ageing structure. Most of these problems are found in the Russian-built sections of the station. Engineers from both agencies have been patching the leaks using materials like tape and glue. These repeated incidents are one reason the international team plans to retire the ISS by 2030.
Indian Astronaut Among Delayed Crew
One of the astronauts affected by the mission delay is Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force pilot. He is set to become the first astronaut from India’s astronaut corps to visit the ISS. Shukla is also in training for India’s first crewed space mission, Gaganyaan, which is planned for 2027.
Shukla’s trip is part of Axiom Mission 4, a collaborative spaceflight designed to deepen global cooperation in space exploration. The revised launch date for this mission has not yet been announced.
with inputs from Reuters
