Leak on space station triggers brief safety alert
NASA gave the all clear and the astronauts were able to return to their stations.
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NASA gave the all clear and the astronauts were able to return to their stations.
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WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Astronauts working on the International Space Station (ISS) briefly sheltered in a docked capsule Friday as Russian colleagues assessed leak repairs, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said.
Five astronauts had briefly entered the docked Dragon spacecraft as a precautionary measure — the capsule functions as a lifeboat of sorts in the case an evacuation is needed.
NASA gave the all clear and the astronauts were able to return to their stations.
A NASA spokesperson told Agence France-Presse that Roscosmos cosmonauts took measurements of the leaks and were now assessing data.
“With today’s operations, they wanted to be extra safe, extra precautionary and have the crew move into the safe haven posture,” the spokesperson said.
NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens then said on social media that “NASA has instructed the crew members inside the Dragon spacecraft to end the safe haven procedures and return to planned operations aboard the International Space Station.”
In a statement cited by Russian state media, Russia’s Roscosmos space agency said that while pressurizing the transfer chamber, known as PrK, a leak was recorded.
“During an inspection of the PrK, the cosmonauts discovered two potential air leak sites. The first was promptly sealed by applying the first layer of the two-component sealant ‘Germetall 1.’ The second site is located on the conical part of the PrK. Work is underway to prepare for its sealing,” read the statement.
