NASA astronauts shelter in Dragon capsule amid dispute over ISS leak repair
NASA moved crew members to a docked Dragon spacecraft on June 5 after a disagreement with Roscosmos over how to fix a recurring air leak in the station’s PrK tunnel.
NASA placed four members of the Crew-12 expedition and astronaut Chris Williams in the docked Dragon capsule on June 5 as a precaution while Russian partners attempted to repair a long-standing air leak in the PrK tunnel that links the Zvezda module to the station’s aft docking port. The leak, first reported in 2019, has required repeated mitigation efforts.
According to officials speaking on condition of anonymity to technology outlets, Roscosmos considered using a drill and a specialized “drill stop” device to puncture the module wall, while an alternative plan involved a handsaw to remove a load-bearing bracket. NASA officials expressed concern that cutting the bracket could increase the risk of a depressurization event, prompting the decision to have the astronauts remain inside the Dragon vehicle.
The precautionary measure appears to have led Roscosmos to pause its repair actions. The PrK tunnel is slated for de-pressurization and eventual decommissioning, which would limit access to the attached docking port. European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen noted that sealing off the module could allow the International Space Station to continue operating, though additional issues could arise.
NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens said the crew was moved “out of an abundance of caution” while Roscosmos pursued its “mitigation measures.” No further details about the repair strategy have been released by either agency.