A strong odor from a newly docked Russian cargo spacecraft prompted astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to seal its hatch and activate air purifiers.
The Progress 90 spacecraft, which arrived on November 23, was delivering essential supplies but brought an unexpected challenge.
Shortly after opening the hatch to retrieve the cargo, cosmonauts detected a pungent smell and observed small droplets inside the capsule. Concerned about potential contamination, the crew swiftly closed the hatch and implemented safety protocols.
Ensuring Crew Safety Amid ISS Hardware Challenges
NASA confirmed the incident, stating, "Air scrubbers and contaminant sensors ensured the station's atmosphere remained at normal levels, and there is no danger to the crew."
Protective measures were taken as Russian cosmonauts equipped themselves with additional safety gear before attempting further inspection. NASA astronaut Don Pettit described the smell as "spray-like," though it was unclear if it originated from the Progress spacecraft. The U.S. segment also engaged its own air filtration systems as a precaution.
The Progress spacecraft, designed to carry and dispose of waste, will remain docked for several months before burning up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere in 2025, according to Gizmodo. Despite these issues, ISS operations continue uninterrupted, with plans to reopen the hatch for a detailed investigation.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges with aging hardware on the ISS. The Russian segment has faced air leaks for years, with NASA and Roscosmos at odds over their severity and cause. Recent history has also seen coolant leaks on other Russian spacecraft, raising further concerns about the reliability of the fleet.
As both space agencies work together to address these issues, the incident underscores the importance of maintaining safety while operating the aging space station, set to retire by 2030.
