Kathrine Frich
If confirmed, this would shift the risk from an isolated module to the entire ISS
If confirmed, this would shift the risk from an isolated module to the entire ISS
Concerns With Russian ISS Module
The latest Axiom Space mission has reignited fears over a long-standing issue aboard the International Space Station.
A persistent air leak in the Russian Zvezda module could pose new risks, not just for the module, but for the entire station.
Ax-4 Mission Lifts Off
Axiom Space 4 (Ax-4), a private mission launched by SpaceX, finally took off from Florida on June 25 after delays linked to air leak investigations on the ISS.
The mission had been postponed to allow engineers time to study pressure issues in the Russian segment of the station.
Air Leak Mystery: Problem Resolved or Deepened?
For years, Zvezda had a slow but steady air leak. Suddenly, that leak stopped, raising suspicions instead of relief.
According to Digi24 NASA engineers now fear a new breach might have occurred internally, allowing air to leak into a sealed section, potentially endangering the whole station.
Repair Risks: Sealing One Leak Could Open Another
Efforts to patch the outer cracks in the Zvezda module may have succeeded, but NASA worried the pressure might now be leaking inward instead.
If confirmed, this would shift the risk from an isolated module to the entire ISS, escalating the situation significantly.
NASA and Roscosmos: Tensions Over Safety
A technical disagreement has emerged between the U.S. and Russian space agencies.
The Russians believe operations can continue safely, but NASA isn’t convinced, and vice versa. Neither side has provided solid proof to fully reassure the other.
Years of Tiny, Unseen Cracks
First identified in 2019, the leaks have been traced to a tunnel in Zvezda used for docking cargo ships.
The cracks are nearly invisible, making repairs complex.
Last year, the air loss reached record levels, intensifying efforts to find a solution.
SpaceX’s Ax-4 Crew: A Mission of Firsts
The Ax-4 mission is historic in its own right.
Alongside veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, the crew includes the first astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to visit the ISS.
They’ll spend two weeks in orbit, conducting 60 scientific experiments.
Crew Quarantine and Delays
The four Ax-4 astronauts had been in quarantine in Florida for about a month, waiting for clearance to launch.
Their flight was repeatedly delayed due to the Zvezda concerns and leak analysis aboard the station.
Implications for Crew-11 and Future Missions
NASA’s next regular mission, Crew-11, is still scheduled for July. But ongoing concerns with Zvezda could affect crew rotations or station operations.
NASA and Roscosmos continue working together to monitor the situation,
