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ISS Leak Sparks NASA-Roscosmos Dispute
A leak on the International Space Station's Russian segment sparks disagreement between NASA and Roscosmos about the severity and solution. Astronaut safety is paramount as both agencies work toward a resolution.
English
United States
International RelationsTechnologyScienceMilitary TechnologySafetySpace
NasaRoscosmosSpacexIss Advisory CommitteeOffice Of Inspector General
Bob CabanaMatthew DominickMichael BarrattAlexander GrebenkinOleg Novitskiy
- Why is this issue considered serious by NASA?
- The leak rate has increased this year, prompting NASA to consider it the most pressing issue facing the aging space station. This raises concerns about the safety of the crew and the station's structural integrity.
- What steps are being taken to address the situation?
- The US is pushing for independent experts to evaluate the issue and reach a consensus. While NASA has created its own team, Russia has not yet complied with the recommendation.
- What safety measures has NASA put in place for the astronauts?
- To ensure astronaut safety, NASA has implemented precautionary measures such as keeping the leaking segment sealed off and adding extra "pallet seats" on SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft for emergency evacuations.
- What is the main issue concerning the International Space Station?
- A leak in a Russian segment of the International Space Station is causing a loss of pressure and air. Disagreements exist between NASA and Roscosmos regarding the severity of the leak and potential solutions.
- What are the differing opinions between NASA and Roscosmos regarding the leak?
- NASA and Roscosmos disagree on the cause of the leak, with Russia attributing it to vibrations and NASA citing multiple factors including mechanical stress and manufacturing issues. They also disagree on defining an "untenable" leak rate.