ISS Crew Detected Toxic Smell from Docked Russian Cargo Spacecraft, Safety Measures Activated

On November 23, the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) reported an uncommon scent whereas opening the hatch to the not too long ago docked Russian Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft, resulting in the fast implementation of decontamination procedures in accordance with a tweet posted by International Space Station on the platform X. The spacecraft, which had docked efficiently to the station’s Poisk module, was discovered to comprise an sudden odour and visual small droplets, prompting the crew to shut off the affected space as a security measure.

As reported by a number of sources, the supply of the odour, described by NASA astronaut Don Pettit as “harking back to spray paint,” raised preliminary considerations concerning potential contamination inside the Russian phase of the ISS.

While Pettit’s description highlighted the depth of the scent, NASA and Roscosmos each activated air-purification programs to deal with the potential threat. The American phase deployed its Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly (TCCS), whereas further filtration programs had been engaged within the Russian module to revive air high quality. As an extra precaution, all crew members donned private protecting gear (PPE), the official deal with of ISS clarified in a post.

Continuous Monitoring Ensures Crew Safety

With air sensors monitoring the atmosphere repeatedly, flight controllers confirmed by November 24 that the station’s air high quality had returned to protected ranges. This replace allowed the crew to reopen the hatch between the Poisk and Progress modules with none threat. Though the precise supply of the odour stays underneath investigation, officers have indicated that there are not any present security considerations for the crew, and the air high quality is again to regular ranges in accordance with a number of experiences.

Routine Resupply Mission Unaffected

Progress MS-29, a part of an ordinary resupply mission, launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome on November 21, bringing important objects equivalent to meals and gas to the ISS. The spacecraft will stay docked for the following six months earlier than transporting waste supplies again to Earth. Despite the preliminary alert, ISS operations have been confirmed to proceed as deliberate, with security protocols guaranteeing no interruption to station actions.

Sources at NASA and Roscosmos have assured that efforts are underway to establish the origin of the odour and additional preventive measures can be applied as required.