The Zvezda module, part of the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS), appears to have another breach, leading to an air leak. Meanwhile, on board the orbital complex, gas supplies are running out to replace the loss of oxygen.
The new problem, as reported by RIA Novosti, became known from the negotiations between specialists of the Moscow Region Mission Control Center with the ISS crew. According to preliminary data, the new leak affects the intermediate chamber (IC) of the Zvezda module.
“We practically do not understand in which part of the PrK we still have an additional leak. We are now losing the gas safety reserve and will have to solve this problem in the near future.“, – said the center’s specialist to cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that the previously discovered crack in the Zvezda module has not yet been fully repaired, and a special repair kit will arrive at the station only in February.
Moreover, recently on the ISS, the Russian Electron-VM system, designed to generate oxygen for the breathing of the crew, once again failed. It is not clear when this installation will be repaired.
Thus, the atmospheric situation on the ISS may soon deteriorate. “One of the proposals of Russian specialists is to keep the “leaking” intermediate chamber permanently closed. According to them, the longer the PrK is closed, the more air will be saved, “even if then this PrK will need to be pressurized.”“, – adds” RIA Novosti “.
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