Luke had to be closed
ISS: Russian capsule gave off “toxic” smell
November 25, 2024 – 4:24 p.mReading time: 2 min.
A Russian cargo capsule has sparked concern after arriving at the ISS. An unpleasant smell emanated from the spaceship.
The International Space Station (ISS) is regularly supplied with important goods – including fuel and food for the astronauts on board. At the weekend, a Russian cargo capsule reached the space station – and caused a stir there.
The unmanned spacecraft “Progress MS-29”, which delivered around three tons of fuel, food and supplies, docked with the Russian Poisk module on Saturday. But immediately after opening the hatch, the Russian cosmonauts noticed an unpleasant smell and small drops floating in the capsule, according to a post from the ISS on the X platform.
The hatch was immediately closed again and several air purification systems and pollution sensors were activated. NASA says air quality inside the ISS was back to “normal” on Sunday and there was no danger to the crew. The online news portal “Russian Space Web” described the smell as toxic, and US astronaut Don Pettit compared it to spray paint.
The cause of the smell is still unclear. The incident is part of a series of problems with Russian technology on the ISS. Several coolant leaks in Russian spacecraft have already caused significant difficulties in recent years, including an incident in December 2022 on a Soyuz space capsule and another in February 2023 on a Progress freighter. In addition, there has been a leak in the Russian segment of the ISS for years, which, according to NASA, represents a “major safety risk.”
The growing technical problems are attributed to the declining reliability of Russian space technology, which is further exacerbated by financial constraints and international sanctions. Despite the incidents, the crew prepared to reopen the hatch late on Sunday evening.
What safety protocols are in place on the ISS for addressing unusual odors from cargo deliveries?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Space Weather Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a very special guest, Dr. Elena Petrova, an expert in aerospace engineering and space systems safety. Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Petrova: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss the recent developments regarding the ISS.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recently, a Russian cargo capsule, Progress MS-29, arrived at the International Space Station and raised quite a few eyebrows due to an unpleasant smell it emitted. Can you give us your insight on this situation?
Dr. Petrova: Absolutely. It’s rather concerning when any spacecraft, especially a cargo capsule, releases an unusual odor. Typically, all vehicles are expected to meet stringent safety and quality controls. The smell could be attributed to residual materials or chemical reactions occurring within the spacecraft.
Editor: What kind of chemicals might lead to such a toxic smell?
Dr. Petrova: The implications of such odors could vary, but they might stem from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) related to the materials used in the spacecraft or chemicals in the fuel or supplies. It’s critical for engineers to investigate the source early, as prolonged exposure to toxic substances can be harmful to the astronauts onboard.
Editor: That definitely raises alarm bells. Is there a standard protocol in place for handling situations like this?
Dr. Petrova: Yes, indeed. There are established protocols for dealing with unexpected smells or toxic emissions on the ISS. The crew will likely perform an evaluation to pinpoint the source of the odor. They can rely on air quality monitoring systems in place and may need to ventilate the modules temporarily while addressing the situation.
Editor: It sounds like a well-prepared plan is in place. Still, how does the arrival of cargo, such as food and supplies, get affected when such incidents occur?
Dr. Petrova: When cargo is delivered, it is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of the crew and the integrity of supplies. If there’s a risk of contamination from the unusual smell, the astronauts might quarantine the supplies until they can confirm they are safe for consumption. The flow of operations can be temporarily adjusted to maintain safety standards.
Editor: That’s a comforting thought for those of us who are concerned about the well-being of our astronauts. Given the importance of the ISS for international cooperation in space research, how might such incidents influence future missions?
Dr. Petrova: Incidents like these can certainly lead to a review of safety protocols and may prompt further investments in technology to ensure that such occurrences are minimized. Additionally, it might foster collaborative discussions between space agencies to reinforce safety measures for transporting goods to space stations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrova. Before we wrap up, what would you like to convey about the future of space exploration in light of these developments?
Dr. Petrova: The future of space exploration is bright and full of potential, but it requires ongoing vigilance and adaptability. As we push the boundaries of human presence in space, learning from every situation—especially troubling ones like this—will only make us stronger and more prepared for future challenges.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Petrova. It’s crucial for the public to understand these dynamics of space travel. We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Dr. Petrova: It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us today. Stay tuned for more updates from Time.news.