On November 23, the crew aboard the Worldwide House Station (ISS) reported an uncommon odor whereas opening the hatch to the just lately docked Russian Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft, resulting in the fast implementation of decontamination procedures based on a tweet posted by Worldwide House Station on the platform X. The spacecraft, which had docked efficiently to the station’s Poisk module, was discovered to comprise an surprising 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 issues relating to potential contamination throughout the Russian phase of the ISS.
Whereas Pettit’s description highlighted the depth of the odor, NASA and Roscosmos each activated air-purification methods to deal with the potential danger. The American phase deployed its Hint Contaminant Management Subassembly (TCCS), whereas extra filtration methods have been engaged within the Russian module to revive air high quality. As an additional precaution, all crew members donned private protecting tools (PPE), the official deal with of ISS clarified in a publish.
Steady Monitoring Ensures Crew Security
With air sensors monitoring the surroundings constantly, 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 danger. Although the precise supply of the odour stays underneath investigation, officers have indicated that there aren’t any present security issues for the crew, and the air high quality is again to regular ranges based on a number of experiences.
Routine Resupply Mission Unaffected
Progress MS-29, a part of a regular resupply mission, launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome on November 21, bringing important objects comparable to meals and gasoline to the ISS. The spacecraft will stay docked for the subsequent six months earlier than transporting waste supplies again to Earth. Regardless of the preliminary alert, ISS operations have been confirmed to proceed as deliberate, with security protocols making certain no interruption to station actions.
Sources at NASA and Roscosmos have assured that efforts are underway to determine the origin of the odour and additional preventive measures might be applied as required.
