According to a new report by NASA’s inspector general, the space agency is increasingly concerned about leaks in a tunnel connecting the Russian segment of the International Space Station to a docking port. Worse, officials aren’t yet entirely sure what causes them.
“Continuous cracks and air leaks in the service module transfer tunnel pose a major safety risk,” the report said.
“And NASA and Roscosmos are collaborating to investigate and mitigate cracks and leaks, determine the root cause, and monitor the station.”
In April, NASA “identified an increase in leakage at the highest level ever,” releasing 1.6 kilograms of the atmosphere per day, a massive increase compared to just under half a kilogram in February, as Ars Technica reports .
“While the root cause of the leak remains unknown, both agencies have narrowed their focus to internal and external welds,” the report said.
The tunnel connects the Russian segment of the station to a docking port
Solving the problem could be difficult because of “supply chain issues” plaguing NASA contractors, a headache that could make it even more difficult before the agency officially retires it in 2030.
In June, NASA raised the fissure issue to the highest level of concern. If the leaks continue, NASA and Roscosmos could be forced to permanently close the hatch of the affected tunnel, which would prevent astronauts from using one of the station’s four docking ports.
“According to NASA, Roscosmos is confident that it will be able to monitor and close the hatch to the service module before an unsustainable level,” the inspector general’s report said.
Solving the problem could be difficult
“However, NASA and Roscosmos have not reached an agreement on the point at which the leak rate is unsustainable.”
It’s an odd finding given the space station’s already limited lifespan. In 2030, NASA plans to get help from SpaceX to deorbit the station and crash it into the Pacific Ocean. NASA and Russia have not yet reached an agreement on continuing operations beyond 2028, writes .
Another option would be to make changes to the station to extend its life beyond 2030, which would “require significant funding,” according to the inspector general, and “accepting increased risk from its aging components and structures.”
