NASA has ordered four astronauts aboard the International Space Station to prepare for a possible evacuation as Russian engineers work to repair a worsening air leak.
The order was issued on June 5 (U.S. time) and applies to NASA's Crew-12, which includes two American astronauts, a French astronaut, and a Russian cosmonaut. In a statement on X, NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens said cracks and leaks have been detected for some time in the tunnel connecting the Zvezda module, which belongs to the Russian segment of the ISS.
NASA has been monitoring the situation, and Roscosmos had previously taken corrective measures. However, after detecting new leaks, Roscosmos decided to carry out a more extensive repair on June 5.
"Out of an abundance of caution, NASA has asked all four Crew-12 members and NASA astronaut Chris Williams to increase their safety posture in the Dragon vehicle while repairs are underway," Stevens said, referring to the SpaceX spacecraft used for crew transport and resupply missions to the ISS.
The ISS, launched in 1998, is operated by five international space agencies: the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and Russia. Day-to-day operations are coordinated by NASA and Roscosmos. As of June 5, seven astronauts were living and working on the station.
