Russian ship brings ‘toxic’ odor, droplets to ISS while Sunita Williams stays stranded: NASA’s response
News Mania Desk / Piyal Chatterjee / 4th December 2024
A Russian spacecraft carrying around six months of food and supplies for the International Space Station (ISS) produced a strange odor and droplets upon docking, causing crew concerns. On November 29, the Progress 90 spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station’s Poisk module. However, as Roscosmos cosmonauts opened the hatch, a strange odor filled the air, according to NASA.
“Upon opening the hatch of the Progress spacecraft, the cosmonauts noticed an unexpected odour and small droplets, prompting them to seal the Poisk hatch to the rest of the Russian segment,” NASA stated in an update.
The crew described the stench as “toxic” and promptly closed the hatch to avoid any potential contamination, according to contacts between mission control in Houston and the crew, which were seen by Russian Space Web. To solve the situation, air scrubbers on the space station were turned on, while sensors monitored the air quality and environment onboard. Russian astronauts also wore protective gear while beginning air-scrubbing procedures inside the spaceship.
Sensor readings later showed that the air quality was normal, with no imminent hazard from the gas. With the scenario considered secure, cosmonauts opened the Progress hatch on Sunday, revealing three tons of food, fuel, and supplies.
The Progress 90 spacecraft will remain docked with the ISS for almost six months. The crew will then load it with rubbish before undocking and re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, where it will be burned up. The incident raised anxiety among the astronauts on the space station, particularly two stranded astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were scheduled to stay for an eight-day assignment.
What began as an eight-day mission in June has turned into a six-month ordeal when the Boeing Starliner spaceship that was supposed to carry them home experienced helium leaks and thruster failures, making a manned return trip too perilous. NASA physicians rigorously monitor the astronauts’ eating, ensuring that they satisfy their daily calorie requirements, although both appear noticeably leaner. Williams downplayed worries about her haggard appearance, attributing the weight loss to microgravity.
The astronauts’ extended stay has put the station’s supplies to the test, with NASA depending on a 530-gallon water recycling tank and an emergency food supply to support the crew. Sunita Williams, who is spending an extended period of time in space, has stated that she is enjoying her time there and is in good health.
The astronauts’ extended stay has put the station’s supplies to the test, with NASA depending on a 530-gallon water recycling tank and an emergency food supply to support the crew. Sunita Williams, who is spending an extended period of time in space, has stated that she is enjoying her time there and is in good health. Despite concerns over her weight loss, Williams informed the audience in an exclusive interview that she is eating healthily and sticking to her training routine.
