ISS Astronauts Shelter as Russian Module Leaks Worsen

NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station took emergency shelter in SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft on June 5, 2026, following detection of worsening air leaks in the Russian Zvezda service module. The crew spent two hours in the capsule while Russian cosmonauts worked to seal two identified leak points, successfully addressing one immediately. The incident marked the sixth such emergency in recent years involving the aging Russian segment, with station pressure remaining stable throughout. Huanqiu+4

🚀 Emergency Response Timeline

The evacuation order was issued when leak rates exceeded safety thresholds, standard procedure for such incidents. Five astronauts sheltered in the Dragon spacecraft while Russian technicians assessed the situation. Measurements showed the latest leak had doubled in rate compared to previous occurrences. Crew members returned to normal operations after engineers stabilized the module's pressure. Huanqiu+2

🔧 Structural Repair Complexities

Roscosmos identified two distinct leak sites in the 25-year-old Zvezda module, sealing one with specialized compounds while preparing repairs for the second. Repairs were later paused for further evaluation of measurement data. The cracks represent a serious structural issue in the aging station, with recurring pressure losses being monitored since 2019. Microgravity conditions complicate repair efforts, requiring specialized techniques to force sealant into cracks. Huanqiu+2

🌐 Collaborative Safety Measures

The incident demonstrated continued US-Russia space cooperation despite geopolitical tensions, with both agencies coordinating response efforts. NASA and Roscosmos maintained joint monitoring of the module's pressure throughout the event. All systems returned to normal operations following the temporary shelter period, highlighting the effectiveness of international emergency protocols for orbital incidents. Russia Today+2