ISS Russian Segment Leak Finally Stops

A persistent atmospheric leak in the Russian segment of the International Space Station has finally ceased. The leak, which had been ongoing for approximately five years, originated from microscopic cracks inside the PrK module.

The situation escalated significantly in 2024 when the leakage rate doubled. This prompted NASA to label the issue as a high-risk threat to the station's structural integrity. Recently, however, sources indicated the leaks have stopped, a fact that NASA has now officially confirmed.

The source of the atmospheric venting was traced to a small section of the International Space Station. Specifically, the problem lay within the PrK module on the Russian segment. This module is strategically located between a Progress spacecraft airlock and the Zvezda module.

Investigators determined that the leaks were caused by microscopic structural cracks. These fissures, though small, allowed atmosphere to escape into space, creating a long-running technical headache for the station's ground control teams.

For years, the leak remained a persistent but manageable issue. However, the situation changed drastically in 2024. During that year, the rate of leakage doubled, transforming a chronic maintenance issue into a critical safety concern.

This sharp increase in leakage rate triggered alarm bells at NASA. Agency officials were forced to categorize the leak as a 'high likelihood' and 'high consequence' risk. This classification highlighted the potential for catastrophic failure if the cracks were to expand further, threatening the safety of the crew and the viability of the station.

Despite the severity of the risk assessment, recent developments have provided a reprieve. Two independent sources recently indicated that the venting of atmosphere had stopped completely.

NASA has since verified these reports, officially confirming that the leaks have ceased. This confirmation marks a turning point in the long-standing saga, effectively neutralizing the immediate threat posed by the failing module structure.

While the cessation of the leak is positive news, the situation requires continued vigilance. NASA and Roscosmos remain actively engaged in monitoring the module.

The two space agencies continue to investigate the previously observed cracks. Understanding the root cause and ensuring that the structural integrity is fully restored remains a priority for the international partnership managing the International Space Station.