Mysterious odor raises alarms aboard the International Space Station

Unexpected incident aboard the ISS

In a surprising turn of events, the Progress 90 spacecraft, which delivered essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), caused a stir among astronauts due to a mysterious odor and droplets detected upon its arrival. This incident, occurring on a routine supply mission, underscores the importance of safety protocols in space travel, especially as the ISS continues to serve as a hub for international collaboration in scientific research.

Details of the incident

On Saturday, the Progress 90 successfully docked with the ISS’s Poisk module. However, when the hatch was opened by Roscosmos cosmonauts, an unexpected smell permeated the air, prompting immediate action. NASA reported that the crew described the odor as “toxic,” leading them to quickly seal the hatch to prevent any potential contamination from spreading to the rest of the station. This swift response highlights the rigorous safety measures that are in place to protect astronauts in such unforeseen situations.

Safety measures in action

Following the detection of the odor, the ISS crew activated air scrubbers and monitored the air quality using contaminant sensors. Fortunately, these sensors indicated that the air quality remained at normal levels, alleviating fears of imminent danger. Russian crews donned protective equipment and initiated air-scrubbing procedures aboard the Progress spacecraft to ensure a safe environment. After thorough checks confirmed that conditions were safe, the hatch was reopened, allowing the crew to access the three tons of food, fuel, and supplies that had been delivered.

The future of Progress 90

The Progress 90 spacecraft is set to remain docked at the ISS for approximately six months. During this time, ISS crew members will utilize the supplies and eventually load the craft with waste before its release. Upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft will burn up, concluding its mission. As the ISS continues to operate through 2030, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced in space exploration, reinforcing the need for constant vigilance and preparedness among astronauts.