On November 23, 2024, the Russian Progress 90 cargo ship docked at the International Space Station (ISS) at 9:31 a.m. ET, delivering nearly three tons of supplies. Shortly after the docking, astronauts aboard the ISS detected a strong foul odor emanating from the cargo ship, along with droplets, prompting them to close the hatch and initiate anti-contamination procedures. NASA confirmed that air quality remained normal and there were no safety concerns for the crew, despite the alarming reports from the astronauts. Russian astronauts activated protective measures in response to the situation, while a NASA astronaut noted a similar smell in a U.S. module, raising further concerns about the integrity of the environment aboard the ISS. The Progress 90 is scheduled to remain docked for about six months before reentering Earth's atmosphere.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing issues aboard the ISS, including a significant air leak in the Russian module, which NASA has classified as high risk. Tensions between NASA and Roscosmos have been escalating regarding the severity of these issues, complicating the collaborative efforts in space. Meanwhile, NASA recently canceled a planned spacewalk due to a water leak in a spacesuit, highlighting the challenges faced by astronauts in maintaining safety and functionality in the unique environment of space. The agency confirmed that all crew members on the ISS are healthy and that spacesuits are functioning as expected, despite the recent incidents.
In a related development, scientists from Cornell University have designed a prototype spacesuit capable of recycling urine into drinking water, potentially addressing some of the sustainability challenges faced by astronauts. This innovative suit collects urine, purifies it, and can return it to the astronaut through a drinking tube within five minutes. The design aims to enhance the comfort and functionality of spacesuits for future missions, including NASA's Artemis program, which seeks to return humans to the moon.
As the ISS continues to face various challenges, including the recent foul odor incident and ongoing air leak issues, the collaboration between international space agencies remains crucial for ensuring the safety and success of future missions.
[8104dda4] [39843eee] [4516bdd7] [d86d7258] [664685fc] [585e332a] [15cdfc7a] [a300a136]