Astronauts Had to Shut Down Russian ISS Module Due To ‘Unexpected Odor’ from Cargo

On 23 November, the Russian Progress 90 cargo spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), delivering nearly three tonnes of essential supplies. However, an unexpected odour from the spacecraft led to a brief shutdown of the Poisk module, where the Progress docked. Here’s a detailed look at what happened.

Strong Smell From Russian Cargo

Shortly after docking, Roscosmos cosmonauts aboard the ISS opened the hatch to the Progress spacecraft and detected an unusual smell. They also noticed small droplets, prompting an immediate safety response. The crew closed the hatch between the Poisk module and the rest of the Russian segment to contain the issue.

In a statement, NASA explained that this odour was likely the result of “outgassing from materials inside the (Russian) Progress spacecraft”. Air scrubbers and contaminant sensors were activated as a precaution, but NASA’s flight controllers later confirmed that the air quality inside the station remained at normal levels.

“There are no concerns for the crew,” assured Kelly O. Humphries, news chief at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Understanding Outgassing in Space

Outgassing is a common phenomenon where certain materials release gases when exposed to the extreme conditions of space. This includes temperature swings ranging from 121°C to -158°C and radiation exposure. NASA clarified that the incident did not involve any propellant leaks from the Progress spacecraft, which uses highly toxic fuels like unsymmetric-dimethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide.

For additional details on the specific cause of the odour, NASA referred inquiries to the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, which has not commented publicly on the issue.

Quick Resolution and Normal Operations

By Sunday, NASA confirmed that the odour had dissipated, and flight controllers determined there was no threat to the crew. The cosmonauts resumed cargo transfer operations, unloading the supplies carried by the Progress spacecraft.

NASA added, “The crew reported the odour dissipated quickly, and cargo transfer operations are proceeding on schedule.”

Despite this brief incident, all other space station activities continued without interruption.

Broader Context – Challenges with Russian Modules

This isn’t the first issue involving a Russian segment of the ISS. The Zvezda module, part of the Russian-controlled section, has been dealing with a slow air leak for years. Cosmonauts only access Zvezda when necessary to unload supplies.

Despite these challenges, the ISS continues to host astronauts and cosmonauts from over 20 countries, maintaining a critical platform for international cooperation and space exploration.

As operations proceed on the ISS, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks involved in sustaining life and work aboard a spacecraft orbiting 400 km above Earth.