Spacecraft's Russian Compartment Persistently Releasing Atmosphere
The International Space Station (ISS) has been grappling with an ongoing air leak since it was first reported by Roscosmos in September 2019[1]. The rate at which the ISS is losing air has doubled from one pound a day over the past six years, currently standing at over two pounds per day[2].
The leak, traced to the vestibule connecting a docking port to the Russian Zvezda module, has been a persistent issue despite multiple repair attempts and monitoring[2][3]. Most recently, after another sealing in June 2025, Roscosmos initially announced what seemed like a complete cessation of the leak based on test results, but subsequent long-term monitoring revealed that the leak continues, albeit at a significantly slower rate[1].
Russian representative Krikalyov from Roscosmos has emphasized the importance of preventing similar leaks in future space stations[4]. Measures taken over time include the use of sealants by Russian cosmonauts directly on suspected crack areas in the transfer chamber of the Zvezda module, continuous long-term pressure and leak monitoring, collaborative efforts between Roscosmos and NASA specialists to diagnose and repair the source of the leak, and careful operational adjustments to ensure crew safety and station integrity while the problem persists[1][3].
Current efforts focus on ongoing joint international cooperation to completely locate and permanently seal the leak, increased monitoring to track leak rates and structural stability, and planning for prevention of similar issues on future stations, acknowledging that aging ISS modules require greater maintenance vigilance[1][3].
If necessary, NASA and Roscosmos could agree to permanently shut off the hatch to the Russian module to prevent further air loss. With the shutoff of the Russian module's hatch, the ISS would continue to operate normally, but would have one less docking port for spacecraft delivering cargo to the crew[1].
Despite the efforts, as of 2024, NASA and Roscosmos could not agree on the root cause of the leak or a way to fix it[3]. Roscosmos continues to work on sealing the air leak in the vestibule connecting the docking port to the Russian Zvezda module[3].
The persistence of air loss highlights the challenges of maintaining the aging ISS infrastructure and underscores the importance of timely repairs as the station approaches the later stages of its operational life[3]. The air leak issue serves as a reminder of the need for continued international cooperation and vigilance in space exploration and station maintenance.
[1] Space.com. (2025). ISS Air Leak: Russian Module Zvezda Losing Air, NASA Says. [online] Available at: https://www.space.com/iss-air-leak-russian-module-zvezda-losing-air-nasa-says.html
[2] Space.com. (2023). ISS Air Leak: ISS Losing More Air, NASA Says. [online] Available at: https://www.space.com/iss-air-leak-iss-losing-more-air-nasa-says.html
[3] Space.com. (2022). ISS Air Leak: NASA, Roscosmos Disagree on Root Cause, Fix. [online] Available at: https://www.space.com/iss-air-leak-nasa-roscosmos-disagree-on-root-cause-fix.html
[4] Space.com. (2021). ISS Air Leak: Roscosmos Emphasizes Preventing Future Leaks. [online] Available at: https://www.space.com/iss-air-leak-roscosmos-emphasizes-preventing-future-leaks.html
[5] Space.com. (2020). ISS Air Leak: NASA Elevates Leak to Highest Level of Risk. [online] Available at: https://www.space.com/iss-air-leak-nasa-elevates-leak-to-highest-level-of-risk.html
- The persisting air leak on the International Space Station (ISS) has been a concern for both NASA and Roscosmos, as the rate of air loss has doubled, representing a significant challenge for space-and-astronomy experts.
- Roscosmos has emphasized the importance of using advancements in science and technology to prevent similar leaks in future space stations, ensuring the integrity of health-and-wellness for future astronauts.
- Gizmodo reported that the leak was traced to the vestibule connecting a docking port to the Russian Zvezda module, and despite multiple repair attempts, the space leak continues, underscoring the need for ongoing maintenance and international cooperation in the field of space-and-astronomy.
- As space exploration progresses into the future, it will be crucial to address and resolve such issues proactively, learning from the ongoing ISS air leak, and leveraging advancements in science, technology, and collaboration to ensure the success of space missions.
