NASA Considered ISS Evacuation Over Russian Drilling Incident

On June 5, NASA asked its Crew-12 astronauts to get ready for an emergency evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS) due to a persistent air leak on the Russian side. Thankfully, after a few anxious hours, the all-clear was given, allowing astronauts to return to normal operations. The incident stemmed from Russian cosmonauts attempting to repair the leak using a drill and saw—unusual methods for a space environment.

Reports indicate that earlier this year, Russian engineers had successfully sealed the leaks in the PrK transfer tunnel, which connects to the Zvezda module. This tunnel had been losing 2-4 pounds of air daily for years. If left unchecked, the leak could lead to an explosive situation. Fortunately, sealing the leaks seemed to fix the problem—until they returned in May.

On June 4, the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, informed NASA of their intention to drill into the ISS hull to address the leaks, sparking concern among NASA officials. They urged Roscosmos not to proceed and warned that they might trigger an evacuation alarm.

This situation escalated when Roscosmos attempted to use a saw on a crucial structure. Finally, under pressure, the Russian team decided to halt their drill plans. Instead, they now plan to decommission the PrK tunnel to eliminate the risk of further leaks, meaning cargo cannot be sent through it, although fluids can still be transferred.

Looking ahead, the ISS’s life may be extended until 2032, affecting future collaboration between the US and Russia in space as both countries plan for the station’s future and safety.

How much do you know?

What prompted NASA to ask Crew-12 astronauts to prepare for an emergency evacuation?

Power failure

Air leak

Equipment malfunction

Astronaut illness

Which space station is mentioned in the evacuation alert?

Skylab

International Space Station

Tiangong

Mir

What unusual methods did Russian cosmonauts use to attempt to repair the air leak?

Welding and hammering

Drill and saw

Duct tape and glue

Magnet and vacuum

How much air was the PrK transfer tunnel losing daily?

1-2 pounds

2-4 pounds

5-7 pounds

10-12 pounds

What did NASA warn Roscosmos regarding their drilling plans?

It could improve the situation

It might trigger an evacuation alarm

It would be ignored

It was unnecessary

Until what year may the ISS's life be extended?

2025

2030

2032

2035

NASA successfully sealed the leaks in the PrK transfer tunnel earlier this year.

True False

Russian engineers used traditional tools for a space environment to fix the air leak.

True False

The PrK tunnel is connected to the Zvezda module.

True False

After an evacuation alarm was triggered, the Russian team continued their drilling plans.

True False

Fluids can still be transferred through the PrK tunnel despite it being decommissioned.

True False

The situation regarding the ISS is causing a breakdown in collaboration between the US and Russia.

True False

NASA asked its Crew-12 astronauts to get ready for an emergency evacuation due to a persistent air leak on the Russian side of the .

The PrK transfer tunnel had been losing 2-4 pounds of air for years.

The Russian space agency, , informed NASA of their intention to drill into the ISS hull.

NASA warned that drilling into the ISS hull might trigger an alarm.

The Russian team decided to halt their drill plans and decommission the PrK tunnel to eliminate the risk of further .

The ISS's life may be extended until , affecting future collaboration.

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