tech
Russia appears set to finally address long-term, serious space station cracks
This has been a persistent, behind-the-scenes dispute between NASA and Roscosmos.
TL;DR
- Astronauts on the ISS were temporarily moved to a Crew Dragon spacecraft due to concerns over the structural integrity of a Russian module.
- The issue involves persistent cracks in the PrK module, linked to corrosion and pressure cycling, which have been ongoing since 2019.
- Disagreements arose between NASA and Roscosmos over proposed repair methods, with NASA fearing a catastrophic outcome.
- NASA's actions, including moving astronauts to a 'safe haven', prompted Russia to reconsider its repair plans.
- Russia has now agreed to decommission the PrK module, meaning it will no longer be pressurized or entered, thus removing the associated risks.