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Russian Segment Leak Grounds Axiom Space Mission to ISS

An ongoing investigation led by NASA with support from Roscosmos seeks to pinpoint the cause of the pressure drop before any launch can be rescheduled.

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Die russischen Module „Nauka“, „Swesda“ und „Rasswet“ der ISS im Erdorbit.
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Overview

  • The leak emerged in the Zvezda service module after recent repairs uncovered a new pressure signature.
  • Cosmonauts aboard the station have sealed suspect areas and measured that the segment currently maintains pressure.
  • No new launch date is set for the four-person crew, which includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and three space tourists.
  • Axiom Space’s fourth private mission was scheduled to launch on a Falcon 9 rocket with Crew Dragon from Launchpad 39A.
  • NASA plans to operate the ISS through 2030 before deorbiting it with a SpaceX-developed spacecraft and supports Axiom’s plan to attach commercial modules beginning in 2026.