On June 5, 2026, NASA ordered astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to shelter in their Crew Dragon escape craft after a worsening air leak in the Russian Zvezda module’s transfer tunnel, known as PrK, prompted safety concerns. While the crew later returned to normal operations, the leak remains active as NASA and Roscosmos work toward a collaborative solution.
Why did the ISS crew shelter in their escape craft?
At 13:04 UTC on June 5, 2026, NASA directed four SpaceX Crew-12 members and NASA astronaut Chris Williams to enter the Dragon spacecraft. According to NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens, this “elevated safety posture” was a precautionary measure while Roscosmos conducted repair efforts. The decision followed reports that the air leak in the PrK tunnel had worsened, escalating from one pound (.45 kg) of air per day to two pounds (.9 kg) by Monday, according to a senior NASA official. Less than two hours after the order, Mission Control gave the all-clear for the crew—comprised of two U.S. astronauts, one French astronaut, and one Russian cosmonaut—to return to their planned duties.
The International Space Station has been continuously inhabited for over 25 years. The first module, the Russian-built Zarya, launched on November 20, 1998.
What is the status of the Zvezda module leak?
The leak is located in the PrK transfer tunnel, a component that has been a point of contention between NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos since 2019. Despite the recent escalation, officials maintain that the risks remain manageable. NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens noted on X that “the cracks have always been a concern that NASA watches very closely.” Following the pause in repair work on June 5, Roscosmos is currently assessing new data and measurements to determine the next steps for a more extensive repair operation.
When will the International Space Station be deorbited?
The official plan for the ISS concludes at the end of December 2030, with a controlled, destructive reentry through Earth’s atmosphere scheduled for early 2031. NASA has selected SpaceX to develop a specialized “U.S. Deorbit Vehicle”—essentially a modified Dragon spacecraft—to guide the station safely toward an ocean impact. While some members of Congress have discussed extending operations until 2032 to maintain research capabilities, international agreements currently keep the 2031 timeline as the target.
Pro Tip: Staying Informed
For those tracking the station’s final years, keep an eye on official NASA mission updates regarding the Commercial Crew program and the development of the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. These developments are key to the transition from the ISS to future commercial low-Earth orbit platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the ISS currently being evacuated? No. While the crew briefly sheltered on June 5, 2026, they have since returned to normal operations.
- How dangerous is the current leak? NASA and Roscosmos maintain that structural risks are manageable, though NASA officials previously noted in a late-2024 meeting that the issue could potentially lead to a “catastrophic failure” if left unaddressed.
- What is the plan for the ISS after 2030? The station will be deorbited in 2031 using a dedicated SpaceX vehicle to ensure a safe descent into the ocean.
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