NASA reports progress in addressing air leak on International Space Station

NASA has reported progress in reducing a long-standing air leak in the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS). The leak, first detected in 2019, had increased significantly but recent repairs have cut the leak rate by about one third. A recent report highlighted that the leak in the Zvezda module was rated as the highest risk level. NASA officials stated they are working with Roscosmos to investigate the leak's sources, focusing on welds, but have not yet agreed on what constitutes an unacceptable leak rate. In addition to the leak, the report noted other challenges for the ISS, including supply chain issues and the development of a deorbit vehicle by SpaceX. The timeline for this vehicle faces risks, and future cooperation with Russia on the ISS remains uncertain.