Space Exploration

NASA and Roscosmos Clash Over International Space Station Air Leak

By Jonathan Bala November 14, 2024

NASA and Roscosmos Clash Over International Space Station Air Leak

The disagreement between NASA and Roscosmos regarding the cause and potential danger of a persistent air leak in the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) reveals critical concerns about the station’s aging infrastructure and the need for closer international collaboration.

Summary

NASA and Roscosmos have different theories about the cause of the leak.
The air leak in the Zvezda module, detected in 2019, has increased over time.
Cracks in the module may be due to high cyclic fatigue and stress.
Both agencies have worked on narrowing down the cause but are yet to find a consensus.
Repairs have reduced the leak but have not fully eliminated it.
Concerns remain about the structural integrity of the PrK docking port.
Collaboration efforts are underway, including bringing in external experts.
Astronauts have been taking precautionary measures, such as sealing hatches.
The ISS Advisory Committee continues to oversee safety measures.
The age of the ISS plays a significant role in these ongoing challenges.

The Persistent Air Leak and Its Implications

The International Space Station, a marvel of human ingenuity and international collaboration, has hosted astronauts for over two decades. However, the station is not immune to the passage of time, and signs of wear and tear have become increasingly apparent. One of the most concerning issues to date is the persistent air leak in the Russian segment of the ISS, specifically within the Zvezda service module.

The air leak was first detected in 2019, but it has only grown more severe. At its peak, the leak resulted in a loss of 1.7 kilograms of air per day. Although repair efforts have managed to reduce the rate of air loss, the leak remains a significant concern for both NASA and Roscosmos. The disagreements over its cause and potential severity have sparked a complex debate, affecting the safety of the station’s crew and the future of the ISS itself.

Diverging Theories: NASA vs. Roscosmos

Russian engineers have posited that the cracks in the PrK docking port are likely due to high cyclic fatigue, a condition that occurs when a material is subjected to repeated loading and unloading. The constant micro-vibrations and stresses experienced by the space station as it orbits the Earth at high speeds could very well be responsible for these cracks. From the Russian perspective, continued operations in the affected area are deemed safe.

Roscosmos has undertaken numerous measures to identify and seal the leaks. However, they maintain that a catastrophic failure of the PrK module is unlikely. They have provided assurances based on structural analyses, but NASA has yet to be convinced.

NASA’s Concerns

NASA’s experts, on the other hand, believe that the issue may be more complex. Their analysis suggests that multiple factors could be contributing to the problem. In addition to cyclic fatigue, they cite pressure fluctuations, mechanical stress, material properties, and exposure to the harsh space environment as potential causes.

Bob Cabana is the chairman of NASA’s ISS Advisory Committee. He pointed out a problem. Teams are investigating why cracks started and how they grow. The U.S. and Russian technical teams do not agree on the main cause. They also do not agree on how serious the leak problems are.

The differences in opinion have created a stalemate, with both sides seeking additional evidence to support their theories. Meanwhile, the safety and well-being of the ISS crew remain paramount.

Safety Precautions and Astronaut Experiences

Despite the disagreements, NASA and Roscosmos have worked together to implement safety measures for the astronauts on board. One of the key precautions involves sealing off the PrK module when it is not in use. Additionally, hatches between the Russian and American segments are kept closed as a precautionary measure.

Michael Barratt, a NASA astronaut who spent nearly eight months on the station, shared his experiences during a briefing. “We’ve taken a very conservative approach to close a hatch between the U.S. side and the Russian side during those time periods,” he explained. “It’s not a comfortable thing, but it is the best agreement between all the smart people on both sides, and it’s something that we as a crew live with.”

Table 1: Safety Measures Taken by the ISS Crew

Measure	Purpose
Sealing off the PrK module	To prevent further air loss
Closing hatches between segments	To maintain airtight compartments and ensure safety
Monitoring air pressure levels	To detect any significant changes in the station’s atmosphere
Performing regular inspections	To check for new cracks or signs of structural weakness

The Age Factor: ISS Wear and Tear

The ISS, launched in 1998, was not designed to last forever. With over 25 years of continuous operation, the station has inevitably experienced wear and tear. The air leak in the Zvezda module is just one of several maintenance challenges that have emerged over the years.

Both NASA and Roscosmos acknowledge that the station’s age is a contributing factor. However, while some issues can be repaired or reduced, others may require more drastic measures, such as replacing entire sections of the station or decommissioning certain modules.

Michael Barratt’s quote underscores the reality: “The station is not young. It’s been up there for quite a while. You expect some wear and tear, and we’re seeing that.”

Despite their differences, NASA and Roscosmos have agreed on one thing: the need for external expertise. The ISS Advisory Committee has recommended bringing in outside experts from academia and industry to assess the situation and offer potential solutions. This collaborative approach aims to bridge the gap between the two space agencies and ensure the safety of the ISS and its crew.

Bob Cabana stated, “This is an engineering problem, and good engineers should be able to reach a solution and agree on it.” The hope is that by combining the knowledge and experience of engineers from different fields, a consensus can be reached.

Table 2: Potential Factors Contributing to the Air Leak

Factor	Description
High cyclic fatigue	Repeated stress from micro-vibrations weakening the structure
Pressure fluctuations	Variations in pressure affecting the module’s integrity
Mechanical stress	Forces exerted on the module during docking and undocking
Material properties	The characteristics of the materials used in construction
Environmental exposure	Long-term effects of space radiation and temperature changes

The future of the ISS hangs in the balance as NASA and Roscosmos work to address the ongoing air leak and other structural challenges. While the station has provided invaluable scientific and technological advancements, its aging infrastructure poses a dilemma. How long can it continue to operate safely?

Both agencies have plans to eventually decommission the ISS, but until then, ongoing maintenance and repair efforts will be crucial. The collaboration between NASA and Roscosmos will remain a key factor in the station’s continued success.

Facts About the ISS

The ISS orbits the Earth at a speed of about 17,500 miles per hour.
It completes one orbit around the Earth approximately every 90 minutes.
The station has hosted astronauts from 19 different countries.
The solar panels on the ISS cover an area the size of a football field.
Astronauts on the ISS experience 16 sunrises and sunsets each day.

Reference

International Space Station Advisory Committee Meeting

#NASA, #Roscosmos, #InternationalSpaceStation, #SpaceExploration, #AirLeak, #ZvezdaModule, #SpaceSafety, #ISS, #Astronauts, #Engineering, #SpaceScience, #Collaboration, #StructuralIntegrity, #SpaceResearch, #AgingInfrastructure

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Space Exploration

Russian Cosmonauts and US Astronaut Return Safely to Earth After ISS Mission

By Jonathan Bala September 23, 2024

Russian Cosmonauts and US Astronaut Return Safely to Earth After ISS Mission

The safe return of the Russian cosmonauts and NASA astronaut marks the successful completion of an ISS mission, demonstrating international cooperation in space exploration. The Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft has safely brought cosmonauts and astronauts back to Earth, setting new records for time spent in space.

Summary

Mission Overview: The Russian Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft safely transported two cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut back to Earth after a long ISS mission.
Time in Space: Cosmonauts Kononenko and Chub set a new record for a single ISS mission, spending 374 days in space, surpassing the previous record of 371 days.
Crew Members: The mission included NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson and Russian cosmonauts Nikolai Chub and Oleg Kononenko.
Landing Location: The spacecraft landed near Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, as per usual Soyuz procedures.
Historical Context: Kononenko’s overall time spent in space now totals 1,111 days, making him the individual with the most cumulative days in space.
International Cooperation: This mission highlights the collaboration between Russia and the U.S. in space exploration, despite broader geopolitical tensions.
NASA’s Future Missions: NASA astronaut Nick Hague is scheduled to participate in the upcoming SpaceX Crew-9 mission, continuing the space collaboration.
Soyuz Spacecraft Performance: The Soyuz MS-25 proved reliable in returning astronauts from the ISS, reflecting the spacecraft’s continued role in space missions.

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Russian Cosmonauts and US Astronaut Return Safely to Earth After ISS Mission

Space exploration has long been a symbol of international cooperation, transcending the borders and political climates of Earth. On September 23, 2024, Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut returned to Earth after a historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Russian Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft brought the crew safely back, showcasing the continued significance of the Soyuz spacecraft in human spaceflight. Let’s dive into the details of this mission and its importance.

The Crew’s Mission

The Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft launched with NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub. The spacecraft left the ISS’s Prichal module on September 23, 2024, at approximately 4:36 a.m. EDT. After spending months in space, the crew made their descent back to Earth, landing via parachute near Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.

The journey marked a safe end to an extended mission for the cosmonauts and astronaut. Kononenko and Chub set a record for a single ISS mission, spending a staggering 374 days in space. This surpassed the previous record of 371 days held by Russians Sergei Prokopyev and Dmitry Petelin, along with NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, who set the milestone between September 2022 and September 2023.

Records Broken and Milestones Set

Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko already held the record for the most cumulative time spent in space, with an astonishing 1,111 days in orbit across his career. This new record firmly establishes him as one of the most experienced space travelers in history. For comparison, here’s a look at the overall time spent by notable astronauts and cosmonauts:

Astronaut/Cosmonaut	Total Time in Space
Oleg Kononenko (Russia)	1,111 days
Sergei Prokopyev (Russia)	1,002 days
Gennady Padalka (Russia)	878 days
Peggy Whitson (USA)	665 days
Yuri Malenchenko (Russia)	827 days

Tracy Dyson, the NASA astronaut who was part of this crew, spent 184 days in space. She originally arrived at the ISS in March 2024 aboard the Soyuz MS-25 alongside cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and Belarusian spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya. The latter two returned to Earth after 12 days on the Soyuz MS-24.

Space exploration often requires collaboration across nations, and the Soyuz MS-25 mission is a perfect example. Even amid geopolitical tensions between Russia and the United States, cooperation in space has remained steady.

This mission involved the participation of both Roscosmos and NASA, showing the continued reliance on Russian Soyuz spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. Despite new players like SpaceX and the upcoming Crew-9 mission, the Russian Soyuz capsule remains a critical part of ISS missions.

Upcoming Missions: SpaceX Crew-9

As one mission ends, another begins. With the safe return of the Soyuz MS-25 crew, preparations for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission are underway. NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are set to launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The SpaceX Crew-9 mission marks a significant milestone as it will be the first human spaceflight to launch from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission is expected to continue the tradition of international cooperation, demonstrating the synergy between NASA and Roscosmos as well as private space ventures like SpaceX.

Technological Dependence: The Role of Soyuz in Human Spaceflight

The Soyuz spacecraft is a long-standing workhorse in space exploration. It has been ferrying astronauts and cosmonauts to the ISS since the early 2000s, and its design has proven robust and reliable. The Soyuz MS-25 continues this legacy, ensuring safe travel to and from the ISS.

Soyuz Spacecraft Features	Details
Launch Mass	7,200 kg
Crew Capacity	3 astronauts/cosmonauts
Length	7.48 m
Diameter	2.72 m
Maximum Duration in Space	200 days
First Flight	1967

The Soyuz spacecraft stands out for its reliability, particularly in the event of emergencies. It has an impressive record for safe landings and has been used as a backup option for NASA astronauts in case of any issues with other spacecraft, including SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.

The Importance of Long-Duration Space Missions

Long-duration missions like the one undertaken by Kononenko and Chub offer critical insights into the effects of extended time in space on the human body. These 374 days in space contribute to research on bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and radiation exposure—issues that will be crucial for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Additionally, records like those set by Kononenko serve as milestones in space exploration, showing the potential for long-term human presence in space. NASA, along with Roscosmos, continues to explore the possibilities of space habitats that could house astronauts for extended periods on other planets, particularly Mars.

References

#SpaceExploration, #SoyuzMS25, #ISSMission, #NASA, #Roscosmos, #TracyDyson, #OlegKononenko, #NikolaiChub, #CrewDragon, #SpaceX, #LongDurationMission, #SpaceRecord, #InternationalCooperation, #FutureMissions, #SpaceTechnology

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Space Exploration

How Chinese Researchers Plan to Harvest Water on the Moon

By Jonathan Bala August 25, 2024

How Chinese Researchers Plan to Harvest Water on the Moon

Chinese researchers have developed an innovative method for extracting water on the Moon using lunar regolith and endogenous hydrogen. This process, driven by focused sunlight, could provide a sustainable source of water for future lunar bases, reducing the need for costly resupply missions from Earth.

Summary

China and Roscosmos are planning the International Lunar Research Station (ILRSP), set to be completed by 2040.
Chinese researchers have discovered a method to extract water from lunar regolith using a reaction with hydrogen.
The process could yield 50 liters of water per ton of regolith.
This method offers a sustainable water supply for lunar bases, essential for long-term habitation.
The technology could be adapted for use on other celestial bodies, such as Mars.

Chinese Lunar Exploration: An Overview

In the coming years, China and Roscosmos plan to create the International Lunar Research Station (ILRSP), a permanent base in the Moon’s southern polar region. Construction of the base will begin with the delivery of the first surface elements by 2030 and is expected to last until about 2040. This base will rival NASA’s Artemis Program, which includes the creation of the Lunar Gateway and various surface elements that make up the Artemis Base Camp. However, several challenges must be addressed before establishing a sustainable lunar base.

Crews operating on the lunar surface for extended periods will require regular shipments of supplies. Unlike the International Space Station, which can be resupplied in a matter of hours, sending resupply spacecraft to the Moon will take about three days. As a result, NASA, China, and other space agencies are developing methods to harvest resources directly from the lunar environment – a process known as In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). In a recent paper, a research team with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced a new method for producing massive amounts of water through a reaction between lunar regolith and endogenous hydrogen.

The Innovation: Water Production from Lunar Regolith

The research was conducted by Prof. Wang Junqiang and his team at the CAS Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering‘s Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices. They were joined by colleagues from the Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing. Their paper, titled “Massive Water Production from Lunar Ilmenite through Reaction with Endogenous Hydrogen,” recently appeared in the Chinese journal The Innovation.

Ever since the Apollo missions brought samples of lunar rocks and soil back to Earth for analysis, scientists have known that there is abundant water on the Moon. These findings were confirmed by several subsequent robotic sample-return missions, including China’s Chang’e-5 mission. However, much of this water consists of hydroxyl (OH) created through the interaction of solar wind (ionized hydrogen) and elemental oxygen in the regolith. There is also plenty of water in the form of ice that can be found in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs), such as the craters that cover the South Pole-Aitken Basin.

Unfortunately, lunar regolith contains very little hydroxyl that can be converted into water, ranging from 0.0001% to 0.02%. Moreover, the icy patches found in cratered regions are mixed with regolith, forming layers that extend beneath the surface. After examining the samples returned by the Chang’e-5 mission, Wang’s team determined that the highest concentrations of water were contained in ilmenite (FeTiO3), a titanium-iron oxide mineral found in lunar regolith.

How It Works

According to the research team, the water extraction potential of ilmenite is due to “its unique lattice structure with sub-nanometer tunnels.” The team conducted a series of in-situ heating experiments that revealed how hydrogen in lunar minerals could be used to produce water on the Moon. The process consists of heating lunar regolith to temperatures exceeding 1,200 K (~930° C; 1700° F) with concave mirrors. This leads to the formation of iron crystals and water bubbles in the material, which are then released as water vapor. The chemical process can be expressed as:

FeO/Fe2O3 + H –> Fe + H2O

The resulting water vapor is reclaimed at a rate of 51-76 mg of water for every gram of lunar soil. This works out to 50 liters (13.2 gallons) of water for every ton of processed regolith, enough to sustain 50 people daily. The team noted in their paper that “[t]his amount is ~10,000 times the naturally occurring hydroxyl (OH) and H2O on the Moon.” In addition to drinking water, this process could provide necessary irrigation water for growing crops, a critical requirement for future lunar settlements to lessen their dependence on Earth.

How Chinese Researchers Plan to Harvest Water on the Moon — A map displays the areas on the Moon’s south pole that are always in shadow. These areas are marked in blue. They cover about 3 percent of the south pole. This image comes from NASA Goddard and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).

Potential Applications

This method could also be used to chemically separate hydrogen and oxygen gas from regolith, which could then be fashioned into propellant – liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) – or used as fuel and to maintain supplies of breathable oxygen. “Our findings suggest that the hydrogen retained in [lunar regolith] is a significant resource for obtaining H2O on the Moon, which is helpful for establishing scientific research stations on the Moon,” the researchers concluded.

Another benefit is that the process is driven almost entirely by focused sunlight, while solar arrays can provide the additional power needed for the retention process. The one limiting factor is that this process will only be possible during a lunar day in the southern polar region (where China, NASA, and the ESA plan to build their bases). This means the facility could run for two weeks straight, followed by a two-week lull.

This can be mitigated by stationing processing facilities away from the polar regions or by creating a network of solar mirrors or satellites to direct light toward the southern polar region. In any case, this method presents a potential means of harvesting water on the Moon that is cost-effective compared to heating regolith in industrial furnaces and could be paired with ice extraction and processing to ensure future settlements have plenty of water.

Table 1: Water Extraction Process Steps

Step	Description
Lunar Regolith Collection	Lunar soil is collected from the Moon’s surface.
Heating	Regolith is heated to over 1,200 K using focused sunlight.
Chemical Reaction	Hydrogen reacts with iron oxides in the regolith to produce water vapor and iron.
Water Condensation	Water vapor is condensed and collected for use.

Table 2: Key Benefits of Solar-Powered Water Extraction

Benefit	Description
High Yield	Produces 50 liters of water per ton of regolith.
Energy Efficiency	Relies on abundant sunlight, reducing energy costs.
Sustainability	Provides a renewable source of water, essential for long-term lunar habitation.

Future Implications

The ability to produce water on the Moon using local resources is a significant step toward achieving long-term human presence on the Moon. This breakthrough not only reduces the need for costly resupply missions but also enables the development of a self-sustaining lunar economy. By 2040, when the International Lunar Research Station (ILRSP) is expected to be fully operational, this technology could be the foundation for a thriving human settlement on the Moon.

Moreover, the methods developed for lunar water extraction could be adapted for other celestial bodies, such as Mars. As humanity pushes further into space, the ability to utilize local resources will be crucial for the success of long-duration missions.

China’s innovative approach to water extraction on the Moon marks a significant milestone in lunar exploration. By harnessing the power of the Sun and leveraging the unique properties of lunar regolith, Chinese researchers have developed a method that could make sustainable lunar habitation a reality. As the International Lunar Research Station (ILRSP) takes shape over the next two decades, this technology will play a critical role in ensuring the success of human missions to the Moon and beyond.

References

#LunarExploration, #ISRU, #MoonBase, #WaterOnMoon, #SpaceTechnology, #ChinaSpace, #Roscosmos, #LunarResearch, #MoonColonization

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