The crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) report an unusual smell while opening the hatch to the recently docked Russian Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft on 23rd November 2024, leading to the immediate implementation of decontamination procedures according to a tweet posted by International Space Station on the platform X.
The spacecraft, which had dock successfully to the station’s Poisk module, was found to contain an unexpect odour and visible small droplets, prompting the crew to close off the affected area as a safety measure.
As report by multiple sources, the source of the odour, describe by NASA astronaut Don Pettit as “reminiscent of spray paint,” raised initial concerns regarding potential contamination within the Russian segment of the ISS.
While Pettit’s description highlight the intensity of the smell, NASA and Roscosmos both activate air-purification systems to address the potential risk.
The American segment deployed its Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly (TCCS), while additional filtration systems were engage in the Russian module to restore air quality.
As a further precaution, all crew members don personal protective equipment (PPE), the official handle of ISS clarified in a post.
On Nov. 23, the unpiloted Progress 90 resupply spacecraft successfully docked to the International Space Station’s Poisk module. After opening the Progress spacecraft's hatch, the Roscosmos cosmonauts noticed an unexpected odor and observed small droplets, prompting the crew to…
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) November 24, 2024
Flight controllers confirm by 24th November 2024 that the station’s air quality had return to safe levels with air sensors monitoring the environment continuously.
This update allow the crew to reopen the hatch between the Poisk and Progress modules without any risk.
Though the specific source of the odour remains under investigation, officials have indicate that there are no current safety concerns for the crew, and the air quality is back to normal levels according to many reports.
Progress MS-29, part of a standard resupply mission, launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome on 21st November 2024, bringing essential items such as food and fuel to the ISS.
The spacecraft will remain dock for the next six months before transporting waste materials back to Earth.
Despite the initial alert, ISS operations have confirm to continue as plan, with safety protocols ensuring no interruption to station activities.
Sources at NASA and Roscosmos have assure that efforts are underway to identify the origin of the odour and further preventive measures will be implement as require.
