Sunita Williams.
There was a sudden commotion on the International Space Station (ISS). During this time, Sunita Williams was also present there and to save everyone from this problem, Sunita Williams herself took charge. Suddenly, a “toxic smell” began to spread across the ISS. This suspicious smell alerted all space travelers on November 23. This incident occurred when the Russian Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft was docked with the station’s Poisk module.
When the Russian cosmonauts opened the hatch of the cargo spacecraft, they smelled a strange, “toxic odor.” Along with this, he also saw small drops of liquid. Immediately alerted, he closed the Poisk module hatch and also isolated the affected area from the rest of the station. Following this, the crew, under the leadership of ISS Commander Sunita Williams, implemented safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone present on the station.
Action by NASA and Roscosmos.
Immediately after the incident, NASA and Roscosmos activated air cleaning systems throughout the station. The Trace Contaminant Control Subset (TCCS) was deployed to the US segment, while the Russian segments activated their additional purification systems. The crew then wore personal protective equipment (PPE) and monitored air quality.
NASA flight controllers confirmed the next day that by November 24, atmospheric levels at the station had returned to normal. NASA issued a statement saying there are no safety concerns for the crew and that all activities are going as planned. The situation was soon brought under control by taking immediate measures in this regard. However, it is not known where this toxic smell came from. An investigation into this matter is currently underway.
Suspense about smell
As for the toxic odor, investigators are trying to determine whether it came from inside the Progress spacecraft or from the lobby that connects it to the station. Progress MS-29 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on November 21 and carried food, fuel and other essential supplies to the station. This spacecraft will remain attached to the ISS for six months and will eventually return to Earth with the debris.
challenging situation of astronauts
This incident caused the astronauts working on the ISS to once again face a new challenge. NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded since June due to the delayed launch of the Boeing Starliner, have been living on strict rationing. In this sense, water from sweat and bathing is also recycled. A SpaceX Dragon mission is proposed for return in early 2025.
There was no impact on mission operations.
This incident was definitely concerning, but it had no impact on the operation of the station. NASA and Roscosmos took immediate action to ensure the situation was handled safely. This incident demonstrates the capability and alertness of the mission’s equipment and crew in space.
Important lessons for the future of the ISS
This toxic odor incident made it clear that unexpected challenges can arise at any time in space missions. The level of preparation of the space agencies and the crew to face them indicates the success of the mission. This incident shows how important flexibility and quick decision making is in projects like the ISS.
