Air Leaks Threaten Space Station CNN 10 Welcome to CNN 10. We've got a stacked show for you today, so let's jump right in. International Space Station Experiencing Air Leaks The International Space Station is experiencing air leaks, and NASA is working to fix the issue. The station has been leaking air for some time, but the rate of the leak has increased recently. Polar Night: A Phenomenon in Alaska It's that time of year again in Alaska where the sun sets and doesn't rise for two months. This phenomenon is called polar night, and it occurs in towns inside the Arctic Circle. Preschoolers Helping to Keep Their Island Nation Beautiful A group of preschoolers in the Seychelles, an archipelago off East Africa's coast, are helping to keep their island nation beautiful by picking up trash and learning about conservation. Kingda Ka Roller Coaster Retired The Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure is being retired after nearly two decades of sending thrill seekers towards the stratosphere. Shout Out: Wadehampton High School, Greenville, South Carolina Rise up! Today's shout out is going to Wadehampton High School in Greenville, South Carolina. That's all for today. Thanks for watching CNN 10. I'll see you right back here tomorrow on the show. News Update A news update is a broadcast or publication that provides current information on local, national, or international events. News updates are typically presented in a concise and objective manner, with the goal of informing viewers or readers about recent developments. Background: The concept of news updates has been around for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations where messengers would spread news and information through word of mouth. With the advent of modern technology, news updates have become more accessible and widespread, with various forms of media such as newspapers, radio, television, and online news websites. Air Leaks Threaten Space Station Date: August 30, 2020 A series of air leaks has been detected on the International Space Station (ISS), prompting concerns about the safety and longevity of the orbiting laboratory. The first leak was discovered in September 2019, and subsequent inspections revealed additional leaks in other parts of the station. While the leaks are currently not posing an immediate threat to the crew, they have raised concerns about the potential for more significant air losses in the future. Causes: The exact cause of the leaks is still unknown, but NASA officials suspect that they may be related to the station's age and wear and tear. The ISS has been in orbit for over two decades, and its modules have undergone numerous upgrades and repairs. Consequences: If left unchecked, the air leaks could lead to a significant loss of atmosphere, making it difficult for the crew to breathe and perform their duties. In extreme cases, the station's pressurization system may be compromised, posing a risk to the crew. Repairs: NASA engineers are working on a plan to repair the leaks, which is expected to involve a combination of patching and replacing damaged components. The repairs will require careful coordination with the station's crew and may involve spacewalks. Implications: The air leaks on the ISS serve as a reminder of the challenges and risks associated with long-term space exploration. As NASA plans for future missions to the Moon and Mars, addressing issues like air leaks will be crucial to ensuring the safety and success of those endeavors. Q: What is happening at the International Space Station (ISS)? Air leaks have been detected at the ISS, posing a threat to the safety of the crew and the station itself. Q: How did the air leaks occur? The exact cause of the air leaks is still under investigation, but it's believed that they may be due to a malfunction or damage to one of the station's modules. Q: How serious are the air leaks? The air leaks are considered a serious issue because they can lead to a loss of pressure, which can put the crew at risk and make it difficult to maintain a safe environment. Q: What is being done to fix the problem? The ISS crew and mission control teams are working together to isolate the source of the leak and develop a plan to repair or replace the damaged module. Q: How long will it take to fix the air leaks? The timeline for fixing the air leaks is uncertain, but NASA and its partners are working around the clock to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Q: Are the astronauts on board in danger? The astronauts on board the ISS are not currently in immediate danger, but the air leaks do pose a risk to their safety and the safety of the station. Q: Can the ISS operate with air leaks? The ISS can operate for a short period with air leaks, but it's not sustainable in the long term. The crew needs to repair or replace the damaged module to maintain a safe environment. Q: How often do air leaks occur on the ISS? Air leaks are rare on the ISS, but they have occurred in the past. The station is designed with multiple safety features to mitigate the risk of air leaks. Q: What measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future? NASA and its partners will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the air leaks and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Q: How will this incident impact future space missions? The incident may lead to changes in the design or operations of future space missions, but it's too early to say what specific actions will be taken. No. Pioneers/Companies Description 1 NASA Conducted extensive research on air leaks in space stations, developing methods to detect and mitigate them. 2 Boeing Designed and built the International Space Station's (ISS) modules, incorporating air leak detection systems. 3 SpaceX Developed innovative air tightness testing methods for their Dragon spacecraft, ensuring reliable air pressure control. 4 European Space Agency (ESA) Conducted research on air leak detection and localization using advanced sensors and algorithms. 5 Lockheed Martin Designed and built the Orion spacecraft, featuring a robust air pressure control system to prevent leaks. 6 Siemens Provided advanced sensors and monitoring systems for detecting air leaks in space stations and spacecraft. 7 United Launch Alliance (ULA) Developed the Vulcan rocket, featuring a reliable air pressure control system to prevent leaks during launch. 8 Airbus Defence and Space Built the Columbus laboratory module for the ISS, incorporating advanced air leak detection systems. 9 Ball Aerospace Provided critical components, including valves and regulators, to prevent air leaks in spacecraft and space stations. 10 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Developed the HTV cargo spacecraft, featuring a reliable air pressure control system to ensure safe transportation of goods to the ISS. Air Leak Details Description Location The air leak was detected in the Transfer Vehicle (ATV) section of the Zvezda Service Module, specifically in the compartment that houses the Russian-built oxygen generators. Leak Rate The initial leak rate was approximately 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) of air per day, which is a relatively slow rate but still considered significant. Cause Preliminary analysis suggests that the leak may be caused by a small crack or hole in one of the ATV's metal panels or welds. Impact on Station Operations The air leak has required the crew to adjust their daily schedules and workloads to accommodate the need for additional air pressure monitoring and adjustments to the station's life support systems. Air Pressure Levels As of the last update, the station's internal air pressure was at approximately 1013 mbar (14.7 psi), which is slightly below the normal operating range but still within acceptable limits. CO2 Levels The carbon dioxide levels in the station have increased slightly due to the air leak, but are still within safe limits and being closely monitored by the crew and mission control. Crew Safety Despite the air leak, the crew is not considered to be in immediate danger and is working with mission control to mitigate the issue and prevent any potential risks to their safety. Mitigation Efforts The crew has been instructed to perform additional checks on the station's life support systems, including the air pressure monitoring system, to ensure that there are no other issues or leaks present. Repair Plans Mission control is currently working with Russian space agency Roscosmos and other international partners to develop a plan for repairing or replacing the affected section of the ATV, which may involve an EVA (extravehicular activity) by the crew.