Overview of the Incident

Cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) faced an unusual scare upon opening the hatch of the newly docked Progress MS-29 cargo ship. Upon inspection, they encountered an unexpected and unsettling “toxic smell” along with droplets inside the spacecraft, prompting immediate safety precautions on board.

Details of the Docking

Yesterday morning, November 23, at 9:31 am ET, Progress MS-29, known as Progress 90, successfully docked at the Poisk module connected to the Zvezda Service Module. Initially launched just days prior, on Thursday, the spacecraft is part of Russia's long-standing efforts to resupply the ISS.

Immediate Response and Safety Protocols

After cosmonauts opened the hatch to the Progress cargo ship, they quickly detected the offensive odor, described as reminiscent of "spray paint" by NASA astronaut Don Pettit. This prompted an immediate response: the hatch to the Poisk module was sealed shut to prevent any potential contamination from the cargo compartment.

According to reports from Anatoly Zak of RussianSpaceWeb.com, emergency protocols were activated almost instantly. Various systems aboard the ISS were engaged, including air scrubbers and contaminant sensors that regulated the cabin atmosphere. The American segment, particularly Node 3, activated the Trace Contaminant Control Sub-assembly (TCCS) to monitor and improve air quality. The Russian crew also utilized protective gear and additional air-scrubbing systems for approximately 30 minutes to secure their environment.

NASA's Confirmation and Safety Assurance

Finally, at 4:33 pm ET, NASA confirmed the situation in a publicly posted update, stating, “The crew noticed an unexpected odor and observed small droplets,” reassuring the public that air quality was rapidly returning to normal and there were no threats to the astronauts’ safety.

Historical Context and Progress Spacecraft Series

This incident adds to a history of minor air leaks reported in the Zvezda module, specifically in a transfer tunnel used for Progress spacecraft. Interestingly, Progress MS-28 (Progress 89) still occupies one of the docking ports but was not directly related to this incident.

The Progress spacecraft series have a storied history, first launched in 1978 as resupply and refueling vehicles for Soviet and later Russian space stations. Each updated model, including the current Progress MS series, continues to play a crucial role in sustaining life aboard the ISS.

Conclusion and Ongoing Monitoring

In summary, despite the alarming discovery encountered by the ISS crew, timely detection and response showcased the effectiveness of current safety protocols in space travel. As the crew prepares to resume normal operations and open the hatch between Poisk and Progress, they remain focused on their vital work in orbit — a reminder that even thousands of miles away, vigilance is key in the cosmos!

Stay tuned for more updates as NASA and Roscosmos continue to monitor the situation closely!