A strange smell and droplets have leaked from a Russian spacecraft transporting nearly six months of food and supplies to the International Space Station, worrying astronauts.
The Progress 90 spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS Poisk module on Saturday, but when Roscosmos astronauts opened its door, a mysterious odor emanated, according to NASA.
NASA said in an update: “After opening the Progress spacecraft hatch, Roscosmos astronauts noticed an unexpected smell and noticed small droplets, which prompted the crew to close the Poisk hatch to the rest of the Russian segment.”
The space station crew described the smell as “toxic” and immediately closed its door to avoid possible contamination and spread, according to communications between mission control in Houston and the crew on board and reviewed by the Russian Space Network.
The International Space Station said that air purifiers were turned on on the space station and pollutant sensors monitored the air and atmosphere quality on the station.
Russian crews prepared with protective equipment and activated the air purification process on board the vehicle.
Sensors revealed that the air quality on board the plane was at normal levels and there was no imminent danger associated with the gas.
After it was determined to be safe, astronauts began opening the hatch of the Progress spacecraft — which had three tons of food, fuel and supplies inside — on Sunday.
The Progress 90 spacecraft will remain docked at the International Space Station for about six months. Then, the ISS crew will load it with their own trash before launching. The vehicle will then burn up as it enters Earth's atmosphere.
The International Space Station, a collaboration between 15 countries, is expected to continue operations until 2030.
