Two British astronauts have become central to an emergency repair mission aboard the International Space Station after a pressurisation leak forced the crew into a shelter module. Sources confirm that the leak, which originated in the Russian segment, has been stabilised but not plugged. The astronauts, identified as Commander Michael ‘Mick’ Thornton and Flight Engineer Sarah Clarke, are working with Russian and US teams to trace the source.
Uncovered documents suggest the leak may have been caused by a micrometeoroid impact undetected by ground sensors. The crew spent 12 hours in the Russian Zvezda module, which has its own life support. Flight controllers in Houston and Moscow are racing against a 48-hour deadline before oxygen reserves dip.
Thornton and Clarke have been trained for extravehicular repairs but have not yet been authorised to go outside. The situation remains critical. One source described the atmosphere as ‘subdued but professional’ aboard the station.
The leak is the third serious anomaly on the ISS in as many months, raising questions about the ageing station’s sustainability. Investigation into the leak’s cause is ongoing, but has not been made public.
