For years, a persistent air leak in the Russian segment of the International Space Station has posed a growing safety risk. First detected in 2019 in the PrK vestibule connecting to the Zvezda module, the leak has steadily worsened, with air loss increasing from one pound per day to over two pounds. Multiple repair attempts by Russian cosmonauts have failed to stop the leak, and in June 2026, a risky Russian plan to cut a load-bearing bracket with a saw prompted NASA to order its astronauts into emergency shelter aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule.

The standoff highlighted deepening tensions over safety protocols between NASA and Roscosmos. After NASA raised concerns about structural risks, Russia postponed the operation. According to reports, the two agencies are now moving toward decommissioning the PrK module entirely. This would involve permanently sealing the hatch to isolate the leak, effectively abandoning that section of the station.

While this move could stabilize the station’s atmosphere, it also means Russian crews will lose direct access to that module and must rely on alternate docking ports for cargo transfers. The decision marks a significant shift in ISS operations and underscores the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure in orbit.