**NASA and Roscosmos Mobilize for Potential ISS Evacuation Due to Severe Air Leaks**

NASA and Roscosmos have ramped up safety measures on the International Space Station (ISS) amid serious air leaks and escalating structural issues that threaten crew safety. The growing concerns center around the Zvezda module, where a persistent air leak has now become a top safety risk, necessitating evacuation plans for U.S. astronauts.

The air leakage problem in the Zvezda Service Module, initially detected in 2019, has resisted multiple efforts to seal it fully. The rate of air loss reached an alarming 3.7 pounds per day in April 2024. In light of this, NASA has enforced strict protocols, including limiting access to the module, and mandated that astronauts remain on the U.S. side of the station except for essential tasks within Zvezda. NASA and Roscosmos have agreed to keep the module's hatch closed during non-essential hours to minimize air loss.

NASA's Office of the Inspector General recently outlined more than 50 "areas of concern" on the 25-year-old ISS, with the Zvezda leak now rated as a maximum safety risk, scored five out of five. NASA has contracted SpaceX to develop an emergency plan to evacuate U.S. astronauts, at a cost of $266,000, should conditions deteriorate further.

Further complicating the situation, the ISS faces hazards from micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD). While the shields on the U.S. segments can protect against debris up to three centimeters in size, they cannot defend against larger pieces. The multitude of small debris fragments orbiting Earth increases the probability of significant impacts, posing yet another substantial risk to the station's safety.

The ISS, which has hundreds of components already past their intended use dates, is grappling with the cumulative effects of aging and the relentless assault of space debris. The Office of the Inspector General flagged 588 parts for replacement as of September 2024. Although replacement parts and repairs have extended the ISS's functionality beyond its planned lifespan, growing maintenance requirements remain a critical challenge as NASA and its partners contemplate extending operations to 2030.

In case of an emergency, American astronauts are trained to quickly reach the Crew Dragon capsule, which stays docked as an escape vehicle. Both space agencies continuously monitor the situation, assessing leak progression, structural vulnerabilities, and potential space debris hazards. According to ISS program manager Joel Montalbano, while the leak is not an immediate threat to crew safety or vehicle operations, it remains a crucial issue that requires ongoing vigilance.

NASA's latest report highlights the delicate balance between addressing immediate safety needs and ensuring the ISS's long-term sustainability. Despite these challenges, the ISS remains a vital asset for space exploration, scientific research, and international cooperation.