After half a decade of persistent atmospheric venting, the leaks within a section of the International Space Station's (ISS) Russian segment have apparently ceased. The leaks, originating from microscopic structural cracks inside the PrK module, which connects a Progress spacecraft airlock to the Zvezda module, had been a source of ongoing concern for both Russian and U.S. space agencies.

The problem intensified in 2024 when the leakage rate doubled, prompting NASA officials to categorize the situation as a high likelihood and high consequence risk. However, recent reports, now confirmed by NASA, indicate a stabilization of pressure within the affected area.

"Following additional inspections and sealing activities, the pressure in the transfer tunnel attached to the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station, known as the PrK, is holding steady in a stable configuration," NASA spokesman Josh Finch told Ars Technica.

The International Space Station, a joint project involving five participating space agencies – NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada) – has been a symbol of international cooperation in space exploration since its inception in 1998. The station serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory in which scientific research is conducted and provides a platform for longer-term missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Russian segment of the ISS plays a crucial role in the station's overall functionality, providing essential life support systems and docking ports for spacecraft. The PrK module, in particular, serves as a crucial transfer compartment.

The leaks within the PrK module raised concerns about the long-term viability of the ISS and the safety of its crew. The potential loss of atmosphere could have jeopardized ongoing research and required emergency repairs, diverting resources from other critical activities.

While the immediate crisis appears to have subsided, NASA and Roscosmos are continuing to monitor the situation and investigate the underlying causes of the leaks. The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining complex infrastructure in the harsh environment of space and the importance of ongoing international collaboration to ensure the continued success of the ISS mission. The two agencies will continue to share data and expertise to prevent future incidents and maintain the safety and operational integrity of the orbiting laboratory.