NASA and Roscosmos remain at odds over the cause and severity of an air leak in the Russian segment of the International Space Station, specifically in the Zvezda service module’s PrK vestibule.

The leak, ongoing for years, is being investigated by both agencies, but they disagree on its root cause and potential risks.

Russian engineers attribute it to “high cyclic fatigue” from micro-vibrations, while NASA cites multiple factors including pressure, mechanical stress, and material properties, Space News has reported.

Despite efforts to seal the leak, NASA expresses concern over potential catastrophic failure, while Russia believes the risk is minimal. Both agencies are working to reach a common understanding of the issue.

Written by B.C. Begley