The crew aboard the International Space Station on November 23 (ISS) reported an unusual odor when opening the hatch for the recently docked Russian Progress MS-29 cargo spaceshipThe crew will close off the affected area as a platform safety measure by the International Space Station.
The source of the odor, as reported by several sources, is described by NASA Astronaut Don Pettit raised initial concerns about possible contamination within the Russian segment of the ISS as “reminiscent of spray paint”.
While Petit’s description Thrown light on Given the intensity of the odor, both NASA and Roscosmos activated air-purification systems to remove potential exposure. The US segment deployed its Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly (TCCS), while the Russian module was fitted with additional filtration systems to restore air quality. As a further precaution, all crew members donned personal protective equipment (PPE), the official handle of the ISS clarified in a Post,
Continuous monitoring ensures crew safety
Air sensors were continuously monitoring the environment, with flight controllers confirming by 24 November that the station’s air quality had returned to safe levels. This update allowed the crew to reopen the hatch between the Poisk and Progress modules without any risk. Although the specific source of the odor is under investigation, officials have indicated that there are no current safety concerns for the crew, and air quality has returned to normal levels according to multiple reports.
Routine resupply missions unaffected
Progress MS-29, part of a standard resupply mission, launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on November 21, bringing essential items such as food and fuel to the ISS. The spacecraft will remain docked for the next six months before returning the waste materials to Earth. Despite the initial warning, ISS operations have been confirmed to continue as planned, with safety protocols in place to ensure there is no disruption to station activities.
Sources at NASA and Roscosmos assured that efforts are underway to identify the origin of the odor and further preventive measures will be implemented as necessary.