NASA has postponed the Axiom Mission 4 launch to the ISS due to ongoing leak issues attributed to its aging structure, particularly in the Russian segment. Recent repairs showed some pressure stabilization, though uncertainties about causes remain. Critical discussions continue between NASA and Russia's Roscosmos regarding acceptable leak levels. European astronaut Andreas Mogensen suggested that sealing the Zvezda hatch might not severely impact operations. However, concerns from industry leaders, like Elon Musk, emphasize the risks of maintaining the increasingly outdated ISS.
NASA and Roscosmos have not reached an agreement on the point at which the leak rate is untenable.
European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen noted that, in the worst case, the Zvezda hatch could be permanently sealed without impacting ISS operations.
The leak rate featured prominently in a NASA Office of Inspector General report, highlighting ongoing concerns about ISS's aging structure.
Billionaire Elon Musk has warned of the risks of maintaining the ISS given that some parts are simply getting too old.
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