Roscosmos to permanently seal ISS PrK tunnel due to air leaks

Roscosmos is reportedly preparing to permanently close the PrK transfer tunnel to isolate a persistent air leak on the International Space Station (ISS). The leak, first detected in 2019 in the tunnel connecting the Zvezda module to a docking port, has proven difficult to repair despite multiple attempts by both Roscosmos and NASA.

Reports indicate that the closure will necessitate changes to station logistics. For example, the upcoming Progress MS-36 cargo mission is expected to unload via the Poisk module rather than through Zvezda.

Disagreements between NASA and Roscosmos regarding the root cause and severity of the leak have reportedly persisted. Tensions escalated earlier this year when five astronauts were required to seek shelter during a high-risk repair attempt involving cosmonauts using saws to access suspected leak sites. Neither agency has officially confirmed the permanent closure.