Sunday, May 12, 2013

NASA: Space station power system radiator leaking

In this image provided by NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Expedition 20 flight engineer, participates in the STS-128 mission's first session of extravehicular activity on the International Space Station Sept. 1, 2009. Two deployed radiators are visible behind Stott. The International Space Station has a radiator leak in its power system. The outpost's commander calls the situation serious, but not life-threatening. The six-member crew on Thursday May 9, 2013 noticed white flakes of ammonia leaking out of the station. (AP Photo/NASA)

In this image provided by NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Expedition 20 flight engineer, participates in the STS-128 mission's first session of extravehicular activity on the International Space Station Sept. 1, 2009. Two deployed radiators are visible behind Stott. The International Space Station has a radiator leak in its power system. The outpost's commander calls the situation serious, but not life-threatening. The six-member crew on Thursday May 9, 2013 noticed white flakes of ammonia leaking out of the station. (AP Photo/NASA)

FILE - This May 23, 2011 file photo released by NASA shows the International Space Station at an altitude of approximately 220 miles above the Earth, taken by Expedition 27 crew member Paolo Nespoli from the Soyuz TMA-20 following its undocking. NASA on Thursday, May 9, 2013 said the International Space Station has a radiator leak in its power system. The outpost's commander calls the situation serious, but not life-threatening. (AP Photo/NASA, Paolo Nespoli, File)

(AP) ? The International Space Station has a radiator leak in its power system. The outpost's commander calls the situation serious, but not life-threatening.

The six-member crew on Thursday noticed white flakes of ammonia leaking out of the station. Ammonia runs through multiple radiator loops to cool the station's power system. NASA said the leak is increasing from one previously leaking loop that can be bypassed if needed. NASA spokesman Bob Jacobs said engineers are working on rerouting electronics just in case the loop shuts down. The Earth-orbiting station has backup systems.

Space station Commander Chris Hadfield of Canada tweeted that the problem, while serious, was stabilized. Officials will know more Friday.

The space station always has enough emergency escape ships for the crew, but there are no plans to use them.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-05-10-Space%20Station/id-92866cb54d9c4b9ea74e6cba3893edad

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