Cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station have completed the latest round of training in Orlan-ISS spacesuits, preparing for upcoming spacewalks. The training, observed by mission specialists and reported by the Russian crew, focused on validating suit performance and ensuring flawless operation during airlock work. The exercises were led by the corps commander of the cosmonaut unit, who emphasized that the suits performed reliably and that the training demonstrated clear, intuitive access to all control interfaces required for outside work.
A key aim of the sessions was to confirm that the Orlan-ISS suits would fit optimally to the astronauts. The crew checked the suits against a wide range of body sizes and shapes, ensuring comfort and mobility from 165 cm up to 190 cm. This adaptability was achieved using a system of adjustable soft power bands and a tightening mechanism at the elbow segment of the sleeve, allowing rapid customization without compromising rigidity or safety. The organizers noted that this feature is crucial for efficiency when performing tasks outside the station, where any delay can affect mission timelines. The crew also verified that all essential life support, communications, and maneuvering subsystems remained accessible and fully controllable from the front controls while under working pressure. The tests included running the suit systems under simulated atmospheric conditions to confirm performance and reliability in the critical moments of a spacewalk. The exercises were designed to mirror real EVA operations, ensuring that astronauts can monitor, adjust, and troubleshoot from the suit’s user interface even when wearing gloves and working in limited visibility.
These readiness drills occurred ahead of the scheduled spacewalks by Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, a pair expected to venture outside the ISS for a planned activity window in late April. The crew has repeatedly highlighted that mission tasks will benefit from prior verification of suit fit, control accessibility, and system integration, as well as the ability to adapt equipment rapidly if the situation demands. The training underscores a broader emphasis on crew safety, operational efficiency, and the seamless coordination required for complex exterior tasks in microgravity.
Meanwhile, updates from the station noted that a minor air leak within the Russian segment did not disrupt ISS operations to any meaningful degree. Ground teams monitored the situation closely and confirmed that life support and critical systems remained within safe margins during the incident. The event was contained with no impact on crew health or mission objectives, and preparations continued for the planned spacewalks. This incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance and rapid diagnostic capability that characterize long-duration spaceflight.
In related context, earlier reports covered a separate event involving space debris selecting a low Earth orbit path. While such debris can pose risks to orbital assets, the latest assessments indicated no immediate hazard to the station or its crew, and routine debris monitoring and shielding strategies remained active. These recurring checks are part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining operational integrity in an environment where tiny disturbances can have outsized consequences.
As the mission progresses, the crew will perform final preparations for the EVA tasks, ensure all suit subsystems remain nominal, and rehearse contingency procedures to address potential anomalies. The emphasis remains on precise wrist and glove interface control, system redundancy, and rapid response to any changes in suit pressure or temperature. The current training cycle reflects a continuous process of verification and optimization, aligning equipment capabilities with the demanding requirements of space operations. This disciplined approach helps sustain mission momentum while prioritizing crew safety and mission success.