Experts from the American space agency NASA and the Russian state company Roscosmos will continue to jointly examine options for restoring the ISS crew to Earth after the incident that damaged the skin of the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft. This collaboration is being pursued as investigators from both sides assess safe and reliable methods for returning astronauts home, taking into account the current condition of the vehicle and the needs of the crew. NASA spokesperson Kelly Humphries indicated that the two agencies will work together to explore every feasible option before a final decision is made on how to bring the crew back safely.
The representatives noted that the ISS Expedition 68 crew remains in good condition and continues essential work aboard the station, including ongoing repairs and scientific experiments. The plan is to maintain normal operations on the orbiting lab while evaluating contingent return strategies should they be required. The discussions have not yet specified whether the Russian side has formally requested NASA assistance with a return of cosmonauts or what specific options would be available in that scenario. The situation remains under joint review as teams review all possible pathways for a secure deorbit and landing sequence.
On December 15, the Soyuz MS-22 outer casing experienced damage to the instrument compartment attached to the ISS, with the crew reporting a malfunction in the diagnostic system that led to a noticeable drop in cooling system pressure. NASA broadcasts captured jets of cooling fluid escaping from the vehicle, prompting an assessment of the integrity of the spacecraft and any potential impact on return planning. The incident prompted heightened coordination between the two agencies and a careful evaluation of safety margins, shielding, and redundancy in the propulsion and life-support systems.
By December 26, Roscosmos reported that the exact nature of the particle that penetrated the radiator of the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft remained unclear. This ambiguity has influenced the ongoing assessment of the spacecrafts overall health and the readiness of a conventional return path. NASA and Roscosmos have emphasized that any decision will prioritize crew safety, station operations, and mission objectives, with a strong preference for options that minimize risk and maintain the ability to adapt to new findings as data becomes available. In the meantime, experts on both sides continue to monitor the ISSs status, the condition of the MS-22, and the potential impact on future crew rotations and cargo flights. The joint approach reflects a commitment to international cooperation in space exploration, ensuring that astronauts can return home safely while preserving the science and research conducted on the orbiting laboratory.