NASA is examining reports of water leaking from spacesuit systems into the helmet during spacewalks, a development that has prompted a temporary pause on EVA activities. The issue came to light on March 23 during a sequence outside the US segment of the International Space Station. NASA astronauts and European astronauts were involved in the mission, and after nearly seven hours of work, concerns arose when one astronaut found water collected inside the visor. The water layer was thin but measurable, with a diameter of about 20 to 25 centimeters, though it did not immediately threaten the crew member.
In response to the incident, NASA halted spacewalks while investigators review potential causes and safety implications. The agency has indicated that operations involving aging extra-vehicular mobility unit suits are under heightened scrutiny, and any planned extravehicular activity that is not essential to a vehicle or mission objective remains suspended. A senior aerospace safety expert and former NASA astronaut noted that the ban will persist until the investigation reaches a clear conclusion, underscoring a cautious approach to crew safety during ongoing assessments.
Information from NASA’s space program leadership indicates that, thus far, there is no evidence linking the visor water to a contamination event within the suit itself. A thorough, definitive assessment of the suit will require returning it to Earth for hands-on inspection, a process that cannot be completed while the unit remains in space. The agency has outlined plans to remove the affected EMU from the ISS to support the analysis, coordinating with SpaceX for the next Dragon cargo mission to bring the equipment back for examination in the coming months.
While the current posture is one of caution, NASA has not closed the door on crewed activities in space. Officials have stated that, in an emergency scenario, the possibility of performing an EVA could be reconsidered if safety protections are firmly in place. In preparation for such a contingency, water-absorbent pads have already been prepared and delivered to the ISS to be used inside the helmet if a rapid response becomes necessary. The overarching goal remains ensuring astronaut safety while maintaining mission objectives in a challenging environment.
The investigation will continue to seek a definitive understanding of how moisture behaves within the suit’s life-support system under extended exposure to the vacuum of space and routine EVA conditions. Engineers and safety teams are examining the suit’s cooling loops, communications gear, and sanitary systems to determine whether aging components, manufacturing variances, or procedural factors could contribute to water intrusion. Initial findings have encouraged a disciplined review of maintenance practices, materials performance, and the overall health of the extravehicular equipment program.
As the inquiry progresses, NASA will publish updates on any changes to EVA policy, suit refurbishment schedules, and mitigation strategies designed to reduce future risk. The team is prioritizing a robust, data-driven approach that aligns with spaceflight safety standards and international collaboration protocols. The aim is to protect crew members during exploration missions while preserving the ability to conduct critical tasks beyond the spacecraft with minimal disruption to operations. The investigation will continue to involve cross-disciplinary experts, including mission operations personnel, suit engineers, and safety analysts, to ensure a comprehensive understanding and timely resolution.
In the meantime, astronauts and mission planners are working to consolidate lessons learned from this event into ongoing training and readiness activities. The situation highlights the inherently demanding nature of human spaceflight and reinforces the importance of rigorous safety oversight when dealing with complex life-support systems and remote operations. The collective experience gained from this inquiry is expected to inform future EVA planning, hardware improvements, and emergency readiness for crewed missions beyond low Earth orbit, as well as for ongoing research and commercial workloads aboard the station.