Sergey Krikalev, the head of Russia’s manned space programs at Roscosmos, indicated that the space agency will conduct a thorough investigation into the depressurization incident aboard the Progress MS-21 cargo ship currently linked to the International Space Station. The goal is to pinpoint the exact failure point and to prevent any similar design vulnerabilities from appearing in future missions. This reflects a steady, data-driven approach to safeguarding cargo resupply operations and crew safety, emphasizing a commitment to robust engineering practices as space programs evolve.
A coolant leak has been identified within the ship’s thermal management system, creating concerns about the ship’s ability to handle the stress of orbital operations. Roscosmos officials stressed that understanding the root cause is essential to maintaining mission integrity and ensuring that the health of the station’s broader cooling architecture remains uncompromised. The investigation will examine manufacturing tolerances, system redundancies, and integration with the overall spacecraft power and thermal networks, all critical factors in sustaining long-duration flights in harsh space environments.
Krikalev underscored the strategic importance of the inquiry, noting that the findings must address not only the specific MS-21 unit but also potential design considerations that could influence the reliability of upcoming launches. By identifying and mitigating any repeatable failure modes, the agency aims to fortify the safety margins of subsequent cargo ships, thereby reinforcing confidence in Russia’s contribution to continuous station resupply and international collaboration in space science.
Meanwhile, Roscosmos confirmed that the unpressurized Progress MS-21 spacecraft will be removed from orbit and slated for controlled disposal in the Pacific Ocean on February 18. Officials stated that the depressurization does not alter the planned de-orbit timeline or the timing of the spacecraft’s return to Earth’s vicinity for final disposition. The procedure will involve a targeted deorbit burn and a safe, oceanic splashdown, with attention to minimizing any impact on nearby maritime routes or space station operations. This orderly sequence is designed to ensure that the mission’s end-of-life activities proceed in an orderly, predictable manner while allowing engineers to gather valuable data from the deorbit event for future mission planning and risk assessment.