The Russian space agency Roskosmos has announced that a thorough inspection of the damaged Progress MS-21 cargo spacecraft is complete. Officials indicated that the findings were shared with partner organizations via telecommunication channels used for official updates. The disclosed materials include photo and video documentation captured during the assessment, which will be handed to Russian specialists for detailed review. These visual records are intended to pinpoint the sequence of events that led to a drop in pressure within the ship’s thermal control subsystem, a key safety system aboard the vehicle.
According to Roskosmos, the investigation may identify the specific location of the suspected damage on Progress MS-21 as it remains berthed on the International Space Station (ISS). The review process includes remote inspection using a robotic manipulator mounted on the American segment of the ISS, providing access to areas that are otherwise unreachable. The press service of Roskosmos confirmed this capability, emphasizing that such on-orbit diagnostics are essential to understanding the condition of the spacecraft’s external and internal systems.
Once the video and photographic evidence are collected, the materials will be transmitted to the Mission Control Center for Russia (MCC), where experts will conduct a comprehensive analysis. The goal is to reconstruct the incident timeline, assess the integrity of the thermal control network, and determine whether the depressurization had any impact on docking operations or overall station safety. The MCC team will cross-check data with on-board telemetry to corroborate initial findings and rule out alternative causes.
Roskosmos reaffirmed that the depressurization issue occurred on February 11 and occurred while Progress MS-21 was isolated from the broader ISS volume. Despite the loss of pressure in the thermal management loop, the vessel remained successfully docked with the space station. Authorities stated that the incident did not compromise the docking procedure or threaten the crew, and all standard station protections remained in effect. The investigation continues as engineers seek a definitive explanation for the observed anomaly and to determine necessary corrective actions for future missions.
Industry observers note that a careful, step-by-step analysis is essential to prevent similar events in the future. By evaluating the external thermal control path, potential seal or connector issues, and the performance of related cooling loops, the Russian team aims to bolster confidence in Progress MS-21’s design and operational procedures. The ongoing work underscores the careful engineering discipline behind long-duration spaceflight, where even a small deviation in a single subsystem can prompt a detailed diagnostic that spans multiple teams and ground facilities. The final assessment will inform both current mission monitoring and future spacecraft development strategies, ensuring a robust response framework for unplanned contingencies while maintaining ISS safety and mission timelines. All findings will be shared through official channels with appropriate attribution to the Roskosmos press service and MCC analysts.