The exact nature of the particle that breached the radiator of the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft remains uncertain, according to Sergey Krikalev, Roscosmos’ manager for manned space programs. He indicated that external debris is considered the most probable source of the radiator penetration, a conclusion reported by TASS. The discussion centers on whether a microscopic object from space struck the spacecraft and caused the damage observed on the exterior shielding, a scenario that would account for the later cooling system issues and the need to reassess risk on long-duration missions. The space agency is pursuing a careful assessment, weighing debris-related explanations against other potential mechanical causes in the ice and vacuum environment surrounding the International Space Station. Krikalev stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that any definitive attribution will rely on additional data gathered from onboard diagnostics and debris analysis, as cited by Russian space officials and state media.
On December 15, mission personnel reported damage to the outer casing of the Soyuz MS-22’s instrumentation compartment, which remains docked to the International Space Station. The incident led to depressurization and forced the cancellation of the planned spacewalk by cosmonauts Sergei Prokopiev and Dmitry Petelin. The crew stated that the ship’s diagnostic system detected a sharp pressure drop within the cooling circuit, and a NASA broadcast captured jets of technical fluid streaming from the vessel, a sign of the cooling system’s distress. Investigators are examining whether the observed fluid leakage and pressure loss are directly linked to the radiator breach, or if separate subsystem issues may be contributing to the anomaly. The implications extend to crew safety, mission planning, and the overall integrity of the ISS thermal control system as more telemetry becomes available, and authorities continue to review operational contingencies in light of the incident.
Earlier remarks from Yuri Borisov, the chief executive of the state space corporation, suggested that evacuating the crew from the ISS using the unmanned Soyuz MS-23 was considered as a possible return option if necessary. This option reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding the vehicle’s ability to maintain dependable life support and thermal control in the current fault scenario. Space agency leaders are balancing the need to preserve crew safety with the continuity of ISS operations, exploring all viable alternatives while ensuring that rescue and return procedures remain ready if the situation dictates. The dialogue among Roscosmos officials, international partners, and NASA underscores the collaborative approach used to address this complex anomaly and to safeguard ongoing human spaceflight activities in low Earth orbit.