Roscosmos’ managing director Sergey Krikalev spoke about the challenges of identifying microcrack leaks on the International Space Station. He emphasized that these leaks are exceptionally hard to detect and can remain undetectable for long periods, hiding in plain sight on the station’s living fabric.
He explained that pressure levels aboard the station shift with changing conditions such as temperature, humidity, oxygen use, and carbon dioxide output. These fluctuations cover a wider range than the microleaks themselves, meaning that a leak may only become apparent after an extended observation window. On a graph, the small, consistent slope associated with a microcrack becomes visible only over time, a kind of jagged line that requires patience to interpret rather than a single daily anomaly.
According to the engineer, daily charts do not reveal these changes, because the leaks originate from microcracks that do not trigger standard leak detectors. This makes the problem elusive and persistent, requiring long-term monitoring rather than quick fixes.
The exact cause of the cracks remains unresolved. The term fatigue cracks is discussed widely in technology, but both Russian and American experts have ruled out fatigue as the primary driver. The regions where microleaks appear are not typically subjected to the highest mechanical loads, and fatigue cracks tend to form where cyclic stresses are greatest. With that in mind, the question of what triggers these microcracks remains unanswered and open for investigation.
As for practical solutions, no definitive method has been established to eliminate these microcracks. Initial attempts involved applying specialized adhesive tape, followed by the use of sealants. A dedicated Earth-based procedure was adapted for use in space, which reduced the leaks but did not eradicate them entirely. Thus, ongoing exploration of alternative techniques continues while current measures aim to minimize leakage as effectively as possible.
The broader context involves how Russia and the United States collaborate on the ISS amid geopolitical tensions, and how the station continues to function beyond its original warranty. These dynamics are part of a larger discussion about how a multinational space platform remains operational under shifting political scenarios and evolving technological requirements.
There was prior public knowledge about an experiment related to a self-healing material on the ISS, which added to the interest in how the station maintains integrity in the long term. Ongoing research and cross-national collaboration keep the mission moving forward, even as questions about durability and resilience inspire continued inquiry and development.