The launch of the Progress MS-29 mission took place on November 21, 2024 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and it was definitely one of the most important events in this year’s activities of the International Space Station. The main goal was to deliver over two tons of cargo, including materials necessary for scientific research, food and fuel. Overall, it was a success, but something unexpected also happened, which scared the astronauts a bit. It turns out that the problem was an unexpected… smell.
Supply missions are an integral part of the operation of the International Space Station. Progress MS-29 therefore carried items not only that made the life of astronauts easier – food and clothing, but above all, specialized materials for experiments, including projects such as “Splankh” or “3D-pechat’.” Their implementation will allow us to expand knowledge about the possibilities of using technology in microgravity, which is currently a standard in any space activities.
The Progress MS-29 mission was launched using the Soyuz-2-1a rocket, which has already flown to the ISS many times. Everything went according to plan. Just 8 minutes after launch, Progress was in orbit and began its independent journey towards the ISS. The Kurs and TORU navigation systems allowed for safe docking, which took place on November 23. During the flight, a series of corrective maneuvers were performed, which allowed the trajectory to be precisely adjusted to the ISS parameters.
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The stench alarmed the astronauts
However, not everything went according to plan. After opening the hatch leading to the MS-29 vehicle, the crew noticed an intense odor and the presence of droplets that may indicate contamination of the cargo. In response to the incident, air purification systems were activated in both the Russian and American segments of the station. The situation was quickly brought under control and the air quality returned to normal – fortunately, nothing bad happened. What caused this stench? For now, there is nothing certain about it – but since there is no certain information about it, and there is no alarm regime at the Station, it can be assumed that it was not a threat to the functioning of the facility.
The delivered cargo was of great importance for the further operations of the ISS. It included, among others: 1,155 kilograms of equipment, 869 kilograms of fuel, 420 kilograms of water and 43 kilograms of compressed nitrogen. All this is necessary not only for the station’s daily operation, but also for the implementation of long-term experiments. Research projects implemented thanks to supply missions may turn into breakthrough discoveries in the field of materials science or biotechnology.
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Space teaches us humility
These types of situations are perfect proof of how important precision and planning are in the context of space exploration. The potential contamination incident inside the International Space Station is a lesson in humility and a very stark reminder that even the most modern systems – full of emergency solutions and procedures – can also be unreliable. Space exploration basically means the need to constantly improve safety rules and develop new technologies that minimize the risk to astronauts. Space is not a hospitable place – in fact, its principles are set in such a way that we are unable to function normally in it.
Even such well-made artificial environments as the International Space Station do not allow us to stay there for very long without consequences. As I mentioned in this text, the mixture of microgravity and cosmic radiation causes often irreversible changes in people – both in DNA and in internal organs. Take a look at what scientists who return to Earth after very long missions look like. These people are often unable to stand due to muscle loss! Their balance is disturbed and they often cannot even walk on their own…
Progress MS-29 turned out to be a success, but it was not without problems. Soon we will probably find out what exactly smelled on the International Space Station after opening the hatch to the supply ship. It could have been organic debris accidentally left in the capsule, it could have been the remains of preservatives or harmless chemicals. Something could have leaked and leaked material that was not necessarily dangerous. Fortunately, the safety systems worked properly and everything ended well. Let’s hope the ISS crews manage to work without any failures until the end of the time planned for the station – it will soon run out and the station will be deorbited. This will most likely happen thanks to a special vehicle created by SpaceX.
Source: antyweb.pl
