Safety Procedures Activated Following Air Leak in Zvezda Service Module

Zvezda 服務模組發生漏氣,啟動安全程序


Introduction

NASA and Roscosmos started emergency safety procedures on June 5, 2026, after they detected that air was escaping more quickly from a Russian section of the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA 與俄羅斯聯邦航太局 (Roscosmos) 於 2026 年 6 月 5 日啟動緊急安全程序,因為他們發現國際太空站 (ISS) 的俄羅斯區域漏氣速度加快。

Main Body

The problem occurred in the PrK transfer tunnel of the Zvezda service module. NASA emphasized that this part of the station has had structural cracks and pressure losses for six years. According to a senior NASA official, the air leak increased from 0.5 kilograms to nearly 1 kilogram per day this week. Consequently, Roscosmos began a large repair operation. However, a disagreement arose when Russian cosmonauts suggested using a saw to reach the crack, a method that NASA officials opposed. This disagreement led to the issuance of a 'safe-haven' order.

問題發生在 Zvezda 服務模組的 PrK 轉接通道。NASA 強調,太空站的這個部分已經有結構裂縫和壓力流失六年了。根據一位 NASA 高級官員,本週漏氣量從每日 0.5 公斤增加到近 1 公斤。因此,Roscosmos 開始了大規模維修行動。然而,當俄羅斯太空人建議使用鋸子來接觸裂縫時,雙方產生了分歧,NASA 官員反對此方法。這次分歧導致了「安全避風港」指令的發布。

Under this safety protocol, five crew members—including the SpaceX Crew-12 team and astronaut Chris Williams—were told to put on spacesuits and move into the docked SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. This move ensured that an evacuation vehicle was ready if the station's structure became more unstable. Meanwhile, Roscosmos found two leak sites and successfully sealed one with a special material. After Roscosmos decided to stop repairs to analyze more data, NASA cancelled the safety order two hours later, allowing the crew to return to their normal work.

根據此安全協議,包括 SpaceX Crew-12 團隊和太空人 Chris Williams 在內的五名機組人員,被要求穿上太空衣並移至對接的 SpaceX Dragon 太空船中。此舉確保了如果太空站結構變得更加不穩定,撤離載具已準備就緒。與此同時,Roscosmos 發現了兩個漏氣點,並使用特殊材料成功封堵了其中一個。在 Roscosmos 決定停止維修以分析更多數據後,NASA 於兩小時後取消了安全指令,允許機組人員返回正常工作。

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining an aging space station. Although the ISS has been inhabited since 2000, these repeated structural problems have encouraged NASA to move toward commercial space stations. Furthermore, the US Congress is currently working on laws to keep the ISS operational until 2032 to ensure a smooth transition to these new commercial destinations.

這次事件凸顯了維護老舊太空站的持續挑戰。儘管 ISS 自 2000 年起就有人居住,但這些重複出現的結構問題促使 NASA 轉向商業太空站。此外,美國國會目前正在制定法律,將 ISS 的運作時間維持至 2032 年,以確保順利過渡到這些新的商業目的地。

Conclusion

The ISS crew has returned to their regular activities, and the station's pressure is now stable while NASA and Roscosmos continue to study the failures in the Zvezda module.

ISS 機組人員已返回正常活動,太空站的壓力目前已趨於穩定,而 NASA 與 Roscosmos 將繼續研究 Zvezda 模組的失效問題。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'Logic Bridge': Moving from Simple to Complex Connections

At an A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Connectors of Consequence and Contrast. These words don't just link ideas; they show the relationship between them.

⚡ The 'Result' Shift

Instead of saying "The air leak grew, so they repaired it," the text uses:

"Consequently, Roscosmos began a large repair operation."

B2 Tip: Use Consequently or Therefore at the start of a sentence to sound more professional and academic. It signals to the listener that "Action B happened because of Action A."

🌓 The 'Conflict' Shift

Instead of "NASA didn't like the saw, but the Russians wanted it," look at how the text handles opposition:

"However, a disagreement arose..."

B2 Tip: While but is for small differences, However is used to introduce a major pivot in a story or argument. Place it at the beginning of the sentence followed by a comma for maximum impact.

🏗️ The 'Addition' Shift

Stop using and for every new piece of information. The text uses:

"Furthermore, the US Congress is currently working on laws..."

B2 Tip: Furthermore is your secret weapon for essays and reports. Use it when you have already made a point and want to add a stronger or additional supporting fact.


Quick Contrast Table for your Brain:

A2 (Simple)B2 (Bridge)Effect
SoConsequentlyLogical Result
ButHoweverStrong Contrast
AndFurthermoreAdding Weight

Vocabulary Learning

emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The manager emphasized the importance of arriving on time for the meeting.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:The company lost a lot of money; consequently, several employees were laid off.
disagreement (n.)
A situation in which people have different opinions or beliefs.
Example:The two partners had a serious disagreement over how to spend the budget.
issuance (n.)
The act of officially giving or providing something, such as a document or order.
Example:The issuance of new passports usually takes two weeks.
unstable (adj.)
Not steady or balanced; likely to change or fail suddenly.
Example:The political situation in the region remains highly unstable.
highlights (v.)
To draw attention to a particular piece of information or a specific problem.
Example:The report highlights the need for better healthcare in rural areas.
inhabited (adj.)
Lived in by people or animals.
Example:Some of the most remote islands in the Pacific are still inhabited.
operational (adj.)
Ready for use or in a state of functioning.
Example:The new airport terminal will become fully operational by next month.
transition (n.)
The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
Example:The company is managing a difficult transition to a new digital system.
Practice B2 words in a crossword