Drinking water system in space station ISS shut down after suspected leak

In the International Space Station, a system for drinking water has been switched off, the US space agency NASA announced in the night from Wednesday to Thursday.

It concerns the ‘Water Processor Assembly’ (WPA) that recycles drinking water from multiple sources in the American Tranquility module. Presumably, a leak has occurred, and the crew has therefore shut down the system.

NASA emphasizes that there is no danger to those on board. There is still enough water on board for several months, and there are also enough spare parts available for a repair that could possibly be completed early next week.

In recent months, there have been several leaks in the outer wall in the Russian segment. How they came about is still unclear.

Seven astronauts currently live and work on the ISS.