NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel has sounded the alarm on the International Space Station (ISS), warning that it has entered its most critical phase due to aging infrastructure issues. The panel, which met recently, expressed deep concern over unresolved structural problems in the Zvezda module, mission delays, and severe budget shortfalls that threaten both ongoing operations and safe deorbit.
The main issue is with cracks in the PrK vestibule of the Russian segment’s Zvezda module, which have no clear cause or solution. NASA and Roscosmos are closely monitoring the situation, but station managers have imposed operational restrictions to minimize risks.
Additionally, NASA needs a reliable deorbit strategy for emergencies, which SpaceX is working on with its U.S. Deorbit Vehicle (USDV). However, the project is years behind schedule, putting public safety at risk if an emergency deorbit is needed before delivery.
Budget constraints also pose a significant threat to ISS operations and safety margins. With over $1 billion in additional costs for the USDV and launch infrastructure expected to come from the already stretched ISS budget, NASA risks compromising its ability to safely perform normal and contingency operations.
The panel warns that scaling down funding too early would be premature, emphasizing the need to maintain adequate resources until the vehicle is safely reentered. With a planned retirement by 2030, the ISS faces mounting pressure due to cracking in its Russian-built module, supply chain disruptions, and delays in new vehicle launches.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/04/nasa-safety-panel-red-flag-iss-phase