NASA has instructed astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to prepare for a possible emergency evacuation while engineers work to repair an air leak detected on the station.
According to reports, a small air leak was discovered in one section of the ISS, prompting mission controllers to implement precautionary safety measures to protect the crew.
NASA said there is currently no immediate danger to the astronauts, but crew members have been asked to remain ready in case the situation worsens.
Astronauts have reportedly begun reviewing emergency procedures and checking spacecraft that could be used to leave the station if necessary.
Air leaks are not entirely new to the ISS, as similar incidents have occurred in previous years, particularly in older sections of the orbiting laboratory.
Space experts note that even small leaks can become serious if not repaired quickly because the station operates in the vacuum of space.
NASA and its international partners are continuing to closely monitor the condition of the station while repair efforts continue.
The ISS remains one of the world’s most important space research facilities, hosting astronauts from multiple countries who conduct scientific experiments and technological research in orbit.