WASHINGTON: Astronauts working on the International Space Station (ISS) briefly sheltered in a docked capsule on Friday as Russian colleagues assessed leak repairs, Nasa said.

Five astronauts had briefly entered the docked Dragon spacecraft as a precautionary measure -- the capsule functions as a lifeboat of sorts in case an evacuation is needed. Nasa gave the all clear and the astronauts were able to return to their stations.

A Nasa spokesperson said Russian cosmonauts took measurements of the leaks and were now assessing data.

“With today’s operations, they wanted to be extra safe, extra precautionary, and have the crew move into the safe haven posture,” the spokesperson said.

Nasa spokesperson Bethany Stevens then said on social media that “Nasa has instructed the crew members inside the Dragon spacecraft to end the safe haven procedures and return to planned operations aboard the International Space Station”.

In a statement cited by state media, Russia’s Roscosmos space agency said that while pressurising the transfer chamber, known as PrK, a leak was recorded.

“During an inspection of the PrK, the cosmonauts discovered two potential air leak sites. The first was promptly sealed by applying the first layer of the two-component sealant ‘Germetall?1.

“The second site is located on the conical part of the PrK. Work is underway to prepare for its sealing,” read the statement.

Nasa’s Stevens had previously said the transfer tunnel had suffered cracks and leaks for some time.

“Nasa and Roscosmos have been working to determine the root cause of the cracks, and Roscosmos manages the issue through operational measures and periodic partial-repair efforts,” she said.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2026