ISS Crew Seals Russian Cargo Ship Due to 'Toxic' Smell

NASA has recently been worried about a leak in the Russian section of the International Space Station (ISS), but the crew might be hoping to vent a little more air from the station. NASA says that a Russian cargo vessel docked to the Poisk module over the weekend carrying more than its assigned cargo—it also brought an unpleasant odor to the ISS.

The smelly Progress 90 resupply spacecraft reached the ISS on Nov. 23. Shortly after opening the hatch to unload cargo, the Russian crew noticed a strong odor and mysterious droplets drifting through the air. The crew immediately resealed the hatch and began an investigation.

NASA has sought to allay any concerns, noting that ISS atmospheric quality is monitored constantly. A network of sensors around the station reported that air scrubbers had returned air quality to normal by Sunday. NASA also stresses that there is no danger to ...