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Simulated Emergency on the International Space Station Causes Panic
What seemed like a nightmare scenario unfolded as a distress call from an astronaut suffering from decompression sickness on the International Space Station was broadcast live on a NASA livestream. However, the situation turned out to be a simulation that accidentally made its way onto the public broadcast, causing widespread concern.
“There is no emergency situation going on aboard the International Space Station,” NASA officials clarified in a statement on Wednesday night. The audio, which aired on NASA’s livestream, was from a simulation on the ground and not a real emergency.
Details of the Simulation
The simulated audio featured a flight surgeon providing guidance on treating an astronaut with decompression sickness. Recommendations included getting the astronaut back into their spacesuit promptly and administering pure oxygen. The flight surgeon also mentioned a hospital in Spain for emergency treatment post-return to Earth.
Despite the alarming nature of the simulation, NASA emphasized that the current ISS crew was not involved in the drill. The crew, comprising Russian cosmonauts and NASA astronauts, was asleep during the incident.
Real Risks of Decompression Sickness
Decompression sickness poses a significant risk to astronauts during spacewalks. The process of depressurizing and repressurizing the airlock when entering and exiting the ISS can lead to this condition. Prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial to managing the effects of decompression sickness.
Upcoming Spacewalk and Research Activities
Despite the false alarm, the ISS crew is gearing up for a busy schedule, including a spacewalk on Thursday. NASA astronauts Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Matthew Dominick will conduct the spacewalk to perform maintenance tasks and collect samples from the station’s exterior.
The spacewalk is set to begin at 8 a.m. EDT, with NASA TV coverage starting at 6:30 a.m. EDT. Interested viewers can watch the event live on Space.com.
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