Astronauts sheltering on International Space Station after new leak found

Published June 5, 2026 8:53 AM MST

Five astronauts are taking shelter at the International Space Station after a fresh leak was found. 

NASA confirmed the move Friday and said it was "out of an abundance of caution."

Leak found on International Space Station

What we know:

The leak is on the Russian side of the research station that orbits some 250 miles above Earth. That part of the space station has long suffered from cracks and leaks.

International Space Station as seen from SpaceX Dragon capsule (NASA)

Cosmonauts are working to do a more extensive repair after fresh leaks were found.

READ MORE: Eiffel Tower-sized asteroid Apophis to pass closer to Earth than many satellites in 2029, NASA says

The five astronauts were moved into the SpaceX Dragon capsule.

What they're saying:

"Out of an abundance of caution, NASA has directed all four of the agency's SpaceX Crew-12 members and NASA astronaut Chris Williams to assume an elevated safety posture in the Dragon spacecraft while the repair is underway," NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens said. 

NASA astronauts Jack Hathaway, middle left, Jessica Meir, middle right, Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, left, and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, right, wearing SpaceX spacesuits, are seen as they prepare to depart the Neil A

The Crew-12 mission includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.

What we don't know:

It’s unclear what’s causing the cracks and leaks, or how long the astronauts will have to take shelter. 

The Source: This article includes information from NASA, The Associated Press and previous FOX Local reporting.

Air and SpaceU.S.WorldNews