Astronauts calling for help were heard in a video broadcast from the International Space Station, on the International Space Station’s YouTube channel. POT, last June 12. The message caused concern for followers on Earth. Later, the US agency explained what had happened.
In the audio, a voice is heard asking the astronaut passengers to help the commander put his suit back on, check his pulse and provide him with oxygen. Advice is also heard from a distraught surgeon. Videos with the message were spread on social networks, although NASA has not replicated it again.
NASA’s response to the accident
“There is no emergency situation aboard the International Space Station. At approximately 5:28 p.m. CDT, audio was transmitted on NASA’s live feed from a simulation audio channel on Earth indicating that a crew member was experiencing effects related to decompression sickness (EDC)”, the agency responded from the official ISS account, via X.
According to the statement, the audio was diverted without any astronaut being able to notice. The message was part of a simulation ongoing in which ISS crew members and Earth teams train for various scenarios in space and was not related to an actual emergency.
“The members of The crew of the International Space Station were sleeping at the time. “Everyone remains healthy and safe, and tomorrow’s spacewalk will begin at 8 a.m. EDT as planned,” the announcement concludes.
NASA shared an explanation of what happened via X. Photo: capture of X
What is decompression sickness?
Decompression sickness, according to NASA, refers to medical problems that can affect astronauts during extravehicular activities in the space. These discomforts can occur when there are sudden changes in environmental pressure, such as when leaving the spacecraft or returning to it after a spacewalk.
Some of the symptoms of decompression sickness are: joint and muscle pain, extreme fatigue, dizziness and vertigo, difficulty breathing, confusion or cognitive problems. Paralysis can also occur that affects certain parts of the body, especially the extremities.
In severe cases, decompression loss can lead to memory loss. It should be noted that the symptoms can manifest gradually or suddenly and depending on the physical conditions of the astronaut.
To respond to an emergency situation due to this disease identified in an astronaut, NASA has a specific protocol that must be followed. The steps it includes are: identification of symptoms, isolation of the person, administration of oxygen, monitoring and medical evaluation. Finally, depending on the severity, evacuation to a more advanced medical facility may be considered.
