Claudia C./ Digital Aviation, Sp,– On June 12, at 22:28 UTC, an out-of-this-world event—literally—shook so much the International Space Station (ISS) as a hospital in Cádiz, Spain. What started as a quiet NASA routine broadcastended in a massive confusion that kept everyone in suspense for eight minutes.
It all started with the ISS live broadcast, a common practice to keep the public informed. cosmologists, astrophysicists and science enthusiasts about the activities on board. Suddenly, the signal cut off and was replaced by a black screen, followed by a voice describing an alarming medical emergency: he Commander Matthew Dominick was suffering symptoms of “orbital decompression sickness”also known as “diver’s disease.”
Decompression sickness is a serious problem that occurs when a rapid drop in pressure It causes bubbles of inert gases, such as nitrogen, to form in the body’s tissues. This condition can be fatal if not treated properly. In the audio, a surgeon could be heard offering urgent instructions, suggesting placing the affected astronaut in a spacesuit with pure oxygen.
Cadiz to the rescue
What made the situation even more peculiar was the mention of a specific hospital in Cádiz, Spain. One of the voices in the audio said: «I have found a hospital in Spain that has intensive care facilities and hyperbaric treatment. It’s the hospital San Carlos in San Fernando (Cádiz)». The plan was for the astronauts to return to Earth in a ship SpaceX Crew Dragonthey will land near the Rota Naval Base and they would transfer the patient to the Cádiz health center, and all this was going to happen in Spanish territory.
He San Carlos de Cádiz hospitaloblivious to all this simulation, was suddenly involved in a alleged emergency rescue of an astronaut in distress. Alarm spread among the staff, who began to prepare for receive a very special patient from space.
The situation, which lasted approximately eight minutes, was finally clarified by the POT. On social networks, the space agency explained that the audio came from a ground simulation that was accidentally leaked during the live broadcast. There was no real emergency, and all astronauts aboard the ISS They were healthy and safe.
These types of drills are routine for ISS crew members, who must be prepared for various emergency scenarios. However, this time, the simulation reached the ears of the public, triggering a chain of reactions and unnecessary worries.
Drills on the ISS
As expected, the POT regularly conducts drills to ensure that both the crew on board the International Space Station (ISS) how the ground personnel are prepared for any type of emergency. These exercises cover a wide range of situations, from technical problems to medical emergencies, and are designed to be as realistic as possible. Astronauts practice specific protocols that may include station evacuation, treatment of serious medical conditions and coordination with rescue teams on earth.
In a real medical emergency situation in the ISSthe POT follows a strict protocol. Doctors on the ground are notified immediately and assess the situation along with the crew on board. If the astronaut’s condition is critical, a emergency evacuation using available reentry capsules, such as the SpaceX Crew Dragon or the Russian Soyuz. The nearest hospital suitable to treat the astronaut’s specific condition is identified and coordinates with local authorities to guarantee a fast and safe transfer from the landing point to the medical center.
In this case, the choice of San Carlos hospital in Cádiz shows the capacity of the POT to quickly identify suitable medical facilities anywhere in the world. Apparently, the POT not only has an impressive star map, but also a Michelin guide to terrestrial hospitals.
A misunderstanding turned into a lesson
This incident, although alarming at the timeserves as a reminder of the importance of simulations and international coordination in space missions. It also highlights the need to have clear and effective protocols to communicate the differences between a real emergency and a training exercise.
However, this transmission error did not go unnoticed. Both the science fan forums such as the media They quickly picked up the story, spreading the incident around the world. The confusion and bewilderment initial gave way to the curiosity and, finally, to relief when it was confirmed that everything had been a drill.
Forum NASASpaceflightin particular, was one of the first to report on the situation, highlighting the how quickly the community of enthusiasts of space exploration can detect and discuss these events in real time. The news was also covered by various media, that helped clarify the facts and reassure the public.
War of the Worlds
This incident is inevitably reminiscent of another famous media event that occurred more than 80 years ago: the transmission of «“The War of the Worlds” by Orson Welles. Halloween Night 1938, a dramatization of the HG Wells novel about a martian invasion It was so convincing that many listeners believed it was real, triggering panic.
The broadcast, which began with a series of news bulletins interrupting a music program, detailed how the Martians were attacking New Jersey. The narration it was so realistic that people took to the streets, convinced that the invasion was real.
The power of the Media
Both events, although separated by more than eight decades, They underscore the power of the media to influence public perception. The Orson Welles broadcast in 1938 and the drill of the POT in 2024 are perfect examples of how a mistake or a convincing dramatization can trigger a massive response and immediate.
The transmission of «War of the Worlds« It is a clear example of the fine line between reality and fiction. Despite warnings that it was a dramatization, many listeners believed that an alien invasion was actually occurring.
The ISS incident, although less dramatic, showed how an emergency drill can be misinterpreted when it goes out of context. In both cases, the lack of clear information and the compelling nature of the transmissions led to exaggerated reactions.
If Orson raised his head…
Yeah Orson Welles could raise his head and see the space drill incident, he would probably say: “Welcome to the club!” These events remind us that, although technology and media have advanced enormously, the ability to cause confusion and panic It’s still very real.
Who knows, maybe the next time we hear a dramatic broadcast, we’ll wonder if it’s not just another one.”Orson Welles» playing with our perception of reality. Because, at the end of the day, the power of the media is so great that even the POT may end up recommending hospitals in Cádiz.
