NASA is currently considering sending two astronauts on a spontaneous spacewalk Saturday to repair a coolant leak in the International Space Station’s power system, according to the Associated Press.
According to the agency, the crew—which contains six members—is in no danger.
Spokesman Kelly Humphries said one of the eight solar panels used to power the space station was shut down due to the ammonia leak. The space station can function with the other seven.
The decision on whether or not to send the astronauts will be handed down Friday. NASA wants to decide as quickly as possible since one of the astronauts is scheduled to return home Monday.
According to Station Commander Chris Hadfield of Canada, the crew is fully prepared if the spacewalk were to occur.
"I think it's really smart the way we're all proceeding here," he radioed down to Earth. "It's the right thing to do."
The commander added in a tweet:
The whole team is ticking like clockwork, readying for tomorrow. I am so proud to be Commander of this crew. Such great, capable, fun people
The leak occurred in a radiator line that is supposed to keep the power systems from overheating. According to NASA spokesman Rob Navias the ammonia coolant was expected to run out Friday. For now the issue has been dealt with and the power is running smoothly.
"What's causing the leak is unknown because there's a lot of plumbing underneath the box itself," he said. "We've had lots of experience in installing and replacing coolant loop hardware."
Hadfield’s latest tweet may be an indication that a decision has been made or just a show of vigilance from the crew:
“Tomorrow we send 2 crew out into the thermal vacuum wearing cloth-and-rubber pressure suits to repair ISS. Extra study of procedures tonight”
U.S. astronauts Chris Cassidy and Tom Mashburn would be the two individuals expected to conduct the approximately six-hour spacewalk.
