An unexpected and alarming event unfolded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) when a toxic smell was detected during the opening of the Russian Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft on November 23, 2024. NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her team quickly responded to the situation, isolating the affected area and using personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety.
The unusual odor, described as similar to “spray paint,” triggered immediate actions from both NASA and Roscosmos, who activated advanced air-purification systems. By November 24, air quality sensors confirmed that the ISS atmosphere had returned to normal, and the situation posed no further safety threats.
The exact source of the smell remains under investigation, but the swift response highlights the importance of safety measures during space missions. The Progress MS-29 spacecraft will remain docked for six months as part of its regular resupply mission.
