Ammonia leak on space station

The International Space Station has a radiator leak in its power system. The outpost's commander calls the situation serious, but not life-threatening.

The six-member crew noticed white flakes of ammonia leaking out of the station. Ammonia runs through multiple radiator loops to cool the station's power system.

Space station Commander Chris Hadfield of Canada tweeted that the problem, while serious, was stabilised. Officials will know more later today.

"Station's power relies on ammonia coolant. A few hours ago, we determined that the ammonia was leaking out of the Station and into space," he said.

NASA said the leak is increasing from one previously leaking loop that can be bypassed if needed.

NASA spokesman Bob Jacobs said engineers are working on rerouting electronics just in case the loop shuts down. The Earth-orbiting station has backup systems.

The space station always has enough emergency escape ships for the crew, but there are no plans to use them.

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Ammonia leak on space station