International Space Station Springs a Leak

The International Space Station is leaking ammonia coolant used to maintain its solar-panel power gear, Space.com reports. NASA says astronauts are "in no danger," but the situation could affect the station's power capabilities. Crew members spotted the frozen ammonia leaking from from a coolant loop yesterday. A similar leak was observed in 2007, but a spacewalk last year was believed to have fixed it. The new leak "is in the same area, but we don't know whether it's the same leak," says a NASA rep.

Experts are still trying to figure out the exact location of the leak. In the meantime, Commander Chris Hadfield has offered a somewhat reassuring tweet, picked up by the Atlantic Wire: "It is a serious situation, but between crew and experts on the ground, it appears to have been stabilized. Tomorrow we find out for certain." (More International Space Station stories.)