Chemical Leak on ISS

Random Utinni writes "It looks like the Russian Elektron system on the ISS may be causing problems again. Today the crew discovered potassium hydroxide leaking into the space station. This comes right after delivery of new ISS components and right before the arrival of a new crew and first female space tourist."

Comments

obligatory

[sporkme]

In Soviet Russia, potassium hydroxide breathes you!

Fron TFA:
"NASA declared a spacecraft emergency for only the second time in the eight-year history of the station. The first time was for a false alarm of an ammonia spill."

That is a fantastic track record for an environment in a constant state of upgrade, falling perpetually at 17000 miles per hour. Nevermind the flammable nature of the atmosphere that surrounds overworked electronics and the parade of "space tourists." Ever have a visiting family member flush a broken toilet?

Re:kudos to the austronauts and cosmonauts

[rackhamh]

one has to admire their quiet selfless heroism.

Buddha would have made a great astronaut.

Potassium Hydroxide

[Anonymous Coward]

The crew first reported smoke but it turned out to be an irritant, potassium hydroxide, leaking from an oxygen vent, Suffredini said.

Would that make their original story a caustic lye?

Space Station and Shuttle, against the Sun

[lecithin]

A bit off topic, but I just saw this and thought I would share:

http://www.astrosurf.com/legault/iss_shuttle.jpg

It is just amazing the amount of detail that can be seen from the earth.

Cleaned up

[niceone]

The potassium hydroxide, a corrosive that can cause serious burns and can be harmful if inhaled, was cleaned up with towels and wrapped up in two rubber bags, Suffredini said.

In space, no one can hear you clean.