Космос: Опасност и Подготовка (Kosmos: Opasnost i Podgotovka)

The recent emergency involving Crew-11 on the International Space Station highlighted the inherent dangers of space exploration, even in low Earth orbit. The incident, triggered by a medical issue, forced a complete crew evacuation via the SpaceX capsule, underscoring the need for robust contingency planning. Astronaut training emphasizes preparedness for unexpected events like fires, ammonia leaks, and disorientation, focusing on maintaining calm and making quick decisions under pressure. Historical reports dating back to 1966 detailed the importance of backup systems and emergency return vehicles, a practice now universally adopted. While current systems like China’s Tiangong station offer rapid evacuation options, future missions to the Moon and Mars necessitate longer response times and increased risk mitigation, potentially requiring a fleet of rescue spacecraft and advanced medical capabilities. Concerns are being raised about the lack of readily available rescue options for upcoming missions like Artemis II, emphasizing the need for proactive planning and a multi-faceted approach to space exploration safety.