NASA accidentally aired a simulation of astronauts receiving treatment for decompression sickness on the International Space Station (ISS) live stream on Wednesday, leading to emergency speculation on social media.
The audio broadcast, at around 5:28 p.m., suggested that a crew member was experiencing symptoms of decompression sickness (DCS), also known as \"the bends.\" This caused several space enthusiasts to share the audio on X (formerly Twitter), warning of a serious emergency aboard the ISS.
Responding quickly, NASA's official ISS X account clarified, \"There is no emergency situation going on aboard the International Space Station. This audio was inadvertently misrouted from an ongoing simulation where crew members and ground teams train for various scenarios in space.\"
At the time of the incident, the crew members were in their sleep period. NASA assured that all crew members remain healthy and safe, and that tomorrow's spacewalk will commence at 8 a.m. as planned.
Decompression sickness occurs when dissolved gases form bubbles in the body due to rapid pressure changes, such as those experienced during fast ascents while diving. Symptoms include joint pain, dizziness, and breathing issues, and it can be potentially fatal if not treated promptly.
SpaceX also posted on X, stating, \"This was only a test. The crew training in Hawthorne is safe and healthy as is the Dragon spacecraft docked to the space station.\"
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NASA says no emergency on ISS after simulation audio sparks concerns
cgtn.com