NASA says no emergency on ISS after simulation audio sparks concerns

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A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft aboard blasts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the U.S., June 5, 2024. NASA and Boeing launched the first crewed mission of the Starliner spacecraft from the U.S. state of Florida, sending two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). /NASA/Handout via Xinhua

NASA accidentally aired a simulation of astronauts receiving treatment for decompression sickness on the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, leading to emergency speculation on social media.

At around 5:28 p.m., an audio on NASA's live YouTube channel suggested a crew member was experiencing symptoms of decompression sickness (DCS), according to NASA's official ISS X account.

Several space enthusiasts posted a link to the audio on X, warning of a serious emergency on the ISS.

"There is no emergency situation going on aboard the International Space Station," the ISS account posted. "This audio was inadvertently misrouted from an ongoing simulation where crew members and ground teams train for various scenarios in space."

Crew members were in their sleep period at the time. All remain healthy and safe, and tomorrow's spacewalk will start at 8 a.m. as planned, the ISS post said.

DCS, also known as "the bends," occurs when dissolved gases form bubbles in the body due to rapid pressure changes, such as fast ascents while diving. Symptoms include joint pain, dizziness, and breathing issues, and it can be potentially fatal.

"This was only a test. The crew training in Hawthorne is safe and healthy as is the Dragon spacecraft docked to the space station," SpaceX posted later on X.

(With input from agencies)