Soyuz module on International Space Station is leaking something
Soyuz is used as a return capsule for 3 of the crew. One of them becoming unavailable is a big problem if there's an emergency on the station and they need to get the crew out fast.<p>Mission Controllers have only a few options here:<p>1. If they determine what the problem is and that the leak will not affect Soyuz's ability to return safely, then they can stay on board and continue as normal. This is unlikely; Spacecraft are not supposed to leak 'substances' like this. They also do not carry 'substances' that are not critical to the mission.<p>2. If they determine that the leak is slow enough to safely allow a reentry attempt, I expect them to pack up the 3 cosmonauts who are assigned to that soyuz and send em home pronto while that window is open.<p>3. If this soyuz is now toast and the Russians have a spare somewhere on the ground, they will likely have to fill it with supplies and launch it, fast, unmanned to the station. We are in a dangerous, unprecedented time where there are astronauts on station with no ride home. Every emergency is now life-threatening until they can get another soyuz up there.<p>In an emergency there is one other option that they might consider; Dragon is human rated in theory for up to 7 people. That's what the original design was for. However, NASA only fits theirs out for 4 astronauts. Presumably, they could, in an emergency be used to carry the 3 soyuz refugees. Perhaps they would need to bring extra life support equipment and dump cargo to lose some weight. But it could be made to work.
At a stretch, an unmanned cargo-dragon could even be used if appropriate life-support equipment could be employed. Such as putting the passengers in an EVA suit for the ride home.<p>Either way, it's thinking-cap time for the people at NASA and Roscosmos. Good luck!