NASA Accidentally Broadcasts Simulation of Astronauts Being Treated for Decompression Sickness on ISS

NASA inadvertently broadcast a simulation of astronauts being treated for decompression sickness on the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, leading to widespread speculation of an emergency among social media users. The incident occurred at approximately 5:28 p.m. US Central Time (2228 GMT) on NASA’s live YouTube channel, which transmitted audio suggesting a crew member was suffering from decompression sickness (DCS). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) later clarified the situation on its official ISS X account.

The audio, which was mistakenly aired, featured a female voice instructing crew members to “get commander back in his suit,” check his pulse, and provide him with oxygen. The voice also described the commander’s prognosis as “tenuous.” This broadcast quickly circulated on social media, with several space enthusiasts sharing the audio and warning of a serious emergency on the ISS. However, NASA did not verify or republish the recordings.

Why It Matters : The incident underscores the critical importance of clear communication and the potential for misinformation in the age of social media. Decompression sickness, commonly known as “the bends,” is a serious condition caused by nitrogen or other gas bubbles in the bloodstream due to changes in atmospheric pressure. It can affect the central nervous system and is potentially fatal. The broadcast of such a scenario, even as part of a simulation, can cause unnecessary panic and confusion if not promptly clarified.

NASA quickly addressed the situation, stating on its ISS X account that the audio was “inadvertently misrouted from an ongoing simulation where crew members and ground teams train for various scenarios in space and is not related to a real emergency.” The agency assured the public that “there is no emergency situation going on aboard the International Space Station.”

At the time of the broadcast, crew members on the ISS were in their sleep period, preparing for a scheduled spacewalk at 8 a.m. EDT on Thursday. The ISS account post emphasized that the crew was safe and that the simulation was part of routine training exercises designed to prepare astronauts and ground teams for potential emergencies.

The accidental broadcast highlights the rigorous training and preparedness protocols in place for astronauts aboard the ISS. These simulations are crucial for ensuring that both crew members and ground support teams are equipped to handle a wide range of emergency scenarios. However, the incident also serves as a reminder of the need for stringent controls to prevent such simulations from being mistakenly broadcast to the public.

NASA’s ISS YouTube channel, which was live at the time of the accidental broadcast, now displays an error message indicating that the feed has been interrupted. The agency has not provided further details on how the misrouting occurred but has reassured the public that measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Key Takeaways

• NASA inadvertently aired a simulation of decompression sickness treatment on the ISS, causing social media speculation.
• NASA confirmed the audio was from a simulation and not a real emergency, assuring the public of the crew's safety.
• The incident highlights the need for clear communication to prevent misinformation and panic.
• The simulation was part of regular training exercises to prepare astronauts and ground teams for emergencies.
• NASA is taking steps to ensure such accidental broadcasts do not occur in the future.