During a live broadcast on NASA’s YouTube channel, a simulation of astronauts being treated for decompression sickness on the International Space Station (ISS) was accidentally aired, causing speculation of an emergency on social media.
At around 5:28 p.m. U.S. Central Time (2228 GMT), audio from NASA indicated that a crew member was experiencing decompression sickness (DCS), as reported on the official ISS X account.
A recording of a female voice instructing crew members to assist the affected astronaut, check his pulse, and provide oxygen circulated on social media. NASA did not confirm the authenticity of the recordings.
Despite concerns raised by space enthusiasts online, NASA clarified that the audio was from an ongoing simulation and not a real emergency aboard the ISS.
Decompression sickness, also known as “the bends,” can be caused by gas bubbles in the bloodstream due to changes in atmospheric pressure, affecting the nervous system and potentially leading to fatality.
At the time of the incident, ISS crew members were in their sleep period, preparing for a scheduled spacewalk the following day at 8 a.m. EDT.
Following the accidental broadcast, NASA’s ISS YouTube channel displayed an error message indicating the interruption of the feed.
