Pump Problem On International Space Station
CAPE CANAVERAL (CBS4) – There's a pump problem on the International Space Station.
On Wednesday, the pump module on one of the space station's two external cooling loops automatically shut down when it reached pre-set temperature limits, according to NASA's website. These loops circulate ammonia outside the station to keep both internal and external equipment cool.
The flight control teams suspect a flow control valve actually inside the pump module itself might not be functioning correctly.
NASA reports the stations six crew members are not in any danger because of the malfunctioning pump.
As a precaution the crew, including two Americans, shutdown some of the minor operating systems to reduce the power load.
NASA managers and engineers are still working to determine the best way to fix the failed pump; including a possible emergency spacewalk.
