There were several incidents on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021, but one of the more serious ones occurred in July. During a routine test of the Russian Nauka module’s engines, the module unexpectedly fired its thrusters, causing the entire station to move out of its normal orientation. This created a problem for the solar panels, which need to be angled toward the sun to generate power, and also caused a drop in air pressure within the station. The crew quickly responded by closing off compartments and activating backup systems, and the situation was eventually stabilized.

While there were no injuries or significant damage to the station, the incident highlighted the potential dangers of working in space and the need for constant vigilance and preparation. It also raised questions about the reliability of aging Russian technology on the ISS and the importance of maintaining international cooperation in space exploration.