International Space Station

International Space Station

The ISS crewmembers are currently performing a practice fire drill on the orbital outpost. Supported by the mission control centres in Houston and Moscow, this is a routine exercise and part of life on board the International Space Station.

The training scenario they are working through is a fire detected in the European Columbus laboratory. Unlike on Earth where we would normally evacuate the building and call the fire brigade, the crew has to work through any issues with the support of ground staff, with an evacuation of the ISS being the last resort during a real incident. Prior to starting the drill, to avoid any alarm, a warning was given to all listening that the fire drill is only a training exercise.