What Happened to Soyuz MS-22?
Soyuz MS-22 was a Russian crewed spacecraft launched to the International Space Station in September 2022. In December 2022, it experienced a significant coolant leak, attributed to a micrometeoroid impact, rendering it unsafe for crewed return. Consequently, the spacecraft returned to Earth uncrewed in March 2023, while its three-person crew had their mission extended and returned on the replacement Soyuz MS-23 in September 2023.
Quick Answer
Soyuz MS-22 suffered a major coolant leak in December 2022 while docked to the International Space Station, likely caused by a micrometeoroid impact. This incident rendered the spacecraft unsafe for its intended crewed return. Roscosmos and NASA decided to send an uncrewed replacement, Soyuz MS-23, to bring the three stranded crew members back to Earth. Soyuz MS-22 successfully returned to Earth uncrewed in March 2023, carrying cargo, while its original crew completed an extended mission and returned on Soyuz MS-23 in September 2023.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Original Planned Launch Date
Soyuz MS-22 was initially planned for launch on this date, but it was later delayed.
Soyuz MS-22 Launches to ISS
Soyuz MS-22 launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome carrying cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitry Petelin, and NASA astronaut Frank Rubio.
Docks with International Space Station
The Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft successfully docked with the Rassvet module of the International Space Station a few hours after launch.
Coolant Leak Detected
A significant external coolant leak was observed from the aft portion of the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, leading to the cancellation of a planned spacewalk.
Micrometeoroid Impact Confirmed as Likely Cause
Roscosmos and NASA confirmed the leak was likely caused by a micrometeoroid impact, which created a 0.8 mm hole in the spacecraft's external radiator.
Soyuz MS-22 Declared Unsafe for Crewed Return
Roscosmos officially declared Soyuz MS-22 unsafe for a normal crewed return due to the compromised thermal control system and potential overheating during reentry.
Similar Leak on Progress MS-21 Cargo Ship
A similar coolant leak was detected on the Progress MS-21 cargo ship, prompting further investigation into potential common causes or external impacts.
Uncrewed Soyuz MS-23 Launches as Replacement
The Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft was launched uncrewed to the ISS to serve as the replacement vehicle for the stranded MS-22 crew.
Soyuz MS-23 Docks with ISS
Soyuz MS-23 successfully docked with the International Space Station, providing a safe return option for the MS-22 crew.
Soyuz MS-22 Returns to Earth Uncrewed
Soyuz MS-22 undocked from the ISS and performed an uncrewed reentry and landing in Kazakhstan, carrying approximately 218 kg of cargo.
Reentry Data Analysis Begins
NASA and Roscosmos began studying data from MS-22's uncrewed reentry, with reports suggesting internal temperatures could have reached 50°C (122°F) if crew were present.
Original MS-22 Crew Returns on MS-23
The original Soyuz MS-22 crew (Prokopyev, Petelin, Rubio) returned to Earth aboard Soyuz MS-23, completing an extended mission of 371 days.
Progress MS-33 Cargo Launch
The Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft launched to the ISS, demonstrating ongoing Russian space operations and resupply missions.
Soyuz MS-29 Preliminary Launch Date
Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft has a preliminary launch date, indicating the continuation of crewed Soyuz missions to the ISS.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Soyuz MS-22, carrying Russian cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitry Petelin, and NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on September 21, 2022. The mission proceeded normally until December 14, 2022, when a significant coolant leak was observed emanating from the spacecraft's instrument and assembly compartment. The leak, which appeared as a stream of white particles, led to the cancellation of a planned spacewalk and raised immediate concerns about the spacecraft's integrity and its ability to safely return its crew.
Investigations by Roscosmos and NASA concluded that the coolant leak was most likely caused by a micrometeoroid impact. Visual inspections using the European Robotic Arm and Canadarm2 identified a small puncture, approximately 0.8 mm (0.031 inches) in diameter, in the external cooling radiator of the service module. This impact caused a depressurization of the external radiator cooling loop, leading to the complete loss of its coolant. Roscosmos officials indicated that the impactor was traveling at a speed too high to be space debris, suggesting a natural micrometeoroid.
The immediate consequence was the cancellation of a spacewalk and a thorough assessment of the spacecraft's condition. On January 11, 2023, Roscosmos officially declared Soyuz MS-22 unsafe for a normal crewed return due to the compromised thermal control system, which could lead to dangerously high temperatures during reentry. This decision necessitated a change in the ISS flight plan. The critical turning point was the decision to launch the Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft uncrewed as a replacement vehicle to bring the MS-22 crew home. This extended the mission for Prokopyev, Petelin, and Rubio by several months.
The primary consequence was the extended stay of the three crew members, who ultimately spent 371 days in space, setting a new American record for Frank Rubio. Soyuz MS-23 launched uncrewed on February 24, 2023, and docked with the ISS to serve as the return vehicle. Soyuz MS-22 undocked from the ISS on March 28, 2023, and performed an uncrewed reentry and landing in Kazakhstan, carrying approximately 218 kg (481 lb) of cargo and scientific results. Data from its uncrewed reentry showed that internal temperatures could have reached 50°C (122°F) if crew were on board, validating the decision to send it back empty. The incident also highlighted the ongoing threat of micrometeoroids and space debris to orbital assets. A similar coolant leak occurred on the Progress MS-21 cargo ship in February 2023, prompting further investigation into potential common causes, though it was also suspected to be an external impact.
Soyuz MS-22 completed its mission by returning uncrewed to Earth in March 2023. Its original crew returned safely on Soyuz MS-23 in September 2023. The incident led to adjustments in subsequent Soyuz mission schedules, but routine crew and cargo flights to the ISS by Roscosmos have continued. As of August 2026, the International Space Station continues its operations with regular crew rotations and cargo resupply missions, including planned Soyuz and Progress launches throughout 2026. The analysis of the MS-22 incident contributed to ongoing assessments of spacecraft resilience against micrometeoroid impacts.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Soyuz MS-22 made different choices?