Space station's cooling system leaking ammonia

Astronauts on the International Space Station are dealing with a leak in the orbiting platform's cooling system, BBC News reported.

The crew spotted particles of ammonia drifting away from the laboratory on Thursday.


Liquid ammonia is used to extract the heat that builds up in electronic systems, dumping that excess energy to space through an array of radiators.


Nasa has said the crew is in no danger, but that a spacewalk may be needed to inspect the site of the leak.