Posted: Sat, Sep 18, 2004, 9:15 AM ET (1315 GMT)
NASA reported Friday that a malfunctioning oxygen generator on the International Space Station had been repaired, although the unit that failed most recently appears to still be offline. NASA officials said in a status report late Friday that a balky Elektron unit, which generates oxygen by electrolysis of waste water, was working again after the Elektron's "liquid unit" was replaced with one refurbished with spare parts. However, MSNBC reported Friday night said that the unit was an older "jury-rigged unit" that had suffered its own failures in the past. The refurbished unit lacks a gas analyzer, which means that the ISS crew will have to monitor the device more closely than normal to ensure it is operating correctly. The newer Elektron failed nearly two weeks ago, and earlier efforts to repair it failed. There are three Elektron units on the station, counting one that is broken and cannot be repaired. Without the Elektron units the station crew fell back on supplies of oxygen gas stored on the station and a Progress supply spacecraft, as well as oxygen "candles". Those supplies would last for about three months.

Related Links:

•  MSNBC article
•  Houston Chronicle
•  NASA ISS status report