Submitted by hobbitlover t3_12337br in askscience
emil_badraddin t1_jdzcmfs wrote
In reality, if there was a hole in the International Space Station (ISS), the air inside the ISS would indeed rush out of the hole due to the lack of atmospheric pressure in space. However, contrary to what is often portrayed in science fiction movies, it is unlikely that the crew members would be instantly sucked out into space.
The pressure drop would initially create a strong airflow out of the hole, but eventually, the airflow would slow down and eventually stop once the air pressure inside the ISS equalizes with the vacuum of space. The speed at which the air rushes out would depend on the size of the hole, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the ISS, and the location of the hole.
To prevent the crew from being sucked out into space, the ISS is designed with multiple pressure compartments. In the event of a hull breach, the compartments can be sealed off from each other to prevent the entire station from depressurizing. Additionally, the ISS is equipped with emergency procedures and equipment, such as spacesuits and oxygen masks, to protect the crew in case of a depressurization event.
In 2018, a small hole was discovered on the ISS, and the crew was able to patch it with sealant and tape until a more permanent fix could be made. While it was not a significant threat to the crew, it served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the ISS and the need for rapid response to any issues that may arise
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