NASA is troubleshooting the mysterious power problem of the ISS

The International Space Station does not work very well. An ISS NASA update released on Monday focused on a future SpaceX cargo replenishment mission, but also mentioned "a problem with the International Space Station's power system."

NASA said the problem came from a main bus switching unit (MBSU) that sends electricity to two of eight power supply channels. ISS solar panels power these channels to power all station systems. Flight controllers work on power redirection via the remaining six channels.

NASA is trying to understand what has happened and if it can restore the full power of the station. "There is no immediate concern for the crew or the station," said the space agency. The ISS currently has six astronauts and cosmonauts from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and Roscosmos.

The details are rare as NASA deepens its troubleshooting. Recent outings in space have involved the replacement of batteries outside of the ISS, but we do not know if there is a link between the problem of power and the upgrade.

A SpaceX Dragon replenishment mission is expected to begin this week, but the energy problem could jeopardize these projects. "Discussions are underway to determine any potential impact on SpaceX's CRS-17 cargo replenishment mission scheduled for launch on May 1," NASA said.