European astronaut Alexander Gerst reportedly plugged a leak in the International Space Station (ISS) with his finger until fellow crewmates could patch it off with tape.

The hole was caused by a tiny meteorite impact that punched a hole in the spacecraft causing a drop in cabin pressure.

It measured around 2 millimeters across and, during a live feed to Nasa’s ground crew, staff apparently commented: ‘Right now Alex has got his finger on that hole and I don’t think that’s the best remedy for it.’

Cabin pressure on @Space_Station is holding steady after the crew conducted repair work on one of two Russian Soyuz spacecraft attached to the complex. The repair was made to address a leak that had caused a minor reduction of pressure. Details: https://t.co/bCgcvz8bTb pic.twitter.com/PRGN1d94gw — NASA (@NASA) August 30, 2018

After the hole had been taped up, crewmembers put sealant on a cloth and stuck it over the area.




Nasa has stressed that at no point were the astronauts in any danger.

‘The rate of the leak was slowed… through the temporary application of Kapton tape at the leak site,’ the space agency said.

Alexander Gerst was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009. He joined ESA in September 2009 and completed Astronaut Basic Training in November 2010. (Image: ESA)

‘Flight controllers are working with the crew to develop a more comprehensive long-term repair.’

‘Once the patching is complete, additional leak checks will be performed. All station systems are stable, and the crew is in no danger…’

The hole was found in the Russian-made Soyuz capsule which is one of two currently docked to the space station. Nasa said it was premature to suggest the astronauts may have to return home if the leak continues to be a problem.

International space station and shuttle, artwork. (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

There are five astronauts currently stationed on the ISS: three Americans, two Russians and one German.

The orbiting space station is cruising 250 miles above the Earth and is on constant alert for the dangers of meteorites and other space debris.