The crew aboard the International Space Station reported smoke inside the research lab's Zvezda service module Tuesday, but fast-acting ground controllers resolved the problem before it endangered the outpost's six astronauts and cosmonauts, according to NASA.

File photo of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA
 
Space station commander Steve Swanson told mission control in Houston there was a "very small amount" of smoke coming out of a vent inside the Russian Zvezda service module.

The crew first reported smoke at about 2:40 p.m. EDT (1840 GMT) Tuesday emanating from a vent in Zvezda, which serves as the command post of the Russian section of the complex.

"In line with standard protocol, flight controllers at mission control in Houston followed emergency procedures to isolate the Russian segment ventilation system," NASA wrote in an update on the agency's website. "Expedition 40 commander Steve Swanson reported that the smoke quickly subsided and the crew was not in any danger."

Russian officials identified the most likely source of the smoke as a heater in the Russian segment's water reclamation unit used for dining purposes.

"The crew deactivated the device, set up a fan and a filter to clear the smoke and took atmospheric readings throughout the station to assess any impacts," the NASA update said. "The team in mission control is coordinating with their Russian counterparts for any follow up actions."

"There is definitely no longer any smoke in the area," Swanson radioed mission control. "We believe it's under control at this time."

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