A problem in the US segment of the International Space Station has prompted its six-person crew to quickly lock it up and move to a Russian module but they are not in danger, Russian and US officials said.

The International Space Station has a radiator leak in its power system which the outpost’s commander calls serious, but not life-threatening.

US president Barack Obama has said he remains confident that a government shutdown can be avoided this weekend if negotiators can build on constructive talks over a public spending impasse.