Power cut on international space station can't be repaired until 2016

Electricity rerouted after short circuit but spare parts will not arrive in next shipment following delays to supply missions caused by failed launches

The International Space Station has had a power cut and spacewalking repairs may be needed once a replacement part can be delivered by rocket.

Nasa said on Monday that the six astronauts were left with one less power channel on Friday. A short circuit in equipment on the station's framework was to blame. The short apparently tripped a current-switching device, resulting in the loss of one of eight channels used to power the orbiting lab. The affected systems were switched to alternate lines.