SpaceX has postponed the launch of Axiom Mission 4, originally scheduled for June 11, due to a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak detected during post-static fire inspections of the Falcon 9 rocket.
William Gerstenmaier, SpaceX vice-president of build and flight reliability, said the leak was initially undetected during booster refurbishment, emphasizing the company 27s commitment to safety and precision. The mission is significant as it will carry Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force test pilot with over 2,000 flight hours, was selected for astronaut training in Russia and NASA.
"Space flight is really hard, and we're learning every day," Gerstenmaier noted, highlighting the challenges of human spaceflight. The Axiom Mission 4 crew includes NASA senior astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson, and astronauts from Poland and Hungary, embarking on a 14-day research flight aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft, tail number C213, which is SpaceX 27s fifth and final Dragon capsule.
During their stay, the crew will conduct scientific experiments on muscle regeneration, plant growth in microgravity, and aquatic organism survival, contributing to ongoing space research.
The launch delay underscores the complexities of space missions and SpaceX 27s focus on ensuring mission reliability before liftoff.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed the postponement, citing the need for additional repairs to the Falcon 9 rocket. Shukla 27s journey marks a historic moment for India, coming 41 years after Rakesh Sharma 27s 1984 spaceflight. The mission also represents a milestone for SpaceX as it transitions future human spaceflights to its Starship rocket.
Gerstenmaier said the new Dragon capsule includes improvements in storage and propulsion systems to enhance reliability and reusability.SpaceX delayed the Axiom Mission 4 launch to fix a liquid oxygen leak in its Falcon 9 rocket, postponing the June 11 flight carrying India’s first astronaut to the ISS, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The mission, featuring the final Crew Dragon capsule, aims for a 14-day research stay in orbit.
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