The upcoming Ax-4 astronaut launch by Axiom Space is experiencing further delays, but preparations continue as the mission gears up for a new target date. Initially scheduled for June 11, the launch was postponed due to a liquid oxygen leak found in the Falcon 9 rocket booster, followed by a pressure leak detected in the Zvezda module of the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA and Axiom Space decided to delay the Ax-4 launch again after the ISS crew reported a “new pressure signature” in Zvezda. Although this module has experienced leakage issues since 2019, a recent change indicated that additional stability might have been achieved. This situation raised concerns about safety for the crew about to board the ISS, leading to an indefinite postponement originally announced on June 12.
On June 14, a NASA update indicated that pressure within the transfer tunnel had stabilized after repairs, prompting hope for a tentative launch on June 19. However, further assessments led to another delay, pushing the launch to June 22 in order to monitor the pressure conditions and ensure everything is secure before liftoff.
SpaceX has successfully addressed the leak in the Falcon 9’s first stage booster. Bill Gerstenmaier, SpaceX’s vice president of build and flight reliability, confirmed that technicians completed repairs after earlier complications during refurbishment led to missed repairs.
The Ax-4 mission will mark a historic moment as it includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary for their first visit to the ISS. Led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the mission is set to conduct over 60 scientific investigations and outreach programs related to STEM education, making it a significant undertaking for international collaboration in space research.
NASA aims for a new launch time of 3:42 a.m. EDT on June 22 from Kennedy Space Center, and both Axiom Space and SpaceX are working closely to ensure the mission launches successfully, despite the setbacks.
With the excitement of international astronauts adding to the mission’s significance, there’s a sense of optimism as these preparations unfold. This endeavor highlights the continuous advancements in space exploration and the collaboration among nations to progress in scientific research.