A critical issue with a “crack in an oxidizer line” was detected in the Falcon-9 rocket ahead of its upcoming mission to the International Space Station, preventing a potential disaster. The Falcon-9 is set to carry four astronauts, including India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, as part of the Axiom 4 mission. This leak was identified after Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, Dr. V Narayanan, demanded thorough safety checks.
After fixing the leak, ISRO has confirmed a new launch date of June 19 for the mission, which had already faced five postponements. The astronauts will spend 14 days aboard the station to conduct various experiments.
Safety experts emphasized that had the crack gone unnoticed, it could have led to catastrophic failure during launch, given that liquid oxygen can ignite easily. SpaceX’s Vice President for Build and Flight Reliability, William Gerstenmaier, mentioned that the leak had been a carryover issue from a previous mission, and upon further inspection at the launch pad, the crack was discovered on a component of the oxidizer system.
ISRO’s proactive measures were crucial, as they requested full repairs and validation tests instead of a temporary fix that SpaceX had suggested. Dr. Narayanan, an expert in liquid engines, insisted on rectifying the issue thoroughly, which led to replacing the faulty section and conducting the necessary tests.
The collaboration between ISRO and Axiom Space has drawn praise, particularly for the commitment to safety. Axiom Space’s Executive Chairman acknowledged the importance of ISRO’s contributions, stating they appreciated the diligence of their partners. This situation has highlighted how global cooperation can enhance mission safety and integrity, with India’s involvement as a significant stakeholder in the mission after purchasing a seat for a substantial sum.
The Axiom-4 mission not only carries scientific potential but reflects a significant moment in international space collaboration. Experts believe the resolute stance taken by ISRO could influence future interactions with commercial space ventures, signaling that safety cannot be compromised for expediency.
As the countdown to the re-scheduled launch on June 19 approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the utmost safety measures are in place for the mission. If this launch is delayed, the window for the mission remains open until June 30.