Axiom 4 mission postponed again due to problem in ISS Zvezda module

New Delhi (India) June 13: A problem with the International Space Station (ISS) has caused another delay in the launch of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey to the ISS.

NASA said that it and Axiom Space are delaying the launch of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station.

NASA has said, “Cosmonauts aboard the space station recently performed inspections of the pressurized module’s interior surfaces, sealed some additional areas of interest, and measured the current leak rate. Following this effort, the segment now is holding pressure” in a statement.

NASA and Russia's space agency Roscosmos are collaborating on an ongoing research to understand a new pressure signature after the recent post-repair work on the Zvezda service module's aftmost segment of the ISS.

Roscosmos and NASA are taking a cautious approach, even though cosmonauts have examined and sealed the probable leak spots and the current pressure levels seem steady.

According to ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, the ISS Zvezda module observation that caused the Ax-4 delay is being responsibly addressed by the other agencies involved in the mission.

He said, “Safety and mission integrity remain our top priorities.” 

Kam Ghaffarian, Executive Chairman and co-founder of Axiom Space has said, "We appreciate all the incredible work of our customers, NASA, and SpaceX on this Mission. This is the right thing to do for Axiom Space, for NASA, and for our customers. We will continue to work with all of our partners to finalise a new launch date and look forward to flying the Ax-4 Mission soon” in a statement.

A liquid oxygen (LOx) leak in the Falcon 9 rocket's motor bay was found by SpaceX engineers during pre-launch inspections. Because LOx is an important component of the rocket's fuel system, even small leakage could have major consequences.

Therefore, before deciding on a new launch date, SpaceX and ISRO have decided to carry out repairs and further validation tests.

Officials believe that a revised plan won't be announced until all safety issues have been addressed. There are several launch windows that are still open through June and July.

A joint statement from Axiom Space and NASA has said,"A new launch date for the fourth private astronaut mission will be provided once available" regarding the postponement of the launch of the Axiom-4 mission.

The team will eventually take off from Florida on a SpaceX Dragon, led by retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, along with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and European astronauts from Poland and Hungary.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft was to launch the Axion-4 mission crew on Falcon 9 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Aadrika Tayal