Bengaluru
The launch of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has as soon as once more been postponed, this time due to a glitch in the ISS.
NASA stated that it, together with Axiom Space, is suspending the launch of Axiom Mission 4 to the ISS.
As a part of an ongoing investigation, NASA is working with Russia’s area company Roscosmos to perceive a brand new stress signature, after the latest post-repair effort in the aft most phase of the ISS’s Zvezda service module.
According to NASA, “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.”
Postponement of Axiom Mission 4 gives extra time for NASA and Roscosmos to consider the state of affairs and decide whether or not any extra troubleshooting is critical.
NASA deferred to Roscosmos to reply particular questions concerning the Zvezda module. A brand new launch date for the fourth non-public astronaut mission is but to be determined.
The crew of the Axion-4 mission was scheduled to raise off aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on Falcon 9 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
ISRO Chairman Dr Dr. V. Narayanan stated that it i is working intently with the opposite companies concerned in the mission as they responsibly handle the ISS Zvezda module commentary inflicting the Ax‑4 delay. “Safety and mission integrity remain our top priorities,” Dr. Narayanan stated.
Timeline of developments associated to launch
1. The launch initially scheduled on May 29 was deferred due to commentary in electrical harness in Crew Dragon Module, launch rescheduled to June 8
2. The launch was postponed by sooner or later to June 9 due to delay in preparedness of the Falcon 9 automobile for the launch.
3. The launch was additional postpone to June 10 due to unfavourable climate in the ascent hall.
4. Additional commentary of oxygen leakage in the engine bay was noticed in the course of the preparation for warm fireplace check carried out on June 8. Moreover, there was an commentary of an anomaly in one of many engine actuators, which was changed together with the controller.
5. Anticipating fast decision of LOX leak challenge, the launch was rescheduled to June 11.
6. During the appraisal of technical points by Axiom & SpaceX to ISRO delegation on June 10, ISRO really helpful finishing up in-situ repairs, or alternative, and conduct a low-temperature leak check to validate system efficiency and integrity, earlier than continuing with launch clearance.
7. On June 11, NASA knowledgeable that they’re working with Roscosmos to consider a brand new stress signature indicating a leak in the aft most phase of the ISS Zvezda Russian service module, after the latest restore try. In order to assess the state of affairs and decide the necessity for additional troubleshooting, the launch of Axiom-4 mission is being postponed.
Published – June 13, 2025 09:53 am IST
