In a significant development in the run-up to the Axiom-4 mission, a critical crack in the Falcon-9 rocket’s oxidizer line—posing a serious risk due to a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak—was detected and fixed, thanks to the timely intervention of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The detection and correction of the flaw have ensured that the mission, carrying four astronauts including India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, remains on track for a rescheduled launch on June 19.
Liquid Oxygen Leak Could Have Caused Catastrophic Failure at Liftoff
Experts who analyzed the situation warned that had the leak gone unnoticed, it could have triggered a major rocket failure at launch, as LOX is a highly volatile and flammable oxidizer. The issue first emerged during a seven-second hot-fire test on June 10, where SpaceX teams observed LOX leakage from the propulsion bay of the Falcon-9 rocket.
ISRO’s Demand for Thorough Inspection Leads to Key Discovery
Dr. V Narayanan, ISRO Chairman and a renowned expert in liquid propulsion systems, played a pivotal role in averting what could have been a tragic incident. Upon reviewing the issue with SpaceX and Axiom Space experts, the ISRO team—comprising 13 senior engineers stationed at Kennedy Space Center—rejected a temporary ‘purge’ solution proposed by SpaceX. Instead, they insisted on full repairs and low-temperature leak validation tests, leading to the discovery of a weld crack in the oxidizer line.
The flawed section was promptly replaced, and thorough system health checks were conducted. SpaceX Vice President William Gerstenmaier admitted the leak had gone undetected during the rocket’s refurbishment after a previous mission.
“We found a LOX leak that was previously seen on the booster… We didn’t fully repair it or didn’t find it,” said Gerstenmaier, acknowledging the oversight.
Safety First: India Took a Stand for Its Astronaut
India had invested ₹550 crore to secure a seat on the Axiom-4 mission for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The Indian delegation reportedly considered withdrawing him from the mission if SpaceX had refused to carry out the necessary corrections. India’s firm “safety-first” stance earned respect from international stakeholders, with even Axiom Space’s Executive Chairman Kam Ghaffarian indirectly crediting ISRO for ensuring mission integrity.
“We appreciate all the incredible work of our customers, NASA, and SpaceX… We will continue to work with all our partners,” Ghaffarian said, signaling a subtle acknowledgment of ISRO’s leadership in enforcing corrective actions.
Mission Update: Launch Set for June 19, Contingency Window Open Until June 30
After five postponements and collaborative technical reviews, ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX have now confirmed June 19 as the new tentative launch date. NASA is also monitoring the situation and reviewing launch opportunities up to June 30, in case further delays are necessary.
The Falcon-9 rocket, now cleared after a successful wet dress rehearsal, will carry:
- Commander Peggy Whitson (USA)
- Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India)
- Mission Specialist Slawosz Uzananski-Wisniewski (Poland)
- Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
The astronauts are currently in quarantine as they await launch clearance.
Concerns on ISS: Pressure Anomaly in Zvezda Module
Separately, Axiom Space is coordinating with NASA to assess a pressure anomaly in the Zvezda Service Module aboard the International Space Station. ISRO is monitoring developments closely as the anomaly could influence mission safety and docking operations.
A Defining Moment for ISRO’s Global Standing
This incident has underscored ISRO’s growing technical credibility and influence in global space missions. Observers say this might be the first time an international space agency challenged SpaceX’s decision-making on such a mission-critical issue—an assertion that India’s delegation led not by politicians, but by engineers and domain experts, carries weight.
India’s Science Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh, endorsed the decision, stating:
“Safety, precision, commitment to excellence were paramount… After a joint review, it was decided to rectify the issue & revalidate before lift-off.”
Key Takeaways:
- LOX leak and weld crack in Falcon-9 oxidizer line identified and fixed.
- June 19 is the new target launch date for the Axiom-4 mission.
- ISRO’s insistence on safety testing averted potential rocket failure.
- India’s leadership role widely appreciated in Cape Canaveral.
- Mission window remains open until June 30.
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