Ax-4 Mission to ISS Rescheduled for June 19 After Oxygen Leak Resolution
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed that the liquid oxygen leak issue in the Falcon 9 rocket has been successfully resolved. Following this development, Axiom Space is now targeting June 19, 2025, for the launch of the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Mission Details
The Ax-4 mission is significant as it will include India's first astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla, who will join the crew on board the ISS. The mission was initially scheduled to launch on May 29 but faced multiple delays due to technical issues and unfavorable weather conditions.
Technical Issues and Resolutions
The delays were caused by observations of electrical harness issues in the Crew Dragon Module, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, and an anomaly in one of the engine actuators. These issues have been addressed, with the engine actuator replaced along with its controller.
Collaboration and Safety
ISRO and Axiom Space are working closely with NASA to assess a pressure anomaly in the Zvezda Service Module onboard the ISS, ensuring the safety and success of the mission. With the technical issues resolved, the Ax-4 mission is now set to launch on June 19, 2025, carrying Shubhanshu Shukla and the crew to the ISS.