Falcon 9's Oxygen Leak Delays Launch of First Indian Astronaut to ISS

Last Updated Jun - 11 - 2025, 03:55 PM | Source : Fela News

A liquid oxygen leak in SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket has delayed the historic launch of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS),

The highly anticipated launch of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station has been postponed after SpaceX detected a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak in the Falcon 9 rocket’s booster. The Ax-4 mission, which was set to mark India’s first commercial human spaceflight collaboration, was scheduled for June 11. However, SpaceX announced hours before liftoff that more time is needed to repair the leak identified during post-static fire inspections.

LOX, a crucial oxidizer stored at -183°C, combines with RP-1 kerosene to fuel Falcon 9’s Merlin engines. A leak in this system poses significant safety concerns due to its reactive nature and the high-pressure combustion it supports. The issue was detected in the booster’s propulsion bay during a static test on June 9. Despite initial attempts to fix it through a purge system, the problem persisted, potentially requiring the rocket to be removed from the launch pad for detailed repairs, likely pushing the launch back by at least a week.

ISRO confirmed the decision to delay, following joint assessments with Axiom Space and SpaceX. The Falcon 9 booster in question had recently launched a Starlink satellite batch and was refurbished for the Ax-4 mission. The setback is a blow to the mission’s schedule, which had already faced multiple delays due to weather. SpaceX has yet to confirm a new launch date. The launch holds special significance as it would carry the first Indian commercial astronaut to space under a private partnership, highlighting India’s growing role in global space exploration.