NASA announced on Tuesday that its eagerly awaited Axiom-4 crew mission has been delayed due to a liquid oxygen leak discovered during a post-inspection of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. Originally set for launch on Wednesday, the mission now awaits repairs and a full range availability assessment.
This collaborative mission, operated by NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, features an international crew led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. The team includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot, along with mission specialists from Poland and Hungary. They were all set to board the Crew Dragon capsule at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a journey to the International Space Station (ISS).
The delay comes at a time when the U.S. space scene is experiencing heightened tech tensions. Recent friction between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump—who recently floated stopping federal contracts with companies linked to Musk—has added an extra layer of uncertainty. Musk even announced plans to begin decommissioning the Crew Dragon, stirring up further discussion about the future of U.S. spaceflight.
While the setback is a reminder that safety always comes first, it also highlights the complex interplay between cutting-edge tech and ever-changing political dynamics. For tech enthusiasts and young professionals across South and Southeast Asia, this episode is yet another sign of how innovation can sometimes hit turbulence before reaching new heights. Stay tuned as scientists and engineers work to get things back on track 🚀!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
