ISRO's Timely Intervention Saves Axiom-4 Mission from Catastrophe
ISRO's Chief, V Narayanan, highlighted a significant oversight by SpaceX concerning a crack in the Falcon-9 rocket's oxidiser lines during the Axiom-4 mission. ISRO's insistence on addressing the issue was pivotal in avoiding major disaster. The mission eventually launched successfully after thorough checks and collaboration with NASA and Roscosmos.
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In a recent press conference, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan highlighted a critical oversight by SpaceX, which could have ended in tragedy for four astronauts aboard the Axiom-4 mission. The mission encountered a leak in the Falcon-9 rocket's oxidiser lines, potentially jeopardizing the astronauts' lives.
Despite initial dismissal, Narayanan credited the insistence of ISRO engineers for uncovering a crack that could have proven fatal. The issue required a complete correction, expertly handled by SpaceX's team, preserving the safety of the crew, including astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
After extensive checks and cooperation with NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos, the mission launched successfully from Cape Canaveral on June 25, landing safely off the California coast on July 15.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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