Spent Sleepless Nights When There was a Leak: ISRO Chief on Axiom-4
The Axiom-4 mission, which saw the return of Indian astronaut IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his crew members to Earth, was a momentous occasion for the entire nation. As ISRO Chairman V Narayanan put it, “It’s a big moment for India.” The mission was marked by a few hiccups, however, with the leak of liquid oxygen (LOx) from the Falcon 9 rocket delaying the launch. In a recent interview, Narayanan recalled the tense moments when the leak occurred, stating that he spent sleepless nights trying to resolve the issue.
The Axiom-4 mission, which was a collaboration between ISRO and NASA, marked a significant milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors. The mission aimed to send three Indian astronauts, including Shukla, to the International Space Station (ISS) for a 10-day stay. The crew members were tasked with conducting scientific experiments and testing the capabilities of the Indian-built crew module.
However, the mission was not without its challenges. Just days before the scheduled launch, the team detected a leak in the LOx tank of the Falcon 9 rocket. The leak, which was later identified as a small crack, posed a significant threat to the safety of the mission. The ISRO team, along with NASA and SpaceX, worked tirelessly to resolve the issue, but the delay proved to be a major setback.
ISRO Chairman Narayanan, who was instrumental in overseeing the mission, recalled the anxious moments when the leak occurred. In an interview with News18, he stated, “I spent sleepless nights when there was a leak in the vehicle. We had to work hard to resolve the issue, and it was a challenging time for all of us.” Narayanan’s comments highlighted the pressure and stress that the team faced during the crisis.
Despite the delay, the ISRO team persevered, and the mission was eventually launched on March 30, 2023. The crew members arrived at the ISS on April 1, 2023, and spent the next 10 days conducting experiments and testing the capabilities of the Indian-built crew module. The mission was a resounding success, with the crew members returning to Earth on April 11, 2023.
The Axiom-4 mission marked a significant milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors, demonstrating the country’s capabilities in space research and development. The mission also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in space exploration, with ISRO and NASA collaborating to achieve a common goal.
The leak of the LOx tank was a major setback for the mission, but it also provided an opportunity for the ISRO team to test their crisis management skills. Narayanan’s comments highlighted the importance of perseverance and teamwork in overcoming challenges, even in the most critical of situations.
The successful completion of the Axiom-4 mission has paved the way for future space missions, including the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which will send three Indian astronauts to the ISS for a 15-day stay. The mission is expected to be a major boost to India’s space exploration program, demonstrating the country’s capabilities in space research and development.
In conclusion, the Axiom-4 mission was a major success for ISRO, despite the challenges posed by the leak of the LOx tank. The mission demonstrated India’s capabilities in space research and development, and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in space exploration. The ISRO team’s perseverance and crisis management skills were put to the test during the crisis, and the successful completion of the mission is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
