We Stopped Shubhanshu’s Launch After Spotting Leak, They Thought I’m a Nuisance: ISRO Chief
In a shocking revelation, ISRO chief V Narayanan has revealed that his team had to push for the postponement of the launch of Axiom-4 mission, which took Shubhanshu Shukla to space, after they spotted a leak in SpaceX’s rocket. The team was not confident about the safety of the astronauts and refused to participate in the launch unless the issue was resolved.
Speaking in an interview, Narayanan recalled the incident, “Initially, they thought I’m a nuisance. They thought I’m a person who is not willing to participate in the launch. But later, they realised that we did a fantastic job.”
The Axiom-4 mission was a historic event, marking the first time an Indian citizen, Shubhanshu Shukla, traveled to space. The mission aimed to conduct scientific research in space and pave the way for future space travel. However, the leak in the rocket raised serious concerns about the safety of the astronauts.
Narayanan’s team took a bold decision to stop the launch, despite the pressure from SpaceX and other stakeholders. The ISRO chief revealed that his team conducted a thorough investigation into the leak and found that it was a critical issue that needed to be addressed before the launch.
“We couldn’t compromise on the safety of the astronauts. We couldn’t compromise on the safety of the mission,” Narayanan said. “We have a responsibility to ensure that the launch is safe and successful. We have a responsibility to ensure that the astronauts are safe and secure.”
The decision to postpone the launch was not taken lightly. Narayanan revealed that his team had to face a lot of resistance from SpaceX and other stakeholders, who were eager to push through with the launch. However, the ISRO chief remained firm in his stance, refusing to compromise on safety.
“We told them that we won’t participate in launching a rocket that we aren’t confident about. We told them that we won’t participate in a launch that puts the lives of the astronauts at risk,” Narayanan said.
The decision ultimately paid off, as the leak was identified and resolved, and the launch went ahead safely. Shubhanshu Shukla successfully traveled to space and returned safely, thanks to the bravery and professionalism of the ISRO team.
Narayanan’s revelation has raised questions about the safety protocols in place for space missions. While SpaceX has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of innovation, the leak in the Axiom-4 mission highlights the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.
In the wake of the incident, Narayanan has called for greater transparency and accountability in the space industry. He believes that the incident serves as a wake-up call for space agencies and private companies to prioritize safety and ensure that the highest standards are met.
“We need to ensure that the safety of the astronauts is paramount. We need to ensure that the safety of the mission is paramount,” Narayanan said. “We need to learn from this incident and move forward with greater transparency and accountability.”
The ISRO chief’s comments have sparked a renewed debate about the importance of safety in the space industry. As space travel becomes increasingly commercialized, there is a growing need for greater transparency and accountability to ensure that the highest standards are met.
In conclusion, V Narayanan’s revelation about the leak in the Axiom-4 mission serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety above all else. The ISRO chief’s bravery and professionalism in stopping the launch until the issue was resolved has ensured the safety of Shubhanshu Shukla and other astronauts. As the space industry continues to evolve, it is essential that safety remains the top priority.
