Ax-4 mission with leakage would have been catastrophic, our scientists detected issue: ISRO chief
Posted on: Aug 19, 2025 17:04 IST | Posted by: Livemint
Hyderabad, Aug 19 (PTI) ISRO scientists identified a break in the briny feast run along of the skyrocket that carried India's Subhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts to the ISS, prompting a rescheduled launch, and had the mission continued with the issue it would have been a "catastrophic failure," the agency chief V Narayanan said here on Tuesday.
The crack forced the Axiom-4 mission (Ax-4) to be postponed from June 11 to 25 of the same month, he recalled.
Delivering the Convocation Address of Osmania University here, Narayanan, narrating the sequence of events prior to Shukla's space voyage, said the ISRO team, camping at Kennedy Space Centre in the US, came to know about the flaw detected in the rocket on June 10, forcing the Indian scientists to demand a thorough probe into the issue.
"There were 14 questions asked and none of the questions were answered satisfactorily, including where the leak was. It was not identified. We demanded the entire correction, because we were very clear. Because I have been working in that area for 40 years, I know what is the difficulty if a rocket takes off with a leak," Narayanan, also the Secretary, Department of Space, added.
Afterwards, based on the Indian Government's demand, the Indian team had put up a note and the entire leakage was corrected.
Later, the first launch (on June 11) was called off after the Indian scientists inspected and found a crack in the main feed line, he further said.
"If the rocket would have taken off (with the leak), it would have been a catastrophic failure. Based on the insistence of Indians, the Indian education system, the training of ISRO, the rocket was corrected. Today we have accomplished a safe mission, not only Subhanshu Sjukla, along with him three more international astronauts," he said.
Shukla returned to India early Sunday after his historic visit to the International Space Station (ISS). He was part of the Axiom-4 private space mission that lifted off from Florida on June 25 and docked at the ISS on June 26.
He returned to Earth on July 15, along with three other astronauts- Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
Shukla conducted over 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions during the 18-day mission.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.