SpaceX's Cargo Dragon resupply mission is delayed once again. Now, NASA and SpaceX claim that the launch is affected by a rare spacecraft leak.
(Photo : Tim Peake / ESA/NASA via Getty Images)
This handout image supplied by the European Space Agency (ESA), shows a view of The Palms, Dubai as the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft psses below, in an image taken by ESA.
The CRS-25 space station resupply mission was originally scheduled for June 7. However, because of several issues, the launch date was pushed back multiple times.
It was rescheduled for June 10, which was later changed to June 28. Now, SpaceX discovered some signs of a possible fuel leak in one of the Draco thrusters.
SpaceX Cargo Dragon Launch Delay Caused by Rare Spacecraft Leak?
According to Teslarati's latest report, NASA and SpaceX agreed to change to reschedule, again, the CRS-25 mission. They are now aiming to complete the launch no earlier than July 11.
(Photo : GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty Images)
A full-size model of the Crew-1 spacecraft module sits near the launch pad as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is seen at launch complex 39A in the distance at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 15, 2020.
But, the exact date is not yet confirmed. If you are one of the interested viewers, the best thing you can do is to wait for the next announcements from SpaceX and NASA.
On the other hand, experts stated that SpaceX's Dragon and Dragon 2 rockets are newer compared to the popular Falcon 9 spacecraft. However, these two new models are still inexperienced when it comes to actual launches.
However, compared to other issues, the problem with CRS-25 is quite rare since it already delayed the Cargo Dragon resupply mission for more than a month.
If you are familiar with SpaceX's activities, most of its previous space missions were only delayed for a few days or two weeks.
What SpaceX and NASA Plan To Do?
Space.Com reported that NASA and SpaceX technicians need to replace the part of SpaceX's Dragon capsule that is suffering from the rare fuel leak issue.
The independent space agency said that they were able to identify the problem after they offload the propellant of Dragon's propulsion system.
SpaceX added that they found out that the problem is with Draco's thruster valve inlet joint.
"Teams will now remove the specific hardware to replace it ahead of the flight. NASA and SpaceX are now targeting no earlier than July 11 for the launch of the CRS-25 cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station," said the space agency.
Meanwhile, SpaceX Falcon 9 was able to send an Egyptian communications satellite for a massive network upgrade.
On the other hand, SpaceX Starship was able to receive the final assessment from FAA.
For more news updates about SpaceX and its upcoming space launches, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: SpaceX CRS-25 Cargo Mission To Bring Tools for Essential ISS Experiments! Launch Schedule and Other Details
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Written by: Griffin Davis
