SpaceX’s Oxygen Leak Raises Concerns Before Axiom-4 Launch

The launch of the Axiom-4 mission on June 25, 2025, was marked by significant concerns regarding an oxygen leak discovered prior to liftoff. According to V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Falcon 9 rocket team initially treated the oxidiser line leak lightly, which could have led to a “catastrophic failure” if not for ISRO’s insistence on a thorough examination.

Narayanan’s comments came during a press conference where he reflected on the crucial role that ISRO played in ensuring the safety of the mission, which successfully transported Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three others to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, costing India approximately ₹548 crore, also marks a significant milestone as it is the first time in 40 years that an Indian astronaut has journeyed into space.

Controversial Pre-Launch Decisions

The Axiom-4 mission faced multiple delays, originally scheduled for June 11, 2025. The postponement was necessitated by the discovery of a liquid oxygen leak during an engine test, prompting debate between the Falcon 9 team and ISRO regarding the seriousness of the issue. Narayanan revealed that the Falcon 9 team did not communicate openly about the leak, which was identified by an oxygen sensor rather than the rocket’s designated leak sensor.

Narayanan stated, “We learnt of this from the press (a press conference by SpaceX the previous day) and when we asked them the location of the leak, they said they couldn’t find it. This was shocking to us.” He emphasized that ISRO posed nearly 14 questions to the Falcon 9 team, yet only two were answered satisfactorily. The communication gap raised alarm bells for ISRO, which has decades of experience with liquid engines and understands the implications of even minor leaks.

The decision to postpone the launch ultimately led to the identification of a crack in the fuel line. Narayanan added, “If the rocket were to lift off with such a crack, the ensuing vibrations will cause it to give way. That will only result in a catastrophic situation.” Following repairs and further tests, the team received confirmation that the leak had been adequately addressed, allowing the mission to proceed.

Trust and Collaboration Among Space Agencies

After the successful launch on June 25, Captain Shukla addressed the press, acknowledging the critical role that ISRO played in ensuring the mission’s safety. When asked whether Narayanan’s insistence on addressing the leak had potentially saved his life, Shukla remarked, “Everyone who does human space flight missions are very responsible. There were multiple postponements, and this wasn’t the only reason. It helped that we had technical expertise from ISRO and these discussions happened. Ultimately this is what builds trust.”

The collaboration between ISRO, NASA, and SpaceX has been characterized by transparency and regular briefings on emerging issues, which strengthens the overall safety of human spaceflight missions. The Axiom-4 mission not only demonstrates the capabilities of international cooperation in space exploration but also sets the stage for future Indian manned missions, including the anticipated Gaganyaan initiative slated for mid-2027.

As the global space exploration landscape continues to evolve, the importance of clear communication and rigorous testing remains paramount. The lessons learned from this incident will undoubtedly inform future missions, contributing to the ongoing development of safe and effective space travel.