NASA and SpaceX Postpone Crew-13 Launch Due to Oxidizer Leak

Cape canaveral: NASA and SpaceX are adjusting the launch date for the agency's Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station to address an oxidizer leak on Dragon's propulsion system, which was detected during standard prelaunch spacecraft processing.

According to Emirates News Agency, joint NASA and SpaceX teams are performing additional tests and data review to identify the issue's root cause and will complete any necessary rework prior to launch. The agencies are committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of the mission, and a new target date will be announced once available.

The Crew-13 mission will include NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, who will serve as spacecraft commander and pilot, respectively. They will be joined by CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Joshua Kutryk and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov, who will serve as mission specialists. The team is preparing for an extended stay aboard the International Space Station, where they will conduct various scientific experiments and maintenance tasks.