SpaceX has postponed its flight to the International Space Station (ISS) due to a mechanical issue that emerged shortly before the planned launch on Wednesday. The concern involved a critical hydraulic system linked to one of the support arms that secure the Falcon rocket to its launch pad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre.
Less than four hours before the scheduled liftoff, engineers identified a problem with the hydraulics responsible for releasing the clamp mechanism. This was crucial for tilting the support structure back, allowing the rocket to ascend. As the countdown progressed, the four astronauts, who were already in their Crew Dragon capsule, awaited updates on the situation. Ultimately, less than an hour before the launch, SpaceX officials decided to scrub the flight.
The launch is now set to be rescheduled for at least Friday. Once they reach the space station, the crew—which includes astronauts from the US, Japan, and Russia—will take over from astronauts Wilmore and Williams, who have been aboard the ISS since June. Wilmore and Williams have been in the station longer than anticipated due to significant issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which experienced major malfunctions during transit.
Originally, Starliner was designed for a week-long crew mission, but NASA reassigned the returning astronauts from the Starliner to SpaceX. This move reflects challenges in launching dependable spacecraft, underscoring ongoing efforts to ensure safe and efficient space travel.