NASA and SpaceX are adjusting the launch date of the Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) after an oxidizer leak was detected in the Dragon spacecraft’s propulsion system during standard prelaunch processing.
Joint teams from NASA and SpaceX are carrying out additional testing and reviewing the available data to determine the cause and extent of the issue. Any necessary repair or rework will be completed before the spacecraft is cleared for launch.
NASA said a new target launch date will be announced once the additional testing and required work are completed. The schedule adjustment is intended to ensure the spacecraft and its propulsion system meet all safety requirements before the crewed mission begins.
The Crew-13 mission will carry four astronauts to the International Space Station. NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney will serve as the spacecraft commander and pilot, respectively.
They will be joined by Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov, who will serve as mission specialists. The crew will travel aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
