Axion -4 Mission/Liquid Oxygen (Lox)

Why in News? The Axiom Space Ax-4 mission, set to carry Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three others to the International Space Station (ISS), has been delayed due to a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak in SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

 Relevance : UPSC Pre &  Mains

Prelims : Lox/ISS/

Mains :   GS 3/ Scince & Tech/ Space technology

India’s Milestone: Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission marks India’s first human spaceflight in 41 years, making him the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

Global Collaboration: The mission involves Axiom Space, NASA, ISRO, and the European Space Agency, with astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, each marking their nation’s first ISS visit.

Technical Issue: The LOx leak highlights the rigorous safety checks required for space missions, drawing attention to SpaceX’s pre-launch protocols.

Research Focus: The crew will conduct 60 experiments, including seven from ISRO, on microgravity, food studies, and technology.

About Liquid Oxygen (LOx):

• • LOx is oxygen cooled to –183°C (-297°F), used as an oxidizer in rocket engines.
  • In Falcon 9, LOx pairs with RP-1 (refined kerosene) to fuel Merlin engines for combustion in space.

• Role in Propulsion:

• • Oxidizer: Enables fuel combustion in space’s vacuum, producing thrust.
  • Efficiency: High reactivity ensures powerful propulsion.

• Leak Risks:

• • Safety: LOx leaks can cause fires or explosions if they contact fuel or materials.
  • Mission Impact: The leak in the propulsion bay requires repairs and tests, delaying the launch.
  • Repair Process: Initial purge attempts failed, possibly requiring the rocket’s removal from the pad, extending the delay.