The problem was found during routine preparations for the mission. Engineers detected an oxidizer leak, involving a chemical that helps fuel burn inside the spacecraft's propulsion system and allows the vehicle to maneuver in space.
NASA and SpaceX are now carrying out additional tests and reviewing data to understand the problem. Any necessary repairs will be completed before the spacecraft is cleared for launch.
NASA has not yet announced a new launch date.
Crew-13 will carry four astronauts to the International Space Station.
NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney will serve as the mission's commander and pilot.
They will be joined by Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov, who will serve as mission specialists.
Once they arrive at the International Space Station, the four will become part of Expedition 75. The crew will support scientific research, maintenance and other activities aboard the orbiting laboratory.
Before travelling to space, the astronauts will spend about two weeks in quarantine at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The measure is designed to reduce the risk of them becoming sick shortly before the mission.
When the spacecraft is ready, Crew-13 will travel aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which is designed to transport astronauts to and from orbit.
The Dragon will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
NASA and SpaceX will announce a new launch date after engineers complete their testing, review the spacecraft's data and carry out any necessary repairs.
For now, the priority is to make sure the spacecraft is safe before the astronauts begin their journey to the International Space Station.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/nasa-delays-crew-13-launch-after-leak-found-on-spacex-dragon/
