By NASA
June 30, 2022
The pressurized capsule of the SpaceX Cargo Dragon resupply ship with its nose cone open is visualized as the car departs the International Space Station on January 23, 2022. Credit: NASA
NASA and SpaceX now are targeting no earlier than Thursday, July 14, for launch of the CRS-25 commercial resupply services objective to the International Space Station (ISS). The new target launch date supports ongoing Dragon spacecraft evaluations as well as repair and replacement of any components that could have deteriorated by direct exposure to mono-methyl hydrazine (MMH) vapor found during testing in early June.
On June 13, NASA and SpaceX officials satisfied to go over initial findings from extra examinations and testing of the Dragon spacecraft after groups measured raised vapor readings of mono-methyl hydrazine (MMH) in a separated area of the Dragon propulsion system. After unloading propellant from that area, SpaceX had the ability to narrow down the source of the issue to a Draco thruster valve inlet joint. Groups will now eliminate the particular hardware to replace it ahead of flight.
The brand-new date also permits launch of the uncrewed cargo mission for the earliest possible rendezvous chance with the International Space Station following the upcoming high-beta angle period when the sun angle with spaceport stations orbital plane causes issues with thermal and power generation at the microgravity lab in the prepared docking mindset for checking out spacecraft.