Group Captain Shubhashu Shukla's X-4 (Axiom 04) mission, scheduled for June 8, 10, and 11, has been rescheduled multiple times. The new launch date will be announced by the SpaceX team. Initially, weather was the culprit, followed by a LOX leak, causing repeated delays. Let's dive into what LOX is, why it leaks, and its uses.
What is LOX?
LOX stands for Liquid Oxygen, a form of oxygen that is liquid at exceedingly low temperatures (-183 degrees Celsius). In space missions, LOX is used as a fuel oxidizer for rocket engines. It provides the necessary oxygen to burn rocket fuel, such as kerosene or hydrogen.
Also Read: Shubhashu Shukla's Space Mission Delayed Again Due to Liquid Oxygen Leak
Source: aajtak
The Use of LOX
The primary use of LOX is as an oxidizer in rocket engines. During a launch, LOX is combined with fuel, generating tremendous energy that propels the rocket upward. Without LOX, rocket engines wouldn't function, as oxygen is essential for combustion. For example...
Falcon 9 Rocket: SpaceX's Falcon 9 uses LOX and RP-1 (refined petroleum).
Space Shuttle: NASA's space shuttles employed LOX and hydrogen.
Also Read: Shubhashu Shukla to Conduct 7 Experiments on International Space Station... Find Out Which Ones
Why Does LOX Leak?
Several factors can cause LOX to leak...
Temperature Fluctuations: LOX is extremely cold (-183 degrees Celsius), and when stored or transported, temperature differences can lead to leaks in pipes or tanks.
Mechanical Failures: Leaks can occur due to malfunctions in pipes, valves, or seals.
Vibration and Pressure: During rocket launch, vibration and pressure can cause leaks.
Corrosion: Prolonged use can result in rust in pipes or tanks, leading to leaks.
Human Error: Mistakes during installation or maintenance can also cause leaks.
Source: aajtak
Recent LOX Leak Issues
The X-4 mission faced LOX leakage issues on June 11, 2025, mere hours before launch, necessitating postponement. This isn't a new problem for SpaceX, as LOX leakages have previously occurred...
July 2024:
A LOX leak in the Falcon 9's second stage compromised the Starlink satellite mission, leaving them in a much lower orbit, causing them to fall back to Earth.
Also Read: How Crucial is Shubhashu Shukla's Space Mission for India? Learn from an ISRO Scientist
May 2024:
Another mission faced delays due to LOX leakage, but it was resolved later.
2023:
SpaceX conducted several tests to check LOX purity since impure LOX can hinder engine performance.
Source: aajtak
Impact of LOX Leakages
LOX leakages can severely affect rocket launches...
Launch Delays: As seen with the X-4 mission, leaks can force launch postponements.
Safety Risks: Highly flammable LOX can pose explosion or fire hazards if leaked.
Mission Failures: Unresolved leaks can lead to complete mission failures, exemplified by the July 2024 Starlink mission.
LOX leakage is a critical issue impacting space missions. It caused a setback for the X-4 mission, but both SpaceX and NASA teams are diligently working to resolve it. While LOX is vital for rocket engines, its leaks pose safety and mission success challenges. Future improvements and technical advancements aim to overcome these issues.
