ISRO Chief Reveals How a Near Catastrophe Was Averted During Axiom Mission's Pre-Launch

The high stakes world of space exploration is one of precision, courage, and sometimes, nail-biting near misses. Such was the case with ISRO’s Axiom mission, where a critical pre-launch incident threatened to spiral into a major catastrophe. Thanks to vigilant protocols and decisive leadership, a potential disaster was expertly averted, a story now shared by ISRO Chairman S.

Somanath.

During the crucial integration phase of the Axiom satellite, a potentially deadly leak of Monomethylhydrazine (MMH) – a highly toxic and volatile fuel – was detected from its propulsion system. The initial assessment, perhaps, did not fully grasp the gravity of the situation, a detail Somanath highlighted in his candid recounting of the incident.

This moment of underestimation could have had severe repercussions, underscoring the constant need for unwavering vigilance in such high-risk operations.

S. Somanath vividly recalled how the team, including project director Shubhanshu Shukla, navigated this perilous situation. The immediate concern was the toxic nature of MMH, which poses significant health risks upon exposure and is highly combustible.

The detection of even a minor leak from a satellite's thruster is an alarm bell that demands immediate, expert intervention.

What followed was a testament to ISRO's robust safety culture and its commitment to meticulous processes. Instead of taking the leak lightly, a thorough re-evaluation was initiated.

Engineering teams and safety personnel swung into action, meticulously assessing the extent of the leak and its potential impact. The rapid deployment of containment measures and the precise execution of safety protocols were paramount.

The ISRO chief emphasized the critical lesson learned: never to take any anomaly, no matter how small it may seem initially, lightly.

He elaborated on the multi-layered checks and balances that are embedded in ISRO’s operational framework, designed to catch and address such critical issues before they escalate. It was this ingrained culture of caution and rigorous scrutiny that ultimately ensured the safety of personnel and the integrity of the mission.

The successful containment and resolution of the MMH leak allowed the Axiom mission to proceed without further incident, reaching its operational goals.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent dangers in space technology and the extraordinary lengths to which organizations like ISRO go to mitigate risks. It showcases not just technical prowess, but also the critical human element – the vigilance, the quick thinking, and the unwavering dedication of scientists and engineers who ensure the dreams of space exploration don't turn into nightmares.