The Crew-6 mission, which includes UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a technical malfunction.
According to NASA, the rocket engine ignition chemical was the cause of the issue, which occurred just under three minutes before the scheduled launch.
NASA and SpaceX will not attempt to launch the mission today and are currently waiting for information on the new schedule. To prepare for the rescheduled launch, engineers need approximately 30 minutes to remove the fuel from the rocket, and once complete, they will reattach the arm to permit the crew to disembark.
After the delay, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum shared a message of support.
Scientific experiments in space
During the mission, a total of 250 research experiments will be performed, including a minimum of 20 conducted by Al Neyadi himself in addition to the duties assigned to him by NASA. He will also be responsible for performing maintenance tasks on the orbiting station.
This will be Al Neyadi’s first trip to space, representing the MBRSC, where he will be the first UAE astronaut to fly on a commercial spacecraft. On the ISS Al Neyadi will become a flight engineer for Expedition 69.
UAE mission to space: new dates
Due to adverse weather conditions forecasted, NASA and SpaceX have decided to skip the launch opportunity scheduled for Tuesday, February 28th.
NASA and SpaceX have announced that the next launch attempt will take place on Thursday, March 2, as long as the technical issue that caused the delay on Monday is resolved.
