In a late-night launch on Sunday, March 3, NASA and SpaceX successfully propelled the Crew-8 mission towards the International Space Station (ISS). However, just 30 minutes before liftoff, engineers discovered a crack in the hatch seal, raising concerns about the mission’s safety.
The Hatch Crack Discovery
During the final checks before liftoff, engineers observed a crack in the RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone, a top coating on the hatch seal. This silicone layer acts as an additional safeguard over the pressure seal, and a crack measuring 0.02 square inches was detected.
Confidence in Launch Proceeding
Despite the crack, NASA and SpaceX were confident in moving forward with the launch. Sarah Walker, Director of Dragon Mission Management at SpaceX, explained that the crack, though notable, is on one of several redundant seals in the area. The silicone material is designed to expand under heating, and engineers expected the defect to self-heal during the launch.
Not a Reuse-Related Issue
SpaceX clarified that the crack was not a result of the spacecraft’s reusable design. The silicone coating is reapplied before each use, and the minor defect stemmed from an issue in the application process.
Safety Assurance Due to Location
One crucial factor in deeming the crack non-threatening was its location on the leeward side of the spacecraft. The seal receives less intense heating in this area, and after analyzing the heating patterns, NASA and SpaceX concluded that the defect did not pose a safety risk.
Collaborative Decision-Making
Throughout the countdown process, NASA and SpaceX engaged in continuous consultation. Steve Stich, Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, emphasized that NASA had the authority to halt or delay the launch if safety concerns arose. In this instance, both NASA and SpaceX agreed that the defect did not compromise safety.
Crew-8’s Journey to the ISS
As of now, the Crew-8 astronauts are en route to the ISS, scheduled to arrive at approximately 3 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 5. NASA TV will provide coverage of the arrival and docking starting at 1 a.m. ET on Tuesday.
