SpaceX said it is delaying the launch of the first private space mission, including a spacewalk, which was due to lift off from Florida today, by at least 24 hours due to a "helium leak".
This flight would be historic, as for the first time private passengers would be able to leave their modules and travel in space, protected only by their spacesuits, reported AFP.
But "(SpaceX) teams are taking a closer look at the helium leak on the ground," Elon Musk's company wrote in X.
Helium is a non-flammable gas commonly used to pressurize rocket propellants.
As a result, the mission, called Polaris Dawn, has been delayed by 24 hours, to 03:38 a.m. local time on August 28 in Florida. The liftoff could be delayed again, either later that day or at the same time on Aug. 29, SpaceX warned.
Four people will have the chance to be the first private passengers to leave the spacecraft for a moment. A new milestone for commercial space exploration.
Two of the future passengers are SpaceX employees - Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, accompanied by commander and American billionaire Jared Isaacman and pilot Scott Poti, who is close to the businessman.
Isaacman has already flown into space in 2021 aboard another SpaceX chartered mission, Inspiration4, for which he was trained by Gillis.
The four adventurers have gone through intense training for this five-day mission. Their spacewalk is expected to be broadcast live. | BGNES
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