A scheduled SpaceX resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed due to a failed power distributor outside the station.
Nasa noted that one of the station’s Main Bus Switching Units (MBSU) was affected. This unit distributes power to two of the eight power channels on the ISS.
According to the space agency, a series of manoeuvres will be performed by flight controllers to robotically swap the failed MBSU for a spare unit.
Following the swap, checkouts will be carried out on the newly installed MBSU. After this, preparation will be underway to get the station to full power capability to support capture and berthing of the SpaceX payload.
Nasa and SpaceX are planning to launch Dragon no earlier than 3 May. The Canadarm2 robotic arm will capture the Dragon cargo capsule at the station.
The capsule was scheduled to carry a 5,500lb shipment comprising science, supplies and hardware to the ISS.
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By GlobalDataPrivate aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company SpaceX is one of Nasa’s key partners in sending supplies and cargo to the ISS. The upcoming mission would be SpaceX’s 17th for the US space agency.
Last month, Northrop Grumman launched its 11th cargo delivery mission to send supplies to the ISS for Nasa.
In the mission, Northrop Grumman launched an Antares rocket carrying a Cygnus spacecraft equipped with a 3,450kg payload that included vital supplies and scientific equipment.
