A major power shortage at the International Space Station has delayed this week’s SpaceX supply run.
SpaceX was supposed to launch a shipment from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday.
But a power-switching unit malfunctioned at the station Monday and knocked two power channels offline.
.@NASA has requested @SpaceX move off from May 1 to no earlier than May 3 for the launch of its #Dragon cargo mission to the station. https://t.co/inTfUoHT30 pic.twitter.com/3m3lchffdX
— Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) April 30, 2019
The six remaining power channels are working normally.
Nasa said on Tuesday the station and its six astronauts are safe.
But because of the hobbled solar-power grid, the SpaceX launch is off until at least Friday.
We've requested @SpaceX move off from May 1 for the launch of their 17th commercial resupply mission to the @Space_Station as teams continue work on the station's power system. The earliest possible launch opportunity is no earlier than May 3. Details: https://t.co/aOxuozi7CK pic.twitter.com/cAY0RjWqul
— NASA (@NASA) April 30, 2019
Nasa wants to replace the failed unit to restore full power, before sending up the Dragon cargo capsule.
There is no rush for this delivery as Northrop Grumman launched supplies two weeks ago.
Solar wings collect and generate electricity for the station.
Any breakdown in this system can cut into power.
