Next manned mission to ISS delayed due to leak in Dragon’s propulsion system
In an update posted on August 29, 2026, NASA announced that the next manned mission to ISS, initially planned for a mid-September launch, has been delayed due to leak detected in the propulsion system of its Dragon capsule.
NASA and SpaceX are adjusting the launch date for the agency’s Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station to address an oxidizer leak on Dragon’s propulsion system which was detected during standard prelaunch spacecraft processing. Joint NASA and SpaceX teams are performing additional tests and data review and will complete any necessary rework prior to launch. A new target date will be announced once available.
The specific Dragon capsule is Grace, the youngest in SpaceX’s five manned capsule fleet. It has flown only once before, for Axiom’s fourth tourist mission to ISS in June 2025.
Based on SpaceX’s track record, we should be confident this issue will be addressed quickly. As it is there is still two weeks before that planned launch date, so it is even possible it will occur as planned. More likely it will take place a week or so later.
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Here is where A.I. might be of use—perhaps spacecraft systems inside snap-on housings that can be replaced in a modular fashion.
The offending part on a table that can be repaired at leisure.
The spacecraft hull itself just has nozzle openings that the thruster modules can be inserted above.