Liquid Oxygen Shortage Threatens SpaceX, ULA Launches
COVID-19's Unexpected Impact on Spaceflight
The continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are now influencing even the realm of space exploration. NASA recently made the surprising decision to postpone a satellite launch scheduled for September. This delay is a direct result of shortages in liquid oxygen (LOX) stemming from the pandemic.
Rising Oxygen Demand and its Implications
The emergence of the Delta variant has led to a surge in oxygen demand, with hospitalization and intensive care unit admissions mirroring levels seen at the pandemic’s onset. However, oxygen’s applications extend beyond medical ventilators.
The space industry relies heavily on LOX as a crucial oxidizer in rocket propellant, frequently combined with gases like liquid hydrogen. The visible steam during a rocket launch is actually a byproduct of hydrogen and oxygen reacting to form water.
Launch Date Adjustments
NASA, alongside United Launch Alliance (ULA) – a partnership between Boeing and Lockheed Martin – announced that the launch of the Landsat 9 satellite is now targeted for September 23.
Wider Industry Concerns
ULA is not the sole launch provider potentially affected by the LOX scarcity. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell acknowledged the issue during a panel discussion at the Space Symposium. She stated that launch operations would be impacted this year due to the limited availability of liquid oxygen.
Shotwell emphasized prioritizing hospital oxygen needs, and even issued a request for any available LOX supplies.
Elon Musk's Perspective
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s founder and CEO, offered a more cautious assessment on Twitter a few days later. He characterized the LOX shortage as a potential risk, but not yet a critical constraint.
Supply Chain Disruptions
Beyond the direct availability of oxygen, the shortage is also worsened by widespread disruptions to shipping and the global supply chain, which continue due to the coronavirus pandemic.
ULA CEO Tory Bruno explained on Twitter that a contractor responsible for nitrogen transport to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California had been redirected to assist with LOX deliveries in Florida.
Impact Beyond Space Travel
The effects of the LOX shortage are not limited to the space industry. Prior to NASA’s launch delay announcement, officials in Orlando, Florida, issued a water conservation notice.
This was due to LOX being utilized in the city’s water treatment processes.
Water Treatment and Oxygen Demand
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer explained on Facebook that national demand for liquid oxygen is exceptionally high, with priority given to saving lives. This is consequently reducing the supply available to Orlando’s municipal water utility.
He warned that water quality could be compromised without immediate reductions in water usage.
A Preexisting Concern
As far back as May of last year, the nonprofit Center for Global Development identified COVID-19 as a “wake-up call” regarding the necessity of ensuring sufficient oxygen supplies for hospitals.