ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: Falcon 9 and Dragon ready for June 10 Axiom Mission 4 launch (See photos)
Edited By Abhinav Yadav
Published: Jun 09, 2025, 16:58 IST | Updated: Jun 09, 2025, 19:16 IST
The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Dragon spacecraft, is set for launch on June 10 from Kennedy Space Center, with ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla piloting. The 14-day Ax-4 mission will conduct around 60 scientific experiments, marking a major milestone for India’s spaceflight.
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(Photograph:SpaceX)
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Space Ride Ready for Launch
The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Dragon spacecraft, is now vertical at Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with the Ax-4 crew, is set for liftoff on 10 June 2025 at 8:22 am.
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(Photograph:SpaceX)
Final Countdown Begins
The Falcon 9 and Dragon have completed their pre-dawn rollout. This important step prepares the Ax-4 mission for launch and marks the first flight for this Dragon spacecraft.
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(Photograph:Axiom Space)
Meet the Crew and Pilot
Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Dragon spacecraft, joined by three other international crew members. He has been trained by SpaceX and Axiom Space to supervise launch and docking operations.
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(Photograph:Axiom Space | SpaceX)
Rocket and Booster Details
The Falcon 9’s first-stage booster supporting Ax-4 is making its second flight for this mission. After stage separation, the booster will attempt a precision landing at Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral.
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(Photograph:Axiom Space)
Mission Duration and Science Goals
The Ax-4 mission will last 14 days. The crew will conduct around 60 scientific experiments in human research, Earth observation, life sciences, and material sciences.
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(Photograph:SpaceX)
Dragon and Falcon 9: Ready for Space
The Dragon spacecraft is securely integrated atop Falcon 9. Images of the rocket and spacecraft have been shared by SpaceX, showing the vehicle ready for its journey.
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(Photograph:SpaceX)
Final Checks
If needed, a backup launch window is set for 11 June. Final preparations are completed as Falcon 9 and Dragon await the launch sequence, marking a milestone for ISRO and Indian spaceflight.
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