NASA announced on Thursday that the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission crew, including Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members, is likely to return on July 14 after staying in the International Space Station (ISS) for over two weeks.“We are working with the station program, watching the Axiom-4 progress carefully. I think we need to undock that mission and the current target to undock is July 14,” Steve Stitch, Manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program, said at a press conference.&nbsp; The Axiom-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 25, and the Dragon spacecraft docked at the space station the next day after a 28-hour journey. The Axiom-4 crew, comprising Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Tibor Kapu, witnessed 230 sunrises onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and travelled nearly 100 lakh kilometres in space.&nbsp;“From about 250 miles above the Earth, the crew spent their downtime capturing images and video, taking in the view of our home planet below, and reconnecting with loved ones,” an Axiom Space statement said on Thursday. These moments offer a rare pause in an otherwise rigorous daily schedule, it said.Since the start of their work on ISS, Axiom Space has said the crew members have advanced scientific studies, tested new technologies, and engaged in global outreach efforts.&nbsp;Group Captain Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian astronaut after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who went to space in 1984.Shukla did seven India-specific experiments, and the Axiom-4 or Mission ‘Akash Ganga’ is the first firm step for India’s Gaganyaan human space flight mission.A splashdown is expected several hours after the undocking, near the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean.Group Captain Shukla’s parents have said that they are very proud that he is set to return after completing his mission.

The Axiom-4 crew, comprising Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Tibor Kapu, witnessed 230 sunrises onboard the ISS and travelled nearly 100 lakh kilometres. A splashdown is expected in the Pacific Ocean several hours after the undocking, near the coast of California.

NASA announced on Thursday that the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission crew, including Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members, is likely to return on July 14 after staying in the International Space Station (ISS) for over two weeks. “We are working with the station program, watching the Axiom-4 progress carefully. I think we need to undock that mission and the current target to undock is July 14,” Steve Stitch, Manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program, said at a press conference. The Axiom-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 25, and the Dragon spacecraft docked at the space station the next day after a 28-hour journey. The Axiom-4 crew, comprising Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Tibor Kapu, witnessed 230 sunrises onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and travelled nearly 100 lakh kilometres in space. “From about 250 miles above the Earth, the crew spent their downtime capturing images and video, taking in the view of our home planet below, and reconnecting with loved ones,” an Axiom Space statement said on Thursday. These moments offer a rare pause in an otherwise rigorous daily schedule, it said. Since the start of their work on ISS, Axiom Space has said the crew members have advanced scientific studies, tested new technologies, and engaged in global outreach efforts. Group Captain Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian astronaut after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who went to space in 1984. Shukla did seven India-specific experiments, and the Axiom-4 or Mission ‘Akash Ganga’ is the first firm step for India’s Gaganyaan human space flight mission. A splashdown is expected several hours after the undocking, near the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean. Group Captain Shukla’s parents have said that they are very proud that he is set to return after completing his mission.

The Axiom-4 crew, comprising Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Tibor Kapu, witnessed 230 sunrises onboard the ISS and travelled nearly 100 lakh kilometres. A splashdown is expected in the Pacific Ocean several hours after the undocking, near the coast of California.

Axiom-4 mission: Shubhanshu Shukla and crew likely to return to earth on July 14

The Government of India on Sunday (Jul 6) released the latest pictures of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, who with the Axiom-4 mission became the first Indian on the ISS, can be seen observing Earth in the breathtaking pictures. After repeated delays, Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members – mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary; and Commander Peggy Whitson of the United States, a former NASA astronaut now with Axiom Space — docked with the ISS on June 26 after a 28-hour journey around the Earth.<h2>Gazing down from space: Shubhanshu Shukla's otherworldly pictures</h2>On X, the GOI's handle MyGovIndia on Sunday shared a set of pictures featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and one word that can be used to describe them is "otherworldly". A total of four pictures were posted along with the caption: “Gazing Down From The Space!...Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys the stunning panoramic view of Earth from the 7-windowed Cupola Module aboard the International Space Station. It’s been a remarkable journey as he marks a week in orbit, representing India among the stars.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gazing Down From The Space! Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys the stunning panoramic view of Earth from the 7-windowed Cupola Module aboard the International Space Station. It’s been a remarkable journey as he marks a week in orbit, representing India among the stars.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Axiom4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Axiom4</a>… <a href="https://t.co/E9XKZIatng">pic.twitter.com/E9XKZIatng</a>&mdash; MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mygovindia/status/1941712489424531612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In two of the pictures, Shukla can be seen looking at our blue planet Earth from the ISS's 7-windowed Cupola Module. In the other two pictures, the beaming astronaut an be seen carrying out his experiments aboard the ISS.&nbsp;<h2>How long will astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla stay on the ISS?</h2>Shukla's success marks a key achievement for India. The last time India sent an astronaut to space, Shukla wasn't even born. He is the first Indian to reach space since Rakesh Sharma, who flew to the Salyut 7 station in 1984 as part of an Indo-Soviet mission."What a fantastic ride," Shukla said in Hindi after liftoff. "This isn't just the start of my journey to the International Space Station – it's the beginning of India's human space programme." The trailblazing astronaut's mission as per the schedule is set to last 14 days. He has already completed 11 days of living and working in the ISS's microgravity.

On X, the GOI's handle MyGovIndia on Sunday shared a set of pictures featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and one word that can be used to describe them is "otherworldly".

The Government of India on Sunday (Jul 6) released the latest pictures of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, who with the Axiom-4 mission became the first Indian on the ISS, can be seen observing Earth in the breathtaking pictures. After repeated delays, Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members – mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary; and Commander Peggy Whitson of the United States, a former NASA astronaut now with Axiom Space — docked with the ISS on June 26 after a 28-hour journey around the Earth. Gazing down from space: Shubhanshu Shukla's otherworldly pictures On X, the GOI's handle MyGovIndia on Sunday shared a set of pictures featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and one word that can be used to describe them is "otherworldly". A total of four pictures were posted along with the caption: “Gazing Down From The Space!...Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys the stunning panoramic view of Earth from the 7-windowed Cupola Module aboard the International Space Station. It’s been a remarkable journey as he marks a week in orbit, representing India among the stars.”

On X, the GOI's handle MyGovIndia on Sunday shared a set of pictures featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and one word that can be used to describe them is "otherworldly".

‘Gazing Down From The Space’: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s stunning space pics from ISS go viral

A series of upcoming missions will further strengthen international collaboration, scientific ambition, and commercial capabilities in the space sector.

After Axiom-4: 7 defining space missions set to take place in 2025 and beyond

Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions. Part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla addressed the nation from the ISS on Thursday, saying, “It is a privilege to be among the few who have had the chance to see Earth from such a vantage point.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;It is a privilege to get a chance to see the Earth from a vantage point. It has been a wonderful ride. It has been great,&quot; says Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, as the Axiom-4 crew arrives at the International Space Station (ISS) . . . Video: NASA <a href="https://t.co/cOMsufIMAX">pic.twitter.com/cOMsufIMAX</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1938238401498779831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;His message followed a successful 28-hour journey aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which docked with the ISS’s Harmony module. He was pinned with the official Astronaut No. 634 badge by mission commander Peggy Whitson before delivering his remarks. “Thanks to your love and blessings, I have safely reached the International Space Station,” he said. “It may look easy to stand here and speak, but it’s actually a little difficult. There’s a bit of pressure on the head, a bit of discomfort, but these are small things. In just a few days, we’ll get used to it.”&nbsp;<h2>14-day science mission, ISRO collaboration underway</h2>&nbsp;Shukla is joined by Whitson, Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and Sławosz Uznański (Poland) on the Ax-4 mission, operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, ESA, ISRO, and SpaceX. The crew will work alongside the seven Expedition 73 crewmates, conducting over 60 scientific experiments — including seven developed by ISRO. “This is just the first step of a long journey. We will be conducting many experiments and also speaking to you from time to time,” Shukla said.&nbsp;Expressing national pride, he added, “I’m carrying the tricolour on my shoulder, and I believe you are all with me. So I believe that all of you are as excited as I am. The next 14 days are going to be very exciting. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.” ISRO has reportedly paid $59 million for Shukla’s seat and training, aiming to use insights from this mission to advance India’s human spaceflight programme, including Gaganyaan in 2027, a space station by 2035, and a lunar mission by 2040.&nbsp;“I'm looking forward to the next 14 days, advancing science and research, and working together,” Shukla said as he passed the mic to his fellow crewmate from Poland.

“This is just the first step of a long journey. We will be conducting many experiments and also speaking to you from time to time,” Shukla said.

Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions. Part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla addressed the nation from the ISS on Thursday, saying, “It is a privilege to be among the few who have had the chance to see Earth from such a vantage point.”

“This is just the first step of a long journey. We will be conducting many experiments and also speaking to you from time to time,” Shukla said.

'Carrying the Tricolour on my shoulder’: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla makes historic address from space

SpaceX launched Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission on June 25, and with it India once again entered history books as IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is one of the crew members onboard. NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and two others - Poland's Tibor Kapu and Hungary's Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, acting as mission specialists - are on the Dragon capsule taking them to the International Space Station. It lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center atop the Falcon 9 rocket. Right before the Dragon spacecraft was about to separate from Falcon 9's second stage, Whitson gave a speech and announced the name of the Dragon spacecraft her crew was aboard.She revealed that it was named "Grace", detailing why the name was chosen. "We had an incredible ride uphill, and we now set our course for the International Space Station aboard the newest member of the Dragon fleet — our spacecraft, 'Grace.' Grace is more than a name," Whitson said. The veteran revealed that the name held double significance - the graceful movement, and "grace", as in "an act of goodwill."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/shubhanshu-shukla-axiom-4-spacex-dragon-experience-updates-from-space-iss-1750922045064">'I am sleeping a lot': Shubhanshu Shukla says he did not enjoy being shot into 'silence of vacuum'</a>&nbsp;<h2>Baby swan ‘Joy’ on Axiom-4 mission tells about zero gravity</h2>&nbsp;"It reflects the elegance with which we move through space against the backdrop of Earth. It speaks to the refinement of our mission, the harmony of science and spirit, and the unmerited favor we carry with humility," Whitson said. "Grace reminds us that spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering, but an act of goodwill - for the benefit of every human, everywhere," she added.Whitson also showed a plush toy swan, named "Joy". The baby swan served as the zero-g indicator on the Ax-4 mission. She said, the swan was "a symbol of beauty, unity, and the shared dreams that lift us beyond our world. Joy inspires us to look outward with wonder and inward with hope."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-namaskar-india-s-shubhanshu-shukla-new-message-for-indians-from-axiom-4-ahead-of-landing-watch-1750921692056">'Namaskar...': India's Shubhanshu Shukla sends new message for Indians from Axiom-4 ahead of docking - Watch</a>&nbsp;<h2>Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on baby swan and Grace</h2>&nbsp;Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla later said in a livestream for Axiom that swans hold significance in Indian tradition as well. &nbsp;"Swan symbolises wisdom. It also has the ability to discern what should be focused on and what should not. We all have symbolism in Poland, Hungary, and India. It has more meaning than one would think," the 39-year-old said.Whitson further elaborated on the baby swan toy, saying, "Together, Grace and Joy embody the essence of this mission: to explore with purpose, to connect with compassion, and to dream without limits. As we glide through space, may we carry with us the spirit of Grace, the lightness of Joy, and the boundless possibilities that await us."The SpaceX capsule Grace will dock with the International Space Station at 4:30 pm IST on Thursday. The crew will conduct more than 60 scientific experiments focused on human research, biological, and material sciences and more in the 15 days they will spend at the orbiting space observatory. &nbsp;

Axiom Spaces Ax 4 mission is being carried out on a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The capsule has a name and NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson revealed it before the Dragon spacecraft separated from Falcon 9s second stage. Here is why it has been named Grace.

SpaceX launched Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission on June 25, and with it India once again entered history books as IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is one of the crew members onboard. NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and two others - Poland's Tibor Kapu and Hungary's Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, acting as mission specialists - are on the Dragon capsule taking them to the International Space Station. It lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center atop the Falcon 9 rocket. Right before the Dragon spacecraft was about to separate from Falcon 9's second stage, Whitson gave a speech and announced the name of the Dragon spacecraft her crew was aboard. She revealed that it was named "Grace", detailing why the name was chosen. "We had an incredible ride uphill, and we now set our course for the International Space Station aboard the newest member of the Dragon fleet — our spacecraft, 'Grace.' Grace is more than a name," Whitson said. The veteran revealed that the name held double significance - the graceful movement, and "grace", as in "an act of goodwill." Also Read: 'I am sleeping a lot': Shubhanshu Shukla says he did not enjoy being shot into 'silence of vacuum' Baby swan ‘Joy’ on Axiom-4 mission tells about zero gravity "It reflects the elegance with which we move through space against the backdrop of Earth. It speaks to the refinement of our mission, the harmony of science and spirit, and the unmerited favor we carry with humility," Whitson said. "Grace reminds us that spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering, but an act of goodwill - for the benefit of every human, everywhere," she added. Whitson also showed a plush toy swan, named "Joy". The baby swan served as the zero-g indicator on the Ax-4 mission. She said, the swan was "a symbol of beauty, unity, and the shared dreams that lift us beyond our world. Joy inspires us to look outward with wonder and inward with hope." Also Read: 'Namaskar...': India's Shubhanshu Shukla sends new message for Indians from Axiom-4 ahead of docking - Watch Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on baby swan and Grace Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla later said in a livestream for Axiom that swans hold significance in Indian tradition as well. "Swan symbolises wisdom. It also has the ability to discern what should be focused on and what should not. We all have symbolism in Poland, Hungary, and India. It has more meaning than one would think," the 39-year-old said. Whitson further elaborated on the baby swan toy, saying, "Together, Grace and Joy embody the essence of this mission: to explore with purpose, to connect with compassion, and to dream without limits. As we glide through space, may we carry with us the spirit of Grace, the lightness of Joy, and the boundless possibilities that await us." The SpaceX capsule Grace will dock with the International Space Station at 4:30 pm IST on Thursday. The crew will conduct more than 60 scientific experiments focused on human research, biological, and material sciences and more in the 15 days they will spend at the orbiting space observatory.

Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission is being carried out on a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The capsule has a name and NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson revealed it before the Dragon spacecraft separated from Falcon 9's second stage. Here is why it has been named Grace.

Why is Shubhanshu Shukla's Ax-4 Dragon capsule named Grace? NASA astronaut reveals two reasons

Axiom mission 4 to the ISS, led by NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, launches June 25 at 12:01 pm IST from Kennedy Space Center. The private crew aims to expand commercial access to space, test tech & support global cooperation.

Axiom mission 4 launch set for June 25 from Kennedy space center

The American human spaceflight mission Axiom-4 is targeting liftoff at 12:01 pm Indian time, Wednesday, June 25, NASA announced on social media. This will mark the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. After lifting off from the launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, the Falcon 9 rocket will be hurling the astronaut-carrying Crew Dragon capsule to space, following which the capsule will require about 28 hours to rendezvous with the Space Station, and perform the docking. Targeted docking time is around 4:30 pm IST on Thursday, June 26, NASA said.&nbsp;The 28-hour period is required for docking, as the Crew Dragon spacecraft must adjust its orbit to match that of the International Space Station, while both are travelling at speeds of 28,000 kmph or more. A spacecraft launched from Earth does not travel in a straight line to reach the Space Station. Instead, the craft is launched into an orbit that is at a lower altitude than the space station, following which it has to make precise trajectory adjustments to match its own path to the circular path in which the Space Station is doing so - eventually, both circles (orbits) have to intersect. The 28-hour approaches are fuel-efficient, offer more time for astronauts and ground teams to carry out system checks, monitor all systems. While faster dockings (in about six hours) are possible, they consume more fuel and complicate the overall mission planning.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Axiom-4 and the series of delays&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The Axiom-4 mission carrying four astronauts was scheduled for liftoff on May 29, but repeated delays have pushed the launch well into the last week of June.&nbsp;Originally targeted for May 29 launch, it was pushed to June 8, June 9, June 10, June 11, June 19, June 22. Notably, June 22nd was the 7th&nbsp;launch date for this mission, and it turns out it is not even "7th time lucky" for Axiom-4 and its crew.&nbsp;&nbsp;So far, this mission has been delayed owing to- replacement of parts on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft, technical issues with a Falcon 9 rocket engine, unfavourable weather, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, and an anomaly in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the first week of June, WION had reported about the 18-member Indian delegation that had travelled to Florida ahead of the Axiom-4 launch that will see India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla fly to space, and make history as the second Indian to undertake human spaceflight. The delegation was led by ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan. However, owing to the repeated delays, the ISRO Chief and few members of the delegation returned to India this week. Remaining members of the Indian delegation continue to stay in Florida, USA, in anticipation of the launch.<h2>Axiom-4 crew to complete a month in quarantine &nbsp;</h2>The Axiom-4 crew went into pre-launch mandatory quarantine on May 26.&nbsp;Pre-launch quarantine is followed to closely monitor the astronauts' health, to avoid exposure to any last-minute illness. Quarantine is also important to ensure that the astronauts flying to the space station don't carry any infection to the closed environment of the orbiting lab. With the launch date now uncertain, it seems that the crew would end up spending a month or more in quarantine&nbsp;Typical pre-launch quarantines for International Space Station crew last two weeks. The Axiom-4 crew will end up spending double that period in quarantine, which translates to a month in quarantine. In mid-2024, Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore also had to spend about a month in quarantine due to repeated delays with their launch.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In preparation for spaceflight, astronauts have to maintain peak mental and physical health. A mission delay would mean that they must sustain that peak for a longer period of time.&nbsp;<h2>Axiom-4 must launch this week or wait till mid-July &nbsp;</h2>"In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30," Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA, had said earlier this month. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions(even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities from mid-July, she added.<h2>About Axiom-4 and its astronauts&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule.&nbsp;Peggy Whitson, America's seniormost astronaut and director of human spaceflight at&nbsp;Axiom&nbsp;Space, will command the&nbsp;Axiom-4 mission. while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Apart from Peggy, all those aboard this mission are first-time astronauts. Therefore, the impact of these delays on the first-timers astronauts' families must also be factored in. &nbsp;This Axiom-4 mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64 million (Rs.550crore) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM(Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The American human spaceflight mission Axiom-4 is targeting liftoff at 12:01 pm Indian time, Wednesday, June 25, NASA announced on social media. This will mark the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. 

The American human spaceflight mission Axiom-4 is targeting liftoff at 12:01 pm Indian time, Wednesday, June 25, NASA announced on social media. This will mark the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. After lifting off from the launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, the Falcon 9 rocket will be hurling the astronaut-carrying Crew Dragon capsule to space, following which the capsule will require about 28 hours to rendezvous with the Space Station, and perform the docking. Targeted docking time is around 4:30 pm IST on Thursday, June 26, NASA said. The 28-hour period is required for docking, as the Crew Dragon spacecraft must adjust its orbit to match that of the International Space Station, while both are travelling at speeds of 28,000 kmph or more. A spacecraft launched from Earth does not travel in a straight line to reach the Space Station. Instead, the craft is launched into an orbit that is at a lower altitude than the space station, following which it has to make precise trajectory adjustments to match its own path to the circular path in which the Space Station is doing so - eventually, both circles (orbits) have to intersect. The 28-hour approaches are fuel-efficient, offer more time for astronauts and ground teams to carry out system checks, monitor all systems. While faster dockings (in about six hours) are possible, they consume more fuel and complicate the overall mission planning. Axiom-4 and the series of delays The Axiom-4 mission carrying four astronauts was scheduled for liftoff on May 29, but repeated delays have pushed the launch well into the last week of June. Originally targeted for May 29 launch, it was pushed to June 8, June 9, June 10, June 11, June 19, June 22. Notably, June 22nd was the 7th launch date for this mission, and it turns out it is not even "7th time lucky" for Axiom-4 and its crew. So far, this mission has been delayed owing to- replacement of parts on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft, technical issues with a Falcon 9 rocket engine, unfavourable weather, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, and an anomaly in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station. In the first week of June, WION had reported about the 18-member Indian delegation that had travelled to Florida ahead of the Axiom-4 launch that will see India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla fly to space, and make history as the second Indian to undertake human spaceflight. The delegation was led by ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan. However, owing to the repeated delays, the ISRO Chief and few members of the delegation returned to India this week. Remaining members of the Indian delegation continue to stay in Florida, USA, in anticipation of the launch. Axiom-4 crew to complete a month in quarantine The Axiom-4 crew went into pre-launch mandatory quarantine on May 26. Pre-launch quarantine is followed to closely monitor the astronauts' health, to avoid exposure to any last-minute illness. Quarantine is also important to ensure that the astronauts flying to the space station don't carry any infection to the closed environment of the orbiting lab. With the launch date now uncertain, it seems that the crew would end up spending a month or more in quarantine Typical pre-launch quarantines for International Space Station crew last two weeks. The Axiom-4 crew will end up spending double that period in quarantine, which translates to a month in quarantine. In mid-2024, Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore also had to spend about a month in quarantine due to repeated delays with their launch. In preparation for spaceflight, astronauts have to maintain peak mental and physical health. A mission delay would mean that they must sustain that peak for a longer period of time. Axiom-4 must launch this week or wait till mid-July "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30," Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA, had said earlier this month. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions(even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities from mid-July, she added. About Axiom-4 and its astronauts Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, America's seniormost astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission. while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Apart from Peggy, all those aboard this mission are first-time astronauts. Therefore, the impact of these delays on the first-timers astronauts' families must also be factored in. This Axiom-4 mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64 million (Rs.550crore) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM(Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.

The American human spaceflight mission Axiom-4 is targeting liftoff at 12:01 pm Indian time, Wednesday, June 25, NASA announced on social media. This will mark the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.&nbsp;

Axiom-4 gets new launch date after series of delays, here are the details

Amid endless delays and uncertainty over the American Axiom-4 human spaceflight mission launch, few members of the Indian delegation that had travelled to the US for this landmark event have returned to India. ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed to WION's Sidharth M.P. about having returned to India along with a handful of top delegates from ISRO. In the first week of June, WION had reported about the 18-member Indian delegation that had travelled to Florida ahead of the Axiom-4 launch that will see India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla fly to space, and make history as the second Indian to undertake human spaceflight.While a few delegates led by the ISRO Chief have returned, Indian astronauts Group Captain Shukla (primary astronaut) and Group Captain PB Nair (backup candidate) continue to carry out their respective duties in the US as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The duo have been in the US since August 2024 for their human spaceflight training as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Remaining members of the Indian delegation continue to stay in Florida, USA, in anticipation of the launch.<h2>Axiom-4 and the series of endless delays</h2>The Axiom-4 mission carrying four astronauts was scheduled for liftoff on May 29th 2025, but repeated delays have pushed the launch well into the last week of June. The concerned American entities (Axiom, SpaceX, NASA) have not revealed a new targeted launch date yet. Typically, launch dates are revealed at least four or five days ahead.Originally targeted for a May 29th launch, it was pushed to June 8th, June 9th, June 10th, June 11th, June 19th, and June 22nd. Notably, June 22nd was the 7th launch date for this mission, and it turns out it is not even "7th time lucky" for Axiom-4 and its crew.So far, this mission has been delayed owing to- the replacement of parts on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft, technical issues with a Falcon 9 rocket engine, unfavourable weather, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, and an anomaly in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station.<h2>Axiom-4 crew nears one-month in quarantine</h2>The Axiom-4 crew went into pre-launch mandatory quarantine on 26th May and remains in isolation. Pre-launch quarantine is followed to closely monitor the astronauts' health to avoid exposure to any last-minute illness. Quarantine is also important to ensure that the astronauts flying to the space station don't carry any infection to the closed environment of the orbiting lab. With the launch date now uncertain, it seems that the crew would end up spending a month or more in quarantine.Typical pre-launch quarantines for the International Space Station crew last two weeks. The Axiom-4 crew will end up spending double that period in quarantine. In mid-2024, Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore also had to spend about a month in quarantine due to repeated delays with their launch.&nbsp;In preparation for spaceflight, astronauts have to maintain peak mental and physical health. A mission delay would mean that they must sustain that peak for a longer period of time.<h2>How mission delays affect the science experiments by astronauts</h2>India's Shukla will be carrying seven experiments with him to the microgravity environment of the International Space Station. Some of the experiments involve biological material (seeds, bacteria, muscle cells), which are time-sensitive. Ideally, had the launch happened on 8th June, the astronauts would have completed their mission and returned to Earth by this week. However, with the sensitive experiments languishing on Earth for over three weeks, they too require replacement/specific care to be maintained in pristine condition. Questions remain over how the endless mission delay could affect the quality of the science experiments that will be conducted by the Axiom-4 crew in space.<h2>Axiom-4 must launch this week or wait till mid-July</h2>"In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA, had said earlier this month. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blast off into space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions (even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities from mid-July, she added.<h2>About Axiom-4 and its astronauts</h2>Axiom-4 would carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, America's senior-most astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Apart from Peggy, all those aboard this mission are first-time astronauts. Therefore, the impact of these delays on the first-time astronauts' families must also be factored in.This Axiom-4 mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago.Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn (₹550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.&nbsp;

While a few delegates led by the ISRO Chief have returned, Indian astronauts Group Captain Shukla (primary astronaut) and Group Captain PB Nair (backup candidate) continue to carry out their respective duties in the US as part of the Axiom-4 mission

Amid endless delays and uncertainty over the American Axiom-4 human spaceflight mission launch, few members of the Indian delegation that had travelled to the US for this landmark event have returned to India. ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed to WION's Sidharth M.P. about having returned to India along with a handful of top delegates from ISRO. In the first week of June, WION had reported about the 18-member Indian delegation that had travelled to Florida ahead of the Axiom-4 launch that will see India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla fly to space, and make history as the second Indian to undertake human spaceflight. While a few delegates led by the ISRO Chief have returned, Indian astronauts Group Captain Shukla (primary astronaut) and Group Captain PB Nair (backup candidate) continue to carry out their respective duties in the US as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The duo have been in the US since August 2024 for their human spaceflight training as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Remaining members of the Indian delegation continue to stay in Florida, USA, in anticipation of the launch. Axiom-4 and the series of endless delays The Axiom-4 mission carrying four astronauts was scheduled for liftoff on May 29th 2025, but repeated delays have pushed the launch well into the last week of June. The concerned American entities (Axiom, SpaceX, NASA) have not revealed a new targeted launch date yet. Typically, launch dates are revealed at least four or five days ahead. Originally targeted for a May 29th launch, it was pushed to June 8th, June 9th, June 10th, June 11th, June 19th, and June 22nd. Notably, June 22nd was the 7th launch date for this mission, and it turns out it is not even "7th time lucky" for Axiom-4 and its crew. So far, this mission has been delayed owing to- the replacement of parts on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft, technical issues with a Falcon 9 rocket engine, unfavourable weather, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, and an anomaly in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station. Axiom-4 crew nears one-month in quarantine The Axiom-4 crew went into pre-launch mandatory quarantine on 26th May and remains in isolation. Pre-launch quarantine is followed to closely monitor the astronauts' health to avoid exposure to any last-minute illness. Quarantine is also important to ensure that the astronauts flying to the space station don't carry any infection to the closed environment of the orbiting lab. With the launch date now uncertain, it seems that the crew would end up spending a month or more in quarantine. Typical pre-launch quarantines for the International Space Station crew last two weeks. The Axiom-4 crew will end up spending double that period in quarantine. In mid-2024, Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore also had to spend about a month in quarantine due to repeated delays with their launch. In preparation for spaceflight, astronauts have to maintain peak mental and physical health. A mission delay would mean that they must sustain that peak for a longer period of time. How mission delays affect the science experiments by astronauts India's Shukla will be carrying seven experiments with him to the microgravity environment of the International Space Station. Some of the experiments involve biological material (seeds, bacteria, muscle cells), which are time-sensitive. Ideally, had the launch happened on 8th June, the astronauts would have completed their mission and returned to Earth by this week. However, with the sensitive experiments languishing on Earth for over three weeks, they too require replacement/specific care to be maintained in pristine condition. Questions remain over how the endless mission delay could affect the quality of the science experiments that will be conducted by the Axiom-4 crew in space. Axiom-4 must launch this week or wait till mid-July "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA, had said earlier this month. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blast off into space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions (even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities from mid-July, she added. About Axiom-4 and its astronauts Axiom-4 would carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, America's senior-most astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Apart from Peggy, all those aboard this mission are first-time astronauts. Therefore, the impact of these delays on the first-time astronauts' families must also be factored in. This Axiom-4 mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn (₹550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.

While a few delegates led by the ISRO Chief have returned, Indian astronauts Group Captain Shukla (primary astronaut) and Group Captain PB Nair (backup candidate) continue to carry out their respective duties in the US as part of the Axiom-4 mission

Axiom-4 launch delay: Top ISRO officials back in India; Astronauts remain in Florida

The repeated launch delays involving Axiom-4 astronauts and the uncertainty surrounding the mission have revived memories of Boeing's Starliner mission last year. In 2024, Boeing's Starliner was scheduled to liftoff in early May, but technical issues kept delaying the launch until the first week of June. Further, the 8-week mission dragging on for over 8-months tarnished Boeing's reputation. Likewise, the American Axiom-4 mission was scheduled for liftoff on May 29th 2025, but repeated delays have pushed the launch well beyond June 22nd, Sunday. The concerned entities have not revealed a new targeted launch date.&nbsp;The launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon capsule was scheduled to take place Sunday, 22nd June, from NASA's Launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. The mission will carry four astronauts, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station for a two-week-long mission. While the Falcon 9- Crew Dragon pair have a great track record in executing their missions safely, the ongoing delays have turned out to be seemingly unprecedented.&nbsp;In the case of the Boeing Starliner launched by the ULA Atlas V rocket, it was the maiden astronaut-carrying flight of the Starliner craft and the maiden astronaut-carrying mission of the Atlas V rocket. Therefore, it was an experimental mission for both the Atlas V rocket and the Starliner spacecraft, which means that some issues were expected. Usually, maiden flights of any new space transportation system are a tense affair for the executing agency/company and offer a real-world test of the system. In contrast, for Axiom Space, the Axiom-4 mission is their fourth mission involving astronauts. Also, the SpaceX Falcon 9-Crew Dragon pair have a great track record in executing over a dozen human spaceflight missions safely, which is why the ongoing delays have turned out to be seemingly unprecedented. Notably, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has done over 490 launches, with an incredible overall success rate of over 99.5 per cent."NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. NASA has made the decision to stand down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days," read a post from the US space agency NASA.&nbsp;NASA highlighted the need for additional time to continue evaluating International Space Station operations after recent repair work in the aft (back) most segment of the orbital laboratory’s Russian Zvezda service module. Because of the space station’s interconnected and interdependent systems, NASA wants to ensure the station is ready for additional crew members, and the agency is taking the time necessary to review data, it said.&nbsp;Axiom-4 launch was originally targeted for May 29th, it was pushed to June 8th, June 9th, June 10th, June 11th, June 19th, June 22nd. Notably, June 22nd was the 7th launch date for this mission, and it turns out it is not even "7th time lucky" for Axiom-4 and its crew.&nbsp;So far, this mission has been delayed owing to- the replacement of parts on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft, technical issues with a Falcon 9 rocket engine, unfavourable weather, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, and an anomaly in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station.<h2>Axiom-4 crew nears one month in quarantine</h2>The Axiom-4 crew went into pre-launch mandatory quarantine on 26th May and continues to remain in isolation. Pre-launch quarantine is followed to closely monitor the astronauts' health, to avoid exposure to any last-minute illness. Quarantine is also important to ensure that the astronauts flying to the space station don't carry any infection to the closed environment of the orbiting lab. With the launch date now uncertain, it seems that the crew would end up spending a month or more in quarantineTypical pre-launch quarantines for the International Space Station crew last two weeks. The Axiom-4 crew will end up spending double that period in quarantine. In mid-2024, Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore also had to spend about a month in quarantine due to repeated delays with their launch. &nbsp;<h2>Opportunities for launch till June 30th or from mid-July&nbsp;</h2>"In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA, had said earlier this month. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions (even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities from mid-July, she added.In preparation for spaceflight, astronauts have to maintain peak mental and physical health. A mission delay would mean that they must sustain that peak for a longer period of time.&nbsp;<h2>About Axiom-4 and its astronauts&nbsp;</h2>Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, America's senior most astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission. while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Apart from Peggy, all those aboard this mission are first-time astronauts. Therefore, the impact of these delays on the first-timers astronauts' families must also be factored in.This Axiom-4 mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago.&nbsp;Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn (Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2024, Boeing's Starliner was scheduled to liftoff in early May, but technical issues kept delaying the launch until the first week of June. Likewise, the Axiom-4 mission was scheduled for liftoff on May 29th 2025, but repeated delays have pushed the launch well beyond June 22nd. 

The repeated launch delays involving Axiom-4 astronauts and the uncertainty surrounding the mission have revived memories of Boeing's Starliner mission last year. In 2024, Boeing's Starliner was scheduled to liftoff in early May, but technical issues kept delaying the launch until the first week of June. Further, the 8-week mission dragging on for over 8-months tarnished Boeing's reputation. Likewise, the American Axiom-4 mission was scheduled for liftoff on May 29th 2025, but repeated delays have pushed the launch well beyond June 22nd, Sunday. The concerned entities have not revealed a new targeted launch date. The launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon capsule was scheduled to take place Sunday, 22nd June, from NASA's Launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. The mission will carry four astronauts, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station for a two-week-long mission. While the Falcon 9- Crew Dragon pair have a great track record in executing their missions safely, the ongoing delays have turned out to be seemingly unprecedented. In the case of the Boeing Starliner launched by the ULA Atlas V rocket, it was the maiden astronaut-carrying flight of the Starliner craft and the maiden astronaut-carrying mission of the Atlas V rocket. Therefore, it was an experimental mission for both the Atlas V rocket and the Starliner spacecraft, which means that some issues were expected. Usually, maiden flights of any new space transportation system are a tense affair for the executing agency/company and offer a real-world test of the system. In contrast, for Axiom Space, the Axiom-4 mission is their fourth mission involving astronauts. Also, the SpaceX Falcon 9-Crew Dragon pair have a great track record in executing over a dozen human spaceflight missions safely, which is why the ongoing delays have turned out to be seemingly unprecedented. Notably, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has done over 490 launches, with an incredible overall success rate of over 99.5 per cent. "NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. NASA has made the decision to stand down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days," read a post from the US space agency NASA. NASA highlighted the need for additional time to continue evaluating International Space Station operations after recent repair work in the aft (back) most segment of the orbital laboratory’s Russian Zvezda service module. Because of the space station’s interconnected and interdependent systems, NASA wants to ensure the station is ready for additional crew members, and the agency is taking the time necessary to review data, it said. Axiom-4 launch was originally targeted for May 29th, it was pushed to June 8th, June 9th, June 10th, June 11th, June 19th, June 22nd. Notably, June 22nd was the 7th launch date for this mission, and it turns out it is not even "7th time lucky" for Axiom-4 and its crew. So far, this mission has been delayed owing to- the replacement of parts on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft, technical issues with a Falcon 9 rocket engine, unfavourable weather, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, and an anomaly in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station. Axiom-4 crew nears one month in quarantine The Axiom-4 crew went into pre-launch mandatory quarantine on 26th May and continues to remain in isolation. Pre-launch quarantine is followed to closely monitor the astronauts' health, to avoid exposure to any last-minute illness. Quarantine is also important to ensure that the astronauts flying to the space station don't carry any infection to the closed environment of the orbiting lab. With the launch date now uncertain, it seems that the crew would end up spending a month or more in quarantine Typical pre-launch quarantines for the International Space Station crew last two weeks. The Axiom-4 crew will end up spending double that period in quarantine. In mid-2024, Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore also had to spend about a month in quarantine due to repeated delays with their launch. Opportunities for launch till June 30th or from mid-July "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA, had said earlier this month. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions (even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities from mid-July, she added. In preparation for spaceflight, astronauts have to maintain peak mental and physical health. A mission delay would mean that they must sustain that peak for a longer period of time. About Axiom-4 and its astronauts Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, America's senior most astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission. while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Apart from Peggy, all those aboard this mission are first-time astronauts. Therefore, the impact of these delays on the first-timers astronauts' families must also be factored in. This Axiom-4 mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn (Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.

In 2024, Boeing's Starliner was scheduled to liftoff in early May, but technical issues kept delaying the launch until the first week of June. Likewise, the Axiom-4 mission was scheduled for liftoff on May 29th 2025, but repeated delays have pushed the launch well beyond June 22nd.&nbsp;

Axiom-4 launch delayed indefinitely; revives memories of Boeing Starliner delays

The Axiom-4 mission that was set to carry Shubhanshu Shukla along with three other astronauts to the International Space Station on June 22, has been postponed once again, the official handle of ISS announced on X. This is not the first time that the space mission has been postponed. The space agencies have delayed the launch of Axiom-4 multiple times.&nbsp;Axiom Space earlier announced that the launch will take place at 3:42 am EDT on Sunday (Jun 22). However, due to various dynamic technical factors, the exact launch time could be slightly adjusted at the final moment. Monday (Jun 23) was set as a backup launch date in case the liftoff did not happen on sunday. But in the recent announcement, the space agency said that they will target a new launch date in the coming days.&nbsp;“NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4. NASA is standing down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days,” ISS wrote on X.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Axiom_Space</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4. NASA is standing down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days. <a href="https://t.co/GKAvaAd4UH">https://t.co/GKAvaAd4UH</a>&mdash; International Space Station (@Space_Station) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1935832005910135011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The space mission will liftoff on SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in FLorida and carry the Crew Dragon capsule to the ISS. It includes four astronauts, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla for a two-weeks-long mission.&nbsp;In a statement on their official website, Axiom Space said, “The space agency needs additional time to continue evaluating International Space Station operations after recent repair work in the aft (back) most segment of the orbital laboratory’s Zvezda service module. Because of the space station’s interconnected and interdependent systems, NASA wants to ensure the station is ready for additional crew members, and the agency is taking the time necessary to review data.”&nbsp;“The crew remains in quarantine in Florida, and the astronauts stand ready to launch when the station is ready to receive them,” it added. It further said, “SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft remain healthy on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.”&nbsp;This is the seventh time that the original launch date has been pushed. Originally targeted for May 29 launch, it was pushed to June 8, June 9, June 10, June 11, June 19, and then June 22.&nbsp;“NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX now are targeting no earlier than Sunday, June 22, for the launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4,” the space station's handle earlier said on X.

This is not the first time that the space mission has been postponed. The space agencies have delayed the launch of Axiom-4 multiple times.

The Axiom-4 mission that was set to carry Shubhanshu Shukla along with three other astronauts to the International Space Station on June 22, has been postponed once again, the official handle of ISS announced on X. This is not the first time that the space mission has been postponed. The space agencies have delayed the launch of Axiom-4 multiple times. Axiom Space earlier announced that the launch will take place at 3:42 am EDT on Sunday (Jun 22). However, due to various dynamic technical factors, the exact launch time could be slightly adjusted at the final moment. Monday (Jun 23) was set as a backup launch date in case the liftoff did not happen on sunday. But in the recent announcement, the space agency said that they will target a new launch date in the coming days. “NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4. NASA is standing down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days,” ISS wrote on X.

This is not the first time that the space mission has been postponed. The space agencies have delayed the launch of Axiom-4 multiple times.

Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission to ISS delayed once again

American firm Axiom Space has announced that its Axiom-4 astronaut mission is slated for liftoff at 1:12pm Indian time (3:42am EDT), Sunday (June 22). However, due to various dynamic technical factors, the exact launch time could be slightly adjusted at the final moment. In case the launch does not take place on Sunday, there is a backup launch opportunity on Monday, 23rd June.&nbsp;The launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon capsule is to take place from NASA's Launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. The mission will carry four astronauts, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station for a two-weeks-long mission.&nbsp;Originally targeted for May 29 launch, it was pushed to June 8, June 9, June 10, June 11, June 19, and now June 22. Being the 7th launch date for this mission, the question arises if it would literally be "7th time lucky" for Axiom-4 and its crew. So far, this mission has been delayed owing to- replacement of parts on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft, technical issues with a Falcon 9 rocket engine, unfavourable weather, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, and an anomaly in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/axiom-4-astronauts-in-quarantine-for-3-weeks-with-no-launch-date-in-sight-1750169210054">Axiom 4 astronauts in quarantine for 3 weeks, with no launch date in sight</a>&nbsp;The Axiom-4 crew went into pre-launch mandatory quarantine on May 26 and continue to remain in isolation. Pre-launch quarantine is followed to closely monitor the astronauts' health, to avoid exposure to any last-minute illness. Quarantine is also important to ensure that the astronauts flying to the space station don't carry any infection to the closed environment of the orbiting lab. By 22nd June(launch day), they would have spent four weeks in quarantine, which is twice as much the usual two-week quarantine.<h2>Opportunities for launch till June 30 or from mid-July</h2>&nbsp;"In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA, had said earlier this month. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions(even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities from mid-July, she added.<h2>About Axiom-4 and its astronauts</h2>&nbsp;Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, America's seniormost astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission. while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Apart from Peggy, all those aboard this mission are first-time astronauts. Therefore, the impact of these delays on the first-timers astronauts' families must also be factored in.&nbsp;This Axiom-4 mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance.&nbsp;Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn(Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM(Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.&nbsp;

American firm Axiom Space has announced that its Axiom-4 astronaut mission is slated for liftoff at 1:12pm Indian time (3:42am EDT), Sunday (June 22). However, due to various dynamic technical factors, the exact launch time could be slightly adjusted at the final moment. 

American firm Axiom Space has announced that its Axiom-4 astronaut mission is slated for liftoff at 1:12pm Indian time (3:42am EDT), Sunday (June 22). However, due to various dynamic technical factors, the exact launch time could be slightly adjusted at the final moment. In case the launch does not take place on Sunday, there is a backup launch opportunity on Monday, 23rd June. The launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon capsule is to take place from NASA's Launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. The mission will carry four astronauts, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station for a two-weeks-long mission. Originally targeted for May 29 launch, it was pushed to June 8, June 9, June 10, June 11, June 19, and now June 22. Being the 7th launch date for this mission, the question arises if it would literally be "7th time lucky" for Axiom-4 and its crew. So far, this mission has been delayed owing to- replacement of parts on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft, technical issues with a Falcon 9 rocket engine, unfavourable weather, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, and an anomaly in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station. Also read: Axiom 4 astronauts in quarantine for 3 weeks, with no launch date in sight The Axiom-4 crew went into pre-launch mandatory quarantine on May 26 and continue to remain in isolation. Pre-launch quarantine is followed to closely monitor the astronauts' health, to avoid exposure to any last-minute illness. Quarantine is also important to ensure that the astronauts flying to the space station don't carry any infection to the closed environment of the orbiting lab. By 22nd June(launch day), they would have spent four weeks in quarantine, which is twice as much the usual two-week quarantine. Opportunities for launch till June 30 or from mid-July "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA, had said earlier this month. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions(even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities from mid-July, she added. About Axiom-4 and its astronauts Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, America's seniormost astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission. while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Apart from Peggy, all those aboard this mission are first-time astronauts. Therefore, the impact of these delays on the first-timers astronauts' families must also be factored in. This Axiom-4 mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn(Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM(Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.

American firm Axiom Space has announced that its Axiom-4 astronaut mission is slated for liftoff at 1:12pm Indian time (3:42am EDT), Sunday (June 22). However, due to various dynamic technical factors, the exact launch time could be slightly adjusted at the final moment.&nbsp;

Liftoff on June 22; will 7th time be lucky for Axiom-4 spaceflight?

The American Axiom-4 astronaut mission has been facing a series of delays over the last two weeks.&nbsp;The mission was originally scheduled to liftoff on 29th&nbsp;May, but hasn't lifted off until 13th&nbsp;June. The liftoff has been indefinitely postponed.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the initial set of glitches were Earth-based. These were troubles related to spacecraft components, unfavourable weather, technical issues with the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Now, there's some technical challenges aboard the International Space Station, which is the destination of the Axiom-4 astronauts.&nbsp;&nbsp;The four-member crew are meant to stay and work at the orbiting lab for two weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharing a detailed summary of the delays so far, the Indian Space Research Organisation said, the launch was originally targeted on May 29th&nbsp;and was deferred to June 8th, due to observation in electrical harness(critical wiring) in SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, the launch was postponed to June 9th, due to delay in preparedness of the Falcon 9 rocket. This was pushed to June 10th, due to unfavourable weather in the rocket's flight path.&nbsp;During the static hot fire testing of the Falcon 9 rocket, a leakage of liquid oxygen was detected in the rocket, and an anomaly in the 5th&nbsp;engine of the nine-engine rocket was observed. While the engine-related hardware issued was fixed, the launch was postponed to 11th&nbsp;June, hoping that the liquid oxygen leak would be set right. ISRO says, it recommended in-situ repairs or replacement and the conduct of a low-temperature leak test to validate system performance and integrity, before proceeding with launch clearance.&nbsp;On June 11th, NASA informed that they are working with Russia's Roscosmos to evaluate a new pressure signature indicating a leak in the aft most segment of the Space Station's Zvezda Russian service module, after the recent repair attempt. In order to assess the situation and determine the need for further troubleshooting, the launch of Axiom-4 mission is being postponed, ISRO said.&nbsp;<h3>Opportunities for launch till June 30th&nbsp;or from mid-July&nbsp;</h3>"In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," said Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place.&nbsp;&nbsp;On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions(even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities in July as well, Weigel had said. "Russians have a Progress cargo vehicle undocking from the International Space Station and new one docking, so we have a brief cut out for that. And then, a brief cut out for high solar beta. And then we have launch opportunities in the second week of July/middle of July. Plenty of opportunities to fly the vehicle," she had elaborated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Predominantly, only America and Russia launch crafts to the International Space Station. Therefore, the two have to plan their traffic accordingly and coordinate the arrivals and departures with regards the Space Station. This is why Dana mentioned of a break in the month of July.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, while launching astronaut-carrying spacecrafts to the Space Station, a technical parameter called Solar Beta needs to be factored in- it determines how much during each orbit the spacecraft is exposed to sunlight or Earth's shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;This affects the heating or cooling of the spacecraft, ability of solar panels to generate power. For example, while circling the earth, when a spacecraft is exposed to a lot of sunlight, it could suffer overheating issues. Therefore the next window for the Axiom-4 launch is in Mid-July.<h3>About Axiom-4 Human spaceflight mission</h3>Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peggy Whitson, veteran NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at&nbsp;Axiom&nbsp;Space, will command the&nbsp;Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance.&nbsp;Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn(Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM(Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.&nbsp;

After glitches on Earth, now troubles at Space Station delay Axiom-4

The American Axiom-4 astronaut mission has been facing a series of delays over the last two weeks. The mission was originally scheduled to liftoff on 29th May, but hasn't lifted off until 13th June. The liftoff has been indefinitely postponed. While the initial set of glitches were Earth-based. These were troubles related to spacecraft components, unfavourable weather, technical issues with the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Now, there's some technical challenges aboard the International Space Station, which is the destination of the Axiom-4 astronauts. The four-member crew are meant to stay and work at the orbiting lab for two weeks. Sharing a detailed summary of the delays so far, the Indian Space Research Organisation said, the launch was originally targeted on May 29th and was deferred to June 8th, due to observation in electrical harness(critical wiring) in SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Further, the launch was postponed to June 9th, due to delay in preparedness of the Falcon 9 rocket. This was pushed to June 10th, due to unfavourable weather in the rocket's flight path. During the static hot fire testing of the Falcon 9 rocket, a leakage of liquid oxygen was detected in the rocket, and an anomaly in the 5th engine of the nine-engine rocket was observed. While the engine-related hardware issued was fixed, the launch was postponed to 11th June, hoping that the liquid oxygen leak would be set right. ISRO says, it recommended in-situ repairs or replacement and the conduct of a low-temperature leak test to validate system performance and integrity, before proceeding with launch clearance. On June 11th, NASA informed that they are working with Russia's Roscosmos to evaluate a new pressure signature indicating a leak in the aft most segment of the Space Station's Zvezda Russian service module, after the recent repair attempt. In order to assess the situation and determine the need for further troubleshooting, the launch of Axiom-4 mission is being postponed, ISRO said. Opportunities for launch till June 30th or from mid-July "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," said Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions(even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities in July as well, Weigel had said. "Russians have a Progress cargo vehicle undocking from the International Space Station and new one docking, so we have a brief cut out for that. And then, a brief cut out for high solar beta. And then we have launch opportunities in the second week of July/middle of July. Plenty of opportunities to fly the vehicle," she had elaborated. Predominantly, only America and Russia launch crafts to the International Space Station. Therefore, the two have to plan their traffic accordingly and coordinate the arrivals and departures with regards the Space Station. This is why Dana mentioned of a break in the month of July. Further, while launching astronaut-carrying spacecrafts to the Space Station, a technical parameter called Solar Beta needs to be factored in- it determines how much during each orbit the spacecraft is exposed to sunlight or Earth's shadow. This affects the heating or cooling of the spacecraft, ability of solar panels to generate power. For example, while circling the earth, when a spacecraft is exposed to a lot of sunlight, it could suffer overheating issues. Therefore the next window for the Axiom-4 launch is in Mid-July. About Axiom-4 Human spaceflight mission Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, veteran NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn(Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM(Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.

The four-member crew are meant to stay and work at the orbiting lab for two weeks

While there is emerging concern and speculation over the repeated delays in the launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station, a top NASA official has said that there are launch opportunities all the way till June 30th.&nbsp;&nbsp;Originally scheduled for launch on May 29th, the American Axiom-4 mission has been pushed repeatedly - June 8th, June 10th, June 12th, and now stands indefinitely postponed. A mix of technical reasons related to the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, Falcon 9 rocket, and weather have led to such events. "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," said Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇮🇳Shubhanshu Shukla/Axiom-4 spaceflight delay: Axiom-4 mission can be launched any day till 30th June... After that, we have opportunities from 2nd week of July. Plenty of launch opportunities, says Dana Weigel, Manager, Int&#39;l Space Station Program, NASA <a href="https://t.co/kFJRbn1eDB">pic.twitter.com/kFJRbn1eDB</a>&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1932687522607608098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blastoff to space.&nbsp;&nbsp;All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions(even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities in July as well, said Weigel. "Russians have a Progress cargo vehicle undocking from the International Space Station and new one docking, so we have a brief cut out for that. And then, a brief cut out for high solar beta. And then we have launch opportunities in the second week of July/middle of July. Plenty of opportunities to fly the vehicle," she elaborated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Predominantly, only America and Russia launch crafts to the International Space Station. Therefore, the two have to plan their traffic accordingly and coordinate the arrivals and departures with regards the Space Station. This is why Dana mentioned of a break in the month of July.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, while launching astronaut-carrying spacecrafts to the Space Station, a technical parameter called Solar Beta needs to be factored in- it determines how much during each orbit the spacecraft is exposed to sunlight or Earth's shadow. This affects the heating or cooling of the spacecraft, ability of solar panels to generate power. For example, while circling the earth, when a spacecraft is exposed to a lot of sunlight, it could suffer overheating issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;Announcing the latest postponement, SpaceX said, "Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the <a href="https://x.com/Space_Station">@Space_Station</a>&nbsp;to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date."&nbsp;&nbsp;The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket faces a liquid oxygen leak issue. The Falcon 9 burns a mix of rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen to generate thrust for liftoff, therefore a leak of liquid oxygen poses a serious threat.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Monday June 9th, SpaceX has announced that there was a problem with the Thrust Vector Control system in the 5th&nbsp;engine of the nine-engine Falcon 9 rocket. SpaceX also said that they have fixed the issue. Further, they also claimed to have fixed the oxygen leak issue, but the present scenario shows that the their claimed fix did not suffice and the leak persists. This is likely to further delay the mission.&nbsp;<h3>About Axiom-4 human spaceflight mission&nbsp;</h3>Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments.&nbsp;&nbsp;The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule.&nbsp;Peggy Whitson, veteran NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at&nbsp;Axiom&nbsp;Space, will command the&nbsp;Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance.&nbsp;Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn(Rs.550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4.&nbsp;As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM(Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a pre-launch media briefing, Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla had said that he is excited about all aspects of the Axiom-4 spaceflight.&nbsp;&nbsp;"As I stand at the threshold of a 14-day mission to the Space Station, I reflect on the path that has brought me here. From diverse systems to advanced platforms across continents and cultures, this training has been intense and deeply rewarding. Behind every minute in space likes months, years of preparation," he remarked. For the fortnight-long mission, I carry with me not just instruments and equipment, but the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts, he added.

Axiom-4 spaceflight delay: Can launch on any day till June 30th, says NASA

While there is emerging concern and speculation over the repeated delays in the launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station, a top NASA official has said that there are launch opportunities all the way till June 30th. Originally scheduled for launch on May 29th, the American Axiom-4 mission has been pushed repeatedly - June 8th, June 10th, June 12th, and now stands indefinitely postponed. A mix of technical reasons related to the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, Falcon 9 rocket, and weather have led to such events. "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," said Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA.

Originally scheduled for launch on May 29th, the American Axiom-4 mission has been pushed repeatedly-June 8th, June 10th, June 12th, and now stands indefinitely postponed