Axiom-4 Mission Postponed for Fifth Time Amid Falcon 9 Repair
The eagerly awaited Axiom-4 mission, set to carry India's second astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS), has been postponed once again. This marks the fifth delay a setback attributed to a technical issue with the launch vehicle.
Technical Glitch Grounds Falcon 9 Rocket
SpaceX announced on its social media platform that the Falcon 9 rocket, which is scheduled to power the mission, requires additional repair time following the discovery of an oxygen leak. Specifically, a LOx (liquid oxygen) leak was detected during post-static fire booster inspections, a critical step in launch preparation.
The company stated: "Standing down from tomorrow's Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station 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."
Details on the Launch Delay
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed the leak occurred within the propulsion bay during a performance test involving a seven-second hot fire on the launch pad. Following consultations with experts from Axiom Space and SpaceX, it was decided that the leak must be repaired and validated before proceeding.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan explained: "The launch of Axiom 04, originally slated for June 11, 2025, has been postponed to address the detected LOx leakage in the booster stage. Necessary corrective and validation measures are underway."
Shubhanshu Shukla's Journey to the ISS
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to become the first Indian to travel to the ISS under a private astronaut mission. His flight aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule atop the Falcon 9 was to launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Joining him on this mission will be former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, experienced commander of spaceflights, along with Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Once docked at the ISS, the crew plans to spend approximately 14 days conducting scientific experiments, outreach, and commercial activities.
A Pivotal Moment for India's Human Spaceflight Ambitions
The mission carries particular significance as it marks nearly four decades since Rakesh Sharma's historic 1984 spaceflight. Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force test pilot and a key contender in ISRO's Human Spaceflight Program, will serve as the Mission Pilot, gaining valuable experience that will bolster India's crewed spaceflight goals.
During his stay aboard the ISS, Shukla will undertake seven experiments focused on agriculture, food, and human biology, supporting broader research objectives.
Weather and Previous Delays
Prior to this technical setback, the launch had already been deferred due to unfavorable weather on multiple occasions, most recently postponing the takeoff from June 8 to June 10.
What’s Next?
With the current repair underway, the new launch date remains uncertain and will depend on the completion of maintenance and range availability. SpaceX and partners are closely monitoring the situation to ensure all safety and performance criteria are met before proceeding.
The mission exemplifies the growing collaboration between private space companies and national agencies, reflecting the dynamic future of human space exploration.
