Axiom-4 Mission Faces Sixth Delay; New Launch Date Set for June 22
The highly anticipated Axiom-4 mission, which will feature Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot, has been postponed once again. This marks the sixth delay in the spacecraft's lift-off, now rescheduled for June 22, 2025, due to weather challenges and technical issues with the Falcon 9 rocket.
The launch, originally targeted earlier, will now take place at 3:42 a.m. Eastern Time (1:12 p.m. IST), with a backup window scheduled for June 23 at 3:20 a.m. ET (12:50 p.m. IST). The launch will proceed from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Collaborative Assessments Lead to New Launch Schedule
The postponements follow extensive consultations among the teams representing India’s space agency, Poland, Hungary, Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX. These discussions centered on assessing multiple readiness factors to ensure maximum safety and operational success before committing to liftoff.
In a statement, the crew reported being in good health while continuing quarantine in Florida to comply with stringent medical protocols. Mission Commander Peggy Whitson expressed a bittersweet outlook on the delay, joking that the extra time on Earth allowed one more glimpse of her family—even if from a distance.
Understanding the Series of Delays
The mission’s timeline has shifted several times, initially planned for May 29 and subsequently postponed multiple times—to June 8, 10, 11, 12, and 19—due to weather and technical glitches. Among critical issues was a detected liquid oxygen leak on the Falcon 9 rocket and later complications involving a Russian module aboard the International Space Station (ISS), currently being monitored closely.
Commander Whitson reminded that such setbacks are a routine aspect of spaceflight preparations, emphasizing the crew’s positive outlook and commitment to safety.
About Axiom Mission 4
The Axiom-4 mission represents a significant milestone in commercial spaceflight, managed by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX and NASA. Shubhanshu Shukla’s role as pilot makes him the second Indian astronaut to venture into space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 mission.
Alongside Whitson and Shukla, the mission includes two specialists from Europe: Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, both associated with the European Space Agency.
Looking Ahead
The launch window remains open until June 30, with further opportunities expected in mid-July if additional delays arise. As the team finalizes preparations, safety and mission success remain the paramount priorities guiding every decision.
