India's Axiom-4 Space Mission Set for June 19 Launch After Delays
The highly anticipated Axiom-4 commercial mission to the International Space Station (ISS), featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla alongside three international crewmates, is now scheduled to launch on June 19, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed.
Overcoming Setbacks: The Path to Launch
Originally slated for lift-off on May 29, the mission faced multiple delays, shifting dates to June 8, June 10, and then June 11. The postponements came after a liquid oxygen leak was detected in the Falcon 9 rocket, supplied by SpaceX, followed by a separate pressure anomaly in the Russian segment of the ISS.
Following thorough inspections and coordination between ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, the technical issues have been addressed. ISRO stated that the oxygen leak in the launch vehicle has been successfully fixed. Meanwhile, Axiom Space continues working closely with NASA to resolve the pressure irregularity aboard the Zvezda Service Module of the ISS.
A Crew Representing Global Collaboration
- Commander: Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space
- Pilot: Shubhanshu Shukla, ISRO astronaut from India
- Mission Specialists: Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (European Space Agency, Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
The 14-day mission will mark a significant milestone, as it signifies the return to human spaceflight involvement for India, Poland, and Hungary, highlighting the spirit of international cooperation in space exploration.
Looking Ahead
With all technical obstacles now resolved, the launch is firmly targeted for June 19 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission not only carries hopes for scientific achievements aboard the ISS but also stands as a testament to collaborative ambition in the ever-expanding realm of commercial spaceflight.
