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NASA Sets June 25 Launch for Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 Space Mission

NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX have set June 25, 2025, as the launch date for the Axiom Mission 4, carrying Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla alongside three international crew members to the International Space Station. After weather and technical delays, all issues have been resolved. The two-week mission will include scientific experiments and outreach programs, marking a major milestone for India's space endeavors.

NASA Sets June 25 Launch for Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 Space Mission

NASA Confirms June 25 Launch for Axiom-4 Mission Featuring Indian Astronaut

NASA, in collaboration with Axiom Space and SpaceX, has scheduled the launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for 12:01 PM IST on June 25, 2025. This marks a significant milestone as Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is slated to pilot the spacecraft, joining an international crew on this historic journey.

From Delays to Launch: A Bumpy Road to Space

The journey to this launch date has faced several setbacks. Originally planned for May 29, 2025, the mission was postponed multiple times due to typical Florida weather challenges and technical issues with the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage. Notably, SpaceX discovered a leak in the rocket’s oxidizer system involving liquid oxygen. Initial quick fixes were deemed insufficient by the Indian contingent, led by Dr. V Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, who insisted on thorough repairs and validation.

Following these demands, SpaceX completed the required fixes to the satisfaction of the 13-member Indian team stationed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Yet, the complications didn’t stop there. The ISS itself experienced a 'pressure signature' leak on its Russian module, which delayed the mission further. This was an important safety concern, given there are already seven astronauts aboard the station.

Fortunately, all technical glitches on both the rocket and the ISS have now been resolved. Provided weather conditions remain favorable, the mission is set to proceed as planned.

The Axiom-4 Crew: International Expertise in Orbit

The Axiom-4 mission, sometimes dubbed Mission Akash Ganga, is a commercial spaceflight operated by Houston-based Axiom Space partnered with NASA. India’s participation involved purchasing a coveted seat for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla at a reported cost of Rs 550 crores — one of the priciest private astronaut seats ever secured.

The four-member crew aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule includes:

  • Dr. Peggy Whitson (USA) – Mission commander and a veteran astronaut with a record 675 days in space and over 60 hours of spacewalks.
  • Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) – Mission specialist.
  • Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission specialist.
  • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Mission pilot.

Dr. Whitson’s unparalleled experience as a former NASA astronaut and current Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space is expected to be invaluable in mentoring Shukla during the mission.

Mission Objectives and Legacy

The crew will spend approximately two weeks aboard the ISS, performing around 60 scientific experiments, seven of which have been proposed by Indian research teams. Additionally, Group Captain Shukla will engage in a specially designed space-to-Earth outreach program, including interactions with VIPs from orbit.

If successful, Shukla will become only the second Indian to travel to space, following the legendary Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who ventured to the Russian space station during the 1984 Indo-Soviet mission.

Currently in quarantine and health-approved for travel, Shukla’s imminent journey marks a new chapter in India's expanding footprint in space exploration.

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Dock at ISS Today on Axiom-4 Mission
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Dock at ISS Today on Axiom-4 Mission

Indian Air Force Group Captain and ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to dock with the International Space Station today as part of the Axiom-4 mission, launched on June 25, 2025. Alongside international crew members, Shukla will participate in over 60 microgravity experiments during the 14-day mission and lead seven of them, collaborating closely with NASA and ISRO on joint scientific and STEM initiatives.

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How Sudhanshu Shukla Will Journey from Launchpad to ISS: Step-by-Step Guide
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Sudhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian on the International Space Station. His Axiom-4 mission, delayed due to a Falcon-9 rocket leak, will involve a precise sequence: fueling, launch, stage separation, orbital maneuvers, and docking with the ISS. This guide breaks down each crucial step from launchpad to space station.

Axiom-4 Space Mission Delayed Again Due to Falcon 9 Rocket Repair
Axiom-4 Space Mission Delayed Again Due to Falcon 9 Rocket Repair

The Axiom-4 space mission, featuring India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has been postponed again due to an oxygen leak found in the Falcon 9 rocket during pre-launch tests. This delay marks the fifth for the mission originally set to launch in early June 2025. SpaceX, ISRO, and Axiom Space are collaborating closely to fix the issue and ensure a safe launch. Shukla’s flight marks a significant milestone in India’s human spaceflight program, with a planned two-week stay aboard the ISS for scientific experiments and international cooperation.

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Axiom-4 Mission Delayed: Shubhanshu Shukla’s Spaceflight Rescheduled to June 22
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Shubhanshu Shukla’s spaceflight on the Axiom-4 mission has been delayed once more, now set for June 22. The launch postponement allows NASA to thoroughly assess ISS repairs, ensuring crew safety. The diverse crew includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, embarking on a 14-day mission advancing microgravity research and marking historic firsts for their countries.

ISRO Confirms Axiom-4 Mission with Indian Astronaut Launching on June 19
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India's Shubhanshu Shukla is set to pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, targeting a June 19 launch following earlier delays caused by technical issues. The 14-day mission includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary, marking a significant moment in global human spaceflight collaboration.

Track Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s Space Journey Live from Earth
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Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched aboard the Axiom-4 mission onboard SpaceX's Falcon 9, heading to the ISS for a 14-day mission packed with microgravity experiments. Currently orbiting Earth at 26,500 km/h, the crew is expected to dock with the station soon. This mission represents a major step forward for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan program and revives space travel ties for Poland and Hungary after decades.

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The Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to launch today after weeks of postponements. The crew will dock with the ISS after a 28-hour journey and spend about two weeks conducting scientific research. Delays were caused by repairs on the ISS and crucial safety checks to ensure mission success.

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Rakesh Sharma Reflects as India Returns to Space with Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Axiom-4 Mission
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Bad Weather Postpones Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Space Flight to June 11
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Veteran Astronaut Praises Shubhanshu Shukla Ahead of Axiom Space Mission
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