NASA confirms now targeting Axiom Mission 4 new launch date to the International Space Station as June 22, 2025, following post-repair evaluations aboard the ISS Zvezda module.
NASA Updates Axiom Mission 4 New Launch Date to June 22, 2025, After ISS Maintenance Review
NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX have officially updated the target launch date for the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 new launch date (Ax-4). The mission, originally set for June 19, is now expected to launch no earlier than Sunday, June 22, 2025
The change allows additional time for NASA teams to carefully evaluate International Space Station (ISS) systems following recent repair work inside the Zvezda service module, which is located at the aft end of the orbital platform.
ISS Safety at the Forefront
The adjustment comes after astronauts aboard the ISS successfully addressed issues within Zvezda—a critical module that supports life support, propulsion, and docking systems. While the immediate issue has been stabilized, NASA engineers are taking a cautious approach to ensure overall station readiness before accepting a new crew aboard.
Axiom Mission 4 Crew Overview
Axiom Mission 4 is the fourth privately organized human spaceflight to the ISS. The mission is led by a diverse international crew, bringing together space professionals from four countries:
Peggy Whitson (USA): Mission Commander and former NASA astronaut, now serving as Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space.
Shubhanshu Shukla (India): Mission Pilot and astronaut representing ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland): Mission Specialist and project astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA).
Tibor Kapu (Hungary): Mission Specialist, also affiliated with ESA.
The team recently completed a dry dress rehearsal on June 8, 2025, at Launch Complex 39A, part of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Mission Launch and Spacecraft Details
The crew will launch aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket. Both systems are part of a growing collaboration between NASA and private companies to enable routine missions to the ISS through commercial partnerships.
Ax-4 will mark a significant milestone in expanding access to space, combining international cooperation with cutting-edge commercial spaceflight capabilities.
Next Steps
NASA will continue monitoring the status of the ISS systems, including the Zvezda module, over the coming days. A final “Go” for launch will depend on the outcome of these reviews and ongoing weather conditions at the launch site.
Conclusion
The brief delay in the Axiom Mission 4 launch reflects NASA’s commitment to safety and operational precision in low Earth orbit missions. As preparations continue, the mission remains a powerful example of how international cooperation and private sector innovation are shaping the future of human space exploration.
Mission Objective and Duration
Axiom Mission 4 is a 14-day commercial spaceflight mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, organized by Axiom Space, will:
Transport four astronauts to the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Dragon Crew Capsule.
Conduct more than 30 microgravity-based research and technology experiments.
Serve as a stepping stone for building future private space stations in low Earth orbit.
The mission’s launch is now targeted for June 22, 2025, after a delay caused by post-repair inspections of the Zvezda module aboard the ISS.
News Source
https://x.com/Axiom_Space/status/1935167090723279231?t=kzUb-IruLUt7mpQr8xdObg&s=19
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