ISS mission 2025

Axiom-4 Mission To ISS Rescheduled for June 19, 2025 After Technical Fixes-Revealed By ISRO Chief

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Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and crew-4 during pre-launch training for Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station
Axiom-4 Mission Rescheduled updates- all Axiom-4 mission crew-4 including Shubhanshu Shukla posing for media photographs in suit ( photo credit Axiom Space)

The Axiom-4 mission, carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is now rescheduled for June 19, 2025, following successful resolution of technical issues. Learn more about the mission details and its significance.

Axiom-4 Mission to ISS Rescheduled for June 19 After Resolution of Launch Delays

In a major update for the global space community, the Axiom-4 mission—set to carry Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS)—has officially been rescheduled for June 19, 2025. This announcement comes after a delay triggered by technical complications that forced mission planners to pause the original launch timeline.

The mission, developed through a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX, marks a significant milestone for India as it includes one of the nation’s astronauts participating in a commercial crewed mission to the ISS. Shubhanshu Shukla, a test pilot with the Indian Air Force, is part of a four-member international crew assigned to spend several days aboard the orbital laboratory.

Reason for Delay

Originally slated for launch earlier this month, the mission had to be postponed due to two main issues: a liquid oxygen leak discovered in the Falcon 9 rocket, and a minor but concerning pressure leak detected aboard the space station itself. These issues raised safety flags that prompted NASA and SpaceX to delay the mission for further technical assessments and resolution.

Following an intensive troubleshooting and validation process by engineers from SpaceX and NASA, both problems were reportedly resolved. The Falcon 9 rocket has since passed all necessary safety checks, and the ISS systems are now deemed ready to receive the incoming crew.

New Launch Date and Readiness

According to official statements from both Axiom Space and SpaceX, the mission is now confirmed for launch on June 19, 2025. The launch will take place from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow crew members have resumed their final preparations, including pre-flight health checks, mission simulations, and technical briefings. They are expected to undergo the final phase of crew quarantine starting in the coming days to ensure health and safety standards are maintained prior to launch.

Significance for India

This mission holds particular importance for India as it represents one of the few times an Indian citizen will travel to space since Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984. While not part of India’s national space program, the involvement of an Indian astronaut in a NASA-backed, privately organized mission demonstrates India’s expanding footprint in the global space sector.

In addition, the mission underscores the growing trend of commercial spaceflight and the increasing participation of private companies in human space exploration.

What’s Next?

The Axiom-4 mission will involve a stay of approximately 10 to 14 days on the International Space Station, during which the crew will conduct scientific experiments, educational outreach, and research activities aligned with microgravity-based innovations.

If further updates emerge, especially concerning weather or technical constraints, Axiom Space and NASA have confirmed they will issue timely notifications.

For now, all eyes remain on June 19 as the launch date of this historic mission, which continues to capture attention not just in India, but across the global space community.


News Source:-

https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1933777868107940026?t=EEaEJ1QUjdcczRyNmBWvHw&s=19

People Also Want to Know more-

1. What is the Axiom-4 mission?

The Axiom-4 mission is a privately funded spaceflight organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. It will carry four astronauts, including Indian Air Force pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station (ISS) for a short-duration mission focused on scientific research and commercial outreach.

2. When is the Axiom-4 mission scheduled to launch?

The Axiom-4 mission is now scheduled for launch on June 19, 2025. This new date comes after the resolution of earlier technical issues related to the launch vehicle and the ISS.

3. Why was the mission delayed earlier?

The mission was postponed due to two key technical problems:

  • A liquid oxygen leak in the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
  • A pressure leak aboard the ISS, which required safety checks and system repairs.

Both issues have since been resolved by NASA and SpaceX teams.

4. Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?

Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force test pilot and selected crew member of Axiom-4. He will be the first Indian astronaut in decades to travel to space, and the first to do so on a commercially operated international mission. His participation marks a major milestone for India’s presence in global space exploration.

5. How long will the Axiom-4 crew stay on the ISS?

The Axiom-4 mission is expected to last 10 to 14 days aboard the ISS. During this time, the astronauts will participate in research experiments, technology demonstrations, and educational activities.

6. Where will the mission launch from?

The mission will launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. This historic site has been the launchpad for many space missions, including those from the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.

7. What kind of work will be done during the mission?

Axiom-4 crew members will conduct experiments in microgravity across multiple disciplines, such as life sciences, material science, and Earth observation. They will also participate in commercial and educational activities aimed at increasing global interest in space research and technology.

8. How is this mission significant for India?

This mission is especially important for India as it marks the country’s return to human space travel after several decades. Although Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation is not part of ISRO’s Gaganyaan program, it represents India’s growing contribution to international space missions and commercial spaceflight collaborations.

9. Who are the other members of the Axiom-4 crew?

Alongside Shubhanshu Shukla, the Axiom-4 mission includes three other astronauts from various countries. Their identities and roles may vary based on training assignments and final crew validation by Axiom Space and NASA. Full crew details are typically confirmed a few weeks before the launch.

10. Where can I follow live updates of the launch?

Live updates, launch coverage, and mission tracking will be provided through:

  • Axiom Space’s official website
  • NASA TV and NASA’s website
  • SpaceX’s official social media and YouTube channels

News outlets covering global space activity will also carry major announcements before and during the launch window.

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How Shukla And Axiom Mission 4 Crew Will Reach the ISS and Perform Docking: Step-By-Step Explanations

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Falcon 9 rocket is all set to launching Axiom Mission 4 at Kennedy Space Center
SpaceX Falcon 9 launching Ax-4 mission with Crew Dragon en route to the ISS.

The highly anticipated Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) marks a significant milestone in commercial space travel and international collaboration. As Indian astronaut Shubhashu Shukla prepares to lift off alongside his fellow crewmates, many space enthusiasts are curious about how exactly this crewed mission will reach the International Space Station (ISS) and dock successfully. Here’s a detailed of the journey from launch pad to orbit.

1. Launch from Earth: SpaceX Falcon 9 Lift-Off

The Ax-4 crew will begin their journey aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, lifting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocket carries the Crew Dragon spacecraft on its nose cone — the vehicle that will transport astronauts to the ISS. The powerful Falcon 9’s first and second stages work in sequence to push the spacecraft beyond Earth’s atmosphere and into low Earth orbit (LEO).

2. Separation and Orbit Insertion

After around 9 to 10 minutes into the flight, the Crew Dragon capsule separates from the second stage of the Falcon 9 rocket. Once separation is complete, the spacecraft initiates orbit insertion, adjusting its trajectory to match the ISS’s orbital plane. During this phase, Dragon performs a series of pre-programmed thruster burns to raise its orbit gradually and synchronize its path with the ISS.

3. Autonomous Flight and ISS Rendezvous

The Crew Dragon is equipped with an advanced autonomous navigation system, which guides the capsule toward the ISS. While the capsule operates mostly on autopilot, SpaceX mission control in Hawthorne, California, and NASA experts monitor all flight stages. The astronauts aboard can take manual control if needed, but Crew Dragon is designed to handle the entire rendezvous and approach autonomously.

4. Approach and Final Alignment

Once in close proximity to the ISS — typically within several hundred meters — the spacecraft enters what is called the Keep-Out Sphere, a virtual zone surrounding the ISS. Within this critical area, precision becomes key. Dragon performs careful alignment maneuvers using Draco thrusters, ensuring it lines up correctly with the designated docking port on the station’s Harmony module.

5. Soft Capture and Hard Docking

As the capsule nears the docking port, it slows to a gentle approach speed. The soft capture system allows the initial connection between the ISS and Crew Dragon. Once alignment is confirmed, 12 latches engage to form a hard dock, creating an airtight seal between the two spacecraft. The docking process typically takes place about 20 to 24 hours after launch, depending on orbital conditions.

6. Hatch Opening and Welcome Aboard

After pressure equalization and leak checks, the hatch between Crew Dragon and the ISS is opened. The Ax-4 astronauts, including Shubhashu Shukla, are welcomed aboard by the existing ISS crew members. From this point forward, they will begin their mission tasks, which may include scientific experiments, educational outreach, and space technology demonstrations.

Mission Axiom 4

Why This Matters (Axiom Mission 4)

The Ax-4 docking procedure showcases the growing reliability of commercial space transportation. Missions like this not only highlight technical advancement but also represent a new era in space diplomacy, where private companies and nations work hand-in-hand to explore beyond Earth.

Conclusion

The Ax-4 mission is a demonstration of precision, planning, and technological innovation. From launch on a Falcon 9 rocket to autonomous docking with the International Space Station, every step is carefully engineered for safety and success. For India, this mission is especially meaningful as it sees Shubhashu Shukla become only the second Indian astronaut in history to fly to space — and the first to visit the ISS.

FAQs For Axiom Mission 4

Q1. What rocket is being used for Axiom Mission 4?
Axiom Mission 4 will launch aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft into low Earth orbit.Q2. Who is Shubhashu Shukla?Shubhashu Shukla is an Indian astronaut participating in Axiom Mission 4, making him the second Indian to fly into space and the first to visit the ISS.

Q3. How long does it take for Crew Dragon to reach the ISS?

The journey typically takes 20 to 24 hours from launch to docking, depending on orbital conditions and mission trajectory.

Q4. Is the docking process fully automatic?

Yes, Crew Dragon uses advanced autonomous systems for navigation and docking, although astronauts and mission control can take manual control if needed.

Q5. What happens after docking is complete?

After docking, astronauts perform pressurization checks before opening the hatch and officially entering the International Space Station to begin their mission tasks.

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