Axiom-4 Mission Faces Further Delay Due to Falcon 9 Propulsion Bay Leak

The Axiom-4 mission, initially set to launch on June 11, has once again been delayed following the detection of a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak in the propulsion bay during a post-static fire inspection, SpaceX confirmed.

“Standing down from tomorrow’s (June 11) Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the ISS to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOX leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once complete—and pending Range availability—we will share a new launch date,”
— SpaceX via X (formerly Twitter)

ISRO Confirms Delay of India’s First ISS-Bound Astronaut Mission

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan also confirmed the postponement on X:

“The Axiom 04 mission, slated for launch on 11th June 2025 to send the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS, has been postponed... During the test, a LOX (liquid oxygen) leak was detected in the propulsion bay.”

He added that ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX engineers collectively decided to proceed with repairs and validation tests before the mission can resume.

Mission Overview: Shubhanshu Shukla to Make History

The mission, operated by US-based Axiom Space, is a landmark project for India. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), was originally scheduled to launch with three international crew members on June 11 at 5:30 p.m. IST from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

Axiom-4 Crew Members:

• Commander: Peggy Whitson (USA)

• Pilot: Shubhanshu Shukla (India)

• Mission Specialist: Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland)

• Mission Specialist: Tibor Kapu (Hungary)

This launch was previously rescheduled from May 29 to June 8, then June 10, and most recently June 11.

Space Experiments: Microalgae and Space Nutrition

What Will Shukla Do Aboard the ISS?

Once aboard the space station, Shukla will conduct scientific experiments under a collaborative initiative between ISRO, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and NASA. These experiments aim to explore microalgae as a sustainable food source for future deep-space missions.

Key Research Focus:

• Effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible algae

• Assessment of growth parameters

• Changes in transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics

• Comparison of algae behaviour in space vs Earth

These studies are crucial for the development of self-sustaining life support systems required for extended human presence in space.

What’s Next for Axiom-4?

The new launch date will be announced once repairs are complete and launch range availability is confirmed. Meanwhile, the delay underscores the critical nature of pre-launch safety inspections, especially when transporting international astronauts for pivotal scientific research.

Conclusion:

The recent postponement of the Axiom-4 mission due to a detected LOX (liquid oxygen) leak in the propulsion bay serves as a stark reminder of the intricate challenges and meticulous precision that space missions demand.

Although this delay may be disheartening—particularly for India, as the mission is poised to send Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the first Indian to the International Space Station—it underscores the paramount importance of ensuring crew safety and mission integrity.

The collaborative decision between ISRO, SpaceX, and Axiom Space to pause and address the issue reflects the cautious and thorough approach necessary in human spaceflight. With repairs underway and validation tests planned, optimism remains high for a successful launch in the near future.

Once cleared, the Axiom-4 mission will be a historic step for India and a valuable opportunity for conducting groundbreaking scientific research in space, helping pave the way for future deep-space missions and long-duration human habitation.