Axiom Mission 4 Launch to ISS Rescheduled for June 22, 2025

NASA has pushed back the launch of its fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS)—Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)—to no earlier than June 22, 2025. The delay was announced as NASA continues evaluating recent repair efforts in the aft section of the ISS’s Russian Zvezda service module in collaboration with Axiom Space and SpaceX.

The Ax-4 mission was originally slated for May 29, but multiple postponements moved the date first to June 8, then June 10, June 11, and most recently to June 19. The crew is now expected to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

ISRO, Axiom, and NASA Jointly Finalize New Launch Timeline

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed the update via X (formerly Twitter):

“Teams from @isro, Poland, and Hungary engaged in a detailed discussion with @Axiom_Space regarding the probable launch timeline of Axiom Mission 4. Following this, @Axiom_Space held consultations with @NASA and @SpaceX to assess multiple readiness parameters. Based on the readiness status of the @SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the Dragon spacecraft, repairs in the Zvezda module of the @Space_Station, ascent corridor weather conditions, and the health and preparedness of the crew in quarantine, @Axiom_Space has informed that the next probable launch date is 22 June 2025.”

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh also posted:

“Update | Axiom Mission 04 to International Space Station (ISS). After assessing the key parameters including Module Fitness, Crew Health, Weather etc… Axiom Space has indicated that 22 June 2025 may be the next likely launch date of Axiom-04 Mission carrying, among others, the Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station. Further updates, if any, shall be shared accordingly.”

Ax-4 Crew: International Collaboration in Action

The Ax-4 mission marks another chapter in the evolution of private spaceflight, highlighting collaboration between India, Poland, and Hungary. The crew will be led by Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space, who will serve as the mission commander.

Joining her are:

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (ISRO, India) – Mission Pilot

• Sławosz Uznanski-Wiśniewski (ESA, Poland) – Mission Specialist

• Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist

This mission will be a historic milestone for India, as Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the second Indian to fly into space after Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission.

Scientific Contributions: Focus on Space Nutrition

Upon reaching the ISS, Shukla is set to conduct pioneering food and nutrition-related experiments. These are part of a joint initiative involving ISRO, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and NASA. The experiments aim to advance sustainable life-support systems—an essential area for future deep-space missions.

A Mission of Many Firsts

The Ax-4 mission is Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS and represents the first government-backed spaceflight from India, Poland, and Hungary since the 1980s. It not only highlights advancements in commercial spaceflight but also signifies how emerging nations are increasingly contributing to global space exploration.

Conclusion 

The revised launch date of Axiom Mission 4 underscores the rigorous safety and readiness standards that guide modern space missions. As the international crew—comprising astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary—prepares for liftoff, the mission represents a powerful symbol of global collaboration in space exploration.

With Shubhanshu Shukla onboard, India cements its growing presence in human spaceflight after a gap of four decades. The mission’s scientific goals, particularly in food and space nutrition, reflect a forward-thinking approach to sustaining long-duration missions. Led by seasoned astronaut Peggy Whitson, Ax-4 blends experience with innovation.

More than just another commercial flight, Ax-4 is a landmark for space diplomacy, technological cooperation, and expanding participation in low-Earth orbit activities.

As commercial and government space programs increasingly align, missions like Ax-4 will shape the future of human presence in space. The world now watches with anticipation as the countdown to June 22, 2025, begins.