Axiom-4 launch delayed again: NASA cites space station repairs; launch postponed to June 22

The Axiom-4 mission, which includes India’s Shubhanshu Shukla among its crew, has been delayed once again. The launch is now scheduled for June 22.

"The change in a targeted launch date provides NASA time to continue evaluating space station operations after recent repair work in the aft (back) most segment of the International Space Station's Evezda service modulem," a statement by Axiom read.

"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 Jitendra Singh sad that the postponement was made after an assessment of “key parameters.”

"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," he wrote in a post on X.

Originally scheduled for launch on June 11 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission was postponed after SpaceX detected a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak during booster inspection. ISRO confirmed the delay, stating: "It has been decided to correct the leak and carry out necessary validation test before clearing for the launch."

Axiom-4 will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with Shukla as the pilot. Mission specialists include ESA’s Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu. This marks the first government-sponsored human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary in over 40 years.

“This mission is much larger than myself,” Shukla said. “I hope to inspire curiosity in children back home. If this story changes even one life, it’s a success.”

The 14-day mission aims to conduct 60 scientific experiments representing 31 countries, making it Axiom’s most research-intensive mission yet. Areas of focus include microgravity studies, biological and material sciences, and Earth observation. The mission also underscores deepening global cooperation in space.