After multiple delays, NASA has scheduled a new launch date for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. The latest update from Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA indicates a possible launch on Wednesday, June 25. The target time is 2:31 a.m. EDT, which translates to around 12:10 PM IST for the crew, including Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
The mission will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. The crew is expected to dock with the ISS at approximately 7 a.m. on June 26. NASA will provide further updates and coverage details soon.
Multiple Postponements Before Final Date
The Axiom-4 mission has been delayed at least six times. Its original launch date was May 29, but it was postponed to June 8 due to weather issues. Subsequent delays occurred because of a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 booster, pushing the launch to June 10 and June 11. Additional delays happened due to technical problems with the space station’s service module, with the latest target being June 25.
About the Axiom-4 Mission
Axiom-4 is a private astronaut mission to the ISS. The crew includes Dr. Peggy Whitson as commander, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, Tibor Kapu from Hungary, and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the pilot. This mission marks another significant venture into private space travel.