NASA-ISRO joint mission Axiom-4 set to launch on June 22 after multiple delays

The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is now scheduled for launch on June 22, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed, following a series of postponements. These delays were attributed to a combination of technical issues, adverse weather conditions, and safety considerations.

The announcement comes after extensive discussions involving ISRO and space agencies from Poland and Hungary, countries that have astronauts participating in this mission. Indian astronaut Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will also be on board, along with Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut who will command the mission. The Axiom-4 mission is a collaborative effort involving Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO. Its initial launch date was slated for May.

Previous Axiom-4 Mission Delays

Originally scheduled for May 29, the launch was first pushed back to June 8. This initial delay was due to engineers discovering issues related to the electrical harness of the Crew Dragon Module. Subsequent postponements resulted from unfavorable weather forecasts, incomplete readiness of the Falcon-9 launch vehicle, and other technical problems, including an oxygen leak and irregularities detected in an engine actuator during hot fire tests.

International Collaboration and Crew Details

The Axiom-4 mission highlights international collaboration in space exploration. The crew includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, and is commanded by Peggy Whitson, a seasoned astronaut. The 14-day manned mission is geared towards conducting scientific experiments on the ISS, advancing human spaceflight capabilities and facilitating microgravity research.

Safety Concerns on the ISS

A significant factor contributing to the recent delay was an air leak detected in the Zvezda Service Module of the ISS. On June 11, ISRO and NASA raised concerns with Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, recommending immediate repairs and low-temperature leak tests to confirm the module's integrity prior to launch.

New Launch Date and Conditions

ISRO has stated that the new launch date of June 22 was determined based on several factors:

• Readiness of SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket
• Condition of the Dragon spacecraft
• Favorable ascent weather conditions
• Crew health during quarantine
• Completion of necessary repairs on the ISS

A backup launch window is also available on June 23, should it be necessary.

The Axiom-4 mission emphasizes the increasing role of private enterprises and international cooperation in space exploration. Following comprehensive safety checks and the resolution of technical issues, the mission is now prepared to launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, representing another stride towards an interconnected global presence in space.