The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed on June 14 that the Axiom-4 mission, which includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled to launch on June 19, 2025. The mission, previously delayed due to a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak in the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle, is now officially cleared for takeoff following successful repairs.
Axiom-4: A Global Scientific Collaboration
The Ax-4 mission, organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX and NASA, will be the most science-focused mission to date under the Axiom program. It will feature over 60 scientific studies representing 31 countries, including the United States, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Nigeria.
This international mission will advance scientific research across disciplines such as biotechnology, agriculture, materials science, and human physiology in microgravity conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Shubhanshu Shukla: India’s Second Astronaut in Space
With this mission, Shubhanshu Shukla will become the second Indian national astronaut to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. Shukla will focus on space agriculture, specifically studying how Green gram (moong) and fenugreek (methi) seeds germinate in the absence of gravity. These experiments aim to contribute to future space farming techniques crucial for long-duration space missions and interplanetary colonization.
Reason Behind the Initial Delay
Originally scheduled for June 11, the mission was postponed due to a liquid oxygen leak found during post-inspection of the Falcon 9 booster. According to SpaceX, teams identified and resolved the issue, and after a series of follow-up coordination meetings with ISRO, NASA, and Axiom Space, the new launch date was set for June 19, pending range availability.
ISS Preparations and Zvezda Module Monitoring
While the launch has been cleared, NASA and Axiom Space continue to monitor pressure levels in the Zvezda Service Module, the primary living quarters for astronauts aboard the ISS. Ensuring safety and environmental stability remains a priority before the Ax-4 crew docks with the station.
Conclusion
The Axiom-4 mission not only marks a significant milestone for India’s human spaceflight program but also underlines the importance of international collaboration in space exploration. As Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on this historic journey, eyes from across the globe will be on the results of his groundbreaking microgravity farming experiments.