New Delhi: Union Minister for Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh announced on Wednesday that the much-awaited Axiom-4 space mission, carrying India’s astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has been postponed due to technical and weather-related issues.
A liquid oxygen (LOX) leak was detected during a 7-second hot test of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 booster, prompting a joint review by teams from ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX.
Dr Singh informed in a post on X,
“Mission Update | Axiom-04 The launch of Axiom Mission 4, carrying India’s astronaut Shukla to the ISS, is postponed. A liquid oxygen (LOX) leak was detected during a 7-second hot test of Falcon 9’s booster. After a joint review by ISRO, Axiom & SpaceX teams, it was decided to rectify the issue & revalidate before liftoff. Safety. Precision. Commitment to excellence.”
Additionally, ISRO announced that unfavourable weather conditions at the launch site forced the mission’s rescheduling to 5:30 PM IST on June 11, 2025.
The Axiom-4 mission crew includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, each representing their nation’s return to space after more than four decades. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become India’s second astronaut to venture into space, after Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984.
According to Axiom Space:
- Slawosz Uznanski (Poland) will be the first Polish astronaut since 1978.
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary) will be Hungary’s second astronaut since 1980.
- Veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will command her second commercial human spaceflight, further extending her record for cumulative space time by an American.
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that Shukla’s role is crucial, with six scientific experiments scheduled:
- Life sciences: Examining physiological, cognitive, and physical effects of prolonged space stay.
- Behavioural studies: Effects of constant computer screen exposure on astronauts.
- Human body’s extreme response: Muscle function studies in microgravity.
- Plant research: Observing cyanobacteria in space for future food production.
Dr Singh emphasised,
“This is not only significant for India but also for NASA and other agencies. These are futuristic experiments that could aid India’s own Bharat Space Station, targeted for completion by 2035.”
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for opening India’s space sector to private participation and forging global partnerships, noting that the decision to include an Indian astronaut in Axiom-4 was proposed during PM Modi’s visit to Washington DC with US President Joe Biden.
Dr Singh said,
“We are now seen as equal partners, no longer junior players. India’s space reforms have changed global perceptions of our space capabilities.”
The Axiom-4 mission represents a significant milestone not just for India’s international space collaborations but also as preparatory groundwork for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission and India’s future Bharat Space Station.