The Axiom 4 mission, which includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled to launch at 12:01 PM (IST) today. SpaceX reported that all systems are functioning correctly ahead of the launch. NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are targeting a 2:31 a.m. EDT launch (12:01 PM IST) on Wednesday. This marks the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
SpaceX announced on X that the weather conditions are 90% favorable for the launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The launch can be viewed live on SpaceX’s X and NASA’s YouTube channel.
Earlier, Axiom Space confirmed the new launch date of June 25. The mission, initially slated for June 11, was postponed to June 19 due to inspection issues and further delayed.
The Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary. This mission represents the first time each nation has a presence on the space station and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years. The research component includes approximately 60 scientific studies and activities involving 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and European nations. It is set to be one of the most science-focused activities on an Axiom Space mission aboard the ISS.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force Test Pilot and Astronaut from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is a key member of the mission. He was inspired by the 1999 Kargil War and pursued a career in the armed forces, graduating from the National Defence Academy in 2005 with a degree in Computer Science.