Axiom-4 Mission: NASA Eyes June 25 Launch Date; Indian Pilot Shukla Set for Space Debut

Axiom-4 Mission Update: NASA Targets June 25 Launch; Indian Pilot Set to Soar

NASA has announced a new target launch date of Wednesday, June 25, for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station. The mission had been subject to several delays due to technical evaluations, adverse weather patterns, and safety considerations.

The Axiom-4 mission patch, symbolizing the journey to the International Space Station.

The Ax-4 mission will be commanded by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut now serving as director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space. Shubhanshu Shukla, representing Isro, will serve as the pilot. The mission specialists include Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both representing the European Space Agency.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft are reported to be in excellent condition, poised for launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Currently, the entire crew is undergoing pre-flight quarantine, ensuring they remain mission-ready as the final preparations are underway.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot hailing from Lucknow, is poised to become the second Indian to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma’s landmark mission in 1984. Shukla, with a distinguished record of over 2,000 flying hours on advanced fighter jets such as the MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI, will take on the crucial role of mission pilot.