Shubhanshu Shukla’s Space Mission Delayed Once More, New Launch Date Uncertain🛰️

Axiom Mission 4: Seventh Launch Delay Due to ISS Safety Measures 🛰️

The highly anticipated launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which will carry Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to space, has been postponed once again — marking the seventh delay so far. The lift-off will no longer take place on Sunday, June 22, as originally scheduled, due to “operational and safety concerns being addressed at the International Space Station (ISS).” A new launch date is expected to be announced soon.

“@NASA, @Axiom_Space, and @SpaceX continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4. NASA is standing down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days,” the ISS stated in an official update.

Astronauts Remain in Good Health 👍🧑‍🚀

A spokesperson from Axiom Space, based in Houston, told NDTV that all four astronauts remain in good health and spirits despite the repeated delays. “I speak to them frequently — they are doing just fine. They are healthy, in good spirits, and trust the process and the decision-making involved,” the spokesperson said.

The crew has been in quarantine since May 14 and remains in Florida, following strict medical and safety protocols. They are prepared to launch as soon as the ISS is ready to receive them.

The current launch window remains open until June 30. Should this timeframe be missed, the next possible opportunity is expected in mid-July.

About Axiom Mission 4 🪐📌

Axiom Mission 4 is a privately operated mission to the ISS, organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX and NASA. The mission will be commanded by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and now the director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the mission’s pilot, becoming only the second Indian to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.

The two mission specialists are Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, an ESA project astronaut from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

Stay tuned for more updates on this historic mission! 🌍✨