Axiom-4 Launch Postponed: Indian Astronaut's Historic Mission Faces Technical Delays

The much-anticipated Axiom-4 space mission, which includes Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla, has been delayed once again. Originally scheduled for launch on June 19, the mission is now postponed to June 22 due to technical complications and ongoing assessments related to the International Space Station (ISS).

This marks the fourth delay for the Axiom-4 mission. Shukla, who will be the first Indian astronaut to participate in a privately-organized Axiom Space mission, was set to travel to the ISS along with astronauts from the United States, Hungary, and Poland.

According to official reports, the latest delay is attributed to the need for additional time to assess repair work on the space station. The Russian Zvezda service module has reported a pressure leak, requiring further checks. In addition, mission planners will be reviewing module fitness, crew health, and other technical parameters before giving the final go-ahead.

Earlier, the mission faced postponements due to weather conditions and a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket. The mission was initially set to launch on May 29, then postponed to June 9 and 10, and later to June 19, before the latest shift to June 22.

The decision to delay the mission was taken jointly by ISRO and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, in coordination with international space agencies and Axiom Space, the U.S.-based private space company organizing the mission.

Shubanshu Shukla’s participation in the mission marks a historic moment for India’s presence in international commercial space travel. Previously, Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go into space, under a Soviet mission in 1984. Captain Shukla is expected to spend 14 days aboard the ISS during this mission.

Despite the delays, anticipation remains high as India looks forward to seeing one of its own on a multinational space journey, marking another milestone in the country's space exploration journey.