ISRO, NASA and SpaceX working together after Ax-4 delay, says ISRO chairperson

SpaceX Halts Axiom-4 Mission Carrying Shubhanshu Shukla Due to Falcon 9 Propellant Leak (Image: SpaceX)

As excitement built for India’s next space hero, the countdown paused. The Axiom-4 mission, carrying Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has been temporarily delayed due to safety checks.

Mission paused for technical inspection

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed it is working closely with Axiom Space, NASA and SpaceX after a recent technical issue with the ISS Zvezda module. The Ax-4 launch was scheduled for 11 June 2025. However, SpaceX postponed the launch due to a liquid oxygen leak detected during post-static fire inspections of the Falcon 9 booster.

SpaceX shared on X that it was “standing down” from the scheduled launch. Teams needed more time to carry out repairs and will confirm a new date once ready and pending range availability.

Standing down from tomorrows Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post static fire booster inspections. Once complete and pending Range availability we will share a new launch date pic.twitter.com/FwRc8k2Bc0
SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 11, 2025

ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space, V Narayanan, stated that mission integrity and safety were the top priorities. ISRO also posted on X confirming its close coordination with global partners in light of the delay.

ISRO is working closely with @Axiom_Space, @NASA, @SpaceX as they responsibly address the ISS Zvezda module observation causing the Ax4 delay. Safety and mission integrity remain our top priorities.With regards Dr. V.Narayanan Secretary DOS/Chairman ISRO & Chairman Space ISRO (@isro) June 12, 2025

A mission with historic meaning

Despite the delay, the Axiom-4 mission remains one of great pride for India. It will be the country's first government-backed human spaceflight since 1984. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become only the second Indian national to reach space.

Postponement of Axiom 04 mission slated for launch on 11th June 2025 for sending first Indian Gaganyatri to ISS.As part of launch vehicle preparation to validate the performance of booster stage of Falcon 9 launch vehicle, seven second of hot test was carried out on the launch
ISRO (@isro) June 11, 2025

The mission also includes astronauts from Hungary and Poland, making it the first time each nation sends a representative to the International Space Station. Axiom Space called it a return to human spaceflight for all three countries.

Update on Axiom-4 Mission to ISS Due to adverse weather, the launch of the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian Gaganyatri to the International Space Station is rescheduled from June 10 to possibly June 11, 2025. Further update, if any, will be accordingly shared. New Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) June 9, 2025

As the teams address technical concerns, anticipation remains high for the historic mission. Shukla’s journey will symbolise India's continued steps forward in global space collaboration.