For Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow space travellers, the wait continues. With anticipation high back home in India, their mission to space has been temporarily paused again.
Launch Postponed Amid Ongoing ISS Safety Checks
NASA has officially postponed the launch of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. The liftoff, which was tentatively set for 22 June, has now been put on hold. The agency said it is evaluating space station operations following recent repairs to the Zvezda service module.
Due to the interconnected systems onboard the ISS, engineers need extra time. They are ensuring everything is in order before receiving new crew members. In a post on X, NASA confirmed it was "standing down" from Sunday’s launch window.
NASA, SpaceX and Axiom Space are working jointly on new launch options. The Indian Space Research Organisation has remained closely involved, especially as India plays a key role in the mission.
Crew Ready, Spacecraft Set — Awaiting Clearance
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of ISRO will serve as pilot. The mission will be led by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut. She now heads human spaceflight at Axiom. Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu complete the four-member crew.
The astronauts are currently under quarantine in Florida and remain launch-ready. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and the Dragon spacecraft are positioned at Kennedy Space Centre’s Launch Complex 39A. Both are in excellent condition.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the delay during a press briefing. “We have been told it won’t be before 22 June,” he said. He noted that ongoing safety checks were critical before finalising the launch timeline.
Singh later shared the update on X, writing that 22 June remains the earliest possible launch date. This is dependent on module fitness, crew health, and weather conditions.
Mission Holds Symbolic Value for Multiple Nations
NASA has acknowledged the historic significance of Axiom-4. The agency stated that it appreciates what the mission means for India, Poland, Hungary, and the wider world.
The mission represents a major step for India's human spaceflight goals. With Shukla onboard, it marks a proud moment for ISRO and Indian space enthusiasts alike.
During the announcement, Minister Singh also spoke about broader reforms under the Modi government. He linked digital governance to improved quality of life and noted the lasting impact of administrative overhauls.
“The last 11 years brought major socio-economic progress,” Singh said. “Reforms weren’t just about governance but about justice and accessibility.”
As the space crew waits in silence, the world watches. For now, the skies must wait a little longer before welcoming another mission into orbit.
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