Axiom-4 Mission Set for Launch: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Board

Axiom-4 Mission Overview

Axiom-4 Mission: The highly anticipated launch of the Axiom 4 mission, featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled for today at 12:01 PM IST. SpaceX has confirmed that all systems are functioning optimally for this mission, which is a collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, targeting a launch time of 2:31 AM EDT (Noon IST) on Wednesday. This mission marks the fourth private astronaut journey to the International Space Station (ISS).

Launch Timing and Viewing Options Launch Timing

On Tuesday, SpaceX shared via a post on X that the weather conditions are 90% favorable for the launch on Wednesday evening (local time). The Axiom-4 mission will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch is set for 12:01 PM IST, and viewers can watch it live on SpaceX's X account and NASA's YouTube channel.

“All systems are looking good for Wednesday’s launch of @Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission to the @Space_Station and weather is 90% favorable for liftoff. Webcast starts at 12:30 a.m. ET,” SpaceX announced.

All systems are looking good for Wednesday’s launch of @Axiom_Space’s Ax-4 mission to the @Space_Station and weather is 90% favorable for liftoff. Webcast starts at 12:30 a.m. ET → https://t.co/6RXoybzInV pic.twitter.com/988o685PVF

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 24, 2025

Mission Updates and Crew Details

Earlier on Tuesday, Axiom Space revealed the new launch date for the mission, which is June 25. The ISS shared this update on X, stating: “NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are targeting 2:31 a.m. EDT, Wednesday, June 25, for the launch of Axiom Mission 4 to the orbital outpost.”

The mission was initially set for June 11 but faced delays due to detected leaks during post-static fire booster inspections. The launch was then rescheduled to June 19 and subsequently to June 22 before being pushed back again.

The Ax-4 crew comprises astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking the first mission to the space station for each of these nations. This mission also represents the second government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades. The Ax-4 mission includes approximately 60 scientific studies and activities from 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and various European nations. It is regarded as one of the most research-intensive missions conducted by Axiom Space aboard the ISS to date.

Profile of Shubhanshu Shukla Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla?

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a Test Pilot and Astronaut with the Indian Air Force. Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, he completed his education at City Montessori School. Inspired by the 1999 Kargil War, he pursued a career in the military, successfully clearing the UPSC exams. He completed his military training and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the National Defence Academy in 2005.