ISRO Collaborates with NASA on Axiom-4 Mission Delay
- ISRO is working closely with NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX to address technical issues and ensure the safety of the Ax-4 mission.
- The Ax-4 mission, initially set for June 10–11, 2025, has been delayed due to a LOx leak and ISS Zvezda module observations.
- Ax-4 will carry Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as India's first Gaganyatri to the ISS, marking India's return to human spaceflight since 1984.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed its active collaboration with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX in addressing the delay of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, which includes the historic flight of India's first Gaganyatri to space, has been postponed due to technical and weather-related issues.
In an official statement on X, ISRO said, “ISRO is working closely with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX as they responsibly address the ISS Zvezda module observation causing the Ax-4 delay. Safety and mission integrity remain our top priorities”.
The delay was first announced by SpaceX on June 11, citing the need for additional time to repair a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak found during post static fire booster inspections. “Standing down from tomorrow's Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak. Once complete and pending Range availability we will share a new launch date”, SpaceX posted.
Initially scheduled for June 10, 2025, the launch had already been rescheduled to June 11 due to adverse weather. Now, it faces further postponement as technical issues are resolved. The mission remains significant as it is set to carry Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who will become the second Indian to travel to space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
V Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman of ISRO and the Space Commission, reiterated the organization's commitment to mission safety and success, emphasizing the importance of thorough checks and coordination among all partners.
The Ax-4 mission is a landmark venture, not only for India but also for Poland and Hungary. According to Axiom Space, this will be each nation’s first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades. The multinational crew represents a major milestone in international space collaboration.
Despite the delay, ISRO and its partners remain focused on ensuring that the mission proceeds under optimal safety conditions, reaffirming their dedication to India's growing role in human space exploration.
