The launch of the Axiom-4 space mission, which includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla as part of its crew, has been postponed to June 11, according to the latest announcement. Initially scheduled for an earlier date, the delay has been attributed to final technical checks and mission readiness reviews.
The Axiom-4 mission, carrying Indian Air Force pilot Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS), has been postponed from June 10 to June 11, 2025, due to poor weather at the launch site. This mission marks a major milestone for India as Shukla becomes the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma.
Launch postponed due to bad weather
Originally scheduled for June 10 at 8:22 AM ET from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre, the Axiom-4 mission has been pushed by a day due to adverse weather conditions. The update was officially confirmed by ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan and posted on ISRO’s official X account.
India’s Shubhanshu Shukla on historic mission
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force will be part of a four-member crew aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. Shukla is set to make history as the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS, and the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Soviet mission.
60 Experiments planned during the mission
The Axiom-4 mission will include 60 scientific experiments, of which seven are designed by ISRO. Shukla will also take part in five collaborative experiments under NASA’s Human Research Programme. These studies aim to further understand human biology in microgravity and support future space exploration.
International crew on board
Along with Shukla, the Axiom-4 mission includes three other astronauts from the United States, Hungary, and Poland. Together, they will contribute to scientific research and space technology development on board the ISS.
Union Minister confirms delay
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, also confirmed the rescheduling.
He posted on X “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 updates, if any, will be shared accordingly.”