Axiom Mission 4 Launch Delayed Due to Technical Issues
Launch Postponed Amid Technical Challenges
The highly anticipated Axiom Mission 4 has encountered another setback, as leaks were discovered during the post-static fire inspections of the boosters. Originally scheduled for launch on June 11, SpaceX has announced the delay of the Falcon 9 rocket's Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) via a post on social media. The company indicated that additional time is needed to address the issue, and new launch dates will be provided soon.
In their announcement, SpaceX stated, "We are standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @SpaceStation to allow our teams more time to fix the LOx leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once repairs are completed and pending range availability, we will announce a new launch date."
ISRO Acknowledges the Delay
Following SpaceX's announcement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed the delay, leaving many in India who were eagerly awaiting the launch feeling disappointed. This mission holds particular significance for India, as it is set to transport the first Indian Gaganyatri, Shubhanshu Shukla, to the ISS. Shukla will become the second Indian astronaut to travel to space since 1984.
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 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
Details on the Technical Issues
ISRO shared on social media, "The Axiom 04 mission, originally set for launch on June 11, 2025, to send the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS, has been postponed. During the preparation of the launch vehicle, a seven-second hot test was conducted on the launch pad, during which a LOX leak was detected in the propulsion bay. After discussions with experts from Axiom and SpaceX, it was decided to address the leak and conduct necessary validation tests before proceeding with the launch. Therefore, the launch of Axiom 04 is postponed."
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
International Crew on Ax-4 Mission
The Ax-4 crew comprises astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking a historic first for each nation in terms of missions to the space station. This mission also represents the second government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades.