What’s Next for India’s Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla After Axiom-4 Launch Delay?

Launch of Axiom-4 Mission Postponed

New Delhi: The launch of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), which includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla among its crew, has been delayed. This postponement is due to a leak found in SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket, and a new launch date has yet to be announced by NASA and Axiom Space.

A joint statement from both organizations confirmed that they will provide an updated launch schedule once it is determined. The statement also mentioned that NASA is collaborating with Roscosmos to investigate a new pressure signature following repairs in the Zvezda service module of the ISS.

Recently, cosmonauts aboard the ISS conducted inspections of the module's interior, sealed certain areas, and assessed the current leak rate. The module is now maintaining pressure after these efforts.

The delay allows NASA and Roscosmos additional time to assess the situation and decide if further troubleshooting is required. NASA has deferred specific inquiries regarding the Zvezda module to Roscosmos.

Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and current director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will lead the mission, while Shubhanshu Shukla will take on the role of pilot.

Joining them are mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from the European Space Agency and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

The crew is set to launch aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

This 14-day mission marks a significant return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary.

Originally, the Axiom-4 mission was slated for launch on May 29, but it faced multiple delays, first to June 8, then June 10. On June 10, inclement weather caused another postponement, and on June 11, engineers discovered a leak in the rocket's booster, necessitating further delays until the issue is resolved.