NASA has postponed the Axiom-4 mission launch to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla among its four crew members. The launch, planned for Sunday, June 22, will now happen later. NASA will announce the new date soon.
NASA Explains the Delay
On Thursday, Axiom Space said, “NASA has made the decision to stand down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days.”
The statement added, “Because of the space station’s interconnected and interdependent systems, NASA wants to ensure the station is ready for additional crew members, and the agency is taking the time necessary to review data.”
Sixth Postponement for the Mission
This marks the sixth delay for the Axiom-4 mission. NASA first scheduled the launch for May 29. Then, it moved to June 8, June 10, June 11, June 19, June 22, and now an undefined later date.
.@NASA, @Axiom_Space, and @SpaceX continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4. NASA is standing down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days. https://t.co/GKAvaAd4UH
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) June 19, 2025
Multiple Issues Caused Delays
Earlier delays happened because of several problems. The Falcon 9 rocket was not ready on time. Bad weather caused trouble. NASA found a leak in the liquid oxygen system. There was also a technical fault in the space station’s service module.
A Mission Important to Several Countries
The Axiom-4 mission brings astronauts from India, Hungary, and Poland back to space. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch them from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
A Special Moment for India
This mission is very important for India. Shubhanshu Shukla will become the second Indian astronaut in space after Rakesh Sharma, who flew in 1984. Shukla joins Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission. This mission also shows India’s growing space partnership with NASA.
