The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) private space mission—featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla—has now been indefinitely delayed by NASA, marking the seventh postponement since its original target launch date of May 29, 2025. Just over a day after its most recent confirmation for a June 22 liftoff, the mission was halted again due to ongoing concerns about the Zvezda service module on the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting the challenges of precision coordination in space operations.
NASA cited the need for “additional time to continue evaluating ISS operations,” especially in the wake of recent repairs in the aft section of Zvezda, one of the oldest modules aboard the ISS. The agency emphasized the interconnected and interdependent systems of the space station, underscoring the importance of safety before accepting a new crew.
“NASA wants to ensure the station is ready for additional crew members, and the agency is taking the time necessary to review data,” the statement read.
Despite the delays, the Ax-4 crew remains in quarantine in Florida, ready for launch once a new window is confirmed. Commanded by Peggy Whitson, the mission includes:
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Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot, ISRO)
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Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (ESA, Poland)
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Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
Shukla is expected to carry out seven key experiments, while the mission overall is scheduled to perform over 60 scientific studies, particularly focused on biological and physiological research in microgravity.
A Timeline of Ax-4 Delays:
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May 29: Original launch date
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June 8: Postponed due to Crew Dragon electrical harness issue
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June 9: Pushed again over Falcon 9 readiness delays
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June 10: Weather-related cancellation in ascent corridor
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June 11: Deferred after oxygen leak and actuator anomaly detected
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June 12: Post-repair slip
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June 22: Pulled again due to ISS Zvezda leak concerns
With no new date yet announced, ISRO is now fast-tracking replacement of time-sensitive biological samples that were originally set to be part of Shukla’s research.
NASA emphasized that such delays are not uncommon, especially when involving private astronauts and multinational coordination, and reaffirmed that mission safety remains its highest priority.
This delay also underscores the growing complexity of commercial spaceflight, as private missions like Ax-4 become more frequent partners in the evolving structure of low Earth orbit research and operations.
