The eagerly awaited Axiom-4 mission, which marks a significant milestone in space exploration by sending India’s first astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS), has been postponed by one day due to unfavorable weather conditions. The launch was initially slated for June 10 but is now scheduled to take place on June 11 at 5:30 PM IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The delay was attributed to high winds in the ascent corridor, which pose risks to the stability of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, as confirmed by NASA’s 45th Weather Squadron.
This mission is a collaborative effort involving the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NASA, and Axiom Space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a distinguished pilot from the Indian Air Force, is set to make history as the second Indian to journey into space and the first to visit the ISS. His upcoming mission is particularly notable, occurring 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight aboard a Soviet Soyuz capsule in 1984. Shukla’s participation is a crucial step for ISRO as it prepares for the ambitious Gaganyaan program, which aims to send Indian astronauts into orbit by 2027.
Leading the Axiom-4 mission is seasoned NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, whose extensive experience will guide the crew. The Axiom-4 team also features Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, the latter marking Hungary’s return to space travel after more than 40 years. The mission will utilize a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, which is expected to dock at the ISS approximately 28 hours after launch. The astronauts will spend two to three weeks aboard the station, during which they will carry out over 60 experiments contributed by 31 countries, focusing on the effects of microgravity on human health, Earth imaging, and the development of new materials.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan underscored the mission’s significance, emphasizing that the operational experience garnered will be crucial for India’s future aspirations in human spaceflight. While the one-day launch delay is a minor setback, officials have reiterated that strict adherence to safety protocols remains a priority for ensuring the overall success of the mission. The rescheduled launch is set to be broadcast live, allowing audiences worldwide to witness a pivotal chapter in India’s space exploration journey.
