Why Has the Ax-4 Mission Been Delayed Again? ISRO Collaborates with NASA and SpaceX to Address Technical Issues
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Ax-4 mission, featuring Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, faces another delay due to Zvezda module issues at the ISS. As ISRO partners with NASA and SpaceX to ensure safety, this mission remains significant for India’s space journey.
Key Takeaways
- Ax-4 mission delayed again due to Zvezda module issues.
- Collaboration between ISRO, NASA, and SpaceX is ongoing.
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to become first Indian astronaut aboard ISS.
- Mission aims to conduct innovative experiments on space nutrition.
- New launch date to be announced soon.
New York, June 13 (NationPress) The eagerly awaited launch of the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), featuring Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has faced yet another delay due to technical observations concerning the Zvezda module of the ISS.
NASA revealed the delay on social media, emphasizing safety precautions.
“In collaboration with @Axiom_Space, we are postponing the launch of #Ax4 to the @Space_Station. We will announce a new launch date as soon as it is confirmed,” NASA posted on X.
India's space agency ISRO also recognized this development, reaffirming its dedication to mission safety and cooperation with international partners.
“ISRO is actively collaborating with @Axiom_Space, @NASA, and @SpaceX as they responsibly tackle the ISS Zvezda module observations leading to the Ax‑4 delay. Safety and mission integrity are our utmost priorities,” ISRO shared in a post on X, quoting Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary DOS/Chairman ISRO & Chairman Space Commission.
The Ax-4 mission, managed by US-based Axiom Space, was originally set to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 11 at 8 a.m. local time (5:30 p.m. IST). This mission has encountered multiple delays, having been initially scheduled for May 29 and subsequently postponed to June 8, June 10, and June 11.
This mission is of historic importance for India. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984.
Shukla will serve as the pilot of the mission alongside Commander Peggy Whitson from the United States. The crew also includes Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both designated as mission specialists.
Upon reaching the ISS, Shukla will conduct groundbreaking experiments related to food and space nutrition. These experiments, developed through a partnership between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with backing from NASA, aim to improve understanding of sustainable life-support systems, an essential element for future long-duration space exploration.
As international collaborators work to address the ongoing technical issues, a new launch date is anticipated to be revealed shortly.
Point of View
We recognize the critical importance of safety in space missions. The ongoing collaboration between ISRO, NASA, and SpaceX highlights a commitment to ensuring mission integrity, and the Ax-4 mission represents a significant milestone for India. We remain optimistic about the advancements in space exploration and the contributions of Indian scientists and astronauts.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the delay of the Ax-4 mission?
The Ax-4 mission was delayed due to technical observations related to the Zvezda module of the ISS, leading NASA to prioritize safety.
Who is the Indian astronaut aboard the Ax-4 mission?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is the Indian astronaut set to pilot the Ax-4 mission, marking a historic moment for India's space exploration.
When was the Ax-4 mission originally scheduled to launch?
The Ax-4 mission was originally scheduled for launch on May 29, but has been postponed multiple times, most recently to June 11.
What experiments will Shukhla conduct on the ISS?
Shubhanshu Shukla will conduct pioneering experiments related to food and space nutrition, aimed at enhancing understanding of sustainable life-support systems.
What is the significance of the Ax-4 mission for India?
The Ax-4 mission is significant as it will make Shubhanshu Shukla the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, following Rakesh Sharma's journey in 1984.
