The Axiom-4 mission, which includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is now anticipated to launch on June 19, 2025. This revised date was announced by ISRO, following communications from Axiom Space regarding an issue with the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). The mission is a collaborative project involving NASA, ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX. Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the new launch date via his X account, noting that SpaceX had resolved the problems that previously led to the postponement. It is important to note that Axiom Space and NASA have not yet released an official statement regarding the launch date. The mission’s launch date has been altered several times, with the original date being May 29, then June 8, June 9, and later June 10. ISRO explained that the previous postponements were due to delays in preparing the Falcon-9 vehicle, and the weather on June 10.
Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force Test Pilot and Astronaut. Shukla, who originates from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, attended City Montessori School and was influenced by the 1999 Kargil War, prompting him to pursue a career in the armed forces. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the National Defence Academy in 2005. He was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in June 2006. Shukla has approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience and is a combat leader and test pilot.