Wed Jun 18 05:26:29 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has been postponed again, now targeting a launch no earlier than June 22nd. This delay is due to NASA needing more time to evaluate operations on the ISS after recent repairs in the Russian Zvezda module. The mission, led by Commander Peggy Whitson, includes astronauts from the U.S., Hungary, and Poland. The launch has been delayed multiple times due to various issues, including liquid oxygen leaks in the Falcon-9 rocket and leaks in the Russian module. The crew remains in quarantine in Florida, and Axiom Space reports they are in good health and eager to launch.

**News Article:**

**Indian Astronaut’s Space Station Mission Delayed Again Due to ISS Repairs**

**New Delhi – June 18, 2025** – The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has been delayed once more, now scheduled for launch no earlier than June 22nd. Axiom Space announced the postponement, citing NASA’s need for additional time to assess operations on the ISS following recent repair work in the Russian Zvezda service module.

This marks another setback for the mission, which was initially planned for liftoff on May 29th and subsequently pushed back to June 8th, 10th, and 11th. Previous delays stemmed from a liquid oxygen leak in the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and identified leaks within the aging Russian module of the ISS.

The Axiom-4 mission, a commercial venture led by Commander Peggy Whitson (U.S.), also includes Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu and Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski as mission specialists. Shukla serves as the mission pilot, marking India’s return to space exploration.

“The change in a targeted launch date provides NASA time to continue evaluating space station operations after recent repair work,” Axiom Space stated.

The crew remains in quarantine at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, adhering to strict medical and safety protocols. Axiom Space confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that the crew is in good health, high spirits, and eagerly anticipating the launch.

The mission, a partnership between NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, will launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Further updates will be provided as the launch date approaches.

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