Wed Jun 25 01:24:50 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission. The mission, which faced multiple delays due to weather, rocket leaks, and issues with a Russian ISS module, is a collaboration between NASA, ISRO, Axiom Space, SpaceX, ESA, and Hungary. Shukla will serve as the pilot, with former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson as commander. The mission underscores the strong cooperation between NASA and ISRO, fulfilling a commitment made by former President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. The crew will spend about two weeks on the ISS, conducting scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities.

**News Article:**

**Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Launch to ISS on Axiom Mission 4 After Delays**

**New Delhi, June 25, 2025:** After several postponements, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to embark on a historic journey to the International Space Station (ISS) today, June 25, 2025, as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission. SpaceX has announced a 90% favorable weather forecast for the launch, scheduled for 12:01 p.m. IST from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

The Ax-4 mission, a collaboration involving NASA, ISRO, Axiom Space, SpaceX, ESA (European Space Agency), and Hungary, faced earlier delays due to inclement weather, leaks on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, and issues detected on the Russian module of the ISS. These hurdles have now been overcome, paving the way for this landmark event.

Shukla will serve as pilot of the mission, commanded by former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space director of human spaceflight, Peggy Whitson. The mission specialists are ESA astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu.

The launch signifies the deepening cooperation between NASA and ISRO, fulfilling a commitment made by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send the first ISRO astronaut to the ISS. The two space agencies are jointly participating in five science investigations and two STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) demonstrations during the mission.

“NASA and Roscosmos have a long history of cooperation and collaboration on the International Space Station,” stated acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro. “This professional working relationship has allowed the agencies to arrive at a shared technical approach and now Axiom Mission 4 launch and docking will proceed.”

Once docked at approximately 4:30 p.m. IST on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the crew will spend roughly two weeks aboard the ISS, engaged in a diverse mission that includes scientific research, outreach initiatives, and commercial endeavors. This mission marks a significant step forward for India in space exploration and international collaboration.

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