Axiom Mission 4 postponed once more, this time attributable to glitch in ISS

A Falcon 9 rocket stands on the pad earlier than its upcoming launch of the Axiom-4 crewed mission to the Worldwide House Station at Launch Complicated 39-A in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., June 10, 2025.
| Picture Credit score: STEVE NESIUS

Bengaluru

The launch of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the Worldwide House Station (ISS) has as soon as once more been postponed, this time attributable to a glitch within the ISS.

NASA mentioned that it, together with Axiom House, is suspending the launch of Axiom Mission 4 to the ISS.

As a part of an ongoing investigation, NASA is working with Russia’s area company Roscosmos to grasp a brand new strain signature, after the current post-repair effort within the aft most section of the ISS’s Zvezda service module.

Based on NASA, “Cosmonauts aboard the area station just lately carried out inspections of the pressurized module’s inside surfaces, sealed some further areas of curiosity, and measured the present leak price. Following this effort, the section now’s holding strain.”

Postponement of Axiom Mission 4 offers further time for NASA and Roscosmos to guage the state of affairs and decide whether or not any further troubleshooting is critical. 

NASA deferred to Roscosmos to reply particular questions concerning the Zvezda module. A brand new launch date for the fourth non-public astronaut mission is but to be determined.

The crew of the Axion-4 mission was scheduled to carry off aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on Falcon 9 from Launch Complicated 39A at NASA’s Kennedy House Middle in Florida.

ISRO Chairman Dr Dr. V. Narayanan mentioned that it i is working intently with the opposite businesses concerned within the mission as they responsibly handle the ISS Zvezda module statement inflicting the Ax‑4 delay. “Security and mission integrity stay our high priorities,” Dr. Narayanan mentioned.

Timeline of developments associated to launch

1. The launch initially scheduled on Could 29 was deferred attributable to statement in electrical harness in Crew Dragon Module, launch rescheduled to June 8

2. The launch was postponed by sooner or later to June 9 attributable to delay in preparedness of the Falcon 9 car for the launch.

3. The launch was additional postpone to June 10 attributable to unfavourable climate within the ascent hall.

4. Extra statement of oxygen leakage within the engine bay was noticed through the preparation for decent fireplace take a look at performed on June 8. Furthermore, there was an statement of an anomaly in one of many engine actuators, which was changed together with the controller.

5. Anticipating fast decision of LOX leak challenge, the launch was rescheduled to June 11.

6. Through the appraisal of technical points by Axiom & SpaceX to ISRO delegation on June 10, ISRO really useful finishing up in-situ repairs, or substitute, and conduct a low-temperature leak take a look at to validate system efficiency and integrity, earlier than continuing with launch clearance.

7. On June 11, NASA knowledgeable that they’re working with Roscosmos to guage a brand new strain signature indicating a leak within the aft most section of the ISS Zvezda Russian service module, after the current restore try. With a view to assess the state of affairs and decide the necessity for additional troubleshooting, the launch of Axiom-4 mission is being postponed.