1 / 8Successful Crew Rehearsal: The Ax-4 team, including Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully held a full-dress rehearsal for launch day operations in collaboration with SpaceX. Under the leadership of Peggy Whitson, the crew practiced procedures from wearing their suits to boarding the Dragon spacecraft. A static fire test of the Falcon 9 rocket was also successfully executed, ensuring they are prepared for the launch scheduled at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre on June 10, 2025.
2 / 8Historic Indian Space Mission: Shubhanshu Shukla, affectionately known as “Shux,” will pilot the Ax-4 mission – a pivotal moment signaling India’s return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus. Following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard the Soyuz T-11 in 1984, Shukla, hailing from Lucknow, described the experience as an “incredible journey” and a privilege to partake in such a significant mission. His involvement underscores India’s rising influence in the realm of international space exploration.
3 / 8Diverse International Crew: The Ax-4 crew includes Peggy Whitson (USA), Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and Slawomir Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland). Kapu and Uznanski-Wisniewski are the second astronauts from their respective countries, with spaceflights dating back to 1980 and 1978. This mission marks the inaugural trip for India, Poland, and Hungary to the International Space Station (ISS), serving as Axiom Space’s fourth private human spaceflight, emphasizing global collaboration.
4 / 8Falcon 9 Status: The Falcon 9 rocket, outfitted with a new Dragon spacecraft, is prepared for its inaugural Ax-4 mission. The rocket’s first stage, previously utilized for a Starlink mission, is expected to land at Cape Canaveral’s Landing Zone 1 post-separation. Teams are currently analyzing the static fire test results and observing weather conditions along the ascent path to ensure a safe launch on June 10.
5 / 8Launch Schedule Note: The Ax-4 launch, originally set for June 8, has been postponed to June 10, 2025, at 8:22 a.m. ET (5:54 p.m. IST) to finalize preparations. The Dragon spacecraft will transport the crew to the ISS, arriving on June 11 at approximately 10 p.m. IST. This 28-hour journey highlights the mission’s careful planning and precision.
6 / 8Scientific Objectives: During their 14-day mission aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 crew will execute over 60 scientific experiments. Engaging 31 countries, these studies will concentrate on human health, Earth observation, and the sciences of materials. This research endeavor represents the most comprehensive for an Axiom Space mission, underscoring global cooperation in microgravity exploration.
7 / 8Impact of Global Research: The Ax-4 mission encompasses scientific projects from the USA, India, Poland (in partnership with ESA), and Hungary. These initiatives aim to enhance understanding in human research, life sciences, and Earth observation. By incorporating various collaborators, the mission illustrates the significance of microgravity research and bolsters the research capabilities of the crew’s respective countries.
8 / 8Awakening National Pride: The Ax-4 mission has generated considerable excitement in India, Poland, and Hungary, marking a pivotal point in human spaceflight history. Shukla’s role has revitalized India’s passion for space exploration. This Axiom Space mission, supported by NASA and ESA, is transforming access to low-Earth orbit and enhancing national space initiatives worldwide.
