The much-anticipated Ax-04 mission, featuring Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is poised for a new launch attempt on June 19, 2025. This positive development follows the successful resolution of a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, a technical snag that had led to multiple delays for the pivotal mission.
ISRO officially confirmed the rectification of the leak, paving the way for the mission to proceed. The Ax-04 endeavor holds significant importance, marking the return of human spaceflight for India, alongside Poland and Hungary, further solidifying international collaboration in space exploration.
The mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with Shubhanshu Shukla serving as the pilot. This collaboration underscores the growing synergy between global space agencies in expanding humanity’s reach beyond Earth.
In a related development, Axiom Space, a key partner in this mission, is actively working with NASA to investigate a pressure anomaly detected within the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS). The resolution of such intricate technical challenges highlights the rigorous safety protocols and collaborative spirit prevalent in the aerospace industry, ensuring the well-being of astronauts and the integrity of ongoing space operations.
The upcoming launch of the Ax-04 mission is eagerly awaited by the global space community, symbolizing another leap forward in international space cooperation and human exploration.