Ax-4 mission set for June 19: Peggy Whitson leads with Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla

After addressing critical air leaks and rocket issues, NASA and Axiom Space target June 19 for the Ax-4 launch to the ISS. This mission, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson and featuring Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, underscores growing international collaboration in private space exploration.

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SpaceNewsNdtvThehindu+1
Updated 1h ago
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Sources: SpaceNewsThehinduTimesofindia+1
NASA and Axiom Space have set a new launch date of June 19 for the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), following a delay caused by a minor air leak in the Russian segment of the station.

The mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space's director of human spaceflight, Peggy Whitson, with Indian pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serving as the pilot. This marks a significant milestone for India’s space program, highlighting its growing role in international space exploration.

The leak, described by Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government, as "unpredictably dangerous", was detected and addressed by SpaceX and other stakeholders. Roscosmos is also involved in repairs to the ISS's Russian module. NASA noted that adjusting launch schedules due to operational changes aboard the station is common.

Additionally, SpaceX completed repairs on the Falcon 9 rocket after identifying a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak during post-static fire inspections, which contributed to the initial launch postponement.

"It is not uncommon to adjust launch schedules around operational changes aboard the space station," NASA said, emphasizing the collaborative effort between NASA, Axiom Space, SpaceX, ISRO, and Roscosmos.

The Ax-4 mission will include two other crew members alongside Whitson and Shukla, marking a key commercial spaceflight endeavor and reinforcing global partnerships in space exploration.

"Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's participation in Axiom 4 is a testament to India's growing capabilities and commitment to global partnerships in space exploration," a statement noted.

This mission underscores the evolving landscape of private and international collaboration in space, with Elon Musk’s SpaceX playing a critical role in both launch vehicle readiness and ISS maintenance.
Sources: SpaceNewsThehinduTimesofindia
NASA and Axiom Space have rescheduled the Ax-4 mission to June 19, led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson with Indian pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The delay followed a minor air leak in the ISS's Russian segment, now repaired, with SpaceX completing Falcon 9 fixes.
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The Headline

Ax-4 launch delayed to June 19 with key crew named

Key Facts
  • The Ax-4 mission launch was initially scheduled for June 11 but was delayed due to an issue with one of the engines in the Falcon 9's first stage.SpaceNewsTimesofindia
  • NASA and partners detected small air leaks in the ISS Russian Zvezda module, which Ajay Kumar Sood described as 'unpredictably dangerous' due to the risk of escalation under high temperatures.SpaceNewsNdtv
  • The SpaceX team repaired the liquid oxygen leak on the Falcon 9 rocket and addressed the ISS air leak concerns, enabling progress toward launch.TimesofindiaNdtv
  • NASA and Axiom Space postponed the Ax-4 launch to review safety and operational conditions aboard the ISS, with Roscosmos working on repairs to the Russian module.TimesofindiaSpaceNews
  • NASA has set a new tentative launch date for the Ax-4 mission to June 19, adjusting the schedule around operational changes aboard the space station.TimesofindiaSpaceNews
  • The Ax-4 mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with Indian pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serving as pilot, highlighting global space partnerships.ThehinduNdtvTimesofindia
NASA says a private astronaut mission could launch to the International Space Station as soon as June 19 as it works to understand an air leak on the Russian segment of the station.
SpaceNews
SpaceNews
Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government, has called the leak 'unpredictably dangerous.' Mr Sood said even minor breaches can escalate under high temperatures.
Ndtv
Ndtv
Former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, Peggy Whitson, will command the commercial mission, while Mr. Shukla, the ISRO astronaut, will serve as the pilot.
Thehindu
Thehindu
Nasa and Axiom Space delayed the Axiom-4 mission due to leaks in the ISS's Russian module, now deemed 'small.' Roscosmos is working on repairs, with a possible launch date of June 19.
Timesofindia
Timesofindia

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