India’s Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Originally scheduled for May 29, the launch from Kennedy Space Center has faced repeated delays due to weather and a Falcon-9 fuel leak. NASA now confirms launch windows are available until June 30, with more possible in mid-July. The mission highlights India’s expanding role in space, as Shukla—a trained test pilot—will conduct microgravity experiments during the 10-day stay. The Ax-4 mission symbolizes global space cooperation and supports India’s future ambitions in human spaceflight through the Gaganyaan program.

The Ax-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station remains delayed due to Falcon-9’s liquid oxygen leak and ongoing ISS traffic coordination. Originally scheduled for May 29, the launch has faced multiple setbacks, including weather and technical issues. NASA has outlined available launch windows through June 30, with more opening mid-July. Shukla, a Gaganyaan astronaut, will become the first Indian to visit the ISS on this 10-day mission. Axiom Space and SpaceX are finalising preparations. The mission highlights India’s growing space role and international partnerships, contributing to research and India’s long-term human spaceflight ambitions. (PC: X)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station was delayed hours before liftoff due to a liquid-oxygen (LOX) leak in SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket. The leak was detected during a post-static fire test, forcing SpaceX to postpone the launch indefinitely. LOX, a supercooled oxidizer, is vital for combustion in spaceflight. Initial fixes failed, and the rocket may now be removed from the launch pad for deeper repairs. ISRO confirmed the leak in the propulsion bay and emphasized safety. A new date will be announced once repairs and validation are completed. (PC: India Today)

The Axiom-4 mission, carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla, has been postponed due to a liquid oxygen leak in the SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket. Scheduled for June 11 at 5:30 PM IST, the ISS-bound mission includes astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary, and the US. SpaceX announced repairs are underway and a new date will be shared pending range availability. This historic flight marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years, and the first-ever ISS mission for India, Poland, and Hungary. Shukla will be the first Indian on the ISS, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 space mission. (PC: X)

The Axiom‑4 flight, carrying India’s Shubhanshu Shukla (India’s “Gaganyatri”), along with crew from the U.S., Poland, and Hungary, experienced another delay on June 11. SpaceX technicians detected a liquid‑oxygen leak during a post‑static‑fire inspection of the Falcon 9 booster, prompting a hold for repairs and safety validation . The launch was previously postponed from June 10 to 11 due to poor weather . A new launch date will be announced once the LOx issue is resolved and range availability confirmed. The Ax‑4 crew will embark on a 14–21 day mission aboard the ISS to conduct multidisciplinary experiments.    

The Axiom‑4 mission, carrying India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, has been postponed after a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak was discovered during pre‑launch inspections at Cape Canaveral. Despite initial hopes of a June 11 liftoff at 5:30 PM IST, technicians have been unable to fully resolve the issue, prompting SpaceX to delay the mission until repairs are complete . ISRO confirmed the postponement, stating that thorough crack repair and validation are required before setting a new launch date . The mission marks a key milestone, featuring Shukla alongside crew from Poland, Hungary and the US in the second private astronaut flight to the ISS.

  The Axiom‑4 mission—featuring Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9—was set for liftoff at 5:30 PM IST from Kennedy Space Center on June 11, 2025. However, final clearance depends on the "L‑8‑hour weather briefing" around midnight UTC, as launch conditions remain uncertain. Complicating matters, engineers discovered a liquid‑oxygen leak during pre‑launch fire tests and also corrected a thrust‑vector control issue on Engine‑5. These overlapping challenges have delayed the mission indefinitely until fixes and favorable weather align, keeping stakeholders vigilant for the next go‑no‑go decision.

Indian Air Force officer Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), launching on June 11 at 5:30 PM IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. The 4-member crew includes US astronaut Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Slawosz Uznański, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu.   Viewers can watch the launch live on NASA’s website, NASA+ app, SpaceX’s X handle, and Axiom Space’s YouTube. The Shorts91 team will also post regular live updates.

As IAF pilot Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to launch into space on the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), his schoolteacher Nageshwar Shukla recalled his student days. “He was not seedha sadha, but quite intelligent,” he said, describing Shukla as a confident student who studied just before exams. The teacher also undertook a pilgrimage to the four dhams to pray for Shukla’s success. Shubhanshu is set to become the first Indian to reach the ISS, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma. He is also shortlisted for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission in 2027. “We are not scared; he is confident,” said his teacher.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to script history as India's first astronaut to visit the International Space Station, launching Tuesday aboard Axiom Mission 4. "I truly believe that even though, as an individual, I am travelling to space, this is the journey of 1.4 billion people," the Indian Air Force pilot declared. The mission, costing over ₹500 crores, marks a "defining chapter" in India's space ambitions under Prime Minister Modi's vision. Shukla will conduct 60 experiments during his 14-day stint, supporting the indigenous Gaganyaan program. The historic launch symbolizes India's emergence as a major space power. (PC: The Guardian)