Latest news with #AxiomSpace
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Axiom-4 Mission: Why India's Shubhanshu Shukla is still not in space, the reasons behind the delays
The Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) was delayed again on Friday — the sixth time the scheduled liftoff was put off. The mission, themed 'Realize the Return', is historic in many ways but has seen multiple postponements. Without specifying the next launch date, Axiom Space, which is carrying out the mission, released a statement saying: 'NASA has made the decision to stand down from the launch on Sunday, June 22 and will target a new launch date in the coming days.' The mission was to take off from Kennedy Space Centre on June 22 at 1:12 pm. With an initial launch date of May 29, the mission has been postponed several times, owing to problems in the electrical harness of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft that was to carry the astronauts, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket, inclement weather in the flight path, and repairs needed to fix leaks in ISS's Zvezda module. 'Because of the space station's interconnected and interdependent systems, NASA wants to ensure the station is ready for additional crew members, and the agency is taking the time necessary to review data,' the space agency said in a statement. Here's a look at the delays and the reasons behind each postponement: 📌 May 29: Originally targeted for May 29, the launch was deferred to June 8 due to 'observations in an electrical harness in the Crew Dragon Module,' according to a statement from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 📌 June 8: A delay in the preparedness of the Falcon 9 vehicle for the launch meant the launch was deferred by one day to June 09. 📌 June 9: The Axiom-4 launch couldn't take place, this time postponed to June 10, due to unfavourable weather conditions. 📌 June 10: An oxygen leak was detected in the engine, along with an issue in one of the engine actuators. 'Additional observation of oxygen leakage in the engine bay was observed during the preparation for hot fire test conducted on June 08, 2025. Moreover, there was an observation of an anomaly in one of the engine actuators, which was replaced along with the controller,' ISRO said in a statement. 'Anticipating the quick resolution of the LOX leak issue, the launch was rescheduled to June 11, 2025,' it added. 📌 June 11: NASA informed that it was working with the Russian space agency to evaluate a 'new pressure signature' that could indicate a leak in the back section of one of the Russian modules of the space station — ISS Zvezda. 'NASA informed that they are working with Roscosmos to evaluate a new pressure signature indicating a leak in the aft most segment of the ISS Zvezda Russian service module, after the recent repair attempt'. ISRO said the launch was being postponed to 'assess the situation and determine the need for further troubleshooting'. 📌 June 19: ISRO said the launch had to be postponed again. The revised date was arrived at after detailed discussions involving teams from ISRO, Poland, and Hungary with Axiom Space; consultations between Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX; and an assessment of the predicted weather conditions in the path of the flight. 'Based on the readiness status of the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the Dragon spacecraft, repairs in the Zvezda module of the Space Station, ascent corridor weather conditions, and the health and preparedness of the crew in quarantine, Axiom Space has informed that the next probable launch date is 22 June 2025,' ISRO said in a statement. 📌 June 20: Two days before the last scheduled lift-off date, NASA said the mission was being postponed again. 'NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. NASA has made the decision to stand down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days.' the US space agency said in a statement. NASA said it needs 'additional time to continue evaluating International Space Station operations after recent repair work in the aft (back) most segment of the orbital laboratory's Zvezda service module'. The Axiom-4 mission will see India's Shubhanshu Shukla become only the second astronaut in space from the country and the first one to go to the ISS. Former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, Peggy Whitson, will command the commercial mission, while ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot. Shukla's experience will also help India's own ambitions to send humans to space on its own craft.
India.com
3 hours ago
- Science
- India.com
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS space mission Axiom-4 postponed for sixth time by NASA due to..., new date...
New Delhi: The Axiom-4 mission to take Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed for the sixth time. It was to be launched on June 22, but it was postponed due to security check of ISS. Earlier this mission was to be launched on June 11, but it was postponed due to oxygen leak in the propulsion bay. Second Indian after Rakesh Sharma In Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), four astronauts from four countries are going to the space station for 14 days. They include Peggy Whitson from the USA, Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Hungary's Tibor Kapu. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, referred to as Shux by his crewmates, will become India's second astronaut in space and the first one to go to the ISS. In 1984, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma spent almost eight days on board the Soviet Salyut-7 Orbital Station. NASA said that more time is needed to review and conduct safety checks on the recent repair work done in the rear of the ISS's Zvezda service module. Many systems of the space station are interconnected, so it is important for the new team to have all technical systems fully ready. Oxygen leak SpaceX teams need more time to fix the liquid oxygen (LOX/ LOXygen) leak found in the booster inspection after the static fire test and will announce the new launch date once the repair is complete and the range is available. Objective of the mission The main objective of the Ax-4 mission is to do research in space and test new technology. This mission is also to promote private space travel and is part of the Axiom Space planning, which plans to build a commercial space station (Axiom Station) in the future. Scientific experiments: Conducting various experiments in microgravity. Technology testing: Testing and development of new technologies in space. International collaboration: Providing a platform to astronauts from different countries. Educational activities: Inspiring people on Earth from space and spreading awareness. About Shubhanshu Shukla Shubhanshu Shukla joined the Indian Air Force in 2006 and has also been selected for ISRO's Gaganyaan mission, which is India's first human space mission. To become an astronaut, he took special training in Russia and America. In this, he learned to work in microgravity, emergency handling, and scientific experiments.
India Today
6 hours ago
- Science
- India Today
Launch of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla postponed for the 7th time. Here's why
Just over a day after announcing the launch of the Ax-4 mission to space on June 22, Nasa has pulled the plug again. This marks the seventh postponement of the much-awaited launch of the private mission with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Ax-4 mission was initially planned to launch on May 29, 2025. However, technical snags, weather conditions and leaks aboard the Space Station have repeatedly pushed the mission beyond its timeline. advertisementThe 14-day mission was scheduled to liftoff on Sunday before Nasa announced an indefinite delay to the IS AX-4 LAUNCH POSTPONED THIS TIME? The latest postponement follows Nasa's concerns over a recent repair work in the aft (back) most segment of the orbital laboratory's Zvezda service module."The space agency needs additional time to continue evaluating International Space Station operations after recent repair work ," Nasa said in an update. It added, "because of the space station's interconnected and interdependent systems, NASA wants to ensure the station is ready for additional crew members, and the agency is taking the time necessary to review data."The American space agency confirmed that the crew remains in quarantine in Florida, and the astronauts stand ready to launch when the station is ready to receive Whitson, former Nasa astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission, while Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are European Space Agency project astronaut Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary."It is not uncommon for the agency and its international partners to adjust launches around changes in operations aboard the space station. Teams are making progress evaluating the transfer tunnel configuration, resulting in an updated launch opportunity for the private astronaut mission," Nasa had said. The decision comes as Nasa requires more time to evaluate ISS operations. (Photo: Axiom) ISRO MONITORING CLOSELYWith the launch now delayed almost a month and no next date announced yet, the Indian space agency is rushing to replenish the biological samples planned for the Space Indian astronaut is scheduled to conduct seven space-based studies in the flying laboratory, while the entire mission will see over 60 such experiments to enhance our understanding of biological and physiological processes in space. The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, originally scheduled for May 29, 2025, faced several delays due to technical and weather-related setbacks. It was first postponed to June 8 after issues with the Crew Dragon's electrical harness, then pushed to June 9 due to Falcon 9 readiness delays. Poor weather in the ascent corridor led to another slip to June pre-launch tests, an oxygen leak and an engine actuator anomaly were found on June 8. After replacing the faulty components, the launch was rescheduled for June 11 and then to June 12 before it was pushed to June 22 owing to leaks detected aboard the InMust Watch
India Gazette
7 hours ago
- Science
- India Gazette
NASA postpones Axiom Mission 4 launch, new date to be announced soon
Washington [US], June 20 (ANI): NASA has postponed the planned launch of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station (ISS). The Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla-led mission was rescheduled for June 22 (Sunday). The ISS said on Friday morning that NASA is standing down from a launch on Sunday, and that it will target a new launch date in the coming days. '@NASA, @Axiom_Space, and @SpaceX continue reviewing launch opportunities for Axiom Mission 4. NASA is standing down from a launch on Sunday, June 22, and will target a new launch date in the coming days,' the ISS wrote in a post on X. According to the ISS, additional time is needed to evaluate station operations following recent repair work in the aft segment of the Zvezda service module. Due to the highly interconnected nature of the orbital laboratory's systems, NASA is reviewing relevant data to ensure readiness for the arrival of additional crew members. Highlighting the global significance of the mission, ISS noted that the agencies 'appreciate the historic nature of this mission for the nations of India, Poland, and Hungary, as well as the world.' The four-member crew remains in quarantine in Florida and is prepared to launch once the station is cleared to receive them. Axiom Mission 4 will be commanded by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and now Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla from ISRO will serve as the mission's pilot. The mission specialists are ESA project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft remain in good condition and are stationed at Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the Axiom-4 space mission -- which includes Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla -- will not launch before June 22, as safety assessments are still underway before clearing the final launch timeline. 'We have been told that it won't be before 22nd June. There is a safety angle also involved here,' Singh said at a press conference. Following the rescheduling, Axiom Space had said in a statement earlier that NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX were targeting no earlier than Sunday, June 22, for the launch. The change allows NASA time to continue evaluating station operations after recent repairs in the Zvezda service module. In a post on X, Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed the updated launch timeline, writing: 'Axiom Mission 04 to the International Space Station (ISS)... After assessing key parameters, including module fitness, crew health, and weather, @Axiom_Space has indicated that June 22, 2025, may be the next likely launch date of Axiom-04 Mission carrying, among others, the Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, to the ISS.' He added that further updates would be shared accordingly. On the 11th anniversary of the Modi government, Singh also highlighted the socio-economic impact of administrative reforms over the past decade. 'The administrative reforms that happened in the last 11 years were not limited to governance. They had extreme socio-economic ramifications,' he said. He emphasized the push toward digital governance aimed at enhancing ease of living for common citizens, and noted that reforms created a more automated system that helped the government achieve key milestones. 'During the 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, not only has governance improved but also had significant socio-economic consequences,' Singh said. He added that schemes and reforms were aimed at ensuring justice for marginalised groups. (ANI)
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First Post
9 hours ago
- Science
- First Post
6 delays and counting: What's going wrong with Axiom-4 mission carrying Shubhanshu Shukla?
Axiom Space has announced that Nasa has once again deferred the launch of the Axiom-4 mission, which was set for Sunday, June 22. This is the sixth delay for the mission that is to carry Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three other crew members, to the ISS. The mission was originally scheduled for liftoff on May 29. The current launch window remains open until June 30. If the mission does not launch by then, the next available window will be in mid-July read more Once again, the launch of the Axiom-4 mission, which includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others, has been pushed back. This is the since the mission was first scheduled to lift off on May 29. It will now not take place on June 22 as previously planned. A new launch date is expected to be announced soon. ALSO READ | What is Shubhanshu Shukla carrying to space? Aam ras, halwa and more STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The current launch window remains open until June 30. If the mission does not take off by then, the next possible window will come up in mid-July. Why has the mission been delayed so many times? What caused each of the six postponements? Let's take a look at the answers: Axiom-4 mission: What's behind the repeated delays? Axiom Space has said that Nasa has once again called off the planned launch of the Axiom-4 mission , which was scheduled for Sunday, June 22. A new launch date will be shared in the coming days. The delay comes as the space agency continues to assess ongoing operations on board the International Space Station (ISS), following recent repair work in the rear section of the station's Zvezda service module. Axiom Space said in a statement, 'Given the space station's complex and interdependent systems, Nasa is taking the necessary time to review data and ensure it is ready to support additional crew members.' This is now the sixth delay since the mission was first scheduled to launch on May 29. The mission crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, along with specialists Tigor Kapu from Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, apart from Shukla. X/@NASASpaceOps Here's a breakdown of what happened each time: May 29: The launch was called off after an 'observation in the electrical harness' of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, where the crew is seated for their journey to the ISS. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD June 8: The launch was delayed by a day as the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle was not ready. June 9: Bad weather along the rocket's ascent path led to another 24-hour delay. June 10: An oxygen leak was found, along with an issue in one of the actuators. 'Anticipating the quick resolution of LOx (liquid oxygen) leak issue, the launch was rescheduled to June 11, 2025,' the space agency said. June 11: Nasa said it was working with Russia's space agency to look into a 'new pressure signature,' which could point to a leak in the rear section of one of the Russian modules on the ISS. June 19: The launch was pushed to June 22. Axiom Space said the change was to give Nasa more time to continue checks on the ISS after repairs in the Zvezda module. June 22: The most recent delay was also linked to 'operational and safety concerns' being worked on at the ISS. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is now the sixth delay since the mission was first scheduled to launch on May 29. Image: Nasa Axiom Space said in a statement that the space agency needs more time to assess operations on the International Space Station following recent repairs in the rear section of the Zvezda service module. As the space station's systems are closely linked and rely on one another, Nasa wants to make sure it is fully prepared to support more crew members and is reviewing all necessary data, the statement added. Axiom-4 mission: What is it? Who are the crew members? The Axiom-4 mission will see its crew conducting nearly 60 scientific experiments during their time on the International Space Station. Axiom Space has said that the research is specifically designed for microgravity conditions and is being carried out on behalf of organisations from around the world. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will lead food and nutrition-related studies, developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from Nasa. These experiments aim to find better ways to improve space nutrition and develop self-sustaining life support systems, both essential for future long-duration missions. The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, along with mission specialists Tigor Kapu from Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, in addition to Shukla. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This mission is India's return to human spaceflight after 41 years. The last Indian to travel to space was Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard Soviet Russia's Soyuz spacecraft in 1984. With inputs from agencies
