Latest news with #Whitson
India Today
16 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
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
ActsSocial Launches Globally to Provide Christians with a Censorship-Free Social Platform
New faith-based platform opens access to global users after drawing over 100,000 waitlist signups in prelaunch phase Image by ActsSocial SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new Christian social media platform , ActsSocial, has officially launched to the global public following a prelaunch campaign that attracted more than 100,000 signups from users across six continents. The project, which secured $3.5 million in funding from faith-aligned investors, aims to offer a secure, uncensored space for Christian communities to engage online. Rooted in biblical principles outlined in Acts 2:42–47, ActsSocial has been developed as a platform for discipleship, communication, and fellowship. Its creators emphasize a faith-based online community structure that avoids algorithm-driven content delivery and commercial data practices commonly used by mainstream technology platforms. 'The launch of ActsSocial represents a milestone for faith communities seeking online spaces that align with their values,' said Shawn Whitson, founder of ActsSocial. 'We built the platform as a response to increasing concerns about digital censorship and the erosion of faith-centered expression on major networks.' Key Details: Launch Date: June 2025 June 2025 Prelaunch Interest: Over 100,000 users joined the waitlist Over 100,000 users joined the waitlist Funding Secured: $3.5 million from Christian mission-focused investors $3.5 million from Christian mission-focused investors Platform Reach: Accessible to global users across six continents Unlike traditional social media networks, ActsSocial has adopted a community-first model grounded in Christian ethics. The platform does not employ data harvesting or engagement algorithms and allows churches, ministries, and individuals to communicate without automated content suppression or moderation based on religious content. The global launch coincides with rising interest in digital platforms that reflect ethical, spiritual, and community values. According to Whitson, the platform was created 'not to mirror existing platforms, but to offer an alternative based on freedom of religious expression and collective spiritual growth.' Platform Attributes: Decentralized, value-based moderation system No algorithmic prioritization or data mining Designed for gospel-centered communication Open to churches, families, leaders, and individual users ActsSocial is part of a growing wave of digital services developed in response to concerns over online censorship, ideological bias, and privacy. The project emphasizes technological transparency, ethical stewardship, and community-driven governance. About ActsSocial ActsSocial is a global Christian digital platform designed to support fellowship, biblical engagement, and mission-driven communication in the digital age. Inspired by the early Church and developed with ethical, decentralized principles, the platform provides an alternative to mainstream social media networks for users seeking secure and faith-aligned digital spaces. Media Contact:Chance OlivasActsSocial [email protected]
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ActsSocial Launches Globally to Provide Christians with a Censorship-Free Social Platform
New faith-based platform opens access to global users after drawing over 100,000 waitlist signups in prelaunch phase Image by ActsSocial SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new Christian social media platform, ActsSocial, has officially launched to the global public following a prelaunch campaign that attracted more than 100,000 signups from users across six continents. The project, which secured $3.5 million in funding from faith-aligned investors, aims to offer a secure, uncensored space for Christian communities to engage online. Rooted in biblical principles outlined in Acts 2:42–47, ActsSocial has been developed as a platform for discipleship, communication, and fellowship. Its creators emphasize a faith-based online community structure that avoids algorithm-driven content delivery and commercial data practices commonly used by mainstream technology platforms. 'The launch of ActsSocial represents a milestone for faith communities seeking online spaces that align with their values,' said Shawn Whitson, founder of ActsSocial. 'We built the platform as a response to increasing concerns about digital censorship and the erosion of faith-centered expression on major networks.' Key Details: Launch Date: June 2025 Prelaunch Interest: Over 100,000 users joined the waitlist Funding Secured: $3.5 million from Christian mission-focused investors Platform Reach: Accessible to global users across six continents Unlike traditional social media networks, ActsSocial has adopted a community-first model grounded in Christian ethics. The platform does not employ data harvesting or engagement algorithms and allows churches, ministries, and individuals to communicate without automated content suppression or moderation based on religious content. The global launch coincides with rising interest in digital platforms that reflect ethical, spiritual, and community values. According to Whitson, the platform was created 'not to mirror existing platforms, but to offer an alternative based on freedom of religious expression and collective spiritual growth.' Platform Attributes: Decentralized, value-based moderation system No algorithmic prioritization or data mining Designed for gospel-centered communication Open to churches, families, leaders, and individual users ActsSocial is part of a growing wave of digital services developed in response to concerns over online censorship, ideological bias, and privacy. The project emphasizes technological transparency, ethical stewardship, and community-driven governance. About ActsSocial ActsSocial is a global Christian digital platform designed to support fellowship, biblical engagement, and mission-driven communication in the digital age. Inspired by the early Church and developed with ethical, decentralized principles, the platform provides an alternative to mainstream social media networks for users seeking secure and faith-aligned digital spaces. Media Contact:Chance OlivasActsSocialChance@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ActsSocial Launches Globally to Provide Christians with a Censorship-Free Social Platform
New faith-based platform opens access to global users after drawing over 100,000 waitlist signups in prelaunch phase Image by ActsSocial SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new Christian social media platform, ActsSocial, has officially launched to the global public following a prelaunch campaign that attracted more than 100,000 signups from users across six continents. The project, which secured $3.5 million in funding from faith-aligned investors, aims to offer a secure, uncensored space for Christian communities to engage online. Rooted in biblical principles outlined in Acts 2:42–47, ActsSocial has been developed as a platform for discipleship, communication, and fellowship. Its creators emphasize a faith-based online community structure that avoids algorithm-driven content delivery and commercial data practices commonly used by mainstream technology platforms. 'The launch of ActsSocial represents a milestone for faith communities seeking online spaces that align with their values,' said Shawn Whitson, founder of ActsSocial. 'We built the platform as a response to increasing concerns about digital censorship and the erosion of faith-centered expression on major networks.' Key Details: Launch Date: June 2025 Prelaunch Interest: Over 100,000 users joined the waitlist Funding Secured: $3.5 million from Christian mission-focused investors Platform Reach: Accessible to global users across six continents Unlike traditional social media networks, ActsSocial has adopted a community-first model grounded in Christian ethics. The platform does not employ data harvesting or engagement algorithms and allows churches, ministries, and individuals to communicate without automated content suppression or moderation based on religious content. The global launch coincides with rising interest in digital platforms that reflect ethical, spiritual, and community values. According to Whitson, the platform was created 'not to mirror existing platforms, but to offer an alternative based on freedom of religious expression and collective spiritual growth.' Platform Attributes: Decentralized, value-based moderation system No algorithmic prioritization or data mining Designed for gospel-centered communication Open to churches, families, leaders, and individual users ActsSocial is part of a growing wave of digital services developed in response to concerns over online censorship, ideological bias, and privacy. The project emphasizes technological transparency, ethical stewardship, and community-driven governance. About ActsSocial ActsSocial is a global Christian digital platform designed to support fellowship, biblical engagement, and mission-driven communication in the digital age. Inspired by the early Church and developed with ethical, decentralized principles, the platform provides an alternative to mainstream social media networks for users seeking secure and faith-aligned digital spaces. Media Contact:Chance OlivasActsSocialChance@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Axiom Space astronaut launch delayed again, this time due to trouble on space station
Updated with completion of SpaceX static fire. The launch is Axiom Mission 4 (AX-4) is delayed again ― this time not due to weather or rocket issues, but a leak on the Russian side of the International Space Station (ISS). Originally set to launch earlier this week, the launch of the crew to the ISS was scrubbed due to poor weather in the ascent corridor. Additionally, SpaceX discovered a liquid oxygen leak on the Falcon 9 rocket during a prelaunch checkout, further delaying the mission. The rocket was on the launch pad and set to see a static fire test Thursday, according to Kennedy Space Center alerts, but yet another issue was made known. The morning of Thursday, June 12, it was reported that after recent repairs, a pressure issue was detected in the Russian Zvezda service module on the International Space Station. Astronauts onboard are not in danger, but an investigation is ongoing. As for the Falcon 9, SpaceX reported on the afternoon of June 12 that the static fire was completed. SpaceX is now waiting for direction from NASA and Axiom Space. Shortly beforehand, NASA has posted to X (formerly Twitter) that a new launch date was still to come. "Cosmonauts aboard the space station recently performed inspections of the pressurized module's interior surfaces, sealed some additional areas of interest, and measured the current leak rate. Following this effort, the segment now is holding pressure. The postponement of Axiom Mission 4 provides additional time for NASA and Roscosmos to evaluate the situation and determine whether any additional troubleshooting is necessary," the statement read. NASA deferred comment to Roscosmos. The earliest parts of the ISS have been in orbit since 1998, and it is currently set for decommission by 2030. SpaceX is contracted to safely deorbit the space station in a remote area of the ocean sometime after 2030. Issues on the aging ISS are not new. A NASA Office of Inspector General report released late last year raised concerns about whether it would be safe or even affordable to operate past the 2030 date. When is the next Florida launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, Axiom, ULA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral The international effort of Axiom Space, a Houston based private company, is paving the way for its Axiom Station. Axiom Station will be a new space station which attaches to the current ISS, allowing for a transfer before the decommission of the ISS in 2030. As for the Axiom Mission 4, it is the fourth crewed mission of Axiom Space, all before the first moduel of Axiom Station is launched. Commanded by former NASA astronaut, and record-breaking space flier, Peggy Whitson, the Axiom Mission 4 is set to spend two weeks onboard the ISS. Joining Whitson are Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The mission will bring a return to human spaceflight for these three countries, which in over 40 years have not had a government-sponsored astronaut. As of the afternoon of June 12, a new launch date for the Axiom Mission 4 has not been announced. Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@ or on X: @brookeofstars. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: After SpaceX rocket issue, Ax-4 launch delayed due to issue on ISS
