When will Ax-4 Mission with India's Shubhanshu Shukla launch?
As SpaceX continues to look at the fuel leak issue with the Falcon-9 rocket designated tocarry astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to space, Nasa has outlined potential launch windows for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) in the coming weeks.According to Dana Weigel, Manager of NASA's International Space Station Programme, launch opportunities are available 'all the way to June 30,' with additional slots opening in mid-July after brief operational pauses.advertisementThe mission's schedule depends on coordinating traffic at the ISS, where Russia's Progress cargo spacecraft will undock and a new vehicle will dock in early July.
Ax-4 crew is ready to launch. (Photo: Axiom)
This activity, along with periods of 'high solar beta' — a phase where the sun's angle relative to the ISS complicates spacecraft temperature management — necessitates a temporary halt to launches.Weigel had in a press conference emphasised that 'plenty of opportunities' remain in the second week of July, ensuring flexibility for Ax-4's liftoff.So far, SpaceX is yet to give any details on the next launch attempt. The mission which was supposed to launch on May 29 has seen repeated delays until Wednesday due to weather and technical issues.advertisementAx-4, operated by Houston-based Axiom Space, marks a historic milestone as Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS. The mission shows India's expanding role in global space exploration, following Shukla's selection for India's Gaganyaan program and his training in Russia and India. The flight also highlights Nasa's collaboration with international and commercial partners to optimise ISS logistics, balancing government and private missions.For India, Ax-4 represents a strategic leap toward its ambitions in human spaceflight. Shukla, a seasoned test pilot with over 2,000 flying hours, will contribute to microgravity research during his 10-day ISS stay. His participation aligns with India's broader goals of establishing a sustained human presence in space and fostering public interest in STEM fields.As Axiom Space finalizes preparations, all eyes are on the evolving launch timeline. Successful completion of Ax-4 will not only advance India's space legacy but also reinforce the ISS as a hub for global cooperation in an era increasingly defined by commercial space ventures.Tune InTrending Reel
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