Axiom Mission 4 to launch today: When & where to watch live Ax-4 mission
What is Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)?
Axiom Mission 4, also called Ax-4, is a private space mission organised by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and SpaceX. The mission will send four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission marks a huge step forward for private space travel and international cooperation.
Shubhanshu Shukla to Make History for India
One of the biggest highlights of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is the inclusion of Shubhanshu Shukla, an astronaut from ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). He will serve as the pilot for the mission and will become the second Indian ever to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. He is also the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, making this mission extremely special for the nation.
Meet the Ax-4 Crew Members
The four-member crew of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) includes astronauts from four different countries:
Peggy Whitson – Former NASA astronaut and current Director of Human Spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the mission.
Shubhanshu Shukla – Representing India and ISRO, will act as the pilot.
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski – An astronaut from Poland, representing ESA (European Space Agency).
Tibor Kapu – An astronaut from Hungary, part of the HUNOR programme.
This is a proud moment not just for India but also for Poland and Hungary, as all three nations send astronauts to space after a long time.
When is Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Launching?
The launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is scheduled for:
Date: Wednesday, June 25
Time: 2:31 AM EDT (which is 12:01 PM IST in India)
The launch will take place from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The astronauts will travel aboard a brand-new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, riding on the reliable Falcon 9 rocket.
They are expected to dock with the International Space Station by 4:30 PM IST on Thursday, June 26.
Where and How to Watch Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Live
If you are wondering when and where to watch Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) live, here are the platforms:
NASA+ official website
SpaceX's official website
X (formerly Twitter) @SpaceX, with live coverage starting around 2 hours before launch
Make sure to tune in on time to witness this historic moment for India and global space exploration.
Why Was the Ax-4 Launch Delayed?
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) faced multiple delays before final launch approval. The reasons included:
Bad weather conditions
Technical issues with the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
Concerns with the Russian module of the ISS
Despite being delayed six times, everything is now in place with SpaceX reporting 90% favourable weather conditions for the launch.
What Will the Astronauts Do in Space?
The Axiom Mission 4 crew will stay aboard the ISS for around two weeks. Their tasks include:
Performing scientific experiments
Conducting educational outreach programmes
Engaging in commercial space research
This mission is also part of a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO, fulfilling a commitment made during discussions between former US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Together, the space agencies are currently working on:
Five joint scientific investigations
Two in-orbit STEM demonstrations
The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) launch is a proud and thrilling moment for India, Poland, and Hungary. With Shubhanshu Shukla on board, India returns to space in a big way after decades. If you're excited to be part of this historic moment, now you know exactly when and where to watch Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) live. Stay tuned and cheer for our heroes as they set off on their incredible journey to the stars!
For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
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