Indian astronaut's launch to Space Station postponed due to bad weather
The much-anticipated launch of the Axiom-4 mission, which will send Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS), has been postponed for the third time.The Indian Space & Research Organisation (Isro) on Monday said that the launch has been postponed due to bad weather in the launch area. Meanwhile, SpaceX said high winds in the ascent corridor is why the launch would be no earlier than Wednesday. advertisementThe Ax-4 mission with astronauts from India, US, Poland and Hungary will launch on June 11, 2025, due to unfavourable weather conditions at the Kennedy Space Center on June 10.
The new targeted launch time is set for 5:30 PM IST on June 11.
The mission, a landmark event for India's space ambitions, is a collaborative effort involving Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It marks India's return to human spaceflight more than four decades after Rakesh Sharma's historic 1984 journey.Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force pilot and Isro astronaut, will serve as the mission's pilot, joining mission commander Peggy Whitson (former NASA astronaut) and specialists from Hungary and Poland.advertisementDr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of Isro, confirmed the delay.The Axiom-4 crew will travel aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched by a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.The mission was initially scheduled to launch on May 29 and was delayed to June 8. The launch was then pushed to June 10 due to technical issues.
The mission was initially scheduled to launch on May 29. (Photo: Axiom)
The Ax-4 mission, once underway, will see the astronauts spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting a suite of scientific experiments, many of which are led by Indian researchers. These experiments will focus on advancing understanding in microgravity, life sciences, and material sciences, and will involve collaboration with scientists from over 30 countries.The postponement, while a minor setback, shows the complexities of spaceflight and the importance of weather in launch operations.The global space community, including millions in India, continues to watch with anticipation as the Axiom-4 mission prepares for its new launch window.Must Watch
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Time of India
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India Gazette
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"Proud global acknowledgement of India's Space capabilities": Jitendra Singh lauds ISRO-NASA Mission to ISS
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