Latest news with #ISSZvezda
Indian Express
20-06-2025
- 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.
Mint
15-06-2025
- Science
- Mint
ISRO successfully carries out first rocket launch test with satellite in UP's Kushinagar; details here
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a rocket launching test in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar on Saturday, June 14. This marks a historic moment for the state as it was the first time a payload was launched through a rocket from the state, officials informed PTI. "The rocket was launched at 5:14 PM and 33 seconds, which went up to a height of 1.1 km. After this, a small satellite (payload) came out. As soon as it fell down to 5 metres, its parachute activated and the satellite landed within 400 metres on the ground." PTI quoted ISRO scientist Abhishek Singh as saying. The test was carried out in collaboration with Thrust Tech India Limited. During rocket launch test, the spacecraft ascended 1.1 km at 5:14:33 PM before setting off the satellite, marking a complete success. It is important to note that both the satellite and the 15 kg rocket descended safely. The latest rocket launch test is in many ways different from previous tests conducted in Ahmedabad using drones, since this was the first time a satellite was directly launched using rocket in UP, proving entirely successful, ISRO scientist said. This test sets the stage for future satellite tests scheduled for October-November, where nearly und 900 youth-built satellites will be tested. Director of Thrust Tech India Vinod Kumar confirmed the company's motor test success and said, 'This event is being organised to generate interest in space technology among children across the region and the whole of India.' The space agency dropped latest update on the long-postponed Axiom-4 commercial mission to the International Space Station and in a post on X stated, 'Observations on Falcon-9 LOX leak have been resolved by @SpaceX @Axiom_Space is coordinating with @NASA on the ISS Zvezda module anomaly. The earliest possible launch date for #Ax4 is being worked out.' This upcoming space mission is notable as it includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla among its four crew members. According to an official release by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday, a follow-on coordination meeting was held between ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, where it was confirmed that the issue of liquid oxygen leak observed in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle was successfully resolved.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Axiom coordinating with NASA on ISS Zvezda module anomaly: ISRO on Shubhanshu Shukla's space trip
The Indian Space Research Organisation on Saturday said that Axiom Space is coordinating with National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the ISS Zvezda module anomaly. "Observations on Falcon-9 LOX leak have been resolved by @SpaceX. @Axiom_Space is coordinating with @NASA on the ISS Zvezda module anomaly. The earliest possible launch date for #Ax4 is being worked out," said ISRO in a post on X. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop And Nudges Her To Follow - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Undo The much-delayed Axiom-4 commercial mission to the International Space Station, carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others, is now targeting a launch on June 19, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Saturday. The Axiom Space mission was to blast-off from NASA 's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 11, but had to be delayed first due to a fuel leak in SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket and then due to a leak in the Russian section of the International Space Station (ISS). Live Events "During a follow-on coordination meeting between ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, it was confirmed that the liquid oxygen leak observed in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle has been successfully resolved," the ISRO said in a statement. "Separately, Axiom Space informed that they are working closely with NASA to assess the pressure anomaly in the Zvezda Service Module on board the International Space Station," it said. "Axiom Space is now targeting June 19, 2025, for the launch of the Ax-04 mission," ISRO said. The astronauts were originally scheduled for lift-off on May 29, which was put off to June 8, June 10 and June 11, when SpaceX, the providers of the launch rocket and the space capsule, detected a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket. 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. The two mission specialists are European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The 14-day mission will "realise the return" to human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary.
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
After Axiom-4 delay, ISRO says ‘safety, mission integrity top priority'
ISRO on Friday asserted that safety and mission integrity were its top priority as NASA and Axiom Space said they were working to address an issue related to a leak at the International Space Station, even as SpaceX chief Elon Musk voiced concerns over the long-term safety of the orbital lab and suggested it be brought down in two years. India's Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three other astronauts, is scheduled to travel to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 commercial mission that has now been put on indefinite delay, as space agencies address various issues that have cropped up ahead of the launch. "Safety and mission integrity remain our top priorities," ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said in a post on X. He said ISRO is working closely with Axiom Space, NASA and SpaceX, as they responsibly address the ISS Zvezda module observation causing the delay. Meanwhile, Musk said some parts of the ISS were "simply getting too old and obviously that risk grows over time." "There are potentially serious concerns about the long-term safety of the @Space_Station. Some parts of it are simply getting too old and obviously that risk grows over time," Musk said. "Even though @SpaceX earns billions of dollars from transporting astronauts & cargo to the ISS, I nonetheless would like to go on record recommending that it be de-orbited within 2 years," Musk said. NASA and other international partners plan to retire the ISS by 2031 and de-orbit the laboratory soon after. Axiom Space is among the few private space companies that are vying to build a successor to the ISS. India's return to spaceflight as part of the Axiom-4 private mission has run into further delay as NASA announced on Thursday that it was examining a leak onboard the ISS' Russian module. "NASA and Axiom Space are postponing the launch of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station," a NASA statement said. The astronauts were originally scheduled for lift-off on May 29, which was put off to June 8, June 10 and June 11, when SpaceX, the providers of the launch rocket and the space capsule, detected a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket. Former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, Peggy Whitson, 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 (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The 14-day mission will "realise the return" to human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary. "Setbacks and delays are a normal part of spaceflight. Our Ax-4 crew remains upbeat and looking forward to a safe and successful flight to the Space Station," Whitson said in a post on X.
United News of India
13-06-2025
- Science
- United News of India
ISRO working with NASA, Axiom, SpaceX to address AX-4 mission to ISS piloted by Indian astronaut
Chennai, June 13 (UNI) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday said it was working with Axiom Space, NASA and SpaceX to address the technical glitch--leakage of LOX fuel--that led to the deferment of Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) piloted by decorated Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla, carrying the hopes and dreams of billions and conducted seven key microgravity experiments ISRO said Safety and mission integrity remain its top priorities. In a post on X, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said "ISRO is working closely with Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX as they responsibly address the ISS Zvezda module observation causing the Ax-4 delay. Safety and mission integrity remain our top priorities." The launch was scheduled to take off to ISS on a 14-day docking at ISS involving four crew members from India, US, Hungary and Poland, but was deferred after the LOX leak was detected during post static fibre booster inspections. After addressing the glitch, the fresh launch dates would be announced SpaceX and Axiom said and that the launch window availability was still available till June end and July. This is ISRO first mission in over 40 years and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be India's second national astronaut to go to space since 1984 after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Meanwhile, in another update, chronicling the mission's key developments, ISRO said "The launch of Axiom Mission-04 (Ax-04), which includes the launch of India's first astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station, has been postponed. The launch originally targeted on May 29, 2025 was deferred due to observation in electrical harness in Crew Dragon Module, to June 8, 2025 The launch was postponed by one day to June 09, 2025 due to delay in preparedness of the Falcon 9 vehicle for the launch from Florida. The launch date was further postpone to June 10, 2025, due to unfavourable weather in the ascent corridor. 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 actuator which was replaced along with the controller. Anticipating the quick resolution of LOX leak issue, the launch was rescheduled to June 11, 2025. During the appraisal of technical issues by Axiom & SpaceX to ISRO delegation on June 10, 2025, ISRO recommended to carry out in-situ repairs or replacement and conduct a low-temperature leak test to validate system performance and integrity, before proceeding with launch clearance. On June 11, 2025, 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. In order to assess the situation and determine the need for further troubleshooting, the launch of Axiom-4 mission is being postponed. The revised launch schedule will be announced by NASA and Axiom after the activities and technical reviews are satisfactorily completed. UNI GV 2142
