1 / 8Crew Rehearsal Success: The Ax-4 crew, including Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, completed a full-dress rehearsal of launch day operations with SpaceX. The team, led by Peggy Whitson, practised procedures from suiting up to entering the Dragon spacecraft. A static fire test of the Falcon 9 rocket was also conducted successfully. This rehearsal ensures readiness for the mission’s launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre on June 10, 2025.
2 / 8Historic Indian Mission: Shubhanshu Shukla, nicknamed “Shux,” will pilot the Ax-4 mission, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. He follows Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard the Soyuz T-11 in 1984. Shukla, from Lucknow, called the experience an “amazing journey” and a privilege to be part of a historic mission. His role highlights India’s growing presence in global space exploration.
3 / 8International Crew Diversity: The Axe-4 crew comprises Peggy Whitson (USA), Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and Slawomir Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland). Kapu and Uznanski-Wisniewski are their nations’ second astronauts, dating back to 1980 and 1978, respectively. This mission is the first for India, Poland, and Hungary to the International Space Station (ISS). It’s Axiom Space’s fourth private human spaceflight, showcasing international collaboration.
4 / 8Falcon 9 Readiness: The Falcon 9 rocket, topped with a new Dragon spacecraft, is set for its maiden Ax-4 mission. The rocket’s first stage, previously used for a Starlink mission, will land at Cape Canaveral’s Landing Zone 1 after separation. Teams are reviewing static fire test data and monitoring weather along the ascent corridor to ensure a safe launch on June 10.
5 / 8Launch Schedule Update: Originally planned for June 8, the Ax-4 launch was delayed to June 10, 2025, at 8:22 a.m. ET (5:54 p.m. IST) to finalise preparations. The Dragon spacecraft will carry the crew to the ISS, docking on June 11 at approximately 10 p.m. IST. The 28-hour journey underscores the mission’s precision and planning.
6 / 8Scientific Mission Goals: During their 14-day stay on the ISS, the Ax-4 crew will conduct over 60 scientific experiments. These studies, involving 31 countries, focus on human health, Earth observation, and material sciences. The mission’s research is the most extensive for an Axiom Space mission, highlighting global collaboration in microgravity research.
7 / 8Global Research Impact: The Ax-4 mission includes scientific portfolios from the USA, India, Poland (with ESA), and Hungary. These studies aim to advance knowledge in human research, life sciences, and Earth observation. By involving diverse stakeholders, the mission showcases the value of microgravity research and strengthens the space research capabilities of the crew’s home nations.
8 / 8National Pride Ignited: The Ax-4 mission has sparked excitement in India, Poland, and Hungary, where it marks a significant milestone in human spaceflight. Shukla’s participation has reignited India’s enthusiasm for space exploration. Axiom Space’s mission, supported by NASA and ESA, is redefining access to low-Earth orbit and elevating national space programs globally.
