The launch of Axiom Space’s highly anticipated Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed after SpaceX detected a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak during pre-launch checks, the company confirmed on Wednesday.
SpaceX stated in a post on X, “Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post static fire booster inspections. Once complete — and pending Range availability — we will share a new launch date.”
India’s space agency ISRO also confirmed the delay, saying the leak was discovered during a hot test of the Falcon 9 booster, and repair and validation would be required before rescheduling. “The launch of Axiom 04 slated for June 11, 2025, for sending the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS is postponed,” ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated.
The Ax-4 mission was to mark a major milestone for India, as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla would become the nation’s second astronaut in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. The all-international crew also includes Slawosz Uznanski (Poland), Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and mission commander Peggy Whitson (USA), a record-holding veteran astronaut.
This mission, Axiom’s fourth private astronaut flight, is notable for being the first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades for India, Poland, and Hungary. Ax-4 also marks the first time astronauts from all three nations will travel to the ISS together, representing a new chapter in global space cooperation.
Peggy Whitson, leading her second commercial flight, brings extensive experience, while the three national astronauts will carry out scientific work on behalf of their respective space agencies, showcasing the potential of emerging space powers.
According to Axiom Space, the Ax-4 mission will involve more than 60 scientific experiments and activities, representing 31 countries across five continents. The scientific objectives include studies in human health, life sciences, Earth observation, and material sciences—all aiming to harness the unique environment of low-Earth orbit for cutting-edge research.
Speaking ahead of the originally scheduled launch, Group Captain Shukla said, “The team I’m flying with is fantastic. These are crewmates for this mission, but friends for life. It has been an amazing journey. If my story can inspire even one life back home, that would be a huge success.”
Though delayed, the Ax-4 mission remains a landmark venture in commercial and national spaceflight collaboration, reflecting a future where space exploration is more inclusive and globally shared. A new launch date will be announced after technical validations are complete.
