Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 Mission Postponed Again, Now Scheduled for June 22
The wait continues for the Axiom-4 mission, which has been delayed once again. The mission, which includes Indian Air Force pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla among its crew, is now scheduled to launch on June 22. This comes after an earlier postponement from June 11 to June 19 due to a liquid oxygen leak.
The 14-day mission is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), and it promises to be an exciting one. As part of the mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will join three other astronauts from around the world to conduct a range of scientific experiments and activities on the ISS.
The Axiom-4 mission is a significant milestone for private spaceflight, marking a new era of collaboration and innovation in space exploration. The mission is being led by Axiom Space, a Houston-based company that is working to establish a permanent human presence on the ISS.
The mission’s objectives are ambitious, with a focus on conducting a range of scientific experiments and demonstrations. The crew will be responsible for operating and maintaining the ISS, as well as conducting a range of research activities. These will include experiments on microgravity, biology, and physics, as well as demonstrations of new technologies and equipment.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who has a wealth of experience as a pilot and astronaut, will play a key role in the mission. As part of the crew, he will be responsible for operating the ISS and conducting experiments, as well as participating in a range of educational and outreach activities.
The Axiom-4 mission is a testament to the growing role of private companies in space exploration. With companies like Axiom Space leading the way, we can expect to see a new era of innovation and collaboration in space.
The delay in the mission’s launch is likely due to the liquid oxygen leak, which was discovered during a routine check-up on the spacecraft. The leak was identified and repaired, but it has pushed the mission back by a few days.
Despite the delay, the crew is excited to finally get underway with the mission. In a statement, the crew said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to fly on the Axiom-4 mission and contribute to the important work being done on the ISS. We are looking forward to the launch and the chance to conduct our experiments and activities on the station.”
The Axiom-4 mission is a significant milestone for space exploration, and we can expect to see a lot more exciting developments in the coming years. With companies like Axiom Space leading the way, we can expect to see a new era of innovation and collaboration in space.
Source: https://www.axiomspace.com/mission-blog/ax4-launch-update
