SpaceX Readies for Axiom Crewed Mission Launch This Wednesday
- Karthik Naren
- Jun 10
- 7 min read
Ax-4 embarks on a mission with a diverse international team heading to the ISS!
The Ax-4 crewed mission, the fourth commercial campaign by the American company Axiom Space to the International Space Station, will be launched by a Falcon 9 v1.2 FT Block 5 carrier rocket No. B1094.2 from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. The launch is scheduled for June 11, 2025, at 12:00 UTC.
The international crew consists of Commander Peggy Whitson, who is America's most experienced astronaut with 675 days in space. She was the first female commander of both the ISS and a private space mission (Ax-2), and the only woman to command the ISS twice. A biochemist with over 38 years in space science, she has conducted 10 spacewalks and hundreds of experiments. Whitson also served as NASA’s Astronaut Office chief and now leads human spaceflight at Axiom Space.
Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, a group captain in the Indian Air Force and an astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has accumulated 2,000 flight hours on various aircraft and has received advanced training in Russia.
Mission specialists:
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, a Polish scientist and ESA reserve astronaut, is set to serve as a mission specialist on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). With dual M.Sc. degrees, a Ph.D. in radiation-tolerant space systems, and experience leading operations at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, he brings deep technical expertise. An avid adventurer, he combines scientific excellence with a passion for exploration.
Tibor Kapu, a Hungarian mechanical engineer and mission specialist for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), is part of Hungary’s HUNOR Astronaut Program. With degrees in mechanical and polymer engineering, he has worked in pharmaceuticals, logistics, and automotive battery development. He later focused on space radiation protection and underwent extensive astronaut training. An avid skydiver and runner, Kapu is set to advance Hungary’s space science aboard the ISS.
The mission represents the return of India, Hungary, and Poland to human spaceflight, the second orbital flight for each country, and the first to the International Space Station. After docking, the four crew members will remain on the ISS for up to 14 days, conducting 60 scientific and technological studies for 31 countries, including 25 Hungarian and 13 Polish experiments.
During preparation for flight, the Crew Dragon C213 spacecraft underwent modifications after faults were identified in an electrical harness, which was replaced, and moisture in the parachute packaging was addressed. Initially, the mission would use the Endurance capsule. Still, NASA and SpaceX decided to reallocate the new C213 capsule, previously designated for the Crew-10 mission, to avoid additional delays on that other mission.
Tibor Kapu, the second Hungarian national to fly on a spaceflight after Bertalan Farkas in 1980, underwent training at NASA’s Houston center. Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old test pilot, will be the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, the country’s second astronaut after Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Soyuz in 1984. The mission also marks a new strategic moment for India and its human spaceflight program—Gaganyaan, with a focus on operational capabilities and international integration. The flight represents a step forward in ISRO’s partnerships with private initiatives and international programs. The Crew Dragon re-entry module will be christened by the crew before takeoff.
This will be Axiom Space’s third fully private crewed mission to the space station, marking another critical step toward Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station and billed as the “successor” to the ISS. The crew will work and live on the orbital station to implement a full manifest of science research, outreach, and experiments for Axiom customers.
Axiom Mission 4: Introduction of "Joy"
During the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) countdown to launch press conference, the crew introduced "Joy," a plush baby swan symbolizing grace and elegance. This zero-g indicator will confirm the transition to microgravity shortly after launch. Joy represents the collaborative efforts of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Hungarian to Orbit program (HUNOR), symbolizing cultural unity and the shared pursuit of human spaceflight. The swan, a universal symbol of grace and elegance, holds varied meanings across cultures, celebrating cultural diversity and the shared human experience of space exploration.
Rocket issues came up in an interview
During a PR event, a press conference featured Dana Weigel from NASA, Allen Flynt from Axiom Space, William Gerstenmaier from SpaceX, and Arlena Moses from the U.S. Space Force. They talked about the Ax-4 mission and its potential launch on June 11. Weigel mentioned that they have until June 30 to launch. After that, they'll need to make way for a new Russian Progress spacecraft, which involves deorbiting the old one. There will be a pause in mid-July due to high solar activity, but launch opportunities will start again in the second week of July.
Following the Launch Readiness Review (LRR), the teams have confidently authorized the mission to proceed, with the launch set for no earlier than June 11 at 08:00 a.m. ET from Pad 39A. Docking with the International Space Station is on track for June 12 at 12:30 p.m. (16:30 UTC). Gerstenmaier reported that during the static ignition test of the Falcon 9 rocket on Sunday, a minor leak was identified, which had previously been noted on the same first stage during its reentry on the last mission. This indicates that the rocket's refurbishment did not fully resolve the issue, or the leak was not detected at the time. The team is now installing a purge system to address the leak effectively. Gerstenmaier also highlighted an issue with the thrust vector control system on Merlin engine number five, necessitating the replacement of certain components. This work is expected to be completed later tonight, ensuring the team is ready to proceed with the launch. He also emphasized that recovery teams have been preparing in California for the Pacific Ocean landing, an operation that is still relatively new in manned missions and has only been executed once before, during the private Ax-2 mission. Regarding the new Crew Dragon C213 capsule, Gerstenmaier confirmed that significant improvements have been made to the propulsion system to enhance reliability, reduce susceptibility to corrosion, and increase reusability. Dana Weigel explained that NASA is steadily advancing toward greater reusability of the Dragon capsule, beyond the five manned missions for which it is already certified, although there is currently no timeline for expanding this certification.
The Dragon Endeavour capsule completed its fifth flight with Crew-8 in 2024, while other Crew Dragon vehicles continue supporting ISS missions. Axiom Space is vying for contracts for the fifth and sixth private astronaut missions and aims to launch its first proprietary module in 2027.
Meanwhile, a U.S. Senate committee has proposed adding $10 billion to NASA’s budget to restore funding for key human spaceflight initiatives, including the Artemis Moon-to-Mars program, the Gateway lunar station, additional SLS rockets, and a fourth Orion capsule. The proposal also allocates funds for transitioning from the ISS to future commercial space stations and supports the development of a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. This budget boost contrasts sharply with the Trump administration's 2026 proposal, which would reduce NASA’s budget by 24% and cancel several major programs.
Axiom-4 Micogravity Research / Activities at ISS
The Ax-4 research team will conduct approximately 60 scientific studies and activities involving 31 countries, such as the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, the UAE, and various European nations. This mission will feature the most research and science-related activities ever undertaken on an Axiom Space mission aboard the International Space Station, highlighting its global importance and collaborative approach to advancing microgravity research in low-Earth orbit (LEO). The mission focuses on scientific initiatives led by the U.S., India, Poland (in collaboration with ESA), and Hungary, aiming to increase participation from these countries by engaging diverse stakeholders, demonstrating the benefits of microgravity research, and promoting international cooperation. The studies will expand global understanding in human research, Earth observation, and life, biological, and material sciences, showcasing the space research capabilities of the crew's home countries.
Research Area | Experiments / Activities | Lead Country/Agency | Purpose/Significance |
Human Health & Physiology | - Muscle regeneration (Myogenesis–ISRO) - Effect of metabolic supplements on muscle cells | India (ISRO), U.S. | Study muscle deterioration and regeneration in microgravity; improve astronaut and terrestrial health. |
Plant Biology & Food Systems | - Growing sprouts and moong beans - Impact of microgravity on food crop seeds | India (ISRO) | Develop sustainable food solutions and life-support systems for long-duration missions. |
Microalgae Research | - Impact of microgravity radiation on edible microalgae | India (ISRO) | Explore microalgae as a food and oxygen source in space; assess viability and nutritional value. |
Extremophile Biology | - Survival and transcriptome of eutardigrade Paramacrobiotus sp. BLR strain | India (ISRO) | Understand resilience mechanisms of life in space; inform astrobiology and biotechnology. |
Human-Computer Interaction | - Analyzing human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity | India (ISRO) | Improve astronaut-device interfaces for future missions. |
Earth & Space Observation | - Earth observation studies | Multiple (Global) | Monitor climate, environment, and natural phenomena from orbit. |
Technology Demonstrations | - Various technology and material science experiments | U.S., Poland, Hungary, India | Advance new tech for future missions and commercial platforms. |
Life & Medical Sciences | - Drug testing for cancer and diabetes - Studies on the brain, heart, and eyes in microgravity | U.S., India, Poland, Hungary | Accelerate biomedical research and develop new treatments. |
Indian food is now on the menu at the ISS!
Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as the pilot on the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station, will carry a curated selection of Indian foods developed by ISRO, DRDO, and the Defence Food Research Laboratory to ensure both nutritional adequacy and cultural comfort in microgravity. The menu includes aam ras (mango pulp) prepared from Malihabadi mangoes by Shukla’s mother, as well as moong dal halwa, gajar halwa, and a variety of rice-based dishes, such as steamed basmati rice, biryani, and pulao. Additional ready-to-eat Indian staples, including idlis, upma, dal, vegetable curry, roti, and mango nectar, are included to provide dietary variety and maintain astronaut health. These foods are shelf-stable, easy to consume in a zero-gravity environment, and have been approved for spaceflight after rigorous testing. The inclusion of these traditional Indian dishes not only supports the physiological needs of the astronaut but also marks a significant milestone in the representation of Indian cuisine and culture in human spaceflight, reflecting the broader goals of international collaboration and innovation on the Ax-4 mission.
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With its scheduled launch, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) represents a continuation of efforts to expand commercial and international participation in low-Earth orbit. Bringing together astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the United States, the mission highlights ongoing interest in microgravity research, cross-border collaboration, and the evolving role of private-sector involvement in spaceflight. As Ax-4 carries out its objectives aboard the International Space Station, it contributes to a growing body of scientific work and operational experience that informs future missions and the broader transition toward commercial space platforms.
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