Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission postponed till June 10

Besides Shubhanshu Shukla, the other crew members include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

Updated on: Jun 3, 2025, 21:34:59 IST

By HT News Desk

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Axiom Space's mission to the International Space Station, carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has been pushed to June 10, PTI reported, citing an Axiom Space spokesperson.

The AX-4 mission will carry four astronauts, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station. (ANI)

The space flight was earlier scheduled for lift-off onboard SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 8. The mission, however, has been postponed by two days.

Captain Shukla is part of the first team of Indian astronauts trained for human spaceflight, with Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serving as his designated backup.

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Besides Shukla, the mission pilot for the Axiom-4 mission, the other crew members include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, marking both European nations' first travel to the International Space Station in history and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years.

Veteran US astronaut Peggy Whitson will be the commander of the Axiom-4 mission.

The Axe-4 mission, managed by Axiom Space and launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, is a landmark for India's first astronaut-scientist-led space biology experiments onboard the ISS.

What's the mission?

Once docked, the astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting science, outreach, and commercial activities.

The Ax-4 astronauts will perform around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries during their 14-day stay at the ISS.

Shukla is set to conduct exclusive food and nutrition-related experiments developed under a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA.

About his role in the mission, Captain Shukla said he planned to take certain items from different parts of the country with him to the ISS during the 14-day mission and even expressed hope to serve Indian food to astronauts in the orbital laboratory.

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He said the experience on the Axiom Mission 4 would be very well utilised on the Gaganyaan mission, which is planned for 2027. ISRO is spending ₹550 crore on the Axiom-4 mission.

The experiments aim to pioneer space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems vital for future long-duration space travel.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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